Thursday, October 23, 2008

Attractive Japanese Landscape Design

Easy To Maintain Japanese Landscape Design

For a Japanese landscape design, you will find a list of specific items to consider.  Now, some Japanese gardens are simplistic while others include everything that would be found in a traditional Japanese landscape design.  Therefore, the first thing you would need to do before shopping for the various types of Japanese garden supplies and materials is to determine the completed look you want.

Plan a strolling garden with beautiful paths taking you past tiny waterfalls and small ponds filled with koi fish. There are so many stonework Japanese art pieces to arrange along the paths to complete the look and feel of an authentic Japanese garden.

A Beautiful Japanese Garden Bridge


By adding a Japanese garden bridge you create safe passage through your exotic garden. At the heart of a Japanese garden is harmony with nature. Through the careful use of plants, stones, and water, areas of serene and quiet beauty emerge.

The Japanese garden bridge is typically constructed from wood or stone with a design that fits with the Japanese style.  In Japan, these bridges are used to connect a shore with an island or in some cases, even to connect one island with another island.  Of course, in a smaller residential Japanese landscape design, the Japanese garden bridge goes along with a strolling garden, again to go over a pond or stream.

Dry Japanese gardens consist of stone arrangements and gravel symbolizing the ocean and islands. It may also include sand that has been carefully raked.  Traditionally five large stones will represent the five basic elements...sky, earth, wind, water, and fire. It is very traditional to have stone figures of Buddah or various animals representing longevity, happiness, or peace, etc.

Locating Japanese Garden Supplies


Once you have carfeully planned and drawn out the design of your garden you will need a shopping list of all the components you would like to include in your garden.  You can look online and order items or find them locally at a garden supply shop.

You can be as creative as you like with your design.  True to Japanese tradition, it must be simple but at the same time include many features such as the dry garden with the sand base and stones, a pond or other water feature with a waterfall and a Japanese bridge.  Japanese Lanterns lining the paths would also be a nice addition.


For additional information on landscaping visit Outdoor Landscaping Ideas.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Types of Desert Landscaping Plants

Desert Landscaping Plants are Long Lasting

Whether living in Arizona, California, or Nevada, many people are discovering the joy of using desert landscaping plants. Typically, these types of plants are easy to grow and maintain, and many have gorgeous, colorful blooms during different times of the year. Although most desert landscaping plants do best in dry, hot climates, they can be used in other parts of the country with a wet, cooler climate.

In addition to using plants for landscaping, which might include yucca, various types of cacti, and so on, you will also find that desert gardens can be used in vegetable garden plans. For instance, fruits and vegetables usually grow exceptionally well in dry climates although you would need to make sure they get adequate watering.

Desert landscaping plants are perfect for an area that gets direct sun all day. Commonly the north side of your home is in the shade most of the day. Landscape shade plants will do will in this part of the yard and add some variety to your landscape plans. Shade plants can produce some beautiful flowers as well.

Listed below are just a few of the hundreds of varieties of desert landscape plants as well as a few landscape shade plants. The hot and dry climates produce many beautiful and hearty plants to choose from.

Opuntia Varieties, or better known as the prickly pear due to its colorful fruit-shaped flower bud. The bud blooms into the most beautiful, almost rose like flower.

Opuntia phaecantha variety discata, This is a very hardy plant that can survive in cold weather and will produce a beautiful deep yellow flower in the spring and summer months. It does tend to crawl along the ground and root as it goes. It has very sharp long spines that can be dangerous if planted around children.

The Agave, also known as the "century plant," because of the legendary flower stalk that is said to only bloom every one hundred years. The truth is that it produces the flower stalk at the end of its life, which can be as long as twenty to thirty five years. They have been grown for fiber for ropes, some for tequila, and some are said to have a delicious meat inside that is very good baked.

Using Landscape Shade Plants in your Desert Garden

Astilbes: These plants have wonderful, plume like flowers of red, pink, and white that will bloom for a long time. As a perennial, the flower will grow back year after year while growing perfectly in a shaded area.

Hosta: This is a perfect choice for landscape shade plants, growing about 12 to 18 inches high with a nice spread. The leaves are dense and if grown close together, they create a wonderful border.

The Liriope Spicata is one more great shade plant that looks like grass and is often times referred to as border grass. The flowers turn from white to purple when in bloom then in the fall it produces a dark berry.

