Everything about Flowers and Plants

How to Plant Bulbs in Your Garden by Dee Power

2010-03-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Bulbs are almost a guaranteed flowering success. Each bulb holds the embryonic plant and flower buds within it. Plant the bulb in full sun, water consistently and you'll be rewarded with lots of blooms. After the blossoms have died, continue to water and feed the plant so it has the energy to produce the next season's flowers.

Easter Basket Cut bamboo fencing 8 inches high. Dig an oval trench 2 inches deep. The oval should measure 3 feet across and 2 feet deep. Dig the oval down to a depth of 12 inches. Add 3 inches of compost and fertilizer per package directions. Mix well. Plant spring bulbs that all bloom at the same time inside the bamboo "basket.". Good choices would be purple hyacinths at the back of the oval. Plant Pink tulips in front of the hyacinths, and yellow daffodils in front of the tulips. Finish with dwarf white tulips at the very front. This can all be done in fall before the ground freezes. In the spring, before the bulbs have sprouted, sprinkle white sweet alyssum seeds over the planting area. Cover with 1/4 inch of soil. Place a ceramic rabbit in one corner of the oval "Easter" basket. Twist grapevines or twigs into a handle. Bury each end of the handle inside the basket arching over it.

Patriotic Bed Japanese iris comes in a purple that is nearly blue and white, as well as yellow and light purple. Plant two rows of white irises in the back of the bed. In front of the white irises plant two rows of the nearly blue irises. Continue with the alternating rows of white and blue irises. Finish the bed with a border of red geraniums. Irises and geraniums both bloom in late May so this bed would be perfect for Memorial Day. Over seed the Irises with white zinnias and blue salvia and the bed will refresh itself and be ready with new flowers for Fourth of July.

Moon Garden White flowers glow in the moonlight. Plant a bed with bulbs that start blooming in spring and continue through the end of summer. Tulips, hyacinths, cyclamen and freesia bloom in spring and come in white. Summer bulbs include gladiolus, Asian lilies, oriental lilies, day lilies and Bella Donna lilies. Plant medium height white flowers to mask the yellowing leaves of bulbs that have finished blooming. Good choices would include gerbera daisies, Shasta daisies, petunias, chrysanthemums and pansies.

About the Author
Free report on Tips to Lose Weight Fast Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books, screenplays and a novel. She loves to cook and has lots of gardening tips.

Get your Garden Goodies with Growing Tulips in the Spring: by Kevin Payne

2010-03-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Tulips are one of the highlights of spring. They ere elegant, colorful and pleasing to the eyes. They come with an assortment of types and most of them are not hard to grow so this spring, why not plant some of them? You will find a wide array of tulips to choose from and you will be amazed by the rewards of your efforts once the spring has begun.

Attract attention in your garden this spring by growing these kinds of tulips:
Kaufmanniana These flowers are beautiful when it bloom and it's also one of the first among the other types of tulips. Growing 8 to 10 inches tall, this tulip has different varieties. Some includes Concerto (cream), Tarafa (red and white), Shakespeare (red and orange) and Scarlet Baby (red). Some types of these tulips are cup-shaped while some looks a lot like water lilies.

Parrot Tulips The petal of these tulips often comes in large sizes and oftentimes, they are curled or twisted. Its bright colors are really vibrant. These flowers grow approximately 18 to 21 inches high.

Double Early The elegance of these tulips makes it a number one choice for bouquets as well as for displaying at homes. Some of the varieties are Peach Blossom (pink), Orange Nassau (reddish orange) and Bonanza (orange and yellow), Monte Carlo (yellow).
Single Early These cup-shaped flowers are known for its many lively colors as well as its fragrance. Single Earlies grow 12 to 14 inches in height. More often than not, this one produces one flower per stem. Varieties of Single Earlies include Diana (white), Flair (red with yellow lining), and Brilliant Star (red), Merry Christmas (red), and White Cascade (white).

Darwin Hybrid This type is perfectly ideal for wedding bouquets because of its long stems and multiple colors. Furthermore, it is a cross between Darwin and the Fosteriana tulips. This hybrid is excellent for cut flowers and it grows up to 24 inches tall.

Fosteriana Like the Darwin Hybrid, this tulip is also ideal for wedding bouquets. The Fosteriana grow 12 to 14 inches in height and comes many varieties namely Zombie (red and cream), Golden Emperor (yellow) and Sweetheart (yellow and white lining).

Single Late Similar to other types, this one comes in a wide assortment of variety to choose from. They also make a good choice for cut flower arrangements. Its varieties are Blushing Beauty (cream and fuchsia), Esther (pink with silver lining), and Union Jack (white and red).

Griegii This tulip's uniqueness will really capture your attention. It has beautiful full-sized flowers and color that sometimes appear in two tones. It blooms mid-seasons on stems with different sizes and heights.

These are just some of the elegant types of tulips you can choose from. Do not give up yet on planting tulip bulbs, tulips look their best when they are planted in groups along your garden borders or compress them together within flower garden beds. Another option is to place them on their own pots and display them on your front step. Regardless of how and where you grow them, tulips are definitely charming in their own rights and are sure to brighten up anyone's spring.

About the Author
Kevin Payne is gardener enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby. The newest eBook, "Herb Garden Kits," teaches gardening and everything you need to know about Planting Tulip Bulbs.

Low maintenance tips for gardens by Chris Moore

2010-03-09T06:34:00.001-08:00

Gardens are always considered to be costly. Many gardeners around the world will restrict themselves from achieving the desired beauty and items in the garden to enhance the look of their houses. This is mostly seen in the houses where people have much work to do apart from looking after their gardens. Garden maintenance therefore has taken a new path for the busy and instant schedules of the current business world. This however has managed to lower the cost of maintenance as well. Garden designs are there to suit a low maintenance in the future. Also the process of choosing plants will decide how much work and labour you will need to maintain the garden in future.

One important factor to be considered is that people who have got lawns in their gardens will have more work to do than their counterparts. This however is not expected. Many people tend to think that flowers, fruits and vegetables will have more maintenance to do than lawns. But the cost factor for labour and ingredients tend to be higher in lawns than in other plants.

An automatic irrigation system would be another way of cutting the maintenance cost. This however will require expert knowledge by gardening services. It will reduce the time you will have to spend in the garden and will probably reduce the amount of labour needed if the garden is of large scale.

Making the rocks in your garden in a way that it will assist on water toleration will also help on low maintenance gardening. It will also give a better enhanced beauty to the garden. Having a garden pool however will not help your course towards saving money and time. But by spending a little extra money at the beginning to build a high-tech swimming pool will make sure that you will no longer need to refresh the water regularly.

A garden that has proper technical equipments to confront any seasonal changes will also makes sure to reduce the amount of maintenance you will have to do. An example would be a melting system for a garden in the winter. This will make sure that you won't have to take off the snow out of the plants every morning to avoid them dying.
Garden designer will also have a role to play in order to make a low maintenance garden to the customer. The landscape and the types of plants to be planted are some of the topics you will need to touch on to.

It would be a smart idea to always dig the soil and remove all the unwanted impurities such as stones and dead plant particles underneath. This will help for a better growth in the plants in the garden. Also make sure to get the correct amount of fertilizers. An extra amount of fertilizers will be wastage. There is a less chance that you can take use of any unused chemicals in the future without harming the plants hence a better analysis of fertilizers will help your course.
With all these little tips at the end of the day you will be able to save a lot of money and time. Make sure to do proper investigation about your land and do a proper designing of the garden to have low maintenance in the future.

About the Author
Chris Moore is a successful author. Visit http://www.depositarticles.com to read more articles from Chris Moore.

Tips for Knowing When to Plant Roses

2010-03-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

Roses are a very popular flower, so it is nice to have them in your landscape. However, a lot of people worry about rose planting and care, thinking it must be very difficult to do. However, this really isn't the case. It just takes a few simple steps to plant a rose bush.

One of the most important things to consider when you are planting a rose is the location. This can really indicate whether or not your rose is going to flourish and be filled with buds. When choosing rose planting locations, you want to find a spot with good drainage that gets a lot of sun, preferably full sun. Make sure that your new rose will have plenty of space so that it can grow without being crowded. You don't want your rose to be exposed to a lot of wind though either, so take care and choose just the right spot for your rose.

Another concern with rose planting is the soil. You want it to have the proper nutrients and drainage, as well as the right pH level (around 6.5). If your soil isn't just right, you can amend it by mixing the required nutrients into the soil that you plan to put back around your rose bush.

Once you have chosen your location, prepare your rose for planting. If you have a bare root plant, you should soak it in water overnight to rehydrate it before planting. Some people recommend putting a small amount of bleach (one cup per five gallons water) in the water that you use to soak the plant in order to kill off any harmful microorganisms that might be present. Bushes that come in a pot of soil do not need to be soaked.

Dig a hole for your rose that is a bit bigger than the pot that the rose is in, or bigger than the plant that you have. You will want to put back a cone shaped pile of soil so that you can put your new plant in at the right depth and spread the roots out a bit. The correct depth for planting really depends on where you live. The union should be one inch underground if you live in zones five or six, at ground level if you are in zones seven or eight, and above ground if you live in zones nine or ten. Fill the hole in with the rest of the soil.

Make sure that your newly planted rose bush gets plenty of water, but not too much. This type of plant really prefers to get less frequent but deeper waterings. Water them about once a week with enough water to make the soil wet about ten inches deep. Wait until the soil is dry before you water the plant again. Too much water too often will make it so that the plant does not have enough air circulating near the roots, so it is important to avoid making this mistake. When you follow these elementary steps for rose planting, the results will be beautiful rose flowers.

About the Author
Valerie Knotts is a rose gardening expert and author who enjoys teaching others how to plant and grow beautiful roses. For more information onrose planting, visit http://www.guidetogrowingroses.com

An Aerogarden by Ron Lee

2010-03-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

People nowadays are very intelligent in everything they do, thus modern facilities are on the list and keep on track. An aerogarden sounds new doesn't it? Now let's reflect on these. An aerogarden is an indoor gardening system. It is computerized that tells you to add water and nutrients to your plants on your own garden. So instead of nourishing the plants with soil they placed the roots in liquid nutrient solution.

It is a soil less gardening technique in which plants accept nutrient faster that means a speedy growing, makes your plants healthier and nutritious even in a smaller area, meaning you don't have to burden yourself in planting your plants in the soil. Not only that, it makes your life easier and you can do more important things rather than cultivating the said soil. Sometimes your plants are sprayed with water and nutrients. No need for you to look for a best soil for you to plant what you wanted. This method is new which allows any plants or flowers to grow fresher.

An aerogarden is very essential to all vegetarians, who loved to eat vegetables or even those who are not, those who just love seeing vegetables in their garden. Those who just love to plant flowers in home beautification, and in marketing this helps a lot simply because even though climate changes it doesn't affect your plants anyway. You can harvest anytime as much as you wanted as it is a self feeding technique.

This vary in sizes and shapes, it depends on a plant type. It does the work, deliver the nutrients, the cycle of its growing, in other words this is similarly like a washing machine, when you start it in washing your dirty clothes you are going to set the time and it automatically shut down. Same as with this technology, you don't need to do the doings all you have to do is to see what will be the result.

If you want your plants grow fresher and greener this is the best way for you to do. Have the aerogarden it gives you less time in planting, gain enjoyment and you are having fun as well. It is very convenience and friendly to our mother earth. Thus, no worries, all you have to do is protect it from your pets. So why wait for so long? Try it now.

About the Author
Learn more about the aerogrow aerogarden? The concept of the aerogarden? is to make these plants directly available from your kitchen counter top.

Spring and the Best Flowers to Plant by Drew Bowen

2010-02-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

After a long, cold winter, you are probably anxious for the first signs of spring. Springtime automatically brings thoughts of flowers. Choosing the best flowers for spring can be difficult and it is often confusing. Perhaps the most effective way to ensure spring flowers that bloom each year is to plant bulbs in the fall to mid-winter. There are of course flowering plants that you can purchase from your local nursery, but you will want to make sure any chance of freezing weather has passed before planting and in many areas of the country, spring does not arrive until late in the season and by that time you will want to plants flowers in anticipation of summer. You always have the option of purchasing bulbs that have been grown in pots over the winter and are in stock in most garden centers beginning in the late winter months.

Here are a few choices of flowering plants that are suitable to plant now and will produce early spring flower:
Winter Aconite, or Eranthis hyemalis, will give you yellow flowers approximately three inches in height and resemble common buttercups. These particular bulbs may begin to flower as early as January if you live in a warm area and you will get the best results if you plant them in masses as they grow low to the ground.
Glory Of The Snow, or Chionodoxa luciliare, produce flowers that are bright blue with a white center. The plants will grow between six and ten inches tall, making this particular plant very handy for walkways, borders, and rock gardens. You may also be able to find white/pink varieties depending on the area in which you live
Spring Snowflake, or leucojum vernum, give you bell-shaped flowers that droop from the green part of the plant. These plants will be six to twelve inches in height and are white in color with small green spots on the ends of the petals. You will get the best results if you plant them in clumps and you can expect to see blooms in late February to early March. As with any other springtime bulb, they are best planted in the fall but you can plant in the mid to late winter if you purchase potted bulbs that have already begun the growing cycle.

Netted Iris, or iris reticulate, are wonderfully scented and are most commonly purple in color, although you can also find light blue and white irises in many areas. Irises are one of the earliest blooming plants and you can expect a beautiful display of flowers in early March. As with any other type of bulb, after several growing seasons you will have to thin the bulbs from time to time, as they tend to reproduce rapidly and could actually begin to stunt the growth of the plants due to over-crowding.

About the Author
Information on bamboo stalks can be found at the Bamboo Flower site.

Guide to Mulching Your Flower Bulbs by Britt Ramos

2010-02-22T07:59:00.000-08:00

Flower bulbs need a good, long, winter's sleep. Like some people we know, if they wake up before they are fully rested they get kind of cranky, and then they don't bloom well at all.
Actually what happens is during a mild winter, the soil stays too warm and the bulbs begin to come out of dormancy early. They start to grow, and once the tips emerge above the soil line, they are subject to freezing if the temperatures dip back down below freezing. And that's usually what happens. After the bulbs have emerged, they freeze and then don't bloom at all, or if they do it's a very sad display.
Another reason this happens is because the bulbs are not planted deep enough. They may have been deep enough when you planted them, but as the soil goes through the freezing and thawing process, the bulbs can actually work their way up in the ground. One way to keep your flower bulbs sleeping longer, which will protect them from freezing, is to mulch the bed.
In the fall just apply a 3-4" layer of well composted mulch. This layer of mulch will do a couple of things. It will maintain a higher moisture content in the soil, which is good as long as the soil isn't too soggy. Well composted mulch also adds valuable organic matter to the planting bed. Organic matter makes a great natural fertilizer. A 3-4" layer of mulch also acts as an insulator. It will keep the soil from freezing for a while, which is good because you don't want the bulbs going through a series of short cycles of freezing and thawing. Then when the temperatures drop below freezing and stay there for a while, the soil does eventually freeze. Then the mulch actually works in reverse and keeps the soil from thawing out too early. Keeping it in a frozen state is actually good because the bulbs remain dormant for a longer period of time. When they finally do wake up it is spring time, and hopefully by the time they emerge from the ground the danger of a hard freeze is past and they will not be damaged. If you can keep them from freezing, they will flower beautifully. The extra organic matter will help to nourish the bulbs when they are done blooming, and the cycle starts all over again. We also plant annual flowers in the same beds with our spring bulbs. By the time the danger of frost is past and it's time to plant the annuals, the top of the bulbs have died back and are ready to be removed. The mulch that is added in the fall also helps to nourish the annual flowers, as well as improve the soil permanently. Any time you add well composted organic matter to your planting beds, you are bound to realize multiple benefits. The key words here are "well composted". Fresh material is not good.

About the Author
Find tips about indoor bamboo and growing bamboo indoors at the Bamboo Flower website.

How to Force Spring Flower Bulbs by Dee Power

2010-02-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

Waiting for spring during the cold winter months doesn't have to mean staring at a bleak winter landscape wishing for warmer weather. Get a head start on spring with forced flower bulbs. Many varieties do well in pots when given the proper environment. A little planning ahead and the right types of bulbs is about all it takes.

Bulbs Lots of bulbs can be forced or tricked into blooming out of season. Most of them naturally flower in the spring time with a few exceptions. Easter or trumpet lilies are forced for very early spring blooming when they naturally bloom in mid summer. Amaryllis is forced for blooming during the winter holidays but naturally bloom in early summer.

Spring blooming bulbs include tulips, hyacinths, crocus, daffodils, tulips, and grape hyacinths.

