Plant Gardens 101

Carpetweed family
Aizoaceae
Me-sem-bri-an’thee-mum. Fig-marigold . Originally, the fig-marigolds made up a huge genus, but over the past 100 years, they have been divided into several separate genera. Mesembryanthemum contains the original species described by Linnaeus and 40-50 other species, the one below most widely grown.

Description
Leaves alternate or opposite, nearly cylindrical, some flecked with glistening specks. Flowers generally large and showy, often daisylike because of the great number of petals and stamens, mostly white, red, or yellow. Calyx tubular, with 4-5 rather leafy lobes.

How to Grow   (more…)

Cauliflower is part of the cabbage family. However, unlike the cabbage plant, cauliflower can be easily stressed. If not taken care of properly it will lead to a less than adequate harvest.

If you are a fan of cauliflower (which I am once I cover it with melted cheddar cheese), then you should definitely add a head or two to your home vegetable garden.

Here are the steps you can take to ensure a good cauliflower harvest in your home vegetable garden.

Start by preparing the site where you cauliflower will be planted. Cauliflower grows best when the pH level of the soil is at least 6.5 and no higher than 7.5. You can test the pH level of your soil with a simple home test available at your local home or garden center. (more…)

Heirloom roses are always mentioned as something good for your garden, but what exactly are they? Heirloom, also known as antique or old roses are the rose varieties that existed before 1867, the year the first hybrid tea rose was developed in France. Heirloom roses lost favor with gardeners since they did not repeat blooms like the new roses do. Today, a lot of gardeners still look at heirlooms as being inferior to the modern varieties. While modern roses bloom several times over a growing season, heirloom roses produce blossoms in early summer for a period of two to four weeks. When they bloom, though, the fragrance and abundance of blooms is astounding.

If you’re thinking of adding some heirloom roses in your garden there are a few things you should know before you plant them.

1. Heirloom Roses are Hardy and Diverse

It is mind-boggling how many colors, sizes, flower forms and fragrances there are to choose from with heirloom roses. If you want climbing roses, or short roses or tall roses… you’ll find something to fit the bill. With all this variety, you’re sure to find one or three that you can’t live without. (more…)

Suggestions from a guy who has gardened for more than 25 years …

Start Small – For most beginners, smaller is better. A 100 square foot garden – say, 10 feet by 10 feet – is plenty. Even a 4 ft. by 5 ft. garden or a few containers on your deck or patio can be very rewarding.

The Basics – there are 5 basic requirements:
- Good soil
- Seeds and/or plants
- Water
- Fertilizer
- Weed and bug control. (more…)

One of the elongated, thick-walled cells that give strength and support to plant tissue.

Gardening is a productive hobby that should and can be enjoyed by all, not only those who are backyard endowed. An exciting project for the budding gardener, and even children with a hint of green thumb interest, is growing herbs of various sorts in pots and containers. Container or pot gardening is extremely beneficial for city dwellers, as little space is to be had, and little space is needed. A fire escape terrace can be made oh, so much more inviting by adding a little greenery to all that metal. Small spaces are actually quite conducive to herb growth, making an herb garden an ideal candidate for one’s first foray into backyard gardening, especially if space is limited, as when there is no backyard at all.

If your household is one that enjoys eating well, and you and your family especially enjoys cooking, an herb garden should be especially attractive. Adding herbs to your favorite recipes, especially fresh herbs grown in your own little garden will only increase exponentially the wonderful tastes you bring to your dinner table each and every night. Depending of what kinds of cooking you naturally gravitate to, be it Mexican, French, Italian cuisine, etc., a special pot or grouping of pots can be tailored to grow for each style. Now for the growing preparations, because taste buds are growing impatient with all this tasty talk! (more…)

Organic pest control

In our opinion pests are a part of nature and should be tolerated, they add to your gardens diversity, organic flowers by definition, will not be like the blemish free supermarket produce that are odorless. Organic flowers will have beautiful flagrances and sweet aromas that you will love.

