Some of the best gardening and landscaping advice is available write at your fingertips - on the web. Dozens of sites boast free plans, plant encyclopedias, gardening tips and articles discussing everything from Chic Chinese Pavilions to creating a French-Country Backyard. I've attempted to wade through this maze of information and have provided a short list of the top four I found most helpful.
Although they're not meant to be a replacement for an experienced landscaper, these sites will definitely inspire and give you a place to start. Happy gardening!
BHG.com
This website by Better Homes and Gardens has everything you ever wanted to know about gardens, planning, maintenance, lawns, plants, and everything green. They probably have one of the largest collections of free plans I've seen yet as well as some nifty tools to help you begin your landscaping journey.
Their handy web tools include:
1. Plant finder - allows you to locate every plant imaginable, includes detailed description, growing info and color photo.
2. Garden plans - virtually hundreds of garden plans for every type of yard, climate, plant type (perennial, annual, container, shade, pond side, color theme, etc.). They also provide ideas for entire landscape themes such as entertaining, low-maintenance, small backyard or small front yard. Sign up for free and you can access detailed planting guides for all the plans.
3. Plan-a-Garden – This gives you an online planning guide where you can chart out your virtual garden, add plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers in relation to structures, decks, or fences on the property. You can even design walkways and add stepping stones, patio tables and benches.
GardenDesigner.com
This is a beautifully designed site providing amazing ideas for all types of garden and patio design. They feature start-to-finish slideshows of various projects, and lots of design and money-saving tips. They offer advice from architects and even discuss home security in the landscape. The only downside is all the Google ads you have to sift through on the pages.
HGTV.com
This site is full of timely articles and gardening tips and most of important of all, lots of big colorful pictures. In their article “Taking up Space” about how to fill large areas, they detail each suggested plant and include large images of each.
The section on landscaping discusses every type of garden, as well as patios, decks and paths.Where Bhg.com is the place to go for plans, this site has a lot of useful advice and "before and after" projects.
GardenGuides.com
This site isn't as pretty as the others, but it has a wealth of gardening and plant information. You can easily look up just about any flower, herb, tree, shrub, vine, etc. and access a lengthy information sheet that outlines characteristics, and all you need to know about planting them and keeping them alive. There are tons of "how to's" as well as garden recipes and a fairly active forum.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Where To Get Free Garden Catalogs From
Through this article we will look at ways in which you can get free garden catalogs and what benefits a person can gain from using them.
The best way of ensuring that you will get all of the free garden catalogs that you want is by making sure that you are on the various companies mailing lists. There are many companies, which not only offer products and plants through these types of catalogs, but they also provide you with useful information as well. The best way of finding a list of companies that supply free garden catalogs is by going online. Many of these sites that are advertising will in most cases send out a free copy of their catalog and all you need to do is request the catalog through their website. When applying for a copy of their free garden catalog there are a number of simple questions that you will need to answer about yourself and also that are related to gardening. The main things that they will ask you for are as follows: -
1. Name
2. Address (this is where they will send the catalog to).
3. Email Address - this is great as they will then be able to send out details to you of any offers that they have and you will be able to see the offers on the day that they are released rather than having to wait for a letter to come in the post to you.
4. Special Garden Interests - What particularly interests you with regards to the type of gardening you do and the type of garden you have. By providing this information they will be able to provide you with details of the equipment and plants etc., which are specifically for your type of garden.
5. What the climate is like where you live.
More and more people today are turning to free garden catalogs and certainly now as we are able to see the items that these catalogs advertise online it is even easier to decide what would be right or wrong for your garden. Plus these companies will often provide you with great offers on hundreds of different plants, flowers, trees as well as equipment and no longer do you need to spend your time driving down to the local garden center. This can all be carried out from the comfort of your own home and everything gets delivered right to your front door within a matter of days of an order being placed.
So why not go to your favorite search engine and type "free gardening catalogs" in the search box today and see which free garden catalogs you can find and you can soon be making big changes to your garden that you never thought were possible.