Get the bulbs ready to grow Most spring bulbs require a period of cold to induce the flowering process. However, cold doesn't mean freezing. If the bulbs freeze they'll die. Keep the bulbs in a dark cool (below 40 degrees) place such as a garage, in the vegetable crisper of the fridge or planted in pots that are kept outside in a protected area. When the chilling period is within a week or two of the appropriate time check the tops of the bulbs for any new shoots. They'll appear as tiny very light green bumps. If you see them it's time to plant.

Tulips and hyacinths require the longest chilling period, 16 weeks. Crocuses require from 12 to 14 weeks. Daffodils from 10 to 12 weeks. Narcissus, a relative of daffodils don't require any chilling. Chilling times are approximate.

Planting Select a pot with drainage. Fill with three inches of soil. Place the bulb in the pot flat side down and pointed end up. If you have spotted the light green bumps, plant that end up. Cover the bulbs with soil and water thoroughly. Let drain. Do not over water or the bulbs will rot. Let them almost dry out completely between waterings. Keep in a cold dark area until the shoots are above the soil. Move to a warmer sunnier area.

Forced in water Bulbs will grow forced in water without soil. After the chilling period fill a clear glass or glass container with several inches of marbles. Place the bulb on top and add marbles up to the neck of the bulb. Fill the glass with water up to just over the bottom of the bulb. Place in a well lighted window. Keep the water level steady. Don't immerse the bulb in water. If the water gets cloudy change it completely.

About the Author

Find more gardening tips Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books. She loves cooking and gardening and coming up with party ideas for kidsand Valentine Gift Ideas

Hibiscus, The State Flower of Hawaii by Rene Thompson

2010-02-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

The hibiscus is a beautiful flower that is closely associated with the state of Hawaii. In fact, it is known as Hawai's State Flower. While there are over 200 distinct species of this floral plant, only seven of them grow natively in the state of Hawaii. Tourists to the islands today may see many varieties of the hibiscus, but few of these are actually native plants. Other varieties have actually been brought to Hawaii from other tropical and subtropical climates around the world, where they grow as both annuals and perennials.

Hibiscus flowers are quite large, and are generally used for ornamental or landscaping purposes, either using cut flowers or the entire plant. These iconic flowers are often used in flower leis, though other flowers, particularly the orchid or plumeria, are also popular for this purpose. The cut flowers are often found decorating the side of a fruity tropical drink.

There are many unique uses for the hibiscus, too. The strong fibers of hibiscus bark can be used to make grass skirts or paper. This plant has also been used for teas (known as karkady) and jams. Some people believe that hibiscus extract will relieve constipation or nausea. The flowers are used in shampoos, where they are said to prevent dandruff. The seed of the hibiscus is used in South America and in the West Indies as a remedy for snakebite wounds, while the Xhosa in South Africa use the leaf to dress wounds, and the Zulu use hibiscus lotion to treat skin ailments. Hibiscus juice can be found throughout Malaysia, where the hibiscus is the national flower.

It is so closely identified with the culture of the Hawaiian Islands that it is a very popular tropical-themed tattoo design. A type of hibiscus with large, red flowers can often be found in the hair of a woman. When placed behind the left ear, the flower indicates that the girl is available. When placed behind the right, the girl is taken. Giving the gift of a hibiscus bloom means "seize the day;" because hibiscus blooms only last for a short period.

Hibiscus flowers may be found in many different colors, growing on plants ranging from bushy shrubs to trees. Their wide variety of colors makes for beautiful hibiscus bouquets. Combined with the oversized flowers, hibiscus flowers make striking ornamental bouquets. These bright and tropical flowers fit in well with the décor you'll see in Hawaii. On the mainland, hibiscus flowers are the perfect accompaniment to Hawaiian or tiki-themed décor, where they evoke the relaxed mood of the islands.

In Hawaii, the most commonly grown hibiscus species native to the Islands is the Chinese Hibiscus. This variety is commonly grown for decoration, and is also used in distinctive leis destined for special visitors or important people. This variety is the one known as the official state flower; it is also known as "Pua Aloalo" by native Hawaiians. Some native varieties of the hibiscus are very rare. The hibiscus arnottianus immaculatus grows in mountainous areas of western Oahu, and its flowers are large and white. There are believed to be less than a dozen of this hibiscus species left in the wild.

The hibiscus is a tropical plant that needs a warm climate and high humidity to thrive. If you plan to grow a hibiscus indoors to complement your tropical or tiki décor, they must be kept in temperatures between seventy and eight five degrees Fahrenheit, and you must never let the soil dry completely. In Hawaii, dozens of hibiscus gardens have been planted with both native and imported varieties, becoming a popular tourist attraction.

About the Author

Royal Tiki has a wide range of Tiki, hand-carved on Hawaii. Also check for current specials on statues for your Tiki bar

Growing Herbs in Garden by Tom Talbott

2010-01-06T08:35:00.000-08:00

When things go right, you just can't beat it! Some herbs are just like that. What you need to do is create a location for your herb to thrive, focusing on water, sunlight and soil condition.

Here's a list of herbs that after you start them and get them going, they will do the rest:

* Borage: Boil the leaves to reduce the chewy texture, because without this, the long, fuzzy and prickly leaves are not easily edible. The borage herb loves dry, dark soil and full sun-the blue or purple star-patterned flowers are sweet as can be. You can begin with seeds in mid-to-late spring and by mid-summer you'll have all the borage you can handle.

* Caraway: The leaves of this biennial are a lot like the foliage of a carrot during its first season. In the second year, it will display beautiful pink or white umbrella-shaped flower clusters on 1 to 3 feet tall stems. Give your caraway plant full-sunlight and also make sure it has well-drained soil for the best outcome. Plant the seeds outdoors in spring or fall. Since your herb is a self-seeder, you can let the dead blooms fall to the ground and you will not need to resow it for the next growing season.

* Dill: Dill is among my favorite herbs to look at because of its fine, fern-like leaves. Dill will grow fast for you as long as you give it with well-drained soil and full sun. It will grow to a height of more than 3 feet tall, but you can start harvesting it to eat once it reaches a foot. The yellow flowers on the umbrella-like tops will look beautiful in floral arrangements and can also be used as seasoning. Dill will thrive well from seed and because this plant grow fast you won't need to start the germination process in advance.

* Fennel: The adult version of fennel appears to be a lot like dill, but its licorice taste is nothing like dill. If you plant your seeds in early summer, you will have a mature, four-foot-tall plant in only a few weeks. Plant them in full sun in well-drained soil for the best outcome. The seeds are the best part. You will want to harvest them before they go fully brown. Dry them and use in baked breads, soups and stews.

* Lemon Balm: If you like the sweet, lemony aroma of lemon balm, you will be pleased to know that this perennial enjoys light, shady, well-drained soil. I like its heart-shaped leaves. Don't bother with seeds, buy a little herb at the greenhouse and let it grow for you. You'll soon be able to divide your lemon balm and replant it. Don't feel like you have to put the new part beside the old one, because lemon balm will spread through self-sowing. Snip off the dead flowers to prevent lemon balm from self-sowing.

* Sweet Cicely: Here is a perennial herb that appreciates light shade, so give it that and loose, rich dirt and it will take off from there. Plant it with organic compost and mulch to support sweet cicely's growth. Since sweet cicely is a self-sowing plant you'll only need to buy the first couple of herbs and it will do the rest.

If these aren't enough to get you going, you can try German chamomile and chicory.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

About the Author

Tom Talbott is an Herb Garden enthusiast. Here is more information on Herb Garden Information. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.

Plants Flowers and Herbs all Big Decisions by T.O. Chuong

2009-12-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

If you are an experienced gardener then it is not all that difficult for you to start picking out your plants, flowers and herbs for a new garden. Where it becomes a daunting task is for the beginner gardener. Of course there is the excitement of being able to start these types of gardens. It becomes daunting when one goes off to the garden center and is faced with a multitude of plants, flowers and herbs to choose from. The big question right away is which ones do I choose.

Naturally you are going to be drawn to those that are exotic and colorful. What you need to know though are they going to thrive in the location that you are thinking of putting them. There is a great variation between plants, flowers and herbs. Your plants quite often if you choose them correctly will come up year after year where with your flowers you may want to plant them on a yearly basis which helps to give you variety each year that spring comes along.

It is always wonderful to have herbs growing amongst your flowers or even a separate herb garden. If you are planning on getting yourself involved in this area then you really need to do some studying on the various types of herbs and what they can be used for. You will be quite surprised to find out that you can save yourself quite a bit of money by growing your own herbs as opposed to having to buy them. You also have to decide which is going to come first. Are you going to plant your flower beds and then determine what flowers and plants you are going to use afterwards or are you going to go in the opposite direction and determine what plants and flowers you want and then find the best location for them. No matter what your final decision is you would be well advised to do some good research on the various types of plants, flowers and herbs that grow well in your area. Once you have done this you can narrow down your choices then it's a matter of deciding which suits your taste the best.

One thing is for certain is that you're going to want to plan a budget as you are going to find that there is great variance when it comes to the prices of these items. So you want to set yourself a budget and make sure that you stay within that amount and it will make things a little less frustrating for you from the cost point of view.

About the Author

T.O. Chuong writes home & garden articles for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas. Visit us if you need plumbers Cross Timbers TX or plumbers Dalworthing Gardens TX.

Garden Must haves by Nick Heidfeld

2009-12-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Remember plants and dogs are just like babies you need to look after them like that. Just like you would pamper you child from time to time, you should take give your garden a facelift as well. If you don't have the time or resources for that make sure you have a few garden basics.

Garden Tools
Every one needs a good gardening kit. It should have all the basic tools like garden scissors, pitch fork, garden hoe, plough, rake and fork. These are just the basics; you can also upgrade to lawn aerators, lawn sweepers and blowers.

Lawn Mower

Trimming the grass is essential for it to grow well and look lush. Having a lawn mower makes everything easier and much simpler. It s blades make sure that the grass is cut evenly. The type and capacity of the mower depends on the length and growth of the lawn. You can choose between reel mowers, rotary movers, electric cord and cordless mowers and riding mowers.

Water feature

You can have a pond constructed and have the most beautiful lotuses and other water plants in it. How about a waterfall? They look beautiful and are not difficult to install. If you are worried about water wastage you need not worry as you now have water fountains that use the same water that doesn't need to be changed from time to time. If you are looking for something smaller you can install a bird bath. They look beautiful, the children will love it and so will the birds!

Garden Edging

This is an aesthetic feature that has many benefits. Edging frames the garden and segregates the grass from the plant area. This way you can trim the plants easily, protect the plants from weed and ensure that there is no erosion. Garden edging adds a special touch to the space. Edging is available in wood, plastic, metal and concrete. You can opt for various colours and styles. Once installed it will change how your garden looks or how you see your garden!

You can also consider installing a sand box for the children in the garden corner so they can enjoy the garden as much as you. We also suggest lights along the edging or flower bed. It will look beautiful and make your home come alive in the night. You must construct a garden shed to store all your equipment and manure. Last, but not the least, consider some garden furniture to add to the space for Sunday morning breakfasts!

For more on garden essentials and garden edging you can visit www.hillskerbs.com.au.

About the Author

Nick Heidfeld is a Commercial and Domestic kerbing specialist working in the industry for 15 years. He specialises in innovative ways of kerbing and edging.

Don't Kill Another Poinsettia by Gretchen Erle

2009-12-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

I cannot even count how many poinsettias I've tossed in the trash, and if you're anything like me then you're probably guilty of poinsettia murder too. But did you know that if you follow a few tips you can enjoy the blooms next year? Coaxing them to come back is easier than you think-just keep the following guidelines in mind.

Keeping it alive

You'll have to make sure you keep your poinsettia alive this holiday season before you worry about getting it to come back next year. Just follow the advice below.

Sunlight

Poinsettias prefer indirect sunlight. You'll want to make sure your poinsettia receives 6 hours of indirect sunlight a day.

Watering

Abide by standard rules for watering houseplants and your poinsettias will be fine. After you get your new poinsettia home, be sure to give it a thorough watering. Make sure you never allow your poinsettia to sit in standing water, and only water it when the soil is dry to the touch since you don't want to overwater it. Never fertilize it when it is in bloom.

Temperature

Poinsettias like temperatures similar to what you like. Don't place them near drafts or heat vents, and keep temperatures in the 65-75 temperature range. Never put your poinsettia outside in the cold.

After the bloom

The flowers will eventually start dying. Don't change up its watering schedule but you should start fertilizing it every 2-3 weeks. Use a good all-purpose fertilizer and never fertilize it when it is blooming.

Once spring arrives you can start cutting it back. Put your plant outside so it can soak up some warm sunlight but make sure there is no chance of frost. You may want to transplant your poinsettia once springtime comes to an end. Find a pot that is a few inches larger than its current pot and try to use a potting mix that has peat moss in it.

Time to sleep

In order for your poinsettia to bloom again, you will have to expose it to conditions similar to what it's used to. You will need to make sure it has total darkness for 14 hours a day. You can just stick a large box over the top of the poinsettia.

During the remaining of the time expose your poinsettia to bright sunlight. Maintain its watering and fertilizing schedule.

If you follow the steps above then you should be able to enjoy its beauty next season as well!

About the Author

I am an avid gardener who loves plants, flowers and all things green! :-)

Frontyard Landscaping - Easy and cool - provided you have the will. by S. Jacob

2009-11-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

A neat frontyard landscape always sends a message of coolness, peace and healthy ambiance to any eyes that views it. A bush rose garden filled with vibrant blooms and sweet fragrances enliven any Home and its inhabitants. Designing your garden is equally important to planting and taking care of the roses so that it becomes a vibrant array of delicately organized rose plants that provokes a wow in your neighbors. A careful plan has to be drawn up before starting the work on a garden. If it can be afforded a frontyard landscape design from a professional architect would be very effective, otherwise use a self made one. What is important is to have a clear picture of what to place in each part of the garden, and implement your plan the best way.

The color combination that you like to have must be considered first. If the color arrangement is not properly done, it would not be appealing to the eye, and would give a negative impact. A stone marble porch depending on its color may be perfectly suited by line of soft, pink roses. A splash of glowing, white roses may be the right companion for a classic, red brick wall. Roses come in many colors, so combine them and your house's color scheme together using your creativeness and imagination.

Next, find the right place for your rose bush garden keeping in mind that most varieties of this picky plant require lots of sunshine. The direction your house is facing and the place of your garden should be thought about taking into consideration the requirement of sunshine. Select the right variety of roses depending on the climate and various levels of sunlight available.

In colder areas, look for the hardy roses that can support the Northern harsh winters. To come up with a lovely frontyard landscape and a beautifully organized rose garden, you should also be familiar with the different kinds of bushes and the appeal they are going to contribute to your garden. The borders or hedges should be planted with verities that bloom all year round. Floribunda roses, for instance, fall in this category. Hybrid Teas have branches that grow freely, so they are best for flower beds. Climbers look good on trellises, and miniature roses are best suited in windowsill flowerpots.

You should carefully select other plants that you want to grow in your rose garden. To bring out the beauty of roses, and for variety your garden should also have other plants. It's a known secret that garlic and other plants in the onion family (order Asparaginales, family Alliaceae) will protect your rose plants. Other flowering plants, such as marigold and mignonettes, and herbs such as thyme, make good match for your roses. A careful combination will leave you with a beautiful frontyard landscape with beautiful flowers with lovely colors and enchanting fragrance.

You have a simple and clear outline to make your frontyard landscape beautiful with a rose garden. Put your imagination and creativeness to work, draw a sketch and start digging. You will be on the way to success before you can imagine it to happen. Happy Planning, Happy Planting and let your garden send some nice fragrance to your Neighbors so they raise a wow.

Landscape designing is though truly is an esteemed profession, for many it has become a hobby. Many people enjoy working hard to obtain high satisfaction in this hobby. By following a few simple rules, you can give your garden a great look. A good frontyard landscape can both increase the beauty of your house, and also raise it's value in the eyes of the potential buyers.

Landscaping in simple, direct words can be said or explained as changing the land you live in to give it a more aesthetic appeal or more pleasing look. A professional landscaper can help you with a complicated or complex landscape design, but most common adjustments and changes to design, can be done by you with a little research, planning and then some trial and error. It is usually fast and better done by a professional but that can be expensive.

Most people tend to start of without planning or research and the result is obviously not satisfying. People normally have trouble to get started. Land scape design can mean changing layout of the land, and also simple things like changing the location of your plants or certain objects in your garden.

Small space gardening can evoke dramatic results if carefully planned. What otherwise would be an odd looking space can be face-lifted to be a beautiful looking garden and place to rest.

The first of the few things that you should consider while starting is the color, as it is something important in giving a natural and eye pleasing look to your garden. The next thing is that you should make the garden look balanced for anyone viewing it. Though it is not a must to have symmetry, for beginners it is simple to keep a symmetrical design.

Try to keep the design as simple as possible as many people appreciate the simplicity of the design. Inexperience can drive you to over complicated design ending up in total disatisfaction over the design.

