Gardening Basics

The Beauty Of Walkways

Posted by Gary Antosh

The walkways you install into your landscape can make your garden more accessible, retain its beauty, and ad to the overall design. They are an integral part of your garden’s look and feel. Functionally, walkways offer a path through your garden that allow people to traverse them without disturbing the plants, grass, and other things you’ve set out for them to enjoy. It doesn’t take long for the places where people often tread to start to look trampled and faded if there are no walkways to protect it.

The beauty of walkways comes from the aesthetic mix of both the materials used and the shapes they and the walkway’s path take. Just as color can make them match or clash with the overall ambiance of your garden, their shape can either cut through the design or flow with it beautifully.

There are a variety of materials to make walkways from, each with its own design elements and functional properties. Interlocking concrete blocks and cobble-stone style bricks are the most popular choices. A bed of either heavy sand or small-pebbled gravel is usually laid and then the interlocking bricks are hammered into place using a wooden or rubber mallet. Bricks are laid in a similar fashion, being pressed together and tamped into place to firmly set them. This “floating” foundation allows the ground to heave with frost or moisture without dislocating the pathway.

Walkways are so integral to the design of a well-made garden than they are usually planned right from the beginning sketches and drawings before work even begins. Elements like bordering flowerbeds, concrete or rock edges, or bark strips are common walkway enhancers, defining the path’s edges for the eye.

Well-made walkways will have a slope or “crown” to them (a hump in the middle) that allows water to drain off so that it does not puddle on the walkway. This makes the walkway safer to traverse, cleaner, and keeps puddles from forming for mosquitoes to congregate in. The bricks and stones used are usually well-textured so that they have a good frictional quality to give a good grip when walking on them, minimizing slipping and dangerous falls.

Other common elements that are included in walkways are casual seating areas (benches, platforms, etc.), handrails for bridges or raised areas, or lighting elements for nighttime ambiance, and perhaps a great pool background to enhance the whole area. Other additions such as bird baths, feeders, squirrel hutches, pet-friendly plants, and other additions can make lively animals move in and around the walkway to give great entertainment and life to the gardens around the walkway.

Knock Knock - What Kind of House Plant Are You?

Posted by Keith Markensen

Many people think that referencing color is a great way to identify a houseplant. However, it takes more than just a typical houseplant name to be able to know its scientific species. It does not matter if you are trying to impress someone with your skill or knowledge concern houseplants, some people go to great lengths studying as much information as possible to know all about a particular plant.

There are various ways to go about finding out information about plants. Your local library is an excellent starting point, it will have books containing many pictures about every kind of plant you can imagine. An encyclopedia will show pictures, have in depth information, as well as genus and species names of many kinds of plants. You can use the pictures in the book to compare and make reference to the plants you have at home.

If you plan on breeding or creating hybrids of your houseplants, than it is important you know all you can. You can determine which plants to cross pollinate and create beautiful varieties. How you cross them is up to you, but knowing the information beforehand will enable you to do it correctly.

A Rose By Any Other Name?

When seeking information about your indoor houseplants, there are many who wonder if knowing the actual name is really all that important? Is it really going to matter if you have a corn plant or an exotic dracaena fragrans massangeana. This plant is non-flowering and its foliage is striped, many people find it appealing just for that matter alone. There is also a similar relative of the dracaena fragrans massangeana, called the striped dracaena around the house or also known as, dracaena deremensis. This particular variety has a thinner, longer type of foliage.

The scientific names of these houseplants, indicate that they need to be kept indoors. Due to their need for partial sunlight and minimal watering requirements. Some other species of this family are flower producing, most are admired and used for their foliage such as the majesty palm. Plants care guide and books can let you know the differences among houseplants which will allow you to choose the most attractive ones for your house.

Another common houseplant is the ficus, it has tall stems with some reaching as high as six feet or more, with irregular shaped leaves. A ficus elastica, is a smaller member of the ficus family, and can easily identified by using a plant book. But, the more this plant is more widely known by its more popular name, the rubber tree.

