Green Shopping

The way we shop is changing. It used to be that if you needed something, you'd just hop in the car and go get it. Those days are changing, born out of necessity. The way we shop is changing because the way we are thinking is changing.

Our environment for the first time in history is on our minds. Our crumbled economy and volatile fuel prices are on our minds. All of these things affect the way we shop.

Consumers are consolidating their shopping trips to save on fuel. They are doing without extra niceties to save money. Time is also a huge factor in our very busy lives.

So... what ARE consumers doing to maximize their shopping dollars?

They are shopping on the internet! No big surprise. Internet shopping has been gaining momentum for years now. Shopping on the internet can save you time, money and the environment. Let me explain.

Time - shopping from the comfort of your own home when it is convenient for you. The internet stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can order your groceries online at 2am and pick them up the following day, already bagged for you! How great is that!? You can order just about anything online in just a few minutes and have it shipped right to your door.

Money - The internet is famous for it's competitive pricing. They have entire sites focused on finding you the best prices. (Priceline, Amazon) There are also coupon sites. These sites are becoming very popular. Sites like www.couponselect.net offer coupon codes, deals and printable coupons. Simply go on the site and do a search for whatever it is you need. You can find coupon codes for extra discounts or free shipping. The competition on the internet is fierce and the companies know it, so they offer incentives all the time to buy their products...all you have to do is know where to find them.

Environment - This one's got you scratching your head, right? The environment is impacted every time we turn our ignition switch. What most people fail to realize it that fossil fuels are one of the leading causes of Global Warming. When we drive our individual cars everywhere we need to go, we are contributing to global warming. We may think that one car and one person doesn't have that much of an effect, but add a few million individuals and the effects are huge and catastrophic. We are being forced to stop thinking in that ME mentality and begin to think WE. So how does this affect our shopping habits? If we consolidate our shopping trips together, we save on fuel. If we order our products over the internet and have them shipped, we personally use no fuel. The shipping companies do, however, they are shipping and moving many, many packages across the nation in an efficient manner, thereby saving on fuel. Believe it or not, these simple shifts in the way we shop will have a huge impact on our environment.

Shoppers are also thinking about what they buy. Is it made in America? Fair trade made? or made in China? Does the company outsource its jobs? Is it made of first generation plastic or recycled milk jugs? Shopping on the internet gives you choices. You can find environmentally friendly products more easily on the internet than anywhere. You can also find unique and beautiful hand crafted items from talented artists all over the world.

The internet is the largest shopping mall in the world, and it's right at your fingertips. So what are you waiting for? Save time, save money, save the environment and have more available to you than you've ever thought possible! Enjoy!

Indoor Gardening Basics

For many parts of the country, indoor gardening is about all we can do for the next several months. Indoor gardening can be fun and keeps your hands in the dirt.

Most of us think of the common houseplants such as Spiders, Pothos, and Philodendron. There are many, many types of beautiful and colorful plants for indoor gardens. For example, herbs can be grown indoors in the off season providing you have a sunny window to grow them in. Bromeliads also make great houseplants. Many Bromeliads are colorful, low maintenance and when they bloom, they bloom for a long period of time.

Ferns are a little more difficult to keep going indoors when the heat is on. Unless you have a good humidifier or mist them often, Ferns tend to dry and brown easily. A good spot in the house for a Fern is the bathroom. They love the extra moisture.

Whatever houseplants you do have in your home, they all need attention. A good water soluble organic fertilizer monthly will help to keep your indoor plants healthy and looking their best.

All plants have different watering needs. Plants can just as eaily be killed by over watering as under watering. Keeping a regular watering schedule is usually not a good idea. The best way to determine whether your plant needs watering is by checking the soil. If the first top 2 inches of soil is dry it needs to be watered. There are two basic ways to water your plants. If you water from the top, water until it drains out the bottom of the pot. You can also water from the bottom. Fill the saucer with water and allow the plant to absorb the water. The plant will have enough water when the surface of the soil is moist. Either way do not allow your plants to stand in a pot of water continuously. Don't wait for your plants to wilt between watering. This will put and keep the plant in a stressed condition and they will not perform well, not to mention look terrible.