Often labeled a day lily the Foxglove is extremely versatile and grows equally as well in the sun as it does it the shade. The flowers produced by this plant are striking and vary in color depending on the species. It is however a poisonous plant and should not be exposed to children and pets.

To get more info on landscaping go to Desert Landscaping Ideas

Small Backyards And Planting Fruit Trees

Almost monthly we find that we are being bombarded by new exercise, or diet, plans cleverly crafted to entice us to change the way we lead our lives.

It is true that we all need to closely examine our current behaviour with bearing in mind the we need to be eating a reasonable amount  more fresh fruit and vegetables and exercising more regularly. One thing we may want to do is to consider growing one or two fruit trees in our backyard. However, as most gardens are only rather small spaces, it is highly probable that you might be rather restricted in the options available.

Most of us understand well that organic vegetables and fruit are far better for us than the alternatives however the increased cost is sometimes too much. We also know that the fresher the fruit or veg is the  more minerals and vitamins it will contain. By growing our own fruit trees we can cultivate organic fruit at a vastly reduced cost and, because it can be harvested immediately before use, such fruit is also the freshest it can be.

The vast majority of us live in a city environment where it is common to have yards which leave only a very small patch in which to cultivate a garden. Such yards are immensely unsuitable for large mature trees which can lead to a number of problems. The roots can grow into foundations, branches can grow up against walls and windows and they also restrict the light. The most obvious problem is that such a huge item in a little place will obviously look ridiculous.

Even in the smallest yard something incredibly amazingl can be created. Professional landscape designers can create the most incredible plans but, with a a small amount of effort and time, it is possible to do this yourself. To do it correctly you will need to read up a little to understand which are the best shrubs, plants and trees to utilize and the most suitable way to use them.

If you have a really small backyard the inclusionaddition of a fruit tree will add beauty and interest. In the spring the tree will be covered in amazing looking, and sweet smelling, blossom. By the time of fall the tree will be full of ripe fruit perfect for the picking. Even during the winter a fruit tree can still look very interesting and such a tree could be a focal point.

It is now possible to purchase dwarf fruit tree types, these are created by grafting the main stem of a fruit tree to carefully chosen dwarf root stock. Modern dwarf root stock, such as M9, is more reliable than older types of dwarf root stock. M9 root stock can cause a fruit tree to develop rather small while still being able to grow a much larger amount of fruit.

Modern compact fruit trees can be grown in small gardens as the dwarf variety produces a large amount of fruit from the tinniest of bushes. A dwarf fruit tree will uncommonly be larger than 1.8m high but the amount of growth can be reduced a little further by growing it in a container. By following a well planned pruning regime you can restrict the growth while retaining a aesthetic architecture.

Amongst the most useful of fruit trees for the gardening enthusiast with only a little backyard, is the spur apple tree. While the tree can still reach to roughly 1.8m in height it has such an upright habit that it often looks rather strange covered in a mass of ripened apples.

Besides as apple trees there are dwarf varieties of fruit tree such as pears, plums, figs, cherries, nectarines and various others.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Using Perennial Garden Flowers in Garden Landscaping

A large number of people now completely understand that a gorgeous well kept garden can add a great deal of extra monetary worth to their house. It is also true to say that, a cleverly designed yard can seriously increase the amount of useful space for your family and you. For these factors, and a few more besides, garden landscaping has, over time, increased to become an extremely popular hobby. Top of the list for most landscapers is a gorgeous yearly display of colorful and varied blooms.

While many landscape gardeners choose to add color by using annual flowers, the remainder decide that using perennial garden plants is the better method. Annual flowers are those plants which grow, flower and die all in the one year whereas perennials will continue to flower year after year. Of course there are plus points and minus points for both annuals and perennial plants and garden landscaping is all about deciding which is the most suitable blend of the two.

Many people experience heart warming memories of distant days spent in a grandmother's garden enjoying the wonderous aromas of many old fashioned popular garden perennials. Sadly it can be rather problematic for even the most keen gardener (including some experienced professionals) to replicate gardens of the past because many of the varieties (of species) are no longer available. You will be happy to hear that many of the old fashioned varieties have been replaced by strains which are much more able to withstand disease, so you can often discover suitable replacements which show little or no (other) differences to the older plant.

Traditional Perennial Flowers

One of the most popular perennials used in landscaping today is the Achillea which first appeared in American gardens during colonial days when it was introduced from Europe. Achillea is an ancient plant used since the times of the Greek hero Achilles (from whom the plant gets it's name) who used it to help heal his soldiers. Achillea can stop bleeding and works amazingly well at healing wounds.

