Plant Gardens 101

Finding someone who doesn’t like flowers is like finding someone who doesn’t like sunshine. The uplifting and beautiful colors and blooms brought on by the multitude of flower species are what makes planter boxes so popular, especially in urban centers where green space is scarce. It’s not only flowers that people plant, though. There are some incredible edibles that you can grow easily at home in your window sill or freestanding planter boxes. What exactly should one plant in these mini-gardens? Herbs, vegetables and flowers tend to flourish in this environment. Here, along with what types to plant are a few helpful hints on how to do it. So even if you’re guilty of killing everything your butterfingers touch, there’s hope yet to turn you into a green thumb.

For starting out, herbs are practically foolproof and their smaller sized plants fit perfectly in compact planter boxes. Place them indoors, outdoors, in most any kind of sunlight. It’s hard to mess these guys up. As a starter, try your hand at cilantro, basil, chives or whatever your favorite spices are. There is absolutely zero comparison between the taste of dull, store-bought dried herbs and fresh from the garden herbs. And if you’ve bought fresh herbs from the grocer, you know how expensive they are and how quickly they wilt in the fridge. The best part is, once the weather turns cold, smaller planter boxes can be brought indoors for yearround fresh herbs. (more…)

If you’ve always dreamed of ditching your big-city life in favor of growing your own food in the back woods, get started now with container gardening! You would be surprised at how many plants can live happily on a balcony and in the house. Many varieties of fruit and vegetable can be grown in a small space.

Evaluate your space before you purchase gardening supplies and plants. Some plants can do well in smaller containers, but need more sunlight. Some need larger containers, but can be grown with little sunlight. Herbs, for example, can be grown in small containers, but need at least 5, preferably more, hours of sunlight. Leafy greens, like lettuce, need less sunlight. (more…)

Pruning bonsai trees is important if you want them to stay healthy and looking their best. If you’re new to the process, there are a few things you need to know. This article will give you a few tips to get you started.

Timing
You should make sure that you prune your bonsai at least once every year. Most gardeners do this during the growing season. By pruning away new growth, you will help maintain the shape of your tree. If you’re looking to get rid of old season’s growth, you should do so in the fall.

Pruning bonsai trees can also be done during the winter if you want. If you have a deciduous tree, it will be a little easier for you to see what needs to be cut. However, you shouldn’t prune if the temperature outside is below freezing. The wood will likely shatter when you cut it. (more…)

As a species name, means “heart shaped.” For example, the littleleaf linden, Tilia cordata, has heart-shaped leaves.

Daisy family
Compositae
Hell-lip’ter-rum. An important group of more than 60 species of garden everlastings from South Africa and Australia, widely grown for dried bouquets.

Description
Leaves alternate, often white-felty, without marginal teeth. Flowerheads wholly of disk flowers, generally yellow, chaffy, and maintaining their color for long periods. Bracts of the involucre below the flowerhead are green or petal-like and white, yellow, or rose-pink.

How to Grow   (more…)