A great way to keep your plants watered properly is to use plant minders. They are decorative or utilitarian stakes that push down into the soil that have a reservoir for water. This will release the water as the plant needs it. These plant minders are also great for when you are away from home for extended periods of time.

Pruning your houseplants from time to time may also be necessary. Any dead or dry, brown leaves should be removed. This will help to keep the plant healthy.

If you have an insect infestation on your plants, There are a few things you can do. Try a solution of soapy water sprayed on the foliage. This will control many pests. You may have to repeat if necessary. There are also chemical insect controls specifically for houseplants to eradicate those tough pests. There are sprays (I recommend you use them outside) and there are systemic granules you sprinkle on the soil and water in. The chemical is released into the soil and taken up by the roots. If your houseplants have been outside in the summer it is always good practice to treat them before you bring them in to their winter home.

Whatever type of houseplants you have, proper care is essential. If you are not sure how to care for a specific plant, the plant tag that came with the plant is a good place to start. For more detailed information or if you are not sure what type of plant you have, a good book or a search on the internet will give you all the information you need to be a successful Indoor Gardener.

There is a choice!

Good tips on Green Living Products. I am going to challenge anyone reading this to actually go out and commit themselves to start replacing their regular products with green, eco-friendly products. I'm not talking about buying everything today. I am speaking of making small changes, but start making them today. Begin to make small changes today in you daily lives. We no longer have a choice. This environment and the world we live in has been decimated from years of careless living. It is now our responsibility to begin to repair and respect that which has been given to us. Our children learn by example. Teach your children to live green and respect the world they live in. My kids fight over who's going to run the kitchen scraps to the composter. They know about recycling. As they mature they will live a certain way, and they will teach their children to love and respect the world we live in. Small changes today will transcend throughout time and the people of tomorrow will get to enjoy the very same that we and our parents, and their parents enjoyed. Small changes.

Shopping Green?

The Holiday season is upon us and I'm wondering who is shopping green this year?

I don't see many people out shopping in a frenzy yet. Is this a sign of our troubled economy or is it a sign of consumers becoming more conscious of their purchases? Hopefully the latter.

It is this time of year that we are the most wasteful. Buying and spending more than we should on those that we love. And its not just the gifts...it's the fuel we waste doing all that shopping. Driving from here to there to save a few bucks. And then to yet another 15 different stores trying to find just the right gift. Don't get me wrong I like to shop just as much as the next person, however, I'm trying to consolidate my shopping this year. I'm making lists and getting things online whenever possible. I know people hate to pay shipping, but if we figured what we spend in gas and time making all those trips, paying for shipping is actually cheaper on our wallets and easier on the environment. Try shopping with a friend and carpooling together. I know most of my shopping is being done online this year and when I do go out it will be an enjoyable relaxing trip where I can enjoy all the sights of the season without all the stress.

Many of the stores you would generally shop at like department stores or toy stores all have great, easy to use websites. The sales are generally the same or in some cases even better, because they can show every item from every store on their site.

You can also find much more unusual,unique and hard to find items on the internet. The internet is like the biggest shopping mall of all time! You can find everything from the latest Barbie or Game system to the most unique jewelry and art made by hand from artisans all over the world. Want to get the one you love something really unique and special? A gift they'll never forget? Look online! When you shop online, the world is your shopping mall.

Did you know? Especially during the holiday season it is much safer to pay with your credit card online than in a store? It is much harder for a thief to get onto a secure website than it is to go to a department store or a shopping mall and steal someones wallet or purse, or simply take down the numbers of your card while standing in line behind you! I didn't write this to make you afraid to shop, but many people are wary of shopping online because they feel the internet is not safe. If you are not sure whether a site is safe or not, look for a "secure site" logo. It will differ from company to company, but if the site is verified as secure by an outside company it will say so.

So... save a little GREEN this holiday season! Keep some green in your wallet by shopping