Achillea millefolium

Achillea ptarmica has really pretty flat groups of small flowers that look rather daisy like. Achillea are available with flower heads in a selection of colors ranging from different shades of yellows, whites and pinks. Achillea are thought by most landscape gardeners to be relatively easy perennial garden plants to cultivate. They are so easy to propagate because they are considerably invasive plants which can be spotted growing on the poorest of soil. If you wish to witness success with Yarrow you only need to avoid growing in boggy or poorly drained soil. The plants are well able tolerating drought conditions. Achillea ptarmica and Achillea millefolium are two of the most often chosen varieties but there are various others available.

For all types of gardening provisions including sprinklers and watering equipment, hedge and string trimmers, lawnmowers and more visit http://store.landscapinginfo4u.com/

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Searching For The Proper Plantings for Ponds Can be A Joy

Designing a fish pond within the backyard enhances the landscaping and the landscape and will be able to become  an exotic area.  The decisions are numerous when undertaking installing a backyard pond to insure its success.  One of the main decisions must be to decide on the location of the fish pond.  What will be the focus of the pond?  Is it strictly aethetic or will the focus be mainly for plants? You will need to make a decision if koi fish or turtles will thrive in the pond.  If a landscape installation contractor will be responsible for installing your new water feature be sure to go over all of these points during the development phase.

When the fish pond has been installed now it is time to create some character and interest along with beauty to the landscape around the backyard pond. This is the easy part.  Before selecting your pond plants determine if your city has a directory of aquatic plants that are banned.

Purchase the plants for your fish pond from an honest vendor.  Do some of digging.  It is really not recommended that you buy them online; if you should have any problems with them it could prove to be very hard to return them to the merchant if it becomes necessary.

You may want to plant the tropical water lily, which has a beautiful bloom.  There are also a wide variety of plants that are generally used around the edges of the pond.

For an extensive directory of plants for ponds and detailed planting and care instructions be sure to stop by Pond Pleasure.com.  You will be pleased at the many designs you can create with the use of the right aquatic plants around and within your backyard pond.  Start dreaming about your pond now!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Tips for Growing Indoor Bonsai Trees

A bonsai plant is a striking reminder of a longstanding art. Bonsai trees are very striking in appearance, so there are many who feature them in the home. You need to make sure that you are diligent in your bonsai tree care and give it some special attention since it's not able to benefit from direct sunshine and the effects of outdoor weather. Although they might look quite hardy, a bonsai can be very delicate, requiring precision watering and lighting.

Watering Your Indoor Bonsai

When you bring a bonsai tree indoors it will require sufficient lighting to replace the natural sunlight that it would have been receiving outdoors. Your plant will appreciate being located in an area with lots of air movement. How frequently you water your bonsai will depend on what kind it is and the condition of its soil. Some plants or trees need to have damp soil while others thrive well in spite of a drought.

Misting your plant may be necessary to produce a sort of rainforest humidity in which it will thrive. Humidity trays can be useful, but don't let the pot sit right in the water; it should be sitting on a stand or some stones.

Pruning and Cutting

The indoor bonsai tree will still need to be regularly pruned and cut to maintain its appearance. Just because bonsai plants look frozen in time does not mean that they do not grow. Both indoor bonsai and outdoor bonsai need to be repotted anywhere from once a year up to three years depending on the kind of tree. The branches will also need to be maintained to keep its style intact.

In the wintertime, you'll likely have to reduce fertilization, depending on the type of bonsai you have. This is due to the fact that some bonsai species become dormant in this season, and will not need the level of nutrients that they do in the warmer seasons. It's harder for an indoor bonsai to truly experience the seasonal cycles due to its simulated surroundings.

You need to be on the lookout for pests and other irregularities that might appear on your indoor bonsai trees. The fact that they are indoors may make them a favorite of spiders and other mites who are used to the great outdoors. Use a soft, damp cloth or brush to carefully clean the branches and leaves of an indoor bonsai.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Container growing tomatoes for small gardens

If your garden is small i recommend that container growing is the best option because you can put them in good locations and maintain them easliy. Container growing tomatoes will grow just as well as those grown in the main garden but you need to do a couple of things a bit differently to have good success.