Peace Lily A Low Light House Plant

Posted by Gary Antosh

Unless you have a great number of windows, many areas of your home are probably considered low light areas. Generally this is defined as being eight feet or more away from a large window, with no direct light. Many areas of the typical home do not reeive enough natural light. However, you can still grow beautiful houseplants in these areas! There are many plants which will acclimate to low light conditions. They do not require high levels of care, although you should spray them with water occasionally to wash accumulated dust off their leaves. Here are some of the best low-light plants for your home:

Cast Iron Plant, or Aspidistra elatior, is a foliage plant with long, dark green glossy leaves. It has a reputation for growing under even the worst light conditions, and is not particular about temperature or water conditions, either. Watch for mealybugs, mites, and scales, which are known for attacking this plant. You should divide and repot this plant in the spring, when its roots have outgrown the pot.

Zebra Haworthia, another choice for low-light planting, is a succulent plant with white spotted leaves. These thick leaves form rosettes and tube-like flowers that hang on long stalks. It is a small plant, making it an ideal choice for container gardens or small spaces. It should be watered thoroughly, and night temperatures should be around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be repotted when it has outgrown the existing pot, in a well-drained porous soil mixture.

Chinese evergreen is another good low-light houseplant. They can even be grown in water, with no soil. There are many varieties with interesting color patterns, which can add variety to your plant selection. The temperature should not fall below 60 Fahrenheit at night. When the plant becomes root-bound, you should repot it.

Snake plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, is an African plant with thick leaves banded with yellow or dark green. Older plants sometimes grow spikes of yellow or white flowers in greater light conditions. The soil should be sandy with some peat moss, and the plant should be fertilized every 3 to 4 months. You should water this plant thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch.

Split leaf Philodendron is a climbing plant with large leathery leaves. It requires support, such as a pole or lattice, but can easily be cut back to keep it within the space you have. Soil should be kept damp, and this plant prefers humid conditions and temperatures above 60 degrees.

Peace Lily is a plant which comes in many varieties available at garden centers or nurseries. The size of this plant varies greatly, meaning there is likely one to fit your needs. In higher light conditions, it will produce long-lasting, creamy white flowers. Soil should be slightly moist at all times, and temperatures should not drop below 55 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is a popular hanging foliage plants, and it can also be trained to grow upright on poles. You should keep the temperature warm, and the soil slightly moist at all times.

English Ivy comes in many varieties and grows well in low light conditions. Varieties come with different leaf shapes, colors, and sizes. Ivy can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Screw Pine, or Pandanus veitchii, is a shrub with white-striped, swordlike leaves. This plant prefers humidity, as well as temperatures above 60 degrees. You should allow soil to dry out between waterings, and repot only when rootbound. The plant propagates through suckers that grow out from the base of the plant.

Grape Ivy usually comes in hanging basket or table plant forms. This vine has small, glossy green pointed leaflets and tendrils. Guides on care of Grape Ivy say that this peace lily cultivar enjoys high humidity, and new growth is usually covered with a strange white felt-like substance, which will disappear as the new growth reaches maturity.

Does Spider Plants Easy To Care For?

Posted by Gary Antosh

One popular choice for houseplants is the Spider Plant, whose scientific name is Chlorophytum Comosum. This is because they are very easy to care for, and are also quite attractive. While it is possible to over or under water them, as with any plant, they are very tolerant of varying conditions. They are very hardy, and can survive for many years in your home.

Spider Plants’ leaves are long and narrow, and come in several variations, from dark green with yellow stripes to speckles and other types. They grow quickly and have many leaves, making them visually interesting plants to add to your home.

Unlike many other plants, they still grow well when root bound, meaning that you will need to repot them less frequently. As long as you keep the soil relatively moist, your Spider Plant should grow well. You can even go several days without watering them at all, as they are very tolerant of a range of environments.

However, there is one ailment to watch out for with Spider Plants. If the tips of the leaves become brown or spotted, you should change the type of water you give them. The chlorine and fluorine sometimes found in city water can damage the plant, so if the leaves are turning brown, switch to rainwater or purified water.

Not only can they tolerate varying amounts of water, but they are also tolerant of varying amounts of light. Although they do best in indirect sun, they can also withstand very bright sunlight for hours. They do particularly well in areas that stay around 65 degrees, but can go down to 55 degrees at night, because they are naturally used to a nighttime drop in temperature.

Spider Plants also tolerate a range of soil types, and are not demanding when it comes to fertilizer. While you should not overdo it or neglect them, applying fertilizer once in the Spring and once in the Summer is fine.