The best way of ensuring that you will get all of the free garden catalogs that you want is by making sure that you are on the various companies mailing lists. There are many companies, which not only offer products and plants through these types of catalogs, but they also provide you with useful information as well. The best way of finding a list of companies that supply free garden catalogs is by going online. Many of these sites that are advertising will in most cases send out a free copy of their catalog and all you need to do is request the catalog through their website. When applying for a copy of their free garden catalog there are a number of simple questions that you will need to answer about yourself and also that are related to gardening. The main things that they will ask you for are as follows: -
1. Name
2. Address (this is where they will send the catalog to).
3. Email Address - this is great as they will then be able to send out details to you of any offers that they have and you will be able to see the offers on the day that they are released rather than having to wait for a letter to come in the post to you.
4. Special Garden Interests - What particularly interests you with regards to the type of gardening you do and the type of garden you have. By providing this information they will be able to provide you with details of the equipment and plants etc., which are specifically for your type of garden.
5. What the climate is like where you live.
More and more people today are turning to free garden catalogs and certainly now as we are able to see the items that these catalogs advertise online it is even easier to decide what would be right or wrong for your garden. Plus these companies will often provide you with great offers on hundreds of different plants, flowers, trees as well as equipment and no longer do you need to spend your time driving down to the local garden center. This can all be carried out from the comfort of your own home and everything gets delivered right to your front door within a matter of days of an order being placed.
So why not go to your favorite search engine and type "free gardening catalogs" in the search box today and see which free garden catalogs you can find and you can soon be making big changes to your garden that you never thought were possible.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Low Cost Variety In Container Gardening
Container gardening can be low cost. You do not need fancy containers. Almost anything can work as a container. If it has enough space and drainage holes or you can add drainage holes then it will work. The plants are not too picky as long as they get food, water and sun. You can actually get very creative and add an eclectic look to your garden by using a variety of interesting containers.
Who Can Do It
Anyone can grow a container garden. Form someone with limited space who lives in an apartment to a person out in the country who just doesn't want the hassle of a large garden. Plants that grow well in containers range from vegetables to flowers to fruits, so a person can create any type of garden they desire. The only real restrictions are choosing the right plants so they have enough room to grow and your imagination and creativity.
Some Specifics
When choosing plants and containers it is always best to keep in mind that each plant has its own particular needs. Some plants will need a larger container so they can grow and not be inhibited. Also, perennials may not work well in containers because they need to be able to 'hibernate' during the winter months in warmth that can only come from underground. You may also want to consider the weight depending on where you are putting the containers and if you are planning on moving them once you have everything planted.
Plant Choices
The choices in plants to use is great. There are many plants that grow well in a small space. You just need to make sure that the plant does not need a lot of underground space. Potatoes, for instance, do not do well in a container unless you can provide a very deep container, since they grow underground. Tomatoes, however, are a perfect container plant. Do a little research before shopping or ask for advice from the staff where you shop.
Container Options
Choosing containers can be fun. You can buy them or even use things you have around the house. An old boot can be the perfect thing in which to grow some flowers. Old buckets are great, too. Of course there are the plastic containers that are cheap to buy. You also do not have to be limited to containers that sit on the ground. You can try hanging baskets and even a trellis or a pole.
Who Can Do It
Anyone can grow a container garden. Form someone with limited space who lives in an apartment to a person out in the country who just doesn't want the hassle of a large garden. Plants that grow well in containers range from vegetables to flowers to fruits, so a person can create any type of garden they desire. The only real restrictions are choosing the right plants so they have enough room to grow and your imagination and creativity.
Some Specifics
When choosing plants and containers it is always best to keep in mind that each plant has its own particular needs. Some plants will need a larger container so they can grow and not be inhibited. Also, perennials may not work well in containers because they need to be able to 'hibernate' during the winter months in warmth that can only come from underground. You may also want to consider the weight depending on where you are putting the containers and if you are planning on moving them once you have everything planted.