However there are a few useful tips if you really must get rid of those pesky buggers
One of the best solutions is to buy or lure ladybirds (ladybugs) to spread throughout your garden. Ladybirds are particularly fond of the following plants that you can add to your garden, fennel, dill, cilantro, caraway, angelica, tansy, wild carrot & yarrow. (more…)

Create the Easiest Backyard Waterfall or Water Garden Using Artificial Rocks
Now you can create a spectacular backyard waterfall or water garden using the absolute easiest, lowest cost, method we’ve found. Waterfalls and water gardens are the most peaceful, soothing effects you can incorporate into your home environment. Home is where you find solitude, and what better way to feel completely relaxed, than the sounds of water trickling over stones into a small pool or fish pond.

Thousands of dollars are spent each year on vacations and therapy, so that we can unwind for a few days to regain our sanity and focus, in order to cope with our daily hectic routines. For less than you would expect, you can create that personal solitude right in your own backyard. No matter how large or small your space, you can custom build your own soothing waterfall for that perfect place to listen and relax to the sounds of water trickling over rocks.

CaveRock Design has designed a method of making artificial rocks and boulders so affordable, that you can literally create masterpiece rock gardens, caves, or waterfalls without the heavy lifting of stones, without the expensive tools used commercially, and without the cost you would normally expect. If any of these factors have prevented you from having your own home therapy for a peaceful place to enjoy and relax, then it would pay you to see what they can offer you.

Rocks and boulders are the key ingredient to the most natural looking outdoor landscaping project. With rocks, you can re-create nature’s most eye appealing landscape and have it fit into any location that you desire. Artificial rocks are nothing new, but when you see how CaveRock Design has made this so easy to do, you will want to get started this week, creating that perfect place to retreat to anytime you choose.

They took all the factors into account that usually prevent us from trying to make what we assume we can’t afford or don’t have the ability to do ourselves and made it so easy to duplicate their process. When you consider there are no two stones alike, you know that your rock design or landscape creation will not be measured against another. There are endless possibilities to what you can create and for literally pennies on the dollar for what you’d expect a project like this to cost.

Sharing their technique has been a pleasure and joy to their customers around the world. Within a very short period of time, they have acquired satisfied customers in all 50 states and over 16 foreign countries. The feedback has been tremendous and the personal satisfaction every customer gets from knowing they created their own masterpiece, is so exciting. Their process of creating artificial rocks and boulders is by far the easiest, the most economical, and your creations will last for years of enjoyment. There are no special tools or skills required, all you need is a couple of days to create years of visual and audio pleasure right in your own backyard.

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People have been gardening for centuries and not just as a fun and enjoyable hobby but often to produce fresh vegetables and fruits and other plants for human consumption. Together with this productive kind of gardening a type of gardening has grown that is just for the pleasure of the gardener and the visitors of the garden. These types of gardens often contain threes, shrubs and lots of flowers. But for both type of gardens one thing remains the same, you need to keep working in your garden to get the best results. And for gardening you need tools, big tools, power tools, small tools and hand tools.

There are hundreds of tools but in this article we want to talk about the ergonomic garden tools in general and ergonomic power tools in particular because they are truly essential to get started in gardening. The big landscaping chores that need to be done when you start with a new garden are essential because when you hurt your back in this stage of gardening you are going to end up with an aversion against gardening all together. Are there ergonomic garden tools that can make the job much easier? (more…)

Choosing the correct type of pot to house your bonsai is critical. There are various things you need to consider when choosing bonsai pots. Two of the most important considerations are size and drainage. This article will discuss some things you need to consider when choosing a pot for your bonsai.

Size
Size should be one of the first things you think about when getting a pot. You will need to know how wide your tree’s branches are before you go shopping. The pot you choose should be just as wide as the branches. It should also be large enough to give the roots space to grow for up to two years.

Drainage
Drainage is also important when choosing bonsai pots. Proper drainage is essential for the health of your tree. Therefore, you should only look at designs that have at least one large drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Some designs have multiple holes to provide extra drainage. While you’re getting the pot, make sure you get something to cover the holes. This is necessary so that air can get in, water can get out, and the soil can stay right where it’s at.

Color
One of the lesser important considerations is color. You want your tree to look good on display. So, you’ll want to choose a pot that complements the look of your tree. You should be aware that some species have foliage that change color in different seasons. So, make sure you take this into account with your specific type of tree.