Container growing tomatoes

Some types grow better in pots and tubs than others. Some varieties have such large fruits that this makes them unsuitable for growing in pots and containers. If you have ever grown tomatoes you now how much the y need feeding and watering. only marrows and pumkins come close. The large varieties need a larger root system to sustain the plants long enough and well enough to give you the large tomatoes you would want.

What you can grow very well in pots, tubs and containers are cherry tomato types and medium size tomatoes like Moneymaker and Ailsa.

I always use the biggest pots and containers gor tomatoes as I have had problems getting good fruit with small pots. Your plants need regular watering and feeding and to get really good plants the roots need plenty of space. If they are pot bound you will reduce the size of your tomatoes.

The third thing to do with them is to feed them weekly once the first flower set appears. I do this at the same time every week until the harvest season in almost over. Then you just continue with water. I use special tomato feed from a garden centre. The feed is useful for plenty of other types of plant so it is well worth the investment.

Growing tomatoes in pots

My last hint is to ensire thay are watered daily. Even if it rains I still water them because the pots dry out so quickly and the leaves of the plants deflect the water from the container. The ones in the ground will grow much more easily. Container growing tomatoes for small gardens work very well as long as you follow these simple tips.

 

Monday, October 6, 2008

Growing Vegetables In Your Organic Garden With The Right Fertilization

For effective gardening of vegetables in your organic gardening, you must first think about fertilization. This is almost always attributable to mulching. But there are other things to consider as well, such as the introduction of fertilizers that are available to you both naturally or commercially. To simply define this, it means to place materials, whether they be inorganic or organic in your garden around your plants.

By doing this you will also provide fertilization, it also helps to protect your soil as well. If you garden receives a lot of heavy rain, or is susceptible to high weed growth causing it to be a weed trap, then mulches will provide some much protection from this and much needed supplementation that will aid the natural growth process of your organic garden vegetables.

Beside this, you will also find it will help to regulate the temperature of your soil. Also the added bonus of gardening this way is the aesthetic look this lends to your garden and the improved ground texture. By spreading the mulch to areas not planted will also help to keep any weeds under control.

If you do decide to establish mulches in your garden, you will find that you need to water less often. This is because it help your plants retain water. Also your plants will have far better growth levels because of this added water retention. It will also help you with your weed control, but it will never stop them completely stop them.

You should always test your soil, this way you can maximise your fertilization efforts. Never buy your fertilizer in bulk before doing a test on your soil, this way you make sure you get the correct fertilizer suited for your soil type. Just what could be a worse experience, than having not tested and then having bought in bulk to find that it is of no use to you.

When you do apply your fertilizer, it is recommended that you should maintain it. Always go for a high quality fertilizer, this in an absolute must do for any gardener, especially if you are a beginner. There are also many fertilizers available to you, that are tailored solely to the beginning of your planting experience. These will require no extra maintenance through your gardening activities. In any rate, make sure that you are getting your money's worth and have thoroughly proven for yourself that the given fertilizer you are putting on your garden has been tried and tested on your soil type.

Organic material is always the best source of fertilization in your vegetable garden, this is because it adheres closely to natures natural growth process. Always try to avoid introducing any chemicals in to your soil, this is so that your plants will get used to growing and maximizing there potential via natural means. Going organic has many added health benefits for you and your family and by growing green you are doing your bit to help the environment. So why not go ahead now and grow organic?

Sunday, October 5, 2008

The Benefits of Organic Gardening

green gardening

More and more people are getting into natural means of growing crops because of the benefits that organic pot gardening brings. Experts agree that the most basic premise that people—who are planning to do organic gardening—need to understand about the process of how it replenishes the use of natural resources. Meaning, when one does organic gardening, he or she should understand how important it is to use natural components such as composting plants and other fruits peels to feed the soil where the crop will be planted.

How can organic gardening improve lives

The beauty of nature cannot always be seen outdoors by some people. Being inside the comforts of home doesn’t mean that people can no longer enjoy the feel of nature for they can always indulge and reap the benefits of organic gardening. There are many benefits to organic gardening contrary to some perceptions that organic gardens are not good. Although it can be a tedious task to start with, all you need to do is to set your mind into something enjoyable and healthy, then, you can start reaping the benefits of organic gardening.

Some benefits of gardening are as follows:

1. It leads you back to basics. Nature always provides the feeling of health and calmness. The trees, the plants, the flowers, and other elements of nature exude the air of serenity and relaxation. But, due to the dawning of modern age, most people neglect how can nature give ultimate satisfaction and tranquility. But, if you want to back to basics, you can always create your own organic garden in the comforts of your own space.