During the summer months, they grow beautiful, small, star-shaped flowers. These white flowers grow on a stalk that will grow to be three feet long. While they have this stalk, be sure to stake it if it is bending or learning excessively.

Spider Plants are particularly well suited for hanging baskets, especially as older plants which have produced many leaves. However, they grow quickly and can outgrow such pots, so you may have to divide the plant and repot it every couple of years. In a basket, they can grow to be several feet wide, and two feet tall even before the flower stalk grows.

Spider Plants, in addition to centerpiece dracaena plants, can be an easy way to add interest to your interior environment. Just like the Lucky Bamboo, they are very tolerant of a range of conditions, and are very beautiful plants. They can be found in any nursery, and are a perfect choice for the beginning gardener.

Putting A Houseplant In Your Home

Posted by Thomas Fryd

Just because you may live in an apartment, does not mean you cannot enjoy the beauty of houseplants. While the prospect of lawn care is removed, this does not mean you have to restrict yourself to plastic plants. There are several beautiful varieties available and your options are limitless.

Consider the environment of the room you would like to enhance. This will help you decide where to place your plants. Perhaps your bathroom could use some sprucing up! Because this is the most humid room in the house, you have to consider which type of plants will thrive in this atmosphere. There are plenty of places besides the kitchen window sill, where you can put plants to beautify your home.

You may even consider using dried, silk or artificial flowers in place of live plants, in your garden. Dried roses, lavender, african violet flowers, or babies breath will look absolutely stunning tied in a bow and placed in various location. The advantages of using dried flowers or herbs is that they are fragrant and last for a long time; not to mention that you do not need any care instructions guide just to have them last for a long time.

You could even use one of your rooms specifically as a greenhouse. This area would be designated as your indoor gardening space. It should be a room with large windows or perhaps you could use a balcony, if you have one. Adding overstuffed chairs, fluffy pillows and soothing colors will make this room a favorite all year round.

Many people who live in apartments, find creative ways to garden indoors. They have herb gardens, that are commonly located on a window sill in the kitchen. This makes them easily accessible for you when cooking. You can buy herb seeds in a kit or you can go to your local garden center and get the seeds and some decorative pots. Herbs provide a variety of wonderful aromas and grow in strong sunlight. Just think of how good your food will taste with fresh herbs added.

Indoor Plants Are Affected With Outdoor Conditions

Posted by Keith Markensen

When growing houseplants, you may be surprised to learn that the outside environment does affect your indoor plants. If you are trying to maintain a healthy indoor garden, one of the main barriers to your plants’ health is pollution. In cities, and even in suburbs, dust, grime, and exhaust make it hard even for indoor plants to thrive.

Because plants ‘breathe” through their leaves, allowing their leaves to become covered with dust and dirt is not only unattractive, but also harmful to the plants. Therefore, you should pay special attention to cleaning the foliage of your plants, making sure that they are kept clean and free from dirt and dust.

If your plants have shiny smooth leaves, the easiest way to clean the leaves is to give them a sponge-bath with slightly warmed water and a very small amount of soap. Then, rinse with clean water, making sure that no soapy residue is left on the leaves. This will remove any dust or dirt, as well as any pests which may have found their way onto your houseplants.

If your plants have hairy leaves, such as African Violets, keep them clean by occasionally brushing the leaves with a fine soft brush. However, be gentle, so that you do not harm the leaves with rough treatment.

During the summer, you can give your plants special care by returning them to nature for the season. If you have a garden, or even a porch or patio, your houseplants can spend two or three months outside each year. However, keep in mind that you should try to replicate their indoor conditions when you leave your plants in the garden, as they have acclimated to being indoors, just like an aralia plant. Try to replicate the amount of light your plants were receiving indoors, keeping plants in shady or sunny spots as needed. Aralias usually get wilted stems when exposed to too much light outdoors. A nursery can also help you determine which of your plants prefer sunny or shady environments.

While you could take the plants out of their pots and plant them directly in the garden, it is probably better to sink the pots into the soil, leaving the plant in the pot. This will keep your plants from the shock of transferring them to completely new and different soil. Also, the pot will keep the roots from spreading, which would make it difficult to re-pot them at the end of the summer. You may wish to drop some gravel into the hole first, to ensure adequate drainage.