Since this is a vast field, you need time and experience to master it, but it is worth trying. Good Luck for your new Beautiful frontyard landscape.

About the Author

Salim Jacob is a great man. As you can see from his article he has a lot of passion. Check out his new project over at http://frontyardlandscape.net/index.php. He loves a good frontyard landscape.

Fresh Herb Gardening by Winry Beckwell

2009-11-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

For anyone, fresh herb gardening can be quite the rewarding adventure. You can get your fresh herb gardening off to a great start with a little preparation.

Herb Garden Design

First off, think carefully about which herbs you'd like to plant and where to place them in your allotted space. A great place for frequently used herbs such as basil and parsley is along the borders of your garden. If planting both annuals and perennials - which you'll likely want - leave the perennials enough room to grow and expand.

Some herbs are well suited to inclusion in the vegetable garden, where they can be harvested as needed. Their self-seeding may even be welcome there. Annual herbs such as basil, coriander, and dill are quite convenient in fact if they are near the vegetables they will be cooked with.

Soil and location

Soil and site conditions are a few more elements that will affect the success of your fresh herb gardening. It is especially important that your soil have proper drainage. Too much water is detrimental and overly damp herbs will not grow well. Poor soil drainage all puts your herbs at risk of root rot. Keep this in mind with fresh herb gardening and when selecting the location for your garden.

Even if you don't have a well drained area for your fresh herb gardening, all is not lost. Remove the garden soil down 16 inches, and then add about three inches of gravel. On top of that, mix in a little bit of sand with the soil you removed before replacing it above the gravel. This will remedy any problem you're having with spoil drainage.

Planting herb seeds

Aside from a few exceptions, many herbs can be successfully cultivated from seed. When going this route, it is recommended to begin your fresh herb gardening in the late winter by planting the seeds in boxes. In spring, transplant the sprouts outdoors into the garden.

Since herb seeds are so small, take care not to sow them too deep. It may sound surprising, but 1/8 of an inch of soil is often enough for exceptionally fine seeds such as marjoram, savory, or thyme. Cover fine seeds with burlap during germination to keep the soil moist. A few other herbs, such as fennel, dill, and coriander, don't transplant well. If starting these herbs from seed, plant them straight into the garden.

Harvesting Herbs

One of the best parts of fresh herb gardening naturally is the harvest. As soon as your plants have enough leaves to maintain growth, you can begin harvesting. Some herbs are well suited to the vegetable garden. Herbs such as basil, rosemary, and sage are often used in cooking so placing them in a vegetable garden makes it easy to harvest at the same time the vegetables and herbs that go well together. A great bonus to inter-planting your herbs in the vegetable or flower garden is that, again, many herbs attract beneficial insects to the garden. This will certainly help in overall pest control.

The best time to harvest the leaves or seeds from your fresh herb garden is early in the morning. The essential oils that insure excellent flavor and aroma are at their best before the sun gets hot so harvest your herbs just after the dew has gone away.

You should now be all set to begin your adventure in fresh herb gardening!

About the Author

Winry is an herb expert. For more information on fresh herb gardening, visit http://herb-garden-information.com/fresh-herb-gardening.html.

ORGANIC GARDEN TIPS | A BEGINNER'S GUIDE by Robert Livesay

2009-11-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

Organic gardening is not as difficult as many beginning gardeners would believe. It is true there is a bit more work and increased attention levels to the details of an organic garden than a regular garden. However, with the proper guidance you will soon discover it's not anywhere near as difficult as you thought it was. This guide will provide you with the basic steps you need to get you started.

Assuming you know next to nothing about organic gardening lets make certain you understand what it is. Quite simply it means you are going to plant your garden without the use of synthetic fertilizers, which would normally be used to make plants grow, and chemical pesticides to control the bugs.

To really maximize your garden, regardless if its flowers, herbs, veggies or a combination of several plants, it's best to have a detailed plan. The best time to formulate your plan is in the fall, right after the fall growing season ends. The reason for this is you will have time to prepare the ground before the spring planting season begins.

Perhaps the most critical thing you must do before anything else is to select the optimum location for your organic garden or for that matter any garden. Your plants will do very well if they can receive about six hours of sunlight per day. In almost all cases positioning of your planting area in the southeastern part of your ground will give more than adequate amounts of sunshine. Also make sure your ground has easy access to water and the ground has good drainage, to allow excessive water run off and aeration of the ground.

Once the proper location has been determined the next step is preparing the ground where you will be planting. This means it's time for the physical labor part. You are going to till the ground using a yard fork or a tiller, then get on your knees to start pulling weeds, grass and removing the rocks. To make the weed and grass removal successful you should perform the initial removal, then go back a couple of weeks later and remove any weeds and grass which have grown up in the meantime.

Now it's time for you to actually determine what your selected ground is going to need, in the way of the proper nutrition to help your vegetation grow. You do need to have the soil tested for the proper ph level. If you're not sure how to do this take a sample of your soil to your local nursery or garden center and they can do it for you.

Once the testing has been completed by the nursery folks they can tell you exactly what kind of natural fertilizers and pest control product you will need. While you are at the nursery or garden center you should ask their advice on the proper plants and vegetables which will grow best in your treated soil.

In conclusion this guide has given you the basic things you need to start your organic gardening project the right way. It has covered the location of the garden, the sunlight exposure, preparation of the ground prior to planting and the proper nutrition your ground will need. Organic gardening is not as complicated as it seems.

For some more free articles on living green please look here: http://tinyurl.com/yknwlhu

About the Author

There is nothing quite like growing your own organic vegetables.

How to Plant a Hedge and Which Hedging Plants to Use by Michael Tait

2009-11-09T11:13:00.001-08:00

As with all major landscaping jobs for your garden, planting a hedge is something that you need to take some time in planning. Your first consideration should be about what use you want the hedge to perform. Do you want a hedge for privacy, security, to encourage wildlife, as a backdrop to your flower border, or as a seasonal display of flowers, berries or autumn colours?

You will also have to consider what height you want the hedge to grow as well as the pruning requirements. Finally, take into consideration what soil type you have and the growing conditions of the site you plan to grow the hedge. Once you have made these decisions you will be in a better position to choose the type of hedging plants.

Types of Hedging Plants

There are dozens of types of plants that you can use for your hedge. For an impenetrable hedge to secure around your boundary you can choose common holly which has bright red berries during winter, hedgehog holly which is shade tolerant, or firethorn which has beautiful coloured berries in the autumn and has thick thorny branches that will keep intruders out.

For privacy or screening out noise there are many options. The most popular are cypress, conifer, privet, English yew, western red cedar, or bamboo. If you just want a formal low hedge for decorative purposes then choose a boxus sempervirens. There are many other varieties with decorative leaves, berries, flowers, or seasonal colours that you can use in a variety of locations. Just make sure that you read the indications for the growing conditions.

How to Plant a Hedge

After choosing the location and the type of hedge you are now ready to plant it. There are many nurseries that can supply hedging plants in containers all year round - some are quite large and can create an instant screen when planted.

Of course, planting distances will vary depending on the variety. But generally you will want to dig a trench 2 to 3 feet wide and 1 foot deep. Break up the base of the trench with a fork and incorporate plenty of organic material like compost or leaf mould. If you chose the container plant then loosen the root ball if it is tight and soak the roots if they are dry.

If you bought bare rooted plants then the distance will be closer than container grown plants or conifers. For a denser hedge you can make plant a double staggered row. You need to plant at the same height as the plant was in the soil in the container - you can see the level by the mark on the stem. Then tamp the plant down with your foot to firm it in the soil.

You will want to read the instructions that come with your hedging plant for specific requirements. Pruning will differ widely depending on the variety and staking is usually required for conifers for a year or two. Nutrients and moisture requirements will also differ from variety to variety.

About the Author

Michael enjoys writing articles on the subjects that interest him and has been publishing online for several years now. Not only does he write about gardening, so you can check out one of his websites at http://www.yardmachinepartslist.com/ for details about where to find Yard Machine Parts to keep your yard machine running smoothly.

The Cut Flowers, Tips And Tricks For Them To Resist More by Angheliu Alexandru

2009-11-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

Rose

The roses are charming, but very sophisticated and pretentious flowers too. There are some tricks to prolong the rose’s life:

· It would be good, if it’s any possibility, to be conserved in a cold place, even the fridge, but not near the other products, for a few hours, after bought them.

· Cut the stem at a very sharp angle under the water and than let the water to flow over the stems for 3 minutes.

· Soften the base of the stem into mint oil before put in the vase.

· Add some lemon drops into flower’s water or a little salt.

· Introduce the roses till flower in a tall and full of water vase than leave them in a dark cold place even for 24 hours.

· For bacteria to be destroyed, add a drop of disinfecting substance in flowers water.

· The roses need to stay in tall vases, filled with warm water.

· You have to change the water daily.

Tulip

The tulip’s availability, as a cut flower, is from 8 to 10 days. The tulip doesn’t bear the water privation and the warmth. For a better hydration, you need to cut the white base of the stem under the water and put it in a cold, without draught space, into cold and fresh water. To maintain the water’s freshness and the flower’s natural colors, attach some small branches of Tuia. You can also put a metal coin. To avoid the tulip’s declension, you have to fill the vase with water or to wrap the flower into a paper, because the stem will turn towards the light.

Lily

The punks of the lily have their different opening phase, that the flower lives in water more than 1, maybe 2 weeks. For a long availability, you got to avert the full-blown flower’s stamens, before the pollen will spot the petals, fading them. To prolong the lily’s life, add in the water a spoon of white vinegar (it applies to the gladioluses, anemones too).

Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum is one of the most resistant cut flower and it will decorate your house for a long time, more than 2 weeks. By hybridization, the chrysanthemum has a several numbers of petals, multiple colors, forms and sizes. For the best hydration, you’ll smash or cut the stem at a very sharp angle, eliminate the base leafs of the stem. A bouquet of chrysanthemum flowers has to be disposed in a large vase, so the flowers will not be crowded. You need to change frequently the water in the vase and powder the flowers with water, because the chrysanthemum loves the humidity.

Orchid

The orchids will decorate your place for 1 or 2 weeks, maybe more, if you offer them the best conditions. It’s important for you to know that the orchid, being an exotic flower, prefer a 26 degrees temperature. After gathering, the flowers have to be left in a cold space (10-15 degrees) for a couple of hours. Than put them in capacious vases. To refresh the orchids you’ll cut the stem and than put it in a boiled water, so the flowers will resist more. Keep them away from the draught, smoking or hot vapors (this is also a practice for the anthurium cut flower).

Daffodil

The daffodil cut flowers can resist from 4 to 8 days, if they are carefully attended. Their stems excrete a viscous substance which is speeding up the blight process. Therefore you’ll follow this practice: cut the stem at a very sharp angle 2 inches below the end, than pass it through the fire or leave it for a while in warm water, for the pest substance to be eliminated. You can use a combination of vinegar and salt to clean the daffodil’s vase.

Carnation

The carnation is a very resistant flower and is usually used in the arrangements that have no water supply. Some cultures consider the carnation a funeral flower, maybe for its resistance. It’s important for it to be cut between the stem nodules for the best hydration. The carnations love the fresh water and the sweetmeat, thus put some sugar in the water. You can also add some lemon drops.

Daisy

It’s very alike the chrysanthemum, therefore the scientific name is Chrysanthemum leucantheum. Daisy is a resistant cut flower, though it’s fragility. As the best care, cut the stem till the green part, put it in tall vase, filled just for 3 quarts with water and add a drop of whitening substance.

Anemone

Depend of the type of flower, the anemone will resist between 5 and 8 days, maybe more, if it’s well attended. The stem has to be cut at a sharp angle. This flower prefer the cold water and the cold spaces, that you can get them into the fridge, for 1-2 hours, in a separated compartment, before their placement in water. Just like the anemones, the flowers with a fragile stem (freesia, for example), have to be doused till the flower.

Lily-of-the-valley

This flower will not resist more than 4-5 days since the gather and that so under a good care. You have to put it in fresh and not very cold water as soon as you can.

Crocus

The crocus’s cut flower doesn’t resist much time, just 3-4 days. As a bulb root flower, like the tulip, iris, daffodil etc, it loves the cold water, changed every day. The warm water speeds up the flourish. Is good that the white area from the stem’s base to be cut, because only the green part will absorb the water. You’ll get the crocus in small vases filled at 3 quarter with water.

Iris

Being tall, the iris cut flowers will be disposed in big vases filled a half with water. They love the cold fresh water, so change it ones at 2 days.

Dahlia

The availability of the dahlia is about 6 to 10 days. To maintain fresh the dahlia you have to follow those instructions: introduce the base of the stem in boiled water and keep them there till the water cooling or till the base becomes black; than you’ll cut the boiled side and finally put them into cold water.

Lilac

Though it’s a shrub, lilac is one of the most popular spring flower. To keep them long, you have to avert the leafs and smash the base of the stem, for a better hydration, than introduce it in boiled water. Don’t you forget that the lilac love the warm water and the sunlight. As a trick, you can put a little of sugar in the water.

Peony

The peony will be as fresh as the beginning into the vase from 7 to 10 days. The cut flowers are conserved in a cold place for 24 hours without water and thereafter you’ll cut 1 centimeter from the stem and put them in vases filled of warm water.

Gerbera

The gerberas, as well as the tulip, usually inflect their stem. There are some simple tricks for not to happen: prick the stem just under the flower, to get out the air deterrent the flower hydration or fill of water the empty stem and keep it with the flower turned downward overnight.

Poppy

It’s a not resistant flower. Although it’s a wild flower, the poppy is a fragile one, but loved for its full of passion color. As well as daffodil, the poppy’s stem excretes a pernicious substance that has to be eliminated. You could pass the stem through the fire or leave it in boiled water for 30 seconds, after you cut the stem 2 inches below the end.

Sunflower

This is a long life flower. As a cut flower, it last 6-12 days, but it’s a wonderful dry flower. There is a trick to avoid the blight: add in flower’s water 2% of liquid detergent.

You can also view:
more: http://www.flowersgrowing.com

About The Author
Angheliu Alexandru is a simple florist from Romania.

How to Plant Root Crops and Salad Greens

2009-11-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

How to Plant Root Crops and Salad Greens.

Learn how to plant root crops and salad greens. Learn how to plant radishes, spinach, turnips, beets and carrots.

How to Plant Root Crops and Salad Greens

5 Tips on Flowers in the House by Owen Jones

2009-11-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Every house benefits from having flowers in it. Nowadays, many people feel guilty about having cut flowers in their houses, but if they are from your own garden and you only cut half and leave half for the bees and insects, there is no need for it. So lots more people grow flowers or plants in pots inside instead. I think that rooms look great with a combination of pot plants, which are not always in their flowering season and cut plants, although I only buy cut plants for someone else and only on special occasions We do display cut plants from our garden or, at least, my wife does. Living in the part of Thailand I do, makes that easy enough though as this country is so fertile, warm and wet that anything grows like wildfire. I will pass on our top five tips for caring for plants indoors, after I have shared this quotation:

Doing the flowers

Takes hours.

And when they're done,

They're done.

Still it's fun.

ANON.

The Pencil Test: if you are not sure when to water your indoor pot plant, stick a pencil into the earth along side the plant, taking care not to damage the roots. If the pencil comes out clean, the soil is too dry and needs watering.

A Good Soaking: azaleas have a reputation for being difficult and for flagging. They are not difficult if you do one thing, once a week It will cure flagging too. Azaleas like water, so, once a week, stand the pot in a bucket of water until the bubbles stop rising (my mother leaves the to stand in a sink full of water over night) and then leave to drain. Azaleas love rain too, so you could give them a spraying too. Just watch enjoying it.

Keeping Cyclamen: most people throw out their cyclamen after the New Year, when they start to look a bit worn out. However, this is not necessary. They are awkward to keep, if you don't realize that they like heat and little water. If you give those conditions to them, they will last for years and keep growing in size. The easiest way to do that is to always keep them frost-free after they have finished flowering. When there is no more chance of frost and the weather is picking up, place them under a north wall and leave them to sort themselves out. Don't give any water, only what God gives and no food. In September, bring them back in and start feeding and watering again. They should spring into life and flower again.

Split Level Flowering: you can get a far better and denser display or potted tulips if you put more than one tulip in a pot. That sounds obvious, doesn't it? However, I mean put one bulb (or two) 2 inches from the bottom of the pot; add more earth. Put one or two more; add more earth. Finally, put one or two more and cover as normal. The top ones will come up first and the bottom ones last, but the bottom ones will come up before the top ones die. Remember to feed and water for more than one bulb!

Holding Their Heads High: when you receive or cut a bunch of tulips, immediately push a pin through the stems just below the flower to make a hole and place in water. The tulips will remain fresher and stay upright for longer.

Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on several subjects, but is currently involved with the Plantronics CS50 USB headset system. If you would like to know more or check out great offers, please go to our website at Plantronics CS50 Headset.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Owen_Jones

How to Plant Flowers (The Home Depot)

2009-11-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

Planting flowers

How to Take Care of Your Flowers by Simon Hurley

2009-11-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

Understanding how to take care of flowers is very vital for people who own gardens for flowers. Taking care of your flowers means you can enjoy them for long. Providing the required needs to the garden so as to have the best flowers can vary from flower species and the geographical location where one is. However it is important to note that there are basic things that you should know do about caring of garden flowers.

The first and most important step is to add three to four inch layer of the mulch. This should be done around the flower. This is for providing the much needed moisture and protection against unwanted weeds. Mulch +
will save you a lot of time in watering the flowers daily and removing the unwanted weeds every so often. This is something that many people ignore on their garden flowers. Also make sure that your planting beds are not too narrow.

Using a hoe to remove unwanted weed is also very important. Unwanted weed compete for the same nutrients with the flowers making the flowers less strong and unhealthy. However you should not always use a hoe when the weed is too close to the flowers,hand pulling the weed is the best option to prevent interfering with the rooting system because it may cause the flowers to dry or even uprooting them.

Some flowers needs stakes to be placed behind them. This is for flowers that are top heavy. The stakes should be about 10 inches below the fully grown flower plant. After placing the stakes you need to place a loose soft piece of cloth with a loop around the stake and the flower. This normally serves to help the plant grow upwards. Supplying water is very important especially if there is no adequate supply of rainfall. Use the best and most convenient method of irrigation to you such as drip irrigation or water the flowers using a sprinkler. This prevent the flowers from drying up.

Pinching annual flower plants will encourage more blooms to grow. This should be done early in the season and it also controls the plant height. Pruning off old flowers is very important to create more space for the new flowers. Use pruning shears and this should be done regularly while blooming is taking place. It is also very important to learn and familiarize yourself about the flowers that you are growing. This will help you to make the right choices on the chemicals that you should spray on flowers and the kind of fertilizer to use and the frequency of adding the fertilizer and other chemicals.
The other important thing that you should always pay attention to is you should plant the flowers at the rightful distance apart. If you plant flowers too close chances are that some flowers will be weak and others can dry up. There should be enough space and distance between flowers to enhance nutrients intakes and to have proper access to sunlight for photosynthesis.

About the Author

Simon Hurley is a keen gardener, with an interest in aquatics and particularly koi ponds. Simons Latest website focuses on Lawn and Garden Décor, and has articles covering topics such as: Lawn Statues to read.

Annual Flowers for your Garden from A (Alyssum) to Z (Zinnia) by Larry Truett

2009-10-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

A is for Alyssum, which makes a carpet of tiny blooms in whites, reds, and pinks.

B is for Begonia, which have dainty pink, red, or white flowers.

C is for Celosia, which have velvety red and orange plumes.

D is for Dahlia, which produce huge flowers in purple, red, pink, orange, or yellow.

E is for Everlasting, which annuals are not - they only bloom for one year.

F is for Four O' Clock, or Mirabilis jalapa, which as the name implies will open their blooms mid-afternoon.

G is for Geranium, with the classic red pink or white clusters of petals.

H is for Hollyhock, which has spires of flowers in purples and white, often with a different color in the center.

I is for Impatiens, with the delicate little white, pink, and red flowers that are some of the first to bloom in spring.

J is for Just, as in I'm going to just skip the letter J.

K is for Kale, which can have bright white or red leaves to brighten the garden all season.

L is for Lobelia, with their tiny and prolific cascading blue flowers.

M is for Marigold, with the brilliant yellow or orange flowers that are said to deter pests from the garden.

N is for Nasturtium, which are lovely vines with orange or red flowers that are both beautiful and edible.

O is for Osteospermum, an unusual daisy like flower that blooms in a rainbow of colors.

P is for Petunia, an old garden favorite with droopy petals in reds, pinks, whites, and even striped.

Q is for Quandry, as Q usually is for these lists.

R is for Rudbeckia, with bright yellow or orange daisy-like flowers.

S is for Snapdragons, the cheerful stalks of blooms that if you squeeze just right will look like they are snapping.

T is for Thunbergia, which has red or pink flowers with a distinctive dark "eye".

U is for Underground, which is where you plant most seeds.

V is for Viola, with delicate purple and yellow flowers which are often the very first annuals to bloom in spring.

W is for Water, as most annual flowers will need regular watering to look their best.

X is for Xeranthemum, an unusual flower in bright pink or white.

Y is for You, as in you should try some annual flowers in your garden.

Z is for Zinnia, with the dependable big blooms in red, pink, yellow, or white.

See more resources for buying and growing Annual Flower Seeds with listings of local garden centers and specialty mail order nurseries at http://www.GardeningWithLarry.com.

About the Author

I'm a freelance computer programmer living in San Diego California with my wife and our 3 cats. I enjoy hiking, gardening, reading, watching too much TV, and other nerdy stuff. I run a few websites including http://www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com, http://www.GardeningWithLarry.com, and http://www.VeganUSofA.com.

How to divide Perennial plants

2009-10-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

How to Divide Perennial Plants

Planting a Cutting Garden by Organic Gardener

2009-10-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

If you feel guilty when you cut flowers in your garden, worrying that you're destroying nature or leaving gaps in your flowerbeds, it may be time for you to plant a cutting garden, says the American Association of Nurserymen (AAN). A cutting garden is designed to provide flowers for indoor arrangements, and it will give you a new perspective on removing flowers from your garden.

Choosing the Right Flowers and Plants
As with any garden, the first step in planning your cutting garden is to select plants that grow well in your part of the country. Ask the experts at your local garden center for their suggestions, and keep in mind your soil conditions, the amount of sun or shade your garden receives and how much it rains.

Selecting a Color Scheme
After you've decided which plants will thrive at your site, choose a color scheme, whether bright and vivid primary colors, soft and muted pastel shades or dusty earth tones. Since the purpose of a cutting garden is to grow flowers to use indoors, think about how flowers of certain colors will look when you place them in main rooms of your house.

Finally, plant flowers and plants in such a way that no one will notice that you frequently forage for new material for your indoor bouquets. One way to achieve a continuously balanced look in your cutting garden is to group your plantings by color, so that when you clip several blue flowers one day and several yellow flowers another, the overall appearance of the garden is still one of continuity and growth.

You can also fill in around your flowers with shrubs and larger, bushy plants that can easily spare a few leaves or berries, as well as plant a mix of perennials, annuals and bulbs so your garden will bloom all year 'round.

About the Author

I am a gardener who enjoys growing vegetables, herbs and flowers. I believe in using organic methods and products when gardening.

Fragrant Orchids

2009-10-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

Fragrant orchids are a pleasure to raise for their sweet perfume and exotic appearance. There are certain species of orchids that are more fragrant than others.

Fragrant Orchids - The Science of Fragrance Orchids have evolved into particular shapes, colors and smells to attract pollinators, so they may reproduce. Some orchids attract only a few very specific pollinators, so they have fragrance when these pollinators are the most active, either by day or by night.

Orchid fragrance is an oily substance found in glands called osmopheres on the outside edges of the orchid's roots, leaves and flowers. This oily fragrant substance will change into vapor form, enabling the plant to smell. Not all orchid fragrances can be sensed by humans. These specific fragrances are what primarily attract the insects that pollinate the orchid.

The orchid flower's fragrance is produced at a time daily when the pollinators are the most active, so the fragrance can have maximum effect. For instance, some orchids, namely the Phalenophilus, are fragrant only at night, and are white or other very light colors because they are pollinated by moths.

It is believed that over half of all orchids are pollinated during the day by bees and wasps. The orchid flowers have scents like narcissus, lilly of the valley and sweet peas. The colors of the flowers tend to be bright blue, yellow, purple or green.

Fragrant Orchids - The Orchids That Have Delightful Aromas What follows is a list of some of the most fragrant orchids. It is not comprehensive, but lists a few types of orchids that have noticeable aromas. Ada glumacea - strong fruity aroma
Rhyncholaelia digbyana - citrus-like scent
Brassavola cucullata - sweet smelling aroma
Angraecum Longiscott Hihimanu - sweet aroma at night
Zygopetalum B.G. White Stonehurst - intense sweet aroma
Maxillaria tenuifolia - smells like coconut
Den. Delicatum Brechts - smells like wintergreen
Epidendrums Veitchii - mild rose-like aroma
Cattleyas have a strong sweet aroma
Oncidium Sharry Baby - smells of chocolate
Oncidium ornithorynchum - very sweet smell
Rhyncholaelia glauca - strong aroma at night
Cymbidium Golden Elf Sundust - smells of sweet bath powder
Cymbidium tracyanum - peaches
Epidendrum parkinsonianumm - aroma of cloves at night
Epidendrum L. purpurata - licorice

Anna M. Hartman

About the Author

Fragrant orchids are a pleasure to raise for their sweet perfume and exotic appearance. Learn about giving the proper care to your fragrant orchids by reading the Orchid Care Expert, you will find the process greatly simplified. Please visit us at Fragrant Orchids to learn about fragrant orchids.

Tips-for-Planting-Annuals-in-Your-Garden

2009-10-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

Tips for Planting Annuals in Your Garden

The 3 Important Herb Garden Plants Tips by Gack Grant

2009-10-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Like other types of plants, herb garden plants come in different forms. There are different varieties of herbs. If you are planning to have one type of herb garden plant, you should know how to care for it and how to use it properly. To better understand different types of herb garden plants and their uses, you should continue reading this article.

Basil, cilantro, and summer savory which are known to be annuals will not survive a frost. They have to be planted from a seed or from a small plant every year. On the other hand, sage and winter savory which are known to be perennials survive in cold temperatures and comes back every after a year. Herb garden plants which are biennial form leaves in their first growing season and flowers and seed in the second season, then die. Some examples of biennial herb plants are parsley, angelica, and caraway. These should sown in late spring directly into the garden. The preparation of soil is important. It should be worked into a fine texture and should be slightly wet. Seeds should be planted in shallow rows then firm the soil on top of them. You can plant fine seeds in a mixture of sand which will allow the seeds to spread more evenly. Covering the bed with wet burlap or paper is possible in order to keep the soil moist during germination.

Herb garden plants are categorized according to their uses. Culinary herbs are considered the most useful to herb gardeners. They are mainly use in cooking variety of foods. They add flavors to different kinds of food because of their strong taste. Some examples of these are chives, thyme, basil, sage, savory, and marjoram. Parsley is the most commonly used garnish. Aromatic herbs are those extracted to get their oils and are used in different perfumes, toilet water, and other various scents because they pleasant smell. Some of them are loyage, mint, and rosemary. Aside from that, some of the parts of the aromatic herb can also be used to scent different linens and clothing in the house. Others are dried to make potpourri which retains its scent for a long period of time. Lavender and lemon verbenas are the most commonly used in making potpourri. There are also herbs used in medical purposes for it is believed long time ago that they have the ability to cure the body. Even if the use of herb plants is now accepted in the field of medicine, we should still be cautious with their proper use because of them maybe poisonous when eaten.

Herbs are also used as decorations to add beauty in the house. The most commonly used flowers are valerian for their crimson light colored flowers and borage and chicory for their elegant blue flowers.

It is true that herb plants have lots of categories but there are still some plants which can be used in multiple purposes. One is the mint which can be used for cooking, tea, and pest control. After reading the whole article, I hoped this helped you choose the proper herb plant suited for you.

About the Author

Before you continue your garden research online, make sure you check Jack Grants' excellent free tips on Herb Garden Plants, and sign up for free home garden solution newsletter. Click here.

All Tulips Look Alike...or Do They?

2008-04-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those people who have a preconceived idea that all tulips look alike? Do you have the usual stereotyped picture of a tulip in your mind? You know the ones. Like the tulip pictures kids draw in school where the tulips all have a rounded bottom and three or four spikes at the top as the flower.

Well, believe it or not, there are several different flower types that sit atop a tulip stem. There can be shiny petals forming a bell-shaped, bowl-shaped or starry flower on top of each leafless stalk of a tulip.

Those tulips you pictured in your mind can be readily seen in the Lily-Flowered Tulips. Most often these are single flowers with long pointed petals that reflex at their tips. You might also see some similarity in the stereotyped idea of tulips in those small cup shaped flowers of the Single Early Tulips or the Triumph Tulips which have single flowers that are conical at first and then rounded. The similarities might even be seen in the Single Late Tulips, Rembrandt, Darwinian or Cottage Tulips.

So then, let's ask again, do all tulips look alike? Well, actually, no. True, there are many that fit the stereotype however, there are also those tulips that actually do look different.
There are the Double Early or Double Late Tulips with their long-lasting cup-shaped blooms chock full of flowers. Often referred to as being peony-like, some of these tulips may suffer from being too heavy for their stems.

There are also the Botanical Tulips with a wide range of flower shapes. Varieties and hybrids in which all or some of the original tulip features are present and some of the flowers open into colorful star-like blooms, also.

Then there are the Fringed Tulips. Single flowers with petals which are finely fringed at the edges, these showy blooms make for a beautiful focal point in any garden area.

Let's remember the Parrots, too, with their deeply frilled and wavy petals. These very large single flowers are the most spectacular of all Tulips. Quite eye-catching in the garden, these flamboyant blooms give an almost exotic appearance.

Yes, it's true, there are a lot of tulips that do look alike; however, there are just as many tulips with a very distinct look all their own.

About the Author
Robin, a gardening enthusiast, published and manages a website for people wanting to get their flower garden set up quickly 'n easily. You can check out some easy care plants on her site at Gardening Quick 'n Easy.

Gerbera daisy

2008-04-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

There are about thirty different types of gerbera daises. You'll find that there are traditionally found in South America, Asia, Madagascar, and Africa. There are also other types of daisies, such as the Transvaal daisy or Barberton daisy. You'll want to keep in mind that the gerbera is brightly colored. You'll find that they come in a wide range of yellows, oranges, whites, pinks, or reds.

It is one flower; however, it is composed of hundreds of little flowers. It happens to be a very nice daisy to grow. First, you get to see the wonderful colors, but you are also able to grow something simple and carefree.

You don't have to waste a lot of time on growing daisies, however, you'll want to consider having a garden filled with daisies, because it's the only way that you'll be able to still keep it simple, classy, and easy. You'll also find that there are ways that you can mix and match the different types of daisies. This way you are able to get the best of both worlds.

Gerbera daisies are very popular and they are also widely used for decorative potting gardens, borders, and just accents to gardens. You will find that you can cut them and bring them into your home. When you bring these flowers into the house you'll be able to add some color to any room, but still be able to keep it traditional and simple.

These flowers are very unique because they have black centers. You'll find that they also can have several different colors when it comes to the petals. The petals can range in different hues to completely different colors. You'll find that this flower is one of the most used flowers when it comes to arrangements. You'll find that it comes fifth to the rose, carnation, tulip, and chrysanthemum.

If you are thinking about getting some seeds and planting these flowers you'll find that they can be very nice. You'll also be able to get these flowers as plants and be able to skip the seedling stage. If you would like you could always go to the local greenhouse and pick up some seeds, but then go home and grow them into seedling plants. This is a great way to become more evolved in the process.

Gerbera daisies are very different then the traditional daisy. First, you'll find that this daisy is much bigger. You'll also find that this daisy comes in only bright colors. Finally, you'll notice that the centers are black (usually). This is one of the best flowers to put into your garden because it is so simple to take care of, but also they make a lovely garden.

About the Author
Cheryl is a freelance garden writer. Find more articles by Cheryl at http://www.backyardliving.com

Caring For Climbing Rose Bushes Couldn't Be Easier

2008-01-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

Caring for climbing rose plants is incredibly easy. Although growing traditional roses does take skill and special care, climbing roses are a bit easier for the beginning gardener to handle which makes them a great place to start. One of the joys of including roses in your garden is undoubtedly the fragrance they provide as well as the beautiful flowers. Who wouldn't love going outside and basking in the beauty and fragrance of a luscious rose-filled garden?

Besides adding beauty, the climbing variety in particular can also solve some of your home improvement projects. For example, does your view at home include the plain, ugly wall of a building - maybe a garage or utility shed? Or maybe you have a fence that, while still functional, has seen better days.

Due to the fact that rose vines grow up rather than out, they are the perfect solution to many of these landscaping eye-sores. Although there are many types of plants that can grow with climbing vines, roses are perhaps the most beautiful flower to be had. Why not go for the best and solve your problem with style?

Climbing roses are not difficult to grow. In fact, they can be downright simple - just make sure they will have plentiful sunshine, nutrient-dense soil and of course, a place to climb such as a trellis or fence. The best part of all for gardeners who are impatient is that these vines will grow quickly.

In order for your vine-filled trellis or fence to look its best, take care to perform the occasional pruning. Shaping your rose vines is not difficult, but you'll need to make sure they are properly trained to grow to the structure you've attached them to. You'll experience the most enjoyment from your flowers when you take these simple steps to ensure proper growth.