These are a few tips for choosing bonsai pots. While you’re thinking about pots, you should know that there are many things you’ll need to learn about proper bonsai tree care. So, click here now to learn everything you need to know about growing bonsai trees.

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Many people consider gardening as an occupation that should be undertaken by those who know their way around. You may surprised to find out that having a garden full of beautiful flowers requires only little attention, the right garden bulbs and few easy to follow guidelines so you will not fail. You can do it yourself even if you have no experience.

First you should know how to plant flower bulbs. It requires a hole for each individual bulb. You should dig holes between 3 and 8 inches, taking under consideration the size of the bulb. Place the bulb inside the whole and cover it up.

Next you should know about soil quality. Since you are a beginner, you don’t have great knowledge about this field. In order to be sure that your garden bulbs reach full potential, you should use special soil that can be purchased from local stores for a very cheap price. After all, it is dirt. (more…)

A flattened stem that performs the function of a leaf; an example is the pad of the opuntia cactus.

I remember every spring growing up my grandmother would pull out her trusty tiller when it was time to plant her garden. Back then everyone had a garden. Most people grew their own tomatoes, green beans, corn, onions, oakra, cucumbers, peas, peppers and potatoes. All of the vegatables we liked the best we grew in our own back yards. What we didn’t grow ourselves we traded with our neighbors; we took them a little of this and they gave us a little of that – it worked out quite well. My grandmother also canned all of her own tomatoes, green beans and jellies. We made applesauce and fig preserves from the trees in our back yard as well.

Over the past 50 years things have slowly changed. As our lifestyles have changed with both parents working, it is much quicker and easier to simply open a box, or pop something in the microwave. Today we now have a whole generation of people who have no concept of growing their own food.

This is quite a scarry thought, because many financial experts are now predicting that in the very near future the vast majority of people will be spending most of their time just trying to provide the basic necessities of food, shelter and power for their families. With this in mind, back yard gardens are starting to pop up everywhere, as people in the know are scrambling to prepare themselves for the coming times ahead. (more…)

Garden centers are known to be retail firms, which sell products and plants related to the different garden needs. A garden center is also considered as a primary business. It caters to the general public and is open in showcasing its display and facilities for plants and gardens.

The items one can find in the garden centers in the United States are the following:

• Perennial and annual flowers
• Shrubs
• Trees
• Roses
• Hanging baskets
• Container gardens
• Houseplants
• Water gardening
• Bulbs and seeds
• Potting mixes
• Mulch and soil amendments
• Chemicals and fertilizers
• Garden supplies and tools
• Pottery
• Garden decors, and
• Fountains. (more…)

There’s more to harvesting and drying sunflowers than many professional growers realize. How soon you decide to harvest them will depend largely on energy costs, temperatures, and whether you prefer them to dry naturally. Ideally, your sunflowers won’t be exposed to insects and diseases, and the temperature will be warm enough to allow them to dry on the stem. However, those circumstances are rare. In reality, most crops will be vulnerable to some level of pests and diseases. And depending upon where you live, the temperature can cause your sunflowers to freeze.

In this article, I’ll explain some of the benefits of harvesting your sunflowers early. I’ll also describe how they’re dried and why the moisture in the air can affect your crops.

Benefits Of Harvesting Early

With energy expenses escalating, you might think that allowing your sunflowers to dry naturally is a good idea. But, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider harvesting them early. First, if the temperature is close to freezing during the evenings, your sunflower crops are not actually drying. The moisture is being sealed inside. But, even if you’re not growing your sunflowers in freezing temperatures, there are still many advantages to an early harvest. (more…)

If you are a home gardener, and you’re looking for a project to tackle this summer that will enhance your garden and your home’s curb appeal, consider adding an arbor or trellis to your yard. Whether in the back yard, garden, patio, or other area, an arbor or trellis will create an ambiance and charm that is well worth the time and investment. The following are some questions and factors you may want to consider before you begin the project of adding an arbor or trellis to your yard.