While your plants are spending time in the garden, you should not forget about them. Even with rainfall, make sure that they are adequately watered. Make sure to examine them occasionally to make sure that they are not being attacked by pests. When you bring them back inside at the end of the summer, make sure no pests get a free ride into your house, where they can attack your other houseplants.

Beautiful Heirloom Orchids Are Easy to Grow

Posted by Kent Higgins

Many people are familiar with antique furniture, but did you know that there are also antique plants? These plant species have survived for generations, and they are called heirloom plants. There is a wide variety when it comes to heirloom plant species, but the most popular of these is an orchid. Although many people, especially beginning gardeners, fear that they would kill an orchid plant and never dream of owning one, many varieties of orchids are actually easy to care for.

One popular heirloom orchid, the Paphiopedilum orchid, is a very low maintenance plant. These orchids have been popular for generations due to their big, bold flowers. These colorful flowers make a wonderful accessory in your home, brightening the whole room. Another type of heirloom orchid that you may want to consider is the Cattleya orchid. These orchids grow stalks with clusters of small blossoms. They come in colors ranging from yellow and pink to simple white orchids. These are very striking plants, even in less bold colors.

Once you have selected an orchid, you’ll need orchid potting mix, a clay pot, a tray, and some small pebbles. When you purchase your orchid, it will probably come in a small plastic pot, or with bare roots. To re-pot your orchid, fill your clay pot with the orchid potting mix, and then simply plant your orchid into the mix. Use the tray filled with small stones underneath your pot, to help catch the draining water.

To water your orchid, place it under room temperature running water for around two minutes. Because sitting in water is one of the easiest ways to kill an orchid, make sure that the potting mix has time to drain thoroughly. Now, place the pot on the tray, and then place your orchid in an area of your home that does not receive direct sunlight. Once per week, check your orchid. If the orchid potting mix is dry, you should water your orchid again by placing it under running water.

If you do not want to grow or to care for orchids, there are many other heirloom plants to choose from, including flower bulbs. These plants are very hardy, and can endure years of neglect. One of the most popular heirloom bulbs is the daffodil. There is a surprising variety of daffodils available, from the smaller true daffodils to the larger narcissus. Many have wonderful scents, or unique petal shapes that can turn down even the most expensive orchids such as Vanda or the moth orchid. Hyacinth flowers are known for their beautiful colors and strong fragrance.

Once you have purchased your flower bulbs, you’ll need to plant them. You’ll need a container, some potting soil, and a cold spot to store your bulbs during the winter months. Fill your container with potting soil, and plant your bulbs with the narrow end facing up. Keep your container in a cold area for the winter, and then bring your bulbs inside during the early spring, placing them in a sunny window. Water it regularly, and your bulbs will soon sprout. After they bloom, you can plant your bulbs out in the garden. Otherwise, you can also discard the bulbs after they are done blooming, and buy new ones next year.

Creating An Apartment Garden

Posted by Keith Markensen

Even if you live in a small apartment, you can grow a garden for fresh vegetables and herbs. In fact, many plants can be grown in an apartment, some in a window box and others on a patio. There are hundreds of plants, vegetables, and flowers that you can grow in containers. You can even buy containers to match any dcor.

If you are lucky enough to have a patio off your apartment, this will lend itself well to gardening. If you don’t have a patio to use, you can still place plants near the window to give them sunlight, or choose plants that grow well in the shade. If you lack floor space or a patio, you can also grow plants on trellises to use vertical space. Or, try hanging baskets. Even strawberry plants can be grown in this manner.

If you wish to grow flowers in your apartment, annuals are probably the best choice. You won’t have to worry about what to do with your perennials during the winter months. Be aware that some flowers can attract certain flying insect. For your apartment, choose flowers such as magnolias that repel insects and rodents.

Once you’ve chosen the plants, you’ll also need to select a container in which to grow them. Choosing the right container from the beginning can help your plants grow successfully. You can grow many vegetables from seeds, but if they are replanted too often, they will not thrive. Typically, plants grown in vegetable gardens, like tomatoes, can handle one replanting just fine. However, especially once they start to bear fruit, you should leave them alone in their container.

When you’re buying a container for your plants, imagine what they will look like when full-grown. Consider the size of the mature plant, and whether you will have enough room to let it grow in the apartment or on your patio unrestricted. For example, a hanging basket can be a great choice to hang outside your apartment, but if it is too small for the plant to grow freely, its growth will be stifled.