2. Healthier supply of food. Creating an organic garden might mean that you would have to go down and dirty just to grow fruits and vegetables. Placing all the hard work aside, in the end you can pick the produce that most others cannot find in grocery stores. Not pondering much on the effort you will exert in planting seedlings would also make you realize you are investing on something that could provide you enough supply of fresh, healthy and sumptuous supply of food.

3. An amazing alternative to save money. One of the great benefits of organic gardening is that it can be a great alternative for you to save money. Aside from being an amazing alternative for a feel of great outdoors, organic gardening can also help you save by getting the best crops for free and having a healthy environment.

4. It serves as a great hobby or past time. For older people, one of the amazing benefits of organic flower gardening is that it can buy some time off to people who want lesser stress in life. Since it has something to do with nature, organic gardening can indeed be a leisure activity not just for the elder but for the younger ones as well.

But, before going into the hobby of organic gardening, it is a must for you to know where to begin and how to begin. Organic gardening should start from a detailed planning. The first thing to consider is to determine the appropriate location for the type of garden you would want to have. If you plan to have a garden with ornamental plants, then it should be located in an area where the plants can be safe from harmful elements. Likewise, if you plan to have a vegetable garden, make sure that the location you have chosen would provide the crops enough exposure to the sun and sufficient water supply.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

The Art of Growing Bonsai Trees

The art of cultivating bonsai trees is a Japanese tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years.  Translating literally to "tray planting," growing a bonsai tree involves actively shaping a tree into a dwarfed, artistic version of itself.  A bonsai tree is not a special dwarf or hybrid species of a common tree; they’re genetically the same as their much larger brothers and sisters.  It’s the careful cultivation and shaping techniques that keeps these trees small.  Surprisingly, the trees are not damaged by this process, however.  In fact, with the correct care, the bonsai version of a tree can exceed the life expectancy of the same tree if it were grown in the wild.

Grown from seeds or cuttings, Bonsai trees usually grow in height from two inches to three feet.  They are kept miniture through pruning both branches and roots.  Additionally, new growth is frequently removed when the bonsai plants are periodically repotted. 

Cultivating bonsai trees is actually as much about art as it is about horticulture.  Bonsai trees are not only kept small, they are also shaped into pleasing forms.  They frequently follow a number of different growth patterns, from simple triangles to waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots.  The various shapes are normally a product of both the pruning of the tree and by the wrapping the trunk and branches with wire, shaping the tree into its desired form.  Chosen to compliment the shape and color of the tree itself, the pots are also part of the art of bonsai.  Mosses and rocks are often added to the base for aesthetic appeal. 

Care of a bonsai tree is more complicated than maintaining most houseplants.  Since the bonsai, by definition, has has a smaller root system than most plants, it needs water and fertilizer more frequently than most garden-variety houseplants.  Pruining is also essential occasionally, since the bonsai tree would grow into just a normal large tree without pruning.  Also, if wire is used to help mold and form the tree, it is important to take care that the wire doesn’t dig into the bark of the tree, scarring the branches permanently.  Depending on the type of bonsai tree and your climate, you may be able to keep some bonsai trees outside year round, while others will need to be kept inside for at least part of the year.  Moisture is also important, not only in the soil but in the branches and leaves of the bonsai.  They need to be misted occasionally for the bonsai to remain healthy. 

Friday, October 3, 2008

Getting Into Organic Gardening

Instead of chemicals in your soil and on your food, why not try organic gardening?Start with a few plants or pots or little garden space, or go whole hog and plant up half your yard! 

Actually, if it’s your first garden, it’s better to start small.Everything looks so wonderful in catalogs that gardeners have a tendency to plant more than they can reasonably care for!It's a lot of fun to raise your own vegetables in your own organic garden, but there's no denying it's also a lot of work.A month or two into the gardening season you'd likely wish you hadn't planted quite so much.It's better to start small with your first garden, and make biggers ones as you get more experience!

On Location…

Like the real estate agents are fond of saying, “It’s all about location, location, location.You can find plants that will gorw in the shade, but usually just flowers. Most vegetables need lots of sun.Ample sunshine is necessary and can't be provided artificially. It would take a humongous bunch of portable lights to do the job, which obviously isn't remotely practical.