Plant Choices
The choices in plants to use is great. There are many plants that grow well in a small space. You just need to make sure that the plant does not need a lot of underground space. Potatoes, for instance, do not do well in a container unless you can provide a very deep container, since they grow underground. Tomatoes, however, are a perfect container plant. Do a little research before shopping or ask for advice from the staff where you shop.
Container Options
Choosing containers can be fun. You can buy them or even use things you have around the house. An old boot can be the perfect thing in which to grow some flowers. Old buckets are great, too. Of course there are the plastic containers that are cheap to buy. You also do not have to be limited to containers that sit on the ground. You can try hanging baskets and even a trellis or a pole.
Advantages Of Raised Bed Gardening
Weather conditions in many places make it difficult to put in a garden. Dry conditions, wet weather, too much sun, not enough sun, are all problems faces somewhere in the country. Very few placed have ideal conditions year round, so we have to look for an advantage to extend the growing season in our area. One approach that works to mitigate many of these problems are raised garden beds.
What are some advantages of gardening in raised beds? Is it worth the effort?
Aesthetics: Everyone know that at some time of the year gardens start to look a little tired. But a raised garden keeps a much more tidy look to it. In addition, the pathways between the beds lend more definition to the plants.
Weeds Raised beds do a better job of keeping out aggressive plants like grasses and creeping vines. They also significantly reduce the area that needs to be weeded in the first place. Less work to keep weeded all around.
Watering: Since the plants are confined to the smaller beds, there is less overall watering required. And since the beds are raised , irrigation equipment can be installed without worry of hitting it with a lawn mower or a tiller. The water is confined to the bed, and that reduces the week growth around the plants as well. And if you are in a poorly drained area, the raised bed will reduced the pooling and stagnant water problems as well.
Access: Since the bed is raised, not as much stooping or bending is needed when you are planting, weeding, or picking your crops. It's great on the back, especially for older gardeners. Of course if you like to use a tiller this is not as easy with a raised garden bed.
What are some advantages of gardening in raised beds? Is it worth the effort?
Aesthetics: Everyone know that at some time of the year gardens start to look a little tired. But a raised garden keeps a much more tidy look to it. In addition, the pathways between the beds lend more definition to the plants.
Weeds Raised beds do a better job of keeping out aggressive plants like grasses and creeping vines. They also significantly reduce the area that needs to be weeded in the first place. Less work to keep weeded all around.
Watering: Since the plants are confined to the smaller beds, there is less overall watering required. And since the beds are raised , irrigation equipment can be installed without worry of hitting it with a lawn mower or a tiller. The water is confined to the bed, and that reduces the week growth around the plants as well. And if you are in a poorly drained area, the raised bed will reduced the pooling and stagnant water problems as well.
Access: Since the bed is raised, not as much stooping or bending is needed when you are planting, weeding, or picking your crops. It's great on the back, especially for older gardeners. Of course if you like to use a tiller this is not as easy with a raised garden bed.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Attractive Indoor Herb Gardens - Steps And Measures
Do you enjoy cooking or gardening? If so, an indoor herb garden may be a perfect choice for you. They are fun, useful, and easy to maintain.
If you live in a colder climate, you know how hard it can be to grow things. With an indoor herb garden, you can have all the fun of gardening year round. They also add a special something to a kitchen windowsill. The different shapes and colors of the herbs make a fantastic decoration as they fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
But enough of those reasons! The real benefit of an herb garden is having delicious, fresh herbs at your fingertips. No more running to the supermarket to pick up an overpriced bundle of herbs that you'll have to throw out in a week! Instead you can simply clip off what you need and toss it right into your recipe. All the while knowing that it wasn't grown with nasty pesticides and fertilizers.
Sounds great doesn't it? That's because it is. In fact, by now your probably wondering what you need to get started on one.
Here's what you need:
- Six-inch pots. One pot for each type of herb.
- Small stones and/or bark chips. These are for the bottom of the pot. They provide room for drainage and aeration.
- Soilless potting mix. Potting mix will drain well and keep your herbs from catching soil diseases.
- Herb seeds, bulbs, or small plants. You can grow herbs from seeds or get a head start with plants from your local nursery.