There are many varieties of plants that can be grown in small areas. You can have beautiful orchids, or potted plants, or palms like the bamboo palm plant. So be sure to choose these when shopping for plants to grow in your apartment. You can grow everything from herbs and vegetables to foliage and even beautiful flowers in your apartment, if you consider the plants’ requirements before purchasing them.

Tips to help your garden bloom

Posted by Percy J Mower

Gardening tips are easily available through the internet, gardening clubs, books, magazines and the local nursery. Some of the things to consider are how much sunlight can you expect for your plot, what type of fertilizers you should use, the mulch and the type of soil. Also the tools necessary will have to be decided including what kind of tiller you need plus the type of watering system.

If you write down what you plan to do with your garden you can save a lot of time. A second opinion from a friend sometimes helps as they will think of things you have not considered.

The garden is a success if the soil is prepared well. Using organic fertilizers for vegetables and herbs is a must, if you wish to retain the natural flavor of the food. Wood chip mulch and a good compost can be an alternative to ordinary fertilizer.

You could easily have a backyard compost heap. While fresh home brew compost is rich in nutrients, it might prove to be unrealistic for the herb and vegetable garden. Mulch is a good substitute for a home compost mixture but make sure to use the softer woods like redwood or pine because the faster it breaks down the better. Whether you use mulch or compost or fertilizer make sure to mix it all up very thoroughly.

Lay the plants on top of the soil to check once and for all how your garden would ultimately look like. I believe that plants having similar characteristics should be planted together. For example, any plant with a large girth should be clubbed with other plants with similar characteristics. Then have the taller plants in the back and the shorter ones in the front to maximize space; this makes it easy to see everything.

Depending on the size of your garden watering can be hard work. An automatic watering system is a wise alternative, if you want your garden to grow on its own. Your automatic watering system can either be a huge sprinkling system to a small timer which is attached to the hose. Gardening can be an engaging and rewarding pastime which gives you pleasure, beauty and of course, food.

Step By Step Woodworking Using Patterns - Is It That Easy?

Posted by Ed Clyde

No matter what type of imaginative wood project you need to take on, consider a few things first before leaping into it. Apparently you have some interest in woodworking or its unlikely you would be taking on this type of project. To be sure of being victorious it is key that you use a pattern for your project. Then along with the design there are various other elements that will significantly improve the look on your woodworking project

1.Select the proper woodworking pattern and the right project.
You need to have an idea of what type of project you would like to do, otherwise you wont know what type of pattern to look for. Although, it you are doubtful ,sometimes looking over the several patterns that you can buy will leave you some ideas. Either way once you have made up your decision on the project there are some things you need to know about the pattern.

When you are first selecting a pattern be sure that it is published to your level of intellect and current ability. Some patterns will give a evaluation as to what level of skill is mandatory. For illustration, beginner, intermediate or advanced. Pick a pattern within your category. Ordinarily patterns that supply this type of data are very detailed in their directions, so you shouldnt have any trouble with it.

2.Make sure your pattern incorporates diagrams and a materials list.
It is much simpler to follow instructions if you recognise what the purpose of it is. Be sure your pattern accommodates diagrams, hopefully for each step of the project. Diagrams are much easier to trace than a whole bunch of written instructions.

3.Verify that the patterns you use will have a materials list
If your woodwork pattern comprises this information it is a solid time saver. More importantly though, the material list is harmonious with the project. If you want your project to end up being a good-looking well constructed piece ,then it is urgent that you start with the right material. Also make sure your material is of genuine quality. Don’t go and buy the cheapest materials you can obtain in Walmart and expect to have a quality polished project.

4.Other Necessities beside the Pattern
Having a good clear simple to follow pattern as we have outlined is a very primary step. In addition to this you will require to be sure that you have the correct woodworking tools in order to do your project. In some cases you may be able to improvise. Some areas especially in the ending segments of your projects you will need what is called for. Furthermore, always ensure that you have the right work space in relative to the size of your project. This prevents a lot of dissappointment and there are safety elements to consider as well.

5. The finishing touches
Now, you are finally about to over with the construction facet of your project ,dont stop here. The finishing touches is what makes the final beauty to the piece. Dont take away from all your hard work, by not finishing your work properly. Any wood piece will demand some type of protective covering. This will be defined by what the project is, what it will be used for, and where it will be placed.

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