The first question you must ask yourself is whether you want to build your arbor or trellis from scratch, or if you want to purchase a ready to assemble kit. The former will certainly require more tools, knowledge, and time. But for those who enjoy DIY projects and building in general, designing and building your own arbor or trellis can be rewarding. On the other hand, arbor and pergola kits are readily available through many garden stores as well as catalog and online retailers. These kits allow you to assemble your own arbor, pergola or trellis in a matter of days or even hours, providing a much faster means to an end.

If you are not someone who enjoys lengthy projects or building things, a ready to assemble kit is probably the better choice. In some cases, the cost of a kit is comparable to what you’d spend if you built the arbor or pergola yourself. The materials can be expensive, and when you factor in the cost of your own time, it may be well worth it to buy a kit and save yourself a lot of time and frustration.

The next question you must ask yourself is what type of arbor or trellis do you want? What look are you trying to achieve? Do you want a grand entrance to the garden area? Or do you want a cozy nook within the garden itself? If you want something that looks clean and sophisticated, you can’t beat the look of white vinyl. It’s clean, contemporary, and many of the vinyl arbors and pergolas available today are virtually maintenance free. A white vinyl arbor also makes a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor wedding!

Wood is another good option if you prefer a more rustic or natural look. There are many choices available in wood arbors and trellises. In general, steer away from pine and other soft woods that decay easily. Redwoods like cedar are a very good option because they are naturally weather and decay resistant.

Lastly, metal is a good option if you want something extremely durable and long lasting. There are many metal arbors and trellises on the market today. Be careful what type of metal you choose, though. Steel and iron are not the best choices, because rust can be an issue after a few years. Aluminum is an excellent choice because it is lightweight, yet very durable, and it will not rust. Also, look for a metal that is finished with powder coat paint, as this will be the most durable.

Whatever you choose, be sure to think your project out well in advance. Projects that are started hastily will usually run into problems before they’re finished. With a little forethought and preparatory planning, you’re sure to end up with a successful result that will add charm and character to your home for years to come.

For more information on adding a garden trellis or garden arbor to your yard, visit Home Products ‘n’ More. Get free shipping on all arbor and pergola designs!

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The place on the stem of a plant where the scion, or bud, is joined to the rootstock or trunk. It is usually indicated by a slight swelling.

There is practically no end to the kind of garden accessories one can use to decorate a garden. A perfect garden is always an asset not only considering the resale value of your house but also spiritual value as well.

If you want to turn your garden into a paradise of your own then your problem ends here, because the market has almost any garden accessories you need to make your garden look spunky. A perfect garden is not just about aesthetics but should also make practical sense as well. An ideal way to decorate a garden is pretty much similar to interior decoration. First and foremost hide the ugly features and highlight the spaces if limited to appear larger.

Garden furniture- While one visualizes his/her perfect garden, after having a long stroll one obviously wishes to have a place to rest in the garden. Beautifully carved Adirondack chairs, benches and tables are available in cedar pine, birches, teak for that typical country feel and for more contemporary looks one can go for wrought iron or steel versions too.

For that quiet afternoon slumber how about a cozy relaxing hammock under the tree to share those moments of peace in the arms of nature.

Fountains and birdbaths- The tinkling sound of water is always soothing and good for ears. To create an impression of park in your garden you have a wide range of choices in fountains and birdbaths. Spectacular water fountains are available in form of table top or wall hangings sculpted in terracotta, resin, granite, bamboo, and brass, copper according to your taste, space and budget.

Rain chains- Rain chains are an artistic and functional way to collect rain water in a cup or a receptacle, a traditional Japanese way to store water for house hold usage. Beautiful copper rain chains in loops, cups or tiny flower shapes are a visual treat when water drops down the chains and is music to our ears.

Garden Gongs- A garden gong is a unique garden accessory which not only creates voyeuristic appeal but also has a great utility value. It could be hung onto the tree branches to on the patio or verandah and used as a door bell.

They are also said to create positive energies in and around the house, so carry a great spiritual value as well.

Garden lights- Garden lighting is an essential element of any garden used as means of safety and also to highlight some essential features such as leaves, flowers or a particular corner of the garden. Garden lightings are available in traditional and contemporary designs. Available in different materials copper, aluminum, resins, glass, wood and steel garden lights could be hung to a tree, on the porch or patio. They are available be in form of lampposts or lanterns depending on space and aesthetic sense.