- Sunlight. Herbs require lots of light. If sunlight is in short supply, supplement it with a fluorescent light.
Follow the instructions on the seed packet or plant container and plant your herbs. If you buy herb plants from a nursery, be sure to ask the staff for tips on planting them correctly.
After planting, mist your herbs with water until the soil is fairly moist.
Herbs That do Well Indoors
You will be able to grow almost all of the most popular herbs indoors. Thyme, parsley, oregano, chives, and sage do especially well.
Watering and Fertilizing
Herbs don't like a lot of water. Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Use an organic fertilizer to feed your herbs every week or so.
Harvesting
Don't be afraid to use your herb garden! The more you use it the thicker it will grow. Harvest fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, and parsley as you need them.
As for dried herbs, pick them at their peak flavor right before they blossom. Wash them with gently running water and hang them upside down in small bundles. Hang them indoors and in a warm area if possible. You can also freeze herbs for later use by boiling them for about a minute and packing them into freezer bags.
With just a little work and some easy maintenance, you'll find that an indoor herb garden will provide lots of delicious, gourmet herbs along with fun and satisfaction.
Spring Garden For Perfect Home Attraction
If you're a keen gardener, you are probably itching to get out there and do something in your garden now. If you are not a keen gardener, but you are planning to sell your home in the spring, you are probably groaning at the thought of having to appear like a keen gardener!
Yes, having an attractive front yard is really important when selling your property. This is especially true in a buyer's market. The more temptations you can provide, the more people you will appeal to - and the more buyers you will have wanting to view your house.
Having an attractive front yard does not mean that you have to plant blooms; but flowers are certainly an easy way to add appeal. If you are planning to sell your house in springtime, then you need only invest in early blooming flowers.
This means that you'll want to plant bulbs (crocus, daffodils, tulips and narcissus) and very early flowering blooms like rhododendron, forsythia, pansies, primroses and primula, to name a few.
If you do not have a bed to plant flowers into, then read on for an easy way to make one:
Decide on the shape that you want by spreading some newspapers on the ground into the proposed design. Leave the newspapers intact as you will need the sheets to be 5 or 6 layers deep.
Next add several inches of compost on top of the newspaper shape; this will smother all the weeds etc. that are dying to come up (Ha!). In two months' time you can dig it up and 'work in' the compost with a spade, then plant! Yes, sounds like easy gardening.
If you follow this procedure and make a newly dug bed, you will have to buy primroses and pansies etc., and plant ready-made blooms in place. You may not have time to plant bulbs and let them mature into bloom; it depends on your climate.
If you want bulbs, then dig a big hole as soon as all sign of frost is past. Plant the bulbs in the hole in clumped groups under a tree, or on a corner or by a bush. If you have none of these, gather up a couple of big rocks and use these as a focal point for your daffodils or crocus.
Non-green-thumbed people sometimes have trouble telling one end of a bulb from the other! You must always plant bulbs with the root area facing downwards. The root end is flatter; the top end is more of a point. If in doubt, put them in the hole sideways and let Mother Nature work it out!
If you do not wish to plant bulbs or flowers, another way to get your front yard looking spruced up is to neaten and straighten all the edges around your lawn. Newly edged lawns and pathways are very noticeable; they may also indicate to the prospective buyer that you take care of your property. Keep your lawn very short.
Hose down all the paths to give them a good clean-up, and make sure you remove all garbage bins, bikes etc. from sight. It's called curb appeal and it means that your home must look good when viewed from the curb. (Many buyers do a drive by on their own, to see if they are tempted, before they contact the real estate agent.)
Now is a good time to check your garden furniture. There is a certain ambiance reflected in seeing an old rocking chair with cushions, under a parasol with a small table nearby. Tables, chairs, parasols and benches all suggest that yours is a yard to relax in.
Ensure that your garden furniture does not need to be repaired or given an extra coat of paint. It can be done early in the year, in the garage for instance. Once this is done, just sit back and wait for spring - like the rest of us!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)