Archive for July, 2007
Gardening advice is not that hard to come by. In fact, you can get gardening advice from another gardener, in a gardening catalogue, gardening books, gardening magazines and even on the Internet. Although you will have variations with every plant, there is some gardening advice that is universal and that goes for any plant.
Winter, or fall as they say in America, is traditionally the best time to prune back your plants, shrubs and trees. This is best done while they are dormant and by thinning and clearing old dead sections, the plant is at it’s best, to start to new growth and buds in the Spring. For Southern hemisphere gardens, that time is now. For those living in the Northern hemisphere, get ready and learn a few tips.
Japanese gardening is a cultural form of gardening, that is meant to produce a scene, that mimics nature as much as possible, by using trees, shrubs, rocks, sand, artificial hills, ponds and flowing water, as art-forms. The Zen and Shinto traditions, are both a large part of Japanese gardening and because of this, the gardens have a contemplative and reflective state of mind. Japanese gardening is very different, to the Western style of gardening and most would say it is far more meditational and soul soothing.
Many gardeners are beginning to switch to Hydroponic gardening, for many different reasons. These types of gardens are small and can easily be grown inside and are perfect for most vegetables, especially the red tomato. Also, the equipment required for Hydroponic gardening, is not expensive and they are relatively easy to manage.
Hydroponic gardening, is the growing of plants without soil, in other words, “dirtless gardening”. There are many methods of Hydroponic gardening, most of which work better than regular soil gardening, because it is easier to give the plant exactly what it needs, when it needs it. Plants will only receive what you give them, therefore you will be able to regulate the pH, nutrients, nutrient strength, water amount and amount of light. This makes it imperative, that you research the kind of plants you will be growing, so you know what they need to survive.
Roses have had a bad reputation over the years, for being difficult to grow and to maintain. If you are thinking of rose gardening, don’t let these rumours stop you. While rose gardening can prove to be challenging, once you get the hang of it, it really isn’t that bad.
When you first start rose gardening, you will have to choose what type of rose you wish to plant and no, I’m not talking about the colour. You will have to choose between bare-root, pre-packaged and container-grown roses. Bare-root roses, are sold in the winter and early spring. They should be planted as soon as frosts are over and the ground is warm and workable. Pre-packaged roses, are bare-root plants, that are sold in a bad, or box with something around the roots, to retain moisture, such as sawdust. Container-grown roses are grown; you guessed it, in containers. They will be either budding, or already in bloom when they become available, in the early spring.
Flower gardening is becoming more and more popular, every day. Flowers can brighten everyone’s day, they smell nice and are a great hobby. Flower gardening is simple, inexpensive, and loads of fun. Flower gardening can be done for yard decoration, simply as a hobby, or even professionally.
There are some decisions that have to be made, before flower gardening can even be started. You must decide if you want annuals that live for one season and must be replanted every year, or perennials that survive the winter and return again in the summer. When buying and planting, pay attention to what kind of flowers thrive in your climate, as well as their sun requirements.
Garden ponds and fountains, were once used mainly by the very rich people. Today, anyone can have a garden pond. A fountain, or waterfall can be included in almost anyplace, even if your yard is limited, to a patio, or balcony.
Adding a water feature to your patio, can be as simple as setting out a shallow dish of water, for use as a birdbath. Any shallow container, of least 6 inches wide and a half-inch deep, will work. Pie pans, garbage can lids, or flowerpot bases, all work well in small spaces. Fill the container with clean water and wash it every day, or two. The wildlife attracted to the water feature, will depend on where you place the container. Containers set on the ground, usually attract the greatest number of wildlife species, from birds and butterflies, to squirrels and toads. Hanging birdbaths, or those on pedestals, will be restricted to those creatures that can fly, or jump high enough, to reach the water. This also gives birds a chance to escape, from neighborhood cats and other predators.
It is an accepted fact, that Summer brings hot weather. It is the time of year, when we appreciate the shade of a big, beautiful tree. Trees provide other benefits, too. They can block the wind, help clean the air, provide fruit and nuts and create a hospitable habitat, for wildlife. Trees also make a great hideaway, where children can play. Once you decide to add a tree to your yard, do you know how to select the right tree and ensure that it will live a long time?
Selecting the right tree for the right place, is a good first step in any landscape design, but proper planting, is also very important, for getting your tree off to a good start. Trees are much like any other living creature, in that they also require more attention in the beginning, to promote a long, healthy life.
There are many new trends surfacing, in gardening and water gardening is one of the main new interests. Water gardening can be in the form of waterfalls, ponds and fountains, all of which can be enhanced by rockwork combinations and lighting, plants and fish. Water gardening doesn’t have to be a pond, or natural water source either, it can consist of just a plastic tub, basically anything that can hold water.
The most important thing to consider in water gardening, is probably the spot chosen. Since plants and fish both need plenty of sunlight, places in direct light, away from trees and bushes, are best. This will also help prevent leaves and debris from collecting in the water.