Whichever garden accessory you choose the point is to enhance the beauty of your house and to create more face value in all the space that we have.

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Caper family
Capparaceae
Klee-o’me. 200 known species, chiefly tropical, only one of garden importance.

Description
Usually strong-smelling herbs. Leaves compound, with 3-7 leaflets arranged finger-fashion. Flowers solitary or in clusters, with 4 long-clawed petals, long stamens, and stalked ovary.

How to Grow    (more…)

You will receive a bigger harvest from your greenhouse crops if you plant them in the right soil mixture, in the proper kind of pot or other container, and shift or transplant them at timely intervals.

Soils

The first-time greenhouse grower often faces the problem of finding organic material, an essential component of a light and rich potting soil.

The usual recommendation is ? garden soil, ? organic matter (humus), and 1/3 builder’s sand. A compost pile can supply the organic matter—or you can buy rotted manure to mix in the soil.

Failing this, you can purchase bales of peatmoss or bushels of leaf mold. Processed manure is also suitable.

Commercial growers obtain organic material in a way that may be adaptable for you. They cut sod and stack it in alternate layers, with manure and some commercial fertilizer spread between the layers. A man in my vicinity has some rather deep cold frames no longer used for plants.

In these, he places a load of builder’s sand, another of loam, and a third of brown peat.

These materials are forked over until well mixed and allowed to age a year before use. You might try making up a similar mixture in a large wooden box or bin, or in a section of your cold frame.

I think it is an excellent basic mixture, but I add special elements for various plants.

Any time is a good time to start a compost pile; the important thing is to have one.

It will assure a reliable source of humus for little labor and less expense. Into your compost pile can go all kinds of vegetable matter: grass clippings, tree leaves, weeds, vegetable peelings, arid so on.

If the pile is kept moistened and sprinkled with fertilizer or a special bacteria-activator as Activo, it soon becomes fine enough organic material for your potting soil.

Some gardeners dig a pit for compost; others prefer to have compost bins above ground. One manufacturer sells an aluminum bin, 52 by 28 inches, that might suit your needs, especially if you are a city gardener.

When you consider that the small amount of earth packed into a pot must sustain a plant for weeks, months, or longer, you will see the importance of a good soil containing loam, organic matter, and sand.

However, additions of sponge rock for greater porosity, charcoal as a sweetener, aluminum sulphate to acidify, or old mortar rubble (for cacti) can be beneficial for special crops.

The symbol pH is used to indicate the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a soil; pH 7.0 is neutral. Most potted plants grow well in a slightly acid soil with a pH of about 6.0 to 6.5. There are exceptions.

Azaleas, citrus trees, gardenias, and hibiscus, do best in a definitely acid soil. You can purchase a soil-testing kit for your own testing, or have someone at your university or your county agent make tests to determine whether your soil is acid or alkaline, and what (if anything) it needs.

Do not use the same soil for more than 1 year. A sizable amount will go out every year with the potted plants, flats of seedlings, etc., you sell. But crops such as bulbs can be lifted and dried off, and you still have the soil.

In any case, at the end of a year, remove any leftover used soil and pile it outside to aerate and revitalize for some months. Then it can be incorporated again into potting mixtures.

Mixing Soil

Unless you buy or borrow a small cement mixer or similar type of heavy-duty churn, you will have to rely on your own strong arm to mix the soil.

I have found a 16-quart aluminum canning kettle a good “mixing bowl.” In this I mingle the extra ingredients (charcoal, sponge rock, and such) with the basic soil mixture. If the mixture is dry, I add enough water so that it will adhere when I pinch a little of it between thumb and forefinger.

Break up large lumps of soil and peatmoss—but for most potting purposes you need not sift the mixture through a screen.

However, seedlings and some cuttings do better in screened or milled material.

Soil Mixtures—To Buy or Sell

Of course, you can purchase a ready-made mixture from a large greenhouse, but this should be used only as a starter or in an emergency.

Such standard or all-purpose potting soils will not be right for everything you grow.

As you learn to mix soils, you may find them an added source of income. You can buy plastic bags in which to sell your own all purpose mixture to customers. If it is sterilized, it will bring a higher price.

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