Any garden, whether organic or not, needs ample sunshine to thrive.Best results are obtained by putting your pots of plants or garden area in a location with at least 6 hours of sun daily.Having the organic garden close to the house to allow easy access is a great idea, but shade from the house or trees may make it impossible.The need for sunshine trumps the need for easy access.

There must be plenty of sunshine for your garden area, but it also needs to drain well so plants don't sit in water.Having fertile soil in the garden area is a big plus, but if needed, soil addments can be added to improve soil.


Down and Dirty

Adding compost will help your soil no matter what type it is.To improve the soil and help plants grow better, you can also use organic materials and natural fertilizers.  Most vegetable roots are in the top 6 inches of soil, so tilling or double digging will easily mix the materials into the soil where the roots can reach it.


Time to Plant

Seed catalogs and nurseries are brimming with all types of vegetables.Of course you need to choose vegetables you enjoy eating, but you also need to be sure to get plants that will thrive in your area.Long season crops like sweet potatoes, for instance, wouldn't do so well in the far north, while a cool climate crop like peas wouldn't last in the heat of a southern summer.

Mulching with an organic material around the vegetables in a garden will discourage the growth of weeds, help conserve water, and add humus and nutrients to the soil.  It’s a great way to improve your garden soil and plants!


Don’t Let Them Bug You

Where there’s lovely young plants, there’s bugs looking for a meal.A spray of plain or soapy water will dislodge bugs from plants, or they can be hand picked to remove them..  

 Not all bugs are bad, and some are even beneficial such as ladybugs, green lacewings, praying mantis, spiders and wasps since they eat insects that try to eat your vegetables. 

Companion planting with insect repellant plants such as marigolds or nasturtiums can also help keep bugs away from your garden.

Be flexible. Don't expect your vegetables to look picture perfect.Store bought vegetables may look perfect, but taste blah. Your organically grown vegetable may not look perfect, but it will taste a whole lot better.Bad spots in the food can just be cut out before eating it.


Weed, Weed, and Weed Some More!

Really, a weed is nothing more than "a plant growing in the wrong place.That pretty well sums things up.When something comes up you didn't plant, consider it a weed and pull it up or till it under.Employ whatever method you desire, but just be sure to get the weeds out of your organic garden.Weeds take nutrients and water from your vegetable plants.


All Set To Garden!

The right ingredients for the garden are a good location, fertile soil, the right plants, and keeping the garden weed and bug free.  Growing an organic garden is a wonderful way to put great tasting food in your diet.Enjoy your own organic garden!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Spring Gardening Tips

            It’s April, the sun is shining, and there is this sudden feeling of panic in your body, its gardening season once again. Many people feel overwhelmed when gardening season hits, and they aren’t sure how best to get things going. Gardens are such complex, intricate plant and flower groups that it becomes a challenge to find the right way to start your spring garden off right. A few tips are below to help the average stressed out part time gardener be ready for the spring season. So take a deep breath, put down the miracle grow, and read on for insight into the wonderful world of gardening.

 

            Make a plan that actually won’t require a greenhouse for this year. Some of us gardeners have a tendency to go over the top with our gardening plans. If you’re garden is to include trees, exotic plants, or science experiments you may want to reconsider. The hardest part of gardening is dedicating the time to plant, nourish, and tend to your garden on a daily basis. By making realistic plans you will save yourself hours of stress. For those over achievers that can’t help themselves, try over simplifying your garden plans for insured success.

 

            Search magazines, and the internet for inspiration. Don’t be afraid to get ideas from others when it comes to gardening. There are many credible sources available online, and in books and magazines that offer many innovative ideas for gardens. Be sure to take advantage of such resources before planting your mixed garden of whatever you could find on sale at the local hardware store.

 

            When in doubt, create a theme for your garden. There are many popular themes for gardens these days, including Asian, desert, and rock themes. Give your garden some personality and come up with a theme. Once a theme is chosen it should become much more clear as to what, and where, and how to plant certain things in your garden.

 

            Plant something you can eat for instant gratification. Don’t be afraid to do it. Plant some mint, grow it, and put it in your ice tea. You’ll feel like a true American living off the land. If you’re daring, try planting some pepper seeds, those never tasted as fresh then from your own garden. When you put them in your kid’s fajita’s they’ll look at you with great admiration, if they don’t just tell them if they don’t save their lunch money everything is coming from the garden.

 

            It’s now spring and gardeners are out of their burrows to plant, and watch their seeds grow. Be sure to follow these tips to allow for a pleasant gardening experience.