It should be noted that climbing roses are not the same as the variety you cut and use in bouquets. They are meant to be enjoyed in their natural, on-the-vine state. Keep that in mind when choosing the best location for your plants - you want to get as much enjoyment from them as possible.

One of the best things about roses is the variety available to choose from. The colors, sizes and types are nearly unlimited.

A favorite for those who hate rose thorns is the Zephirine Drouhin rose. Although not completely thorn-free, this purplish flower has almost thornless stems. With a sweet fragrance and beautiful bloom, this rose is sure to make an impression.

If you want to have a colorful and fragrant garden, consider adding one or more climbing rose bushes to the layout. And the beauty of it is, because these plants are so easy to manage, your friends and neighbors will think you have the greenest thumb on the block.

About the Author
Visit GreenThumbCorner.com at http://www.GreenThumbCorner.com for more information about climbing roses and other lawn and garden needs.

Winter Gardening

2008-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

Just because the garden is asleep doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do for winter gardeners. Winter gardening takes advantage of little or no plant growth at this time of year to force us to concentrate on admittedly less attractive, but equally important tasks. There are many things you can do this time of year to make sure that your winter garden turns into the spring garden of your dreams.

*If the cold permits, use the winter in the garden to work on structure and hardscaping. This is a great time to plan or build arbors, built in seating, edging and paths. Winter allows you to see the bones of the garden to help you visualize where it needs some hardscaping. Perhaps your paths need to be redirected, or you see a spot that could use a trellis and some height. Take advantage of the bare winter garden to provide your plants with a background and structure.

*Use this time to redesign your flower beds. If you haven't already created a garden notebook, now is a good time to start. Draw a diagram of each part of your garden, and mark the spot of the flowers, shrubs and bulbs. You may have to add items as spring approaches, and up pops that plant you had forgotten about! Get a basic layout of your garden, and consider what worked last year, and what didn't. Note blank spots in the garden, and use paper templates to try new combinations of flowers within your beds. Color your paper templates to help you visualize the effect on the garden. Make a separate page for each plant you have in your garden, and note as much information as you can about it.

*This is the time to browse those garden seed catalogs! Don't wait until spring, by then it will be too late to grow from seed for this season for most plants. Consider ordering some new varieties of old garden favorites such as sunflowers, coneflower and foxglove.

*If you want to plant vegetables this year, now is the time to prepare your beds. Till or spade under your chosen vegetable plot, then add organic matter and fertilizer and till in. Allow to sit several weeks to settle, until proper plating time for your area. This will prevent any hot spots in the garden from your organic matter and fertilizer, and allow the soil to settle to prevent drying out of the roots.

*Start some seeds indoors to have plants ready to put out in the garden after last frost. Now is the time to grow those plants from seed you can't find at the nursery. Your indoor seed growing station can be as complicated as a deluxe indoor greenhouse with lights, or as simple as a re-used egg carton on a windowsill. Some easy plants to grow indoors from seed include most sun loving annuals and such perennials as Shasta Daisy, Black Eyed Susan, Coneflower, Coreopsis and many ornamental grasses. Growing perennials from seed can save you hundreds of dollars, as the average 4 inch pot perennial sells for $3-$6, and a packet of seeds that might produce 100 plants averages $2.

*Finally, go over all your tools and supplies, and find out what needs repair, attention or replacement. The last thing you want is for that first spring day to arrive and you rush out to pop those first seeds in the ground, only to find your gloves need to be replaced or your spade handle is breaking!

Just because the weather is cold doesn't mean gardeners must sleep! Use the time wisely, and you will be rewarded with plenty of time to enjoy those spring bulbs and fragrant flowers in just a short time!

About the Author
Want free gardening tips and ideas? Kathy Wilson is a home and garden writer, author and consultant and is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com. Visit her for more home and garden ideas at http://www.TheGardenGlove.com and http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com .

The Characteristics One Should Look For When Identifying Quality Flower Seeds

2008-01-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

Anyone who takes a great interest in gardening should be aware of how important healthy flower seeds are for growing nice plants. Taking flowers through all the evolution stages from seed to blossom requires a lot of care, not to mention that harmonious development highly depends on the pre-plantation stages. There are a few things you should check in order to get an idea over the flower seeds you intend to use. Many gardeners consider that nothing compares with the flower seeds that you spare and preserve yourself; yet, if you do so, it is a must that you take all the measures necessary to prevent mold formation or any degradation caused by excessive humidity or dryness.

First of all, only those flower seeds that are absolutely perfect from a genetic point of view should be preserved: how can you tell the difference? The best way is to use some magnifying lenses and have a close look at the seeds so as to be able to spot minor defects. Unhealthy flower seeds are not likely to give life to strong and beautiful plants, whereas seeds that have the proper consistency and size are the most looked for. You can consult some gardening books and learn some tricks about how to preserve flower seeds well.

There are advantages and disadvantages about the flower seeds you can purchase directly from special stores or simply order online. Here we mainly refer to how old the flower seeds are, and what sort of chemical treatments they may have been exposed to so as to prevent decay. Quality flower seeds should have the same color even when dry, and you can tell the age of a seed by merely analyzing its color. The less intense the color, the older the seed. However, in order to be able to do that at home, your eyes must be familiar with the look of a healthy dry seed.

Furthermore, don't buy only the cheapest flower seeds you can find; you may save a few bucks, but you don't have the same quality warranty as when purchasing the seeds from a trustworthy and famous company. Always check the label of the product to find out whether the flower seeds have been exposed to any form of chemical treatment or not; usually, manufacturers must inscribe the preservation process on the package, and without such information, the quality of the seeds is not reliable.

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Flowers for Years. For More Information on Flower Pots, Visit His Site at FLOWER SEEDS

About the author

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Flowers for Years. For More Information on Flower Pots, Visit His Site at FLOWER SEEDS

The Differents Between True Lilies And Borrowed Lilies

2008-01-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

Lilies generally start to bloom in late spring/early summer when the nights are cool and when the days are getting longer and warmer. Lilies are commonly split into two main groups: asiatics and orientals

Asiatic lilies are the first to bloom in may or june and they are very colorful with bright drastic colors: red, yellow, orange, purple, etc. these lilies are somewhat shorter than the orientals, e.g. three to four feet vs five to six feet. But usually they have no scent. They multiply readily. It is not uncommon to buy one asiatic lily one year and have four to six blooming lilies a few years later.

The Orientals bloom later in july or september. The flowers are usually larger, have greater texture, and can be extremely fragrant. The colors are more suttle and the texture of the petals tend to be more delicate. e.g. compare a strawberry milkshake, oriental, to a strawberry popcicle ,asiatic, for example. Orientals generally do not propagate as easily and readily as asiatics.

Many people believe that orientals are unsurpassed in beauty. Regal, tall, taking their time to flower, but the show is well worth it. Very large, textured flowers with unmistakable fragrance. Others love the screaming bright - in your face - colors of the asiatic lilies in spring when the the summer garden is still to develop.

There are of course exceptions. You can have asiatics which bloom very late, you have orientals which are not fragrant and which flower very early. There are also species lilies and very particular types of lilies which fall outside the two main groups. One example are the pumilum lilies which are high with a very high number of flowers pointing towards the ground, normally asiatics are upfacing and orientals are up or side facing. Minitaure, pixie, versions of orientals and asiatics also exists.

Tiger lilies are similar to asiatics except they are spotted and can carry lily virus inside them without showing it, like a trojan horse. The two main groups: asiatics and orientals are well established and best known. There is a lot of plants which borrow the lily name. Lilies, orientals, asiatics, pumilum, tiger, etc, are all of the genus "Lilium". Other plants may be known as 'lilies' but really they are not 'true lilies'.

Here are some for examples: Daylilies heremocalis, Calla lilies callas, Canna lilies cannas, Toad lily tricyrtis, Plantain lily hosta, Sword lily gladiolous etc. You may say that they are all 'lily wanna-bees'. A lot of people believe daylilies, canna lilies and calla lilies are part of the lily group. They are fundamentally different.

Stargazer lilies can grow in most of usa without problems and the climate in Massachusetts is not adverse to these. Holes in leaves are likely slugs who loves lilies. You can purchase slug bait from garden centers. Apply in very early spring as the lilies poke their head above ground, and then repeat about every three to four weeks, as long as the lilies are small.

As they grow taller you can stop applying snail bait. I still do it up until mid summer because it is amazing how high the snails can travel on the lilies and because we have other plants which also are attacked.

Lilies tend to get thin and spindly if allowed to grow in too dense shade. If shade is the problem, moving them to a a position with better sun should rectify in the problem. The problem can also be one of care. Lilies are pretty easy to care for, but you need to know the basics. Lilies which you want to come back should be fertilized two to three times during the growing period, in early spring as they poke their heads above ground, just before flowering and finally you can broadcast fertilizer over the ground in early fall.

After the lily has bloomed and the petals start to fall off, deadhead the flower. This is done by cutting the small stalk off which holds the flower to the main flower stem. Sometimes, small green puffy seed pods develop where the flower used to be. These should also be removed to preserve energy in the bulbs and avoid the lily spending energy on setting seeds.

Otherwise, leave the main flower stem alone. Many people mistakenly cut the flower stem back to the ground after flowering which removes the potential for the lily bulb to recharge for the following year. The lily needs the flower stem with it's green leaves to conduct photosynthesis, e.g. to recharge the bulb for next year's bloom.

A topdressing around the base of the plant every year with a good quality compost is also recommended. Fertilize two to three times per year. Deadhead spent flowers by removing the dead flowers plus seed pods. Do not restrict foliage, but allow the lily to grow until it turns brown on it's own in fall. If planted in too deep shade, move to a place with more sun. Apply a good layer of compost around the base of the lily in spring and fall, if possible.. optional. This would depend on you and what you think would be best for your lily.

About the author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.SendFlowers4.info/. SendFlowers4.info is a great place to shop for flowers, gift baskets, and plants when you are looking for a special gift. Start here to search by "Special Occasion": http://www.SendFlowers4.info/category/occasions.html.

Gardenias And Their Care

2008-01-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of people out there that have no luck with growing gardenias but then there are still those few that have very good luck with growing gardenias. Sounds to me like you have some magic powers when it comes to growing plants. At least when it comes to plants that no one else can grow. Let's first agree that although these Gardenia flowers sparkle like moondust with their pure white petals, although they send off a thick unforgettable fragrance so enchanting it goes right into perfume, growing them is pure science.

When growers cultivate these, they must know what makes them grow and what makes them flower, because those are the Gardenias that will fly off the shelves. You can use what they know to become a better Gardenia Gardener.

There is a report that some scientists put out on the study of gardenia plants it is called, "Flower Initiaition and development in gardenia plants as affected by photoperiod and night temperature." What scientists E. P. Makridou and A. S. Economou did was expose Gardenias just like yours to different daylengths: eight, 12 and sixteen hour days, for four weeks. Then they took all the Gardenias and exposed them to sixteen hours of daylight for four more weeks. Which Gardenias do you suppose had the most flowers?

The ones that began with eight hours of light, the ones with 12 hours of light Or the ones with 1sixteen hours of light? Turns out that the Gardenias that had the shorter days, and then switched to longer days, had the most flowers of all. The researchers concluded that 'short photoperiods promote flower bud initiation in Gardenia plants. But that's not all! They did another experiment.

This time, they exposed all their Gardenias to eight-hour days for four weeks and then split them up into three groups. These pots were now grown under different day lenghts eight, 12 and sixteen hours long. Guess the results for this experiment. Did changes in day length affect flowering? Answer: The ones that had long days for a full eight weeks and the days that were sixteen hours long flowered quickest. Then they did another test!

They wanted to know if night temperatures would have any effect on Gardenias. So they grew them all with eight hours of daylight and set the thermostat at 75 degrees F. When the lights went out, they lowered the temperature to while the night temperatures were kept at 55, 65 and 75 degrees F.

They did this for four weeks. Then they changed the night temperature. All Gardenias were now spending their nights in a 65-degree F room. They did this for four weeks. And they tried several other combinations of temperatures as well, all with the same eight hour day length.

Results: Gardenias flowered earliest when exposed to days and nights of 75 degrees F. All the Gardenias flowered. There was no other effect observed on the number of flowers. So if you want to use this research, you would want to give your Gardenia only eight hours of daylight for four weeks. Then you would make the day longer. You would give it sixteen hours of daylight. This Gardenia would have constant temperatures of 75 degrees F the whole time. And you would have Gardenias coming out of your ears.

If you put your Gardenia outside, you know it's going to get Aphids. But this is not a problem! Because you are going to run down to the Garden Center and pick up a nice big container of Ladybugs. Spray them with Sprite before you put them down. That will keep them from flying away. Sprinkle them around your Gardenia, in the middle of your Garden. If you have Roses, you can put them in the same area, and the Ladybugs will run around your garden hunting for Aphids, Mealybugs, Beetle larvae, ants, all kinds of insects you never knew you had.

No fuss, no muss. And you can get up close and personal with your Gardenia, you can eat your Gardenia, and there will be nothing poisonous there to make you sick. I love that most of all. If you keep your Gardenia potted, it will most certainly dry out very quickly. Growing one of these is not like growing them indoors. The great outdoors is full of surprises, and these Gardenias do not take dry soil kindly. Watch it very carefully if you do that. I do believe however the fresh air is good for everyone after a winter indoors.

They'll study that someday, but for now, it's my personal theory. Remember that humidity is always important for these plants, that a low pH is their comfort zone, and that when moving anything to a full sun exposure you should do it gradually to give leaves time to adjust their chlorophyll. If not then as I have said go to your local nursery and talk to them about your gardenia or you can go on the internet and do a search for gardenia and see what you come up with.

About the author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.SendFlowersGift.info/. SendFlowersGift.info offers same day flower delivery within the US and Canada, as well as fast worldwide delivery to international destinations. Start here to search by "Occasion":

Miniature Roses And How To Care For Them

2008-01-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

Most of the mini roses you buy in the store are Florist roses, there is no guarantee that they will live for very long. I have seen exceptions. I have tried growing roses in a sunny windowsill - it must get at least 4 hours of sun a day, and you would have to water it at least one to two times per week. I would also take it outside and spray it with a fungicide/pesticide once a week, even indoors they can get bugs somehow and develop powdery mildew. Or, you can grow it outside, if you live in a temperate zone, in part-shade, again checking about every day for dryness.

I think mini-roses do better outside in part shade with about four to six hours of sun a day, then they would do inside in a sunny windowsill, but as I have said it is up to you. Usually mini-roses are grown on their own roots, so in a deep freeze, even if the top growth died, they could still grow back from the roots in the springtime. You can protect them from deep freezes by covering with a plastic tarp or a cold frame, do an internet search to find good deals on cold frames or mini/small greenhouses.

If you decide to buy more mini roses, you might try some designed for garden use, like End of the Rainbow, Rise N' Shine or Green Ice. Some other hardy varieties are: Antique Rose, Millie Walters, and Magic Carrousel which you could purchase from most Nursery. Jeanne La Joie is a miniature climber, and it grew to about 10 ft. tall. But, this is the exception, not the rule.

Most mini's don't grow that much larger in the ground than they do in the pot, at most maybe twice the width and a few inches taller. Some stay the same size. Again, it depends on the type of mini. You can do a search on the Help me find roses website. If not you can go to your local nursery and talk to them about getting roses.

Miniature Roses, also called Dwarf Roses, can be charming little plants with tiny leaves and flowers that are much smaller than Hybrid Teas. They vary in size. Some are only six inches tall when full grown. Some grow as large as 18 inches. They can be used as border plants, or as edgings because of their small size.

Possible red-flowered hybrids include Baby Masquerade, Beauty Secret, Dwarf King, Little Artist, Magic Carrousel, Midget, Red Cascade, Red Imp, Red Gilardi, Scarlet Gem, Starina and Tom Thumb - just for starters. But that's not important.

First things first. When a flower is finished blooming, when it no longer looks like a flower you would want to cut and put in a a vase in the kitchen, cut it off with a scissors. Don't let it turn brown, and then go to seed. Remove it. You can try planting it in the ground, the sunniest space in the yard is best. Roses need huge amounts of sun.

I highly recommend "Roses for Dummies." There are several pages specifically about Miniature Roses. You will find it informative and a very good introduction to a field that can be a little overwhelming to a newcomer. Pay extra special attention to your planted minirose in the autumn. There is a good chance it is not strong enough to survive our Zone 7 winters, even with Global Warming. Mulch carefully or cover with Burlap to keep it protected. If you don't want to buy a book then go to a nursey or to someone that loves to garden, friends or a family member.

I know they call them indoor mini roses, but they really are happier outside. A mini rose is no different than a garden rose and likes the same things. The atmosphere in a home is too dry for these small roses and it not only dries them out but also incourages spider mites which love a place that is dry and warm. The first thig to do is cut the rose back so that all the dry tips are cut off. Put the pot in a plastic bag, tie it tight at the base of the rose and then place it under a warm spray in the sink. Make sure that all the rose is soaking wet as spider mites hate water. Do this daily for three days.

