Landscaping a steep bank is often a problem. Grass growing on it is difficult to mow; it is not very satisfactory either, since weeds are bound to grow, and the process of getting them out is both slithery and prickly. A good way of overcoming the problem, and at the same time of putting a […]
Archives for March 2011
Silk Tree – Albizzia Julibrissin Rosea
The silk tree or so-called mimosa, Albizzia julibrissin rosea, maintains an uneasy balance between superlative virtues and nearly damning faults. Like the little girl in the nursery rhyme, when it’s good, it’s very, very good, and when it’s bad, it’s disastrous. The alias “mimosa” indicates a resemblance to the yellow puffball flowers with gray-green pinnate […]
Lawn Soil
Summary: Improving lawn soil and the health of any lawn is more than fertilizing grass, watering the lawn and mowing. The health of the grass often depends on what is below the green turf, the makeup and organic composition of the soil the roots of a lawn grow into. Question: We think our lawn soil […]
April Garden Pointers For Northern Gardeners
The gardener’s check list of unfinished and urgent tasks is longest in spring. Planting must be finished as soon as weather and time permit. If you haven’t already placed your orders to nurseries and for seed, do it at once. Delays now in filling orders are unavoidable; if you don’t act quickly, the season may […]
My Water Garden Lily Pool Grew and Grew
It was a garden club presentation on small pools that fanned the glowing coal of a dream into a blaze of reality. I’ve always been a gardening enthusiast, the type who surrounds themselves with flowers indoors and out. Twenty-five years ago we moved to the country, and I am proud of every tree, shrub and […]
Growing Under Artificial Lights
Summary: Artificial lights to grow plants is not a new idea, it has long been a substitute for sunlight in indoor gardening. Electricity has long made modern homeowner somewhat independent of the weather. Through its use, clothes are dried on rainy days, food is preserved conveniently throughout summer heat, and “sunbathing” or maybe we should […]
Backyard Landscape Ideas And Your Garden Style
Summary: Finding the right garden style with so many backyard landscape ideas and possibilities can be a challenge. Do not think backyard landscaping design ideas are only for large landscape projects, a small landscaping design may suit your garden style perfectly. Question: We have lots of backyard landscape ideas, along with mental pictures on all […]
This Year Grow Quality Mums
Even though fall is months away, it’s not too soon to start working for top quality chrysanthemums to brighten up borders or foundation plantings. Regardless of the number of plants grown, or whether the grower is a mum specialist or not, the aim should be for the best flowers possible. Quality blooms are more appealing […]
Coldframe Gardening And Warmer Longer Days
The relationship between coldframes and gardens increases as the days become longer and the sun warmer. In fact, the chief purpose of the coldframe in spring is to prepare plants for outdoor conditions. Once they recover from the initial transplanting within the coldframe, hardier plants, such as cabbage and broccoli, should be gradually given full […]
Louisiana Iris Garden Culture
Methods of growing this southern iris successfully in more rigorous climates, would differ from natural conditions found in its native habitat. Good drainage would he of supreme importance to insure hardiness of the rhizomes. The value of deep soil preparation for the planting cannot be overemphasized: this helps to provide better winter drainage and a […]