Repot the mini into a larger pot using packaged soil so you know there will be no insects in it. Put a tespoon of some slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote 14-14-14 and that will give the plant a small amount of nutrients every time you water it. Place the mini in full sun and every day sprtiz it with water. Make sure the rose never dries out but don't get it soaking wet, just damp to the touch. The leaves may still drop for a couple of days, but they will come back nice and green and the plant will bloom for you. Putting the rose outside where it only gets morning and late afternoon sun also makes it healthier.

About the author

How to Care for Orchids

2008-01-02T08:06:00.001-08:00

Growing orchids is a very challenging task, they usually grow in the wild and you have to copy the environment from where they usually bloom and grow. To be able to grow beautiful orchids is a very rewarding experience and like any other houseplants, you can successfully grow beautiful orchids if you know how to care for orchids.

Orchids are very beautiful flowers with thousands of different species and they need special care and set-up to grow. Here are some helpful tips on how to care for orchids.

Proper light. One very important factor in the proper care for orchids is the light requirement of this plant. Watching the leaves of your orchids will help you determine if the plant is getting too much or little light. If the leaves become reddish or yellowish it means that your plant is getting too much light and you need to move the plant to more shade. If the leaves turn into dark green, then you need to move it to more light. A correct light will produce a light grass green leaves.

Watering. Of course like other plants, knowing how to care for your orchids includes correct watering. It is best to use rainwater than chemically treated water like tap water. There are a lot of factors to be considered in watering your orchids. One factor is the climatic conditions; you need to water more in the summer or when the weather is warm and less in the winter. The size of the pot is also another consideration when watering your orchid, small pots need frequent watering since it dry out faster than large pots. Correct watering will result in good, firm and healthy roots and over watered orchids will result in unhealthy and brown dead roots. Over watering is not a proper way to care for orchids; it will drown the roots and will easily kill your orchids. Orchids can stand being dryer than being over watered or moist.

Orchids need air. Proper care for orchids includes providing the needed air for their growth. Remember that in their natural habitat, orchids usually grow anchored in a tree with little or no soil and a lot of fresh air. Orchids can be planted on containers purposely designed to allow air circulation on their roots. Hanging baskets with coconut fiber is also another option that will allow air circulation on their roots. Air is very important in growing beautiful orchids.

Growing beautiful orchids is not as difficult as you think it is if you know the proper techniques on how to care for orchids. Do you want to learn how to care for and grow amazing orchids using easy to follow step-by-step techniques? Visit Orchid Care Expert

To know more about growing orchids visit Orchid Care Guide

About the author

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Care for Orchids. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that authorâ€™s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

Daisy Colorful Flowers

2008-01-02T08:05:00.001-08:00

The most common daisy is the "Shasta Daisy", Chrysanthemum maximum which is a perennial. Sometimes, people buy a daisy which are described as Giant Daisy. It is a perennial, but it requires dry conditions in winter, or they may die. Wetness will kill it in the winter, not the cold.

You can plant it in containers, but then they are usually treated as annuals. If you store the container dry and cool for the winter, only watering the container when it is frost free, and the soil is throughly dry, you can overwinter the plants in an unheated garage, tool shed etc. If the planters are large, you can leave them outdoors. Remember to use a good container planting mix which drains well. Avoid clayish garden soil.

Daisies must be deadheaded and like full sun. Fertilize regularily through the summer. Although they like well draining soil, and prefers to stay on the dry side in winter, they should never be allowed to dry out in summer. Water regularily, and deeply, so that the soil is consistently moist. It helps to mulch the plant in summer to preserve moisture.

Gerberas belong to a genus of about 40 species of hairy perennialsfrom grassland in temperate and mountainous regions of Africa, Madagascar, Asia and Indonesia. They are half hardy to frost tender. The ones we mostly know are Gerbera jamesonii ,Barberton Daisy/Transvaal Daisy. Within this 'group' there are various cultivars e.g.

Californian Giants' which have single flowers in shades of yellow, apricot, orange, red, pink and the 'Pandora' series to name but two. These are the ones you find either as a cut flower or pot plant with their vibrant colours. They are a beautiful flower but have got a mind of their own when used in arrangements, where they tend to bend and twist, adding their own special magic to your display.

Gerbera, comes in a single stem, with no leaves and comes in wonderful colours from white, yellow, orange, red, through to shocking pink and magenta. They are a lovely vibrant flower which look stunning on their own in a vase with maybe a little bear grass. I would imagine that any florist relay organisation such as Interflora would be able to source these for you. I would be very surprised if they didn't.

Did you transplant them to a different container after you brought them home? If so, they are probably exhibiting signs of transplant shock which is very understandable with the huge blooms of a Gerbera Daisy. You should probably go ahead and cut off the oldest blooms so that the plant can start producing new blooms. Gerbera Daisies have such large brilliant colored flowers that it takes a little time to produce more.You can tell which are the oldest blooms just by noting the ones that are drooping the worst and the color of the bloom is usually a more faded shade of color than the newer ones.

Since you already used a fertilizer,wait a bit after cutting the old blooms, about one week Then get some Miracle Gro Bloom Buster, or any brand is fine as long as it is for blooms only. Annuals need a boost every now and then throughout the growing season. Mostly they just need a bit of patience and if you ignore them for awhile, they will usually surprise you and perk right up without any help at all.

But especially the Gerbera Daisy will have to be "deadheaded", old blooms removed, every now and then to produce maximum blooms. If you do experience weird weather changes, which is common in spring, and the temperature dips below 40 degrees, bring them in or cover them up.

Several weeks ago I planted Gerber Daisies in potted planters. They looked great for about a week but now they are drooping and sagging. I water every couple of days, however, they are only getting morning/early afternoon sun on my porch, so the soil doesn't really dry out that much. I added fertilizer to the potting soil mix when I planted them.

I have had to learn not to buy Gerber Daisies, for the reasons you mentioned. They do not hold up well. The nursery people have figured out how to get them to bloom beautifully in their greenhouses, and they look great in the stores, but when you get them home they fall apart. I understand they do like a somewhat dry soil, but not too dry. Probably shouldn't have fertilized them, since they probably already had fertilizer in the pot. They need "full" sun. They need some protection from the elements.

As pretty as they are, my recommendation is, pass them by in the store and find something less fussy to deal with. If you don't have a greenhouse that you can keep to a tempture that most of your plants like then as I have said just pass them right by in the store.

About the author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.SendFlowersGift.info/. SendFlowersGift.info offers same day flower delivery within the US and Canada, as well as fast worldwide delivery to international destinations. Start here to search by "Occasion":

Orchids Will Bloom Again

2008-01-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

How long does it take for an orchid plant to rebloom? The answer is: it depends. I'm not trying to avoid your question, just being truthful. The truth of the matter of when an orchid will bloom again depends upon what kind of orchid it is. Most orchids will produce blooms once a year but there are some which are capable of producing blooms several time a year if the growing conditions are just right, if not quite right they should still bloom once a year. Since your orchid was in bloom last Christmas, my guess is that it should do so at that time again.

Since it is already October, if it were to bloom at Christmas time this year, it should be showing evidence of a new flower stem growing. But, depending upon what kind of orchid you have, it can take from one month to six months for a new flower stem to be in full bloom once it begins to grow.

On most orchids, once the flowers have all died and fallen off, you may remove the stem by cutting it off down near the base of the flower stem. Prior to cutting off the stem, take a look at the top or tip of the stem to see if it has begun to dry, if it does start to dry that means the stem is dying and may be removed. If there are any bulbs on the orchid, you should leave them alone as they are a store of moisture and nutrients for the orchid.

Most dendrobiums are not that hard to grow but getting them to bloom reliably is the hard part. Moving them to Florida will make it easier. Why? The climate and sunshine it will receive all year round rather than the cold darkness in Indiana. Dendrobiums prefer warm bright weather, they will sulk and even die under cold dark conditions.

From your description of them, I take it that they are of the evergreen family of dendrobiums. If they were from the deciduous family you would have mentioned that some of the growths had lost all their leaves. The primary difference between the two families is that evergreens do not like dry conditions while deciduous ones need a pronounced dry period.

Why your evergreen dendrobiums have not rebloomed for you is in what you said "Since it is so cold and dark here in Indiana". Whether in Indiana or Florida, place them in a location with bright indirect sunlight, temperatures between 60 to 85%F, humidity above 50%, light air movement around them. A good way to tell if it is getting enough light is to look at the leaves, they will be a medium green color when it is just right.

A word of caution if you take them to Florida, move them into any new light conditions slowly over several weeks, as too sudden an exposure to brighter light may cause sunburn of the leaves. If possible, try exposing them to temperatures in the mid 50%F's for a month in the fall, that may help trigger them into the bloom cycle.

If, by chance, the leaves fall off, leave the growths on the dendrobium as they are a storage mechanism for moisture and nutrients. Only remove the growths that appear to be dying. As for those new growths, they may appear to stop growing due to the cold dark weather but should perk back up once things warm up and they receive more light.

You do not have to wait for a bloom to identify the type of orchid that it is if it is one of the more commonly available orchids. The most common is "phalaenopsis" that has large roundish to oblong leaves at the base of the plant and the flower spike grows from the apex of the leaves. Other common types are "the dendrobium, the lady slippers, and the Cattleyas". Each has a distinctive vegetative structure. If there was no tag with the plant, then I'm afraid there is no way to know the name of the hybrid since so many different hybrids have similar flower types and colors.

There are three principal types of containers for orchids. Phalaenopsis and lady slipper orchids are usually grown in a plastic pot, the heavier or more top heavy plants such as dendrobiums or cattleyas are better maintained in clay pots. Baskets are reserved for vandaceous orchids and require a very humid environment because the mix dries out very quickly. I would use a commercially prepared orchid mix that you can buy in bags at garden centers and mass marketers. I would soak this mix overnight before using it and drain it well before potting up your orchid plant in it.

Orchids that have maroon leaves generally get that way from having grown in bright sunlight. That suggests to you that either it was neglected or it likes bright light. It is not uncommon for orchids to outgrow their pots. Many feel this is the time divide and repot the plant, but that is personal preference. Many orchids do just fine hanging way out of the pot.

Since I don't know what type of orchid you have, I can only hazard a guess that they are roots emerging from the pot drainage holes. Some orchids send out bloom spikes from the base of the plant but those are potted in baskets not clay pots.

For now, if the plant looks healthy,I would leave it as is until you get a further development such as flowering, plant die back, new growth starting,etc. Orchids put on new growth once a year and usually, but not always, in the spring. Just keep an eye on it and it should be fine. Then you will be able to know what type of orchid it is by the bloom. If not just go back to where you got the orchid and see if they know what type of orchid it is.

The Strawberry Tree And Other Great Slow Growing Plants

2008-01-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about being a gardener is that you never stop learning. Walking round a local park recently, (I live and work in central Israel) I came across a splendid old Strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, and immediately wondered why I had neglected to even consider it for the private gardens I build. The principle reason can probably be traced to a reluctance, exacerbated no doubt by commercial pressures, to include some slow growing plants in the garden design. This bowing to the demand for quick results at any cost, leads us, professional and home gardener alike, to frequently prefer unsuitable but fast growing species, to slow growing ones that would be the best choice for a given situation. What after all is more important - how the garden looks 3 months after being built, or how it looks and feels five years later?

The Strawberry tree from Southern Europe is an ideal specimen for a Mediterranean and mild winter garden. It is evergreen, growing slowly to about 8-9 meters. It has an interesting sculptural form, becoming twisted and gnarled in maturity, and a uniquely beautiful peeling bark, revealing a reddish-brown trunk. Arbutus is one of those rare plants where the fruit and flowers appear simultaneously. Both are decorative, although the fruit while edible is not to everyone's taste!

There are in fact a number of advantages in growing slow growing trees over fast ones. The primary one being that they are mush easier to shape and train in the early years than many rampantly growing trees. Slow growing plants are typical to dry climates, while fast growing ones typically grow in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Clearly as the scarcity or abundance of water is a major factor determining the rate of growth of a particular species, it follows that slow growing plants are generally more suited to a water conserving regime than fast growing plants. The pine is another example to take note of. In Israel the rapidly growing Aleppo pine, Pinus halepensis, was the preferred choice in both parks and forestation projects. Unfortunately, its susceptibility to pests and disease has made it a rather regrettable choice. Nowadays the slow growing Stone pine, P. pinea is being used to far better long term effect. Let's not forget also the importance to a Mediterranean garden of the Olive tree and slow growing species of oak, as here one can see the correlation between slow growth and longevity.

With regards to landscape hedges, slow growing bushes like Carissa and Privet, are easier to keep in shape than those that grow rampantly like Bougainvillea or Clerodendron. Slower growth means less trimming, shearing and general maintenance. As for bushes and shrubs for use as informal hedges and screens, it can be a shame to give up on plants like Pittosporum, Myrtle, Pistacia and Nandina, just because they take a few years to fill in.

about the author

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you. So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

The Best Of The Lot! A Most Special Plant For A Dry Climate Garden

2008-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Is there an ornamental plant which makes a most beautiful and unusual sculptural silhouette, requires virtually no care and attention, and is extremely modest in its water needs? The answer is yes! It is the Bottle Palm, Nolina recurvata.

Nolina, by virtue of its thick trunk and meter long, grassy leaves, makes a very strong vertical accent in the garden, rising to some 3-4 meters, and even more after very many years. Its unique feature is the swollen base from which the trunk rises. On mature plants this can reach over a meter in diameter, and looks something like a giant onion.

Requiring little water, the Bottle Palm is ideally suited to dry landscape designs. It can be planted in a bed of decorative pebbles for instance, or in a mulch of wood chippings, and goes well with other plants of strong form such as Dracaena or Yucca. In fact it could serve as the focal point, or the dominant element in a composition based on ornamental grasses and grass-like plants. For example, it looks great billowing out of a carpet of low growing "grasses" like Festuca, Carex and Liriope.

Nolina should be used judiciously. It does not go well in my view with large-leaved and obviously tropical plants, but associates quite well with true palms. It is sometimes grown as a vertical emphasis in a carpet of flowers. Personally, I think this creates a certain amount of confusion, as the flower color and the strong lines of the Nolina compete for attention. Good design involves the correct relationship between a dominant factor, whether that be a sculptural plant or a mass of color, and a support factor such as a hedge or a green ground cover.

Nolina recurvata has to be about the easiest plant to grow. It is as close to being maintenance free as possible. Nonetheless, it does have its cultural requirements, which should be carefully noted.

*The most crucial is the need for excellent drainage. It is preferable to under-water Nolina than to over-water it. For this reason it should not be planted close to plants that require frequent watering, such as annual flowers. In such cases the bulb is liable to rot.

*Nolina requires full sun, but can get by in light shade

*Remember that this plant grows very slowly. As it needs room to grow, it should not be crowded out with competing species. Patience as ever is a virtue!

About the author

Growlights for the Greenhouse

2007-12-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

You may think that greenhouse lighting sounds like a very odd idea. Isn't the whole point of greenhouses that they let in plenty of light from the sun? Well, yes, but when the weather is gloomy or winter days are short sometimes the sun just isn't there as much as your plants would like. Those are the times when extra lighting can really come in handy, keeping your plants happy and healthy no matter what conditions are like outside.

Lighting accessories for greenhouses have improved a great deal over the past few years. No only have they come down in price, but they've diversified to meet a wider range of gardening needs. Traditional fluorescent grow lights are still an option, relatively cheap and easy to install.

They're good if you want to minimize heat output in a small greenhouse where it can be difficult to maintain temperature control. The newest grow lights to the market, the T5 fluorescent lights provide even more light intensity to your plants and use less energy!

Also available are high intensity discharge lights which concentrate their output in those regions of the spectrum which are most useful for photosynthesis. This means that it takes less power and fewer units of lighting to produce a comparable amount of growth.

There are grow lights designed to help your plants with vegetative growth or lights developed to aid with flowering. However, HID lights give off a lot more heat, so you should attach them high up in your greenhouse where they won't bake your plants.

The advent of more sophisticated greenhouse lighting accessories means that even under the worst conditions, it's possible to raise plants which look as if they've enjoyed full sunlight every day. However, it's important to remember that, even with these options available; plants still need a distinct day and night cycle.

This is essential to the way they respire and the way they get rid of waste - so don't be tempted to leave your greenhouse lights on too late into the night. Greenhouse lighting should not try to overcome nature - rather, it should complement it, to make the most of nature's bounty.

About the author

Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful information about greenhouses and greenhouse gardening at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com

WHAT ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HYDROPONICS

2007-12-24T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hydroponic systems are distinguished by their being active or passive. In an active hydroponics system the nutrients are provided to the plants by making use of a pump while in a passive hydroponics system the passing of the nutrients to the plant depend upon the growing medium.

However the passive Hydroponics system do not provide sufficient oxygen to the plant and hence the growth rate of the plants are not optimum. Hydroponic systems are also different on recovery and non recovery type. In recovery system the nutrients are recycled while in a non recovery system it is just the opposite. Here are some different types of hydroponics - 1. Wick system: wick system is passive as well as non recovery type. They are quite easy to handle and relatively inexpensive. However characteristically of a passive hydroponics system, it does not supply enough oxygen to the roots which in turn hampers the growth of the plant. Wick system is not much preferred way of Hydroponic gardening. 2. Ebb and flow system: ebb and flow is one of the most preferred ways of doing Hydroponics gardening.

This system is active as well as recovery type. Also known as flood and drain this system is quite easy to understand. The plant is kept in a reservoir containing nutrient solution. When the pump is started the nutrient are pumped in to the plant. After the water reaches the determined level, it is drained in to a river while the oxygen is sucked by the roots. 3. Nutrient film technique: nutrient technique is also a recovery type active Hydroponic system. In this kind of hydroponics system a submersible pump is used and the roots are suspended in a grow tube. The grow tube is in such an angle that the solution of the nutrients get recycled by flowing over the roots and then coming back to the reservoir. The oxygen requirement is solved by making use of air stones or air stones.

This system is highly effective and a bit difficult to build. A single mistake can cause the whole plant to dry. 4. Continuous drip: this system is also active type but it can be both recovery and non recovery type. In this kind of system a drip tray is kept under each and every row of plants and the solution is recycled to the reservoir. The dip emitter enables the gardener to adjust the amount of nutrient flow for each plant.

About the author

For more insights and further information on Hydroponics Systems and an understanding of Hydroponics Gardening as well as getting an online How to Hydroponics Guide please visit our web site at http://www.hydroponicsmadeeasy.com/

Tips for Hydroponics Gardening

2007-12-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hydroponics gardening is better known as soiless gardening. Carrying its legacy right from the times of the Aztecs civilizations this type of gardening has always fascinated human kind. The famous hanging hardens of Babylonia are also based on the same technique of Hydroponics Gardening . Hydroponics gardening basically means gardening on false soil where the plant and the soil layer float on the water. With the help of Hydroponics you can have your favorite plants planted in your rooms. Generally, Hydroponics gardening is used for decoration purposes. With the help of Hydroponics you can also have flower plants which will fill your rooms with their faint fragrance. However, hydroponic plants also require a lot of care and nutrition.

There are various Hydroponics guide and tips through which you can give the plants the exact nutrition and care which they require. Following tips will help you in making your hydroponic gardening productive and healthy: - 1. Getting a good start: - The germination period of the seeds in case of hydroponics gardening is carried on a medium. Thus it is very important what sort of medium is used for this purpose. Well you can use peat moss, expanded clay, composted bark, gravel or sand. The ones to be avoided are oasis, vermiculite, perlite and rockwool. Thus the above mentioned favorable mediums will help the plants get a good start.

Now it is to be kept in mind each an every plant has a different requirement so the medium should be chosen accordingly. 2. Proper Light: - Another important requirement for Hydroponic plants is proper light. The light requirements depend upon the plant types and also the plant's different stages. For this purpose you can use Metal Halide as well High Pressure Sodium lights depending upon the stage of the plant. There are some LED lights which can be accordingly adjusted to feed the plants with lights in their different stages. 3. Giving the required Nutrition: - It is a well known fact that without proper nutrition the plants cannot grow. There are a total of sixteen nutrients which the plants require in order to grow properly. Some of them are macronutrients and some of them are micronutrients. 4. Disease Prevention: - In hydroponics gardening also you will face the same problem of insects and plant diseases. Thus you will have to battle it out. You can do this by selecting disease resistant plants, maintaining clean growing environment, temperature control, proper ventilation and constant monitoring of problems. Thus by following these tips you can have a pleasant experience of Hydroponics gardening.

About the author

Grow Herbs For Cooking, Companion Plants And Flowers

2007-09-10T12:34:00.001-07:00

Herbs are such versatile plants. Their uses include medicinal, cosmetic, as essential oils for aromatherapy, as great companion plants, craft-work and of course to add mouth-watering flavours and aromas in our cooking.
I really wonder how some people get by without herbs in their garden. How wonderful is it wander outside and pick a variety of fresh herbs for your main meal? If you haven't grown herbs before, just start with some really easy to grow herbs that you find particularly useful. I have an organic garden, so everything is free from chemicals.

Most people would use parsley, oregano and thyme. These are very easy herbs to grow. Oregano and thyme may spread a little in your garden and if you let your parsley eventually go to seed you will find new plants (volunteers) pop up all over your garden by themselves. I love this natural process of self seeding. My garden is a little on the wild side. But if you prefer a very neat and tidy garden, don't let your herbs go to seed, or pull out any volunteers growing in an undesirable spot. You can either remove the old plant to make way for new plants or cut off the seed heads. I always let my parsley go to seed. Some seeds make it to the ground, producing volunteers, so I always have enough to cut for culinary uses. The rest of the seeds I dry and also use in cooking.

Borage will grow almost anywhere through the warmer months. It is a great companion plant to strawberries, tomatoes and squash. Plus it looks pretty in the garden with its purple / blue, star-shaped flowers. It will also readily self-seed. The chooks love it, so when I have too many seedlings pop up they go to the chooks.

Rosemary and lavender have multiple uses. Both can be used in craft. Both attract bees. Both can be grown as wonderful looking and smelling hedges.

Grow at least a few clumps of chives or garlic chives. They look amazing when grown in clumps - even as a border in your flower garden. Chives look stunning when they're in flower. Chives have pink, round flowers, while garlic chives have white star-shaped flowers. Grow garlic chives for times when you don't have any garlic, or you want a milder flavour.

A good tip is to make sure you keep all mints contained in some kind of pot. If it escapes into your garden it may take over! I love having mint available, so I grow it in an old laundry trough.
Lemon balm is another herb that can get out of control. Cutting off the seed heads will keep it in check.

A bay tree is a great addition to your garden. You can grow it in a pot if space is an issue - they look lovely clipped into a nice shape. Or you can grow it in the ground where it may grow to be a small to medium tree.

Once you've grown a few herbs and learn of their many uses I'm sure you'll be hooked. The herbs in this article are all very easy to grow and propagate, so start with these and try others as your knowledge grows. With a little research you will discover so many uses for herbs, including many wonderful health benefits. They are also excellent companion plants. Some have properties that confuse and deter pests, some attract predatory insects, while others give more vigour or flavour to plants grown near them.
Many herbs are also excellent activators for your compost heap. Most herbs are easy to grow, take very little time, space or effort and the rewards are delicious. Good luck growing yours.

About the author

Julie is an avid organic gardener and recycler, living on a small country property in South Australia. Her mission is to encourage as many people as possible to garden organically. Please visit her website for great organic gardening tips & info or Companion Planting Guide
www.1stoporganicgardening.com

Flowers You Can Eat - Nasturtiums

2007-08-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Flowers, so bright and cheerful, raise your vibe without even trying. Edible flowers take that energy into the centre of your being, especially when they also have medicinal properties like the gorgeous nasturtium. Their flowers are bright trumpets, heralding sunny days. As children we used to pick the nasturtium flowers, bite off the point at the back of the flower and suck out the nectar, the merest fairy sized sip of sweetness.

The plants grow easily and prolifically from seed, tumbling out of planters with abandon, flowering all shades of fire colours from vermilion to ochre. All they need is moisture and not too rich a soil and you're guaranteed a harvest. Anyone with a herb garden can find a space for a few seeds, though if space is limited confine them to a container or they will happily tumble over all your other herbs.

Nasturtium flowers make cheerful posies as a centrepiece for a lunch table, especially if you have planted a mixture of colours, ranging from gold through bright orange to deep fiery red. Arrange them with a few sprigs of other herbs such as rosemary and fennel to add some texture, lavender flowers for contrast and you have an edible, scented bouquet, perfect to take as a gift when you visit friends.

The nasturtium's best kept secret though is that both the leaves and flowers are edible. Their sharp peppery tang lends a bite of interest to salads and can be a real boon to a jaded palate when the shops only offer bland varieties of lettuce. A few of the round green nasturtium leaves, that look like they could be parasols for mice or fairies, will lift a bland iceberg or butter lettuce into the realms of designer cooking, their bright flowers scattered over to delight the eye and bring an element of fun to your table.

Recipe for a Nasturtium Salad:

1 lettuce

- iceberg, butter or cossmall bunch of nasturtiums

- leaves and flowersripe red tomatoes1 tablespoon capersfeta cheese

Decide quantities to your own taste. The nasturtium leaves are peppery and the more you put in the hotter the salad gets. Wash and dry the lettuce and tear into the size pieces you prefer. Rinse the nasturtium leaves, and tear or chop into rough strips. If you're using baby tomatoes halve them, chop bigger ones into cubes. Cube the feta cheese and sprinkle over the salad with the capers. Top with the whole flowers and maybe one or two whole leaves. This peppery, bright salad is just right to accompany pizza, cold meats or as a starter on its own.

The round leaves are a potent medicinal weapon against sore throats. At the first sign of a sore throat, chew on a nasturtium leaf every two hours. This can sometimes get rid of the sore throat altogether, at others it just prevents it getting too bad. The leaves have natural anti-bacterial properties and are rich in vitamin C. They can also be made into a tea by infusing a few leaves in a cup of boiling water for five minutes and sipped either straight or with the addition of a teaspoon of honey.

In ancient times in its native Peru the nasturtium was used as a wound disinfectant and taken onto battle fields to be used as a poultice and a disinfectant wash. Not bad for a pretty garden flower!

About the Author
Kit Heathcock writes and copyedits for a number of websites from her own site Original Orange. She is currently working on a major travel website Just the Planet and is also co-creator of A Flower Gallery.

Life Secrets Of The Orchid

2007-08-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

The grower of orchids is favored above other men. He belongs to a starry-eyed fraternity, to whom each small chore, accomplished in its turn for the better culture of his orchids, is a source of never-ending and absorbing delight. The beauty of the orchid's line and color is known to all who bask in the offerings of the florist's window.

The appearance of each new growth and root is cause for rejoicing; the slimy mark of a snail or the cottony warning of the presence of scale is cause for distress. The habits and idiosyncrasies of every species and plant are subject to absorbed study. Different methods of growing and the relative merits of hybrids and species are endlessly discussed among fellow growers. The orchid grower checks his mundane worries at the door of the greenhouse and enters a world that offers surcease even to the heart heavily burdened with sorrow and loss.

The beginnings of the orchid family are shrouded in mystery. Since most orchids are epiphytic - that is, having aerial roots through which they receive sustenance from the minerals in the moisture-laden air of the tropics - they have left no traces such as the fossilized remains of ground-growing plants.

Dr. E. Soysa, writing in Orchid Culture in Ceylon, advances the delightful and plausible, if unproved, theory that orchids antedated the fossil era, but in their love of light ascended trees to escape the advancing jungle. There they lived, died, dried up, and floated away, leaving no trace. Whatever the genesis of the orchid family, it cannot be doubted that the orchid family is very old, judging both by its great variety and its highly complex structural development, attainable only through the passage of time.

The orchid is among the largest and most highly developed of the plant families, with some fifteen to twenty thousand species. A provident nature has lavished every means to insure the perpetuation of this favorite child. She has provided the flower with all the charm and allure of a fairy princess to win insect vassals to perform the service of cross-pollination.

The insects performing the service of cross-pollination vary with the species and are as diverse as the ingenious contrivances by which the orchids utilize them. It is in every case a reciprocal arrangement, the plant receiving the benefits of fertilization, the insect the largess of food and drink. Each species usually has its particular insect, as is shown by the special means each flower uses to attract its insect.

Darwin first noted a striking example of this specialization. On a trip to South America he had an opportunity to see a plant of Angraecum sesquipedale. This starry-white flower, a rare orchid of Madagascar, has a weirdly elongated lip containing a nectary, about eleven inches long, that holds one-and-a-half ounces of the sweet fluid produced by the sugar-secreting glands.
Darwin immediately predicted that some day a moth with a proboscis at least twelve inches long would be discovered to be responsible for cross-pollination of this peculiar orchid. In time such a moth was found and was duly named Xanthopan morgani praedicta.

This specialization is reflected in the extremely varied forms of the reproductive organs. These organs lie within the lip, more scientifically known as the labellum, along a fleshy enlargement called the column.

The labellum serves in three capacities: it provides storage space for the pollen, an antechamber to the ovary, and a banquet room for the insect. On entering any orchid flower the insect must first brush the empty stigmatic cavity in his search for the nectar or other food.
Drunk with the repast, he blunders out, the narrow passage compelling him on the way to brush past the pollen masses, which become dislodged and, because of the sticky fluid, adhere to him. These masses hold firmly until he enters another flower of the same species. The feeding position is ideal for depositing the pollen.

Such are some of the secrets of the orchid. The wonders continue as the orchid grower learns more and more. Enjoy a lifetime of interest and delight with orchids!

About the Author

How to Grow Breathtaking Orchids - Even If You've Never Raised One Before. Simply Orchid Plant Care Website Reveals All The Secrets.
Click here for FREE online Ebook
http://www.orchidplantcare.net/

WILD-FLOWER GARDEN

2007-08-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

A wild-flower garden has a most attractive sound. One thinks of long tramps in the woods, collecting material, and then of the fun in fixing up a real for sure wild garden.

Many people say they have no luck at all with such a garden. It is not a question of luck, but a question of understanding, for wild flowers are like people and each has its personality. What a plant has been accustomed to in Nature it desires always. In fact, when removed from its own sort of living conditions, it sickens and dies. That is enough to tell us that we should copy Nature herself. Suppose you are hunting wild flowers. As you choose certain flowers from the woods, notice the soil they are in, the place, conditions, the surroundings, and the neighbours.

Suppose you find dog-tooth violets and wind-flowers growing near together. Then place them so in your own new garden. Suppose you find a certain violet enjoying an open situation; then it should always have the same. You see the point, do you not? If you wish wild flowers to grow in a tame garden make them feel at home. Cheat them into almost believing that they are still in their native haunts.

Wild flowers ought to be transplanted after blossoming time is over. Take a trowel and a basket into the woods with you. As you take up a few, a columbine, or a hepatica, be sure to take with the roots some of the plant's own soil, which must be packed about it when replanted.

The bed into which these plants are to go should be prepared carefully before this trip of yours. Surely you do not wish to bring those plants back to wait over a day or night before planting. They should go into new quarters at once. The bed needs soil from the woods, deep and rich and full of leaf mold. The under drainage system should be excellent. Then plants are not to go into water-logged ground. Some people think that all wood plants should have a soil saturated with water. But the woods themselves are not water-logged. It may be that you will need to dig your garden up very deeply and put some stone in the bottom. Over this the top soil should go. And on top, where the top soil once was, put a new layer of the rich soil you brought from the woods.

Before planting water the soil well. Then as you make places for the plants put into each hole some of the soil which belongs to the plant which is to be put there.

I think it would be a rather nice plan to have a wild-flower garden giving a succession of bloom from early spring to late fall; so let us start off with March, the hepatica, spring beauty and saxifrage. Then comes April bearing in its arms the beautiful columbine, the tiny bluets and wild geranium. For May there are the dog-tooth violet and the wood anemone, false Solomon's seal, Jack-in-the-pulpit, wake robin, bloodroot and violets. June will give the bellflower, mullein, bee balm and foxglove. I would choose the gay butterfly weed for July. Let turtle head, aster, Joe Pye weed, and Queen Anne's lace make the rest of the season brilliant until frost.

Let us have a bit about the likes and dislikes of these plants. After you are once started you'll keep on adding to this wild-flower list.

There is no one who doesn't love the hepatica. Before the spring has really decided to come, this little flower pokes its head up and puts all else to shame. Tucked under a covering of dry leaves the blossoms wait for a ray of warm sunshine to bring them out. These embryo flowers are further protected by a fuzzy covering. This reminds one of a similar protective covering which new fern leaves have. In the spring a hepatica plant wastes no time on getting a new suit of leaves. It makes its old ones do until the blossom has had its day. Then the new leaves, started to be sure before this, have a chance. These delayed, are ready to help out next season. You will find hepaticas growing in clusters, sort of family groups. They are likely to be found in rather open places in the woods. The soil is found to be rich and loose. So these should go only in partly shaded places and under good soil conditions. If planted with other woods specimens give them the benefit of a rather exposed position, that they may catch the early spring sunshine. I should cover hepaticas over with a light litter of leaves in the fall. During the last days of February, unless the weather is extreme take this leaf covering away. You'll find the hepatica blossoms all ready to poke up their heads.

The spring beauty hardly allows the hepatica to get ahead of her. With a white flower which has dainty tracings of pink, a thin, wiry stem, and narrow, grass-like leaves, this spring flower cannot be mistaken. You will find spring beauties growing in great patches in rather open places. Plant a number of the roots and allow the sun good opportunity to get at them. For this plant loves the sun.

The other March flower mentioned is the saxifrage. This belongs in quite a different sort of environment. It is a plant which grows in dry and rocky places. Often one will find it in chinks of rock. There is an old tale to the effect that the saxifrage roots twine about rocks and work their way into them so that the rock itself splits. Anyway, it is a rock garden plant. I have found it in dry, sandy places right on the borders of a big rock. It has white flower clusters borne on hairy stems.

The columbine is another plant that is quite likely to be found in rocky places. Standing below a ledge and looking up, one sees nestled here and there in rocky crevices one plant or more of columbine. The nodding red heads bob on wiry, slender stems. The roots do not strike deeply into the soil; in fact, often the soil hardly covers them. Now, just because the columbine has little soil, it does not signify that it is indifferent to the soil conditions. For it always has lived, and always should live, under good drainage conditions. I wonder if it has struck you, how really hygienic plants are? Plenty of fresh air, proper drainage, and good food are fundamentals with plants.

It is evident from study of these plants how easy it is to find out what plants like. After studying their feelings, then do not make the mistake of huddling them all together under poor drainage conditions.

I always have a feeling of personal affection for the bluets. When they come I always feel that now things are beginning to settle down outdoors. They start with rich, lovely, little delicate blue blossoms. As June gets hotter and hotter their colour fades a bit, until at times they look quite worn and white. Some people call them Quaker ladies, others innocence. Under any name they are charming. They grow in colonies, sometimes in sunny fields, sometimes by the road-side. From this we learn that they are more particular about the open sunlight than about the soil.

If you desire a flower to pick and use for bouquets, then the wild geranium is not your flower. It droops very quickly after picking and almost immediately drops its petals. But the purplish flowers are showy, and the leaves, while rather coarse, are deeply cut. This latter effect gives a certain boldness to the plant that is rather attractive. The plant is found in rather moist, partly shaded portions of the woods. I like this plant in the garden. It adds good colour and permanent colour as long as blooming time lasts, since there is no object in picking it.

There are numbers and numbers of wild flowers I might have suggested. These I have mentioned were not given for the purpose of a flower guide, but with just one end in view your understanding of how to study soil conditions for the work of starting a wild-flower garden.

If you fear results, take but one or two flowers and study just what you select. Having mastered, or better, become acquainted with a few, add more another year to your garden. I think you will love your wild garden best of all before you are through with it. It is a real study, you see.

About the author

I have Unblock Myspace, Free Proxy Site, Motorola Cell Phone, Free Arcade Games, Reliable File Hosting

Garden Designs and Landscaping

2007-08-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Garden Design /Landscaping Turing your yard of grassland into a beautiful garden design through effective landscaping is challenging but not impossible. Although there is not one single magical formula that will transform a veritable blank space of mud and grass into a successful green landscape, you definitely have the freedom to select your plants and design a garden to make a lasting impression. In order to achieve the desired results, it is essential to plan every step of your gardening methodically.

Here are some essential landscaping tips that will help you to understand the basics of garden designing and landscaping with different flowers, trees and plants.

Planning your landscaping space The first step would be planning your landscaping space. Planning of the desired space has to be done according to the size and shape of your garden plot. If you like your space and openness to be pronounced, then you could consider covering a major part of the area with a neat and thick lawn and encircling it with trees and flowering plants. Of course, if you have sufficient garden area, then you have the option of putting together several elements that could make an impressive garden design.

Planning your gardening design space The next step would be to plan for gardening apparatus, its storage and access into the landscaping space. Since the lawn mower is an essential part of the gardening ensemble, plants should be carefully spaced for easy access to the lawn mower as well as to all parts of the lawn. Keep space for other equipment that may be required in the future when doing a landscape makeover or other major changes such as landscaping with trees.

Landscaping types - Hardscape and Softscape Planning the hardscape and the softscape in landscaping is very essential to acquire optimum results in a good garden design. While the former has to do with masonry work such as construction of patios, barbecues and stonewalls for any water body in the garden, the softscape is planning the grassy turf within that area. The details for the hardscape may also include low lighting around the perimeter which again would require some careful planning. Since the hardscaping involves building of permanent structures, garden designing and planning have to be meticulous and in conjunction with the other elements used in the landscaping.

Planning the softscape is enjoyable but challenging. You need to first decide the type of lawn or turf that is going to cover the surface area of your garden. The next step would be to choose trees - flowering as well as fruit trees that will help to embellish the landscaping of the area. While colourful plants, green foliage and borders can encircle the perimeter, you could also design a recreational spot sheltered with tall trees. While designing your landscape, care should be taken to arrange plants wisely so as to avoid excessive pruning as well as prevent pest infestation.

Ornamentation and wildlife in your landscaping You could incorporate garden statues among the greenery of your landscape; notwithstanding the style of landscaping you might have in your garden design. Ensure that you use materials that are appropriate to the mood you are setting and are able to withstand the vagaries of nature. If you are fond of birds, plant conifers and wood perennials to give them shelter. Shrubs and vines that bear edible berries are a natural attraction for birds. A simple birdbath or a fountain in a verdant landscaping is wonderfully alluring for birds and soothing for humans as well.

Once you have designed your garden, the next step would be to define your entryway. You can construct a grand entryway with arches and trellises. These can be adorned with vines and colourful flowering veils that make the landscaping inviting, intriguing and special.

Finally, the garden should look pretty, colourful and spacious. There are several plants you can choose from including birds of paradise, mauve verbena, red hibiscus, bougainvilleas etc. Bamboo and ornamental grasses will add life to your garden with their soft sounds.

Following these simple landscaping and garden designing tips, your special verdant space can turn into an oasis for fun, play and relaxation.

About the author

William Brister - http://www.beautifulgardens.tv - Landscaping Beautifully.

Choosing a Specialty Garden

2007-08-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

When considering starting a garden, thematic issues always arise. Is it better to grow a multitude of types of plants or is it better to explore the immense variety of species within a particular variety of plant? It is possible to do both, of course, but if you decide to specialize in a particular type of plant, there are a few things to consider before getting started.

First and foremost, there must be a tremendous interest in the plant type. You will be embarking on growing plants that will have a life time of no less than a year and in most cases many years. You not only have to consider what will hold your interest, but your location and how the plants that you choose to grow will interact with your specific environment. Your specialty plant choice may depend on whether you have access to a large outdoor planting area or a small indoor space.

Some areas will have local resources for your specialty plants. If not, you will have to use mail order and internet sources to get the information and resources you need to make your garden a successful one. Starting your garden will involve choosing a propagation method, as well. You will need to decide between growing your plants from seed and purchasing young seedlings. For some plants, propagation by rooting cuttings may work best. Seasonal climates can also play a role in picking the specialty garden that is right for you. Harsher climates may require the use of greenhouses or relocating plants from time to time.

With so many factors, how can you choose what is best? Start by reading through some of the suggestions outlined here. See if you are interested in the plants themselves. You always have to start there. These plants will depend on you for the love and care it will take to grow them successfully. Once you have an idea of a few types that will maintain your gardening interests, take a survey of your environmental conditions. What are the characteristics of your growing space? Be sure to include things like rainfall, temperature, space (both height and width,) and if they will be in containers or planted straight into the ground.

Now is the time to be most honest with yourself: what are your goals concerning your specialty garden and how much time will have to spend with the garden each day. If you are planning on reselling your plants then you may want to choose differently from someone gardening strictly for pleasure. Where will you sell, if you do, and how will you sell, meaning via the internet or directly, et cetera. Gardening for resale will be quite time-consuming, but gardening for pleasure can take just as much time. Remember that plants grow constantly and do not stop jus because you go to work or go on holiday. Choosing your specialty plant properly can help reduce any concerns you may have if you cannot attend to your garden as often as you would like.
Here are some suggestions for types of specialty gardens:

Bonsai - The ancient Japanese art of creating dwarfed plants can be exceedingly rewarding. When considering starting a Bonsai garden, assess your growing space well. This garden may take less space, but may require more time and care. Bonsai can be grown and shaped with great success with proper guidance. Bonsai also provide a great opportunity for reselling or simply deep appreciation and rexlation.

Roses - This classic specialty garden choice allows you to explore a multitude of varieties of blooms. Some grow best as bushes outdoors while others are well-suited to indoor or container growing. This specialty garden may require slightly less time than a Bonsai garden, but will need lots of attention during various stages of growth. Roses also provide a great resale potential.
Square Watermelon - Potentially, this garden would be best geared towards resale of the fruits. Square Watermelons are in demand currently and the process by which they are grown can also be applied to other fruits and vegetables. This garden requires tremendous space, full sun, and a generous water supply. This garden would be strictly seasonal in most areas and may provide large blocks of free time during the off season.

Orchids - The sheer amount of variety here is highly attractive for choosing this specialty garden. Climate is very important, as orchids are quite temperamental regarding air, temperature, and water. These plants will be container grown in most areas. As with most specialty gardens, Orchids have a high resale value and will bring great pleasure when appreciated for their beauty.

Cacti and Succulents - Ease of growing is one of the traits that makes this specialty garden a great choice. Cacti and succulents provide a wide variety of flowers, shapes, and sizes with which you can sculpt a wondrous garden in any setting. They will grow well in containers or directly planted in the ground. Some areas will require a greenhouse for outdoor propagation or relocating of containers between indoor and outdoor areas. These plants can often fend for themselves for longer periods of time during the spring and fall allowing for some gardening "down-time" if necessary. Resale using full grown plants and properly taken cuttings are both possible. Growing cacti and succulents is amazingly rewarding and can be undertaken almost anywhere.

Use these as a starting point and research each one that interests you before you begin. Once you have settled on a particular type of garden, get started! Look for online guides to help you create a successful garden for the beginning. Simply use a search engine and type in "learning Bonsai gardening" or "how to grow cacti" and gather the information you need to get started. Seek out other gardeners and ask for tips. Attend garden shows, join gardening clubs, and get your hands dirty! You will be infinitely glad you did!

About the Author

The author is a Ph.D. student, percussionist, and avid gardener currently living between Honolulu, HI and London, England. Visit his review of Bonsai guides here: Bonsai Reviews

A Silk Rose Is A Rose That Lasts Longer

2007-08-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has bought roses has experienced the drooping rose. You buy fresh flowers because they are the romantic thing to do, they get put in a vase and the next day the stems are drooped over. There are 1000's of web pages dedicated to the subject. The solutions are varied but all of them are a lot of work.

The sadder part is they aren't cheap. So you spend $50 on something that lasts less than a day. Not only does it look bad but the positive effect that was intended is replaced with the image of a dying and drooping rose. What does that say about love? Not a very healthy message.

So what is the solution you ask? The solution is simple, high quality Silk Roses. There are hundreds of choices of styles, color and sizes of Silk Roses. So you are not limited to a dozen red roses. These will cost about the same as a dozen real roses but they won't wilt.

Okay, so maybe you're not the most creative type? Here's detailed instructions, step be step.

Buy a dozen high quality roses. If you are creative, buy them in her favorite color, If you are not, buy red ones. If you're loved one is not offended/allergic to perfumes and fragrances you can buy a rose fragrance at the same time and sprinkle lightly (remember roses are not smelly).
Buy a bud vase and a medium size vase.
Put one stem in the bud vase, put 11 in the other vase (don't add water)
Set the vases somewhere obvious
Put a card in the 11, write something sincere, if you can't think of anything write something simple like "I Love You"
When she sees it tell her the bud vase is for her work area (so she can tell everyone how sweet and thoughtful you are.
Next year try the same thing with Lilies.

Simple, yes. Cheesy, maybe. Effective, definitely. A Silk Rose is made with high quality synthetic fabrics so they last a long time and maintain their shape. Realistically these can last decades, but better to not space your flower purchases (even silk flowers) that long.

See our large selection of Silk Roses at Amazonfoliages.com. Over 200 different styles to choose from.

About the author

See our large selection of Silk Roses at Amazonfoliages.com. Over 200 different styles to choose from.

Exotic Flowers: Luxurious and Impressive for Your Home and Garden Decor

2007-08-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

There are several types of exotic flowers to best suit any occasion. And of course, depending on your personal taste, you will want to choose the best exotic flowers you can obtain to be the perfect flowers, the most adequate for the purpose they will be serving. For example: at someone's funeral, you may want to choose bouquet of flowers that the deceased would have loved. Here are some other examples (after all, these flowers are for happy occasions as well as the more tragic ones.

Musas:

The Chinese Musa flower is a stunning example of the kinds of exotic flowers that are perfect for gardens or bouquets.

Calatheas:

The exotic flower called the Genus Calathea is in the Marantaceae family of plowers, however it differs from other genera. The Marantaceae family of exotic flowers, in which Maranta and Ctenanthe are included, are unbranched inflorescences cone-like clusters.

The calathea comes from tropical South America, Calathea, it has about three hundred different species. These flowers love the shade and humidity, they are virtually all grown in much of the world only indoors. These flowers require full shade from the sun. However, if they must, they can handle a small amount of morning sun. These exotic flowers need their soil to be moist but well-drained soil, the use of a fertilizer is recommended.

When, on the rare occasion that these exotic flowers are grown outside--you must be sure that they are healthy, they must be free from all pests and diseases. Some of calathea will die midwinter, but will return again midsummer.

Cymbidiums:

Cymbidiums contain approximately forty-four species they are found in the tropics of the old world. The elegant, large flowered types of cymbidiums come from the higher regions of the Himalayas, and they must be kept in cool conditions in order to bloom well.

Dendrobiums:

Dendrobiums actually have about one thousand different species in their enormous family, they have countess hybrids as well. However, there are many varied growing conditions for this type of exotic flower. It is recommended that one establish from where in the world, and at what altitude their plant is accustom to, in order to determine how to best take care of the plant.

Miltonias:

Miltonias are referred to as the Pansy Orchid sometimes. There are approximately ten different kinds of species, and miltonias are found primarily in Brazil, therefore they are warm-weather flowers, and there are many hybrids with wonderful fragrance, because the militona is such a fragrant flower to begin with. These flowers will add a wonderful sensory ambiance to their surroundings, because in addition to their scent they are extremely pleasing to the eye.

Odontoglossums:

Odontoglossums also have a wide range of species, approximately 0ne hundred and seventy-five. These exotic flowers originated in the mountains of South America, as well as in higher altitudes and are used to wet clouded forests. Thus these wonderful flowers must be tended to under cool conditions, many hybrids exist as well, so there are many types to choose from.

Oncidiums:

These are among the most popular exotic flowers and there are approximately six hundred different species in existence. They come from the tropics of the Americas, and few of them even grow in high altitudes, these also must be supervised under cooler conditions. Fortunately, the hybrids are more tolerant than the species, you will find that this is true for most plants.

Paphiopedilums:

Paphiopedilums, the root word being Paphinia--who was the greek Goddess that the Romans later named Venus. Around sixty species exist, coming from Asia India and New Guinea. There are species with mottled leaved which need to be kept in warm conditions. And the paphiopedilums that are plain leaved and single flowered require intermediate/cool conditions, and plain leaved multiflowered species have to have warm environments to survive.

Phalaenopsis:

Phalaenopsis, or the exotic flower that is often called the Moth Orchid comes from Java and the South Seas, the Phillipines and Queensland Australia. Therefore, they are definitely warm weather growers, and they do prefer to be in the shade. Phalaenopsis would make the perfect houseplant, they are very free flowering and also make great gifts.

Vandas:

Vandas have approximately fifty species. Several hybrids have been derived from the tropics, Asia, and the orient--as far down as Australia. These hybrids require a warm environment that includes plenty of bright light. Many people hang them in their homes or gardens from wooden baskets.

Water Gardening:

Water Lilies and Lotuses are a beautiful touch to your pond, or waterfall etc. Major cultivars of water lilies and lotuses--almost all of which are hybridizers--explore the best landscapes in which to grow these exotic flowers.

Nymphaea and Nelumbo:

The genera Nymphaea and Nelumbo are beautiful species of exotic flowers, other genera in the waterlily family include Nuphar, Victoria, Euryale, Barclaya

Draecena:

Draecena (otherwise known as the dragon's tree) is an exotic flower that neither requires regular watering, nor does it need much light at all. It's a symbol of power and prosperity. These flowers may live up to one thousand years. A perfect gift for yourself or a friend or family member who does not have that much time for gardening, but would love to have a beautiful garden, however small, and something elegant and exotic to pass on for generations to come.

Anyone can add a striking touch of color to their home, or even the office with the elegant of wild exotic flowers. Exotic plants and flowers add a beautiful touch to any garden, home, patio or yard, as well as weddings, celebrations, banquets, and more solemn occasions.

About the author

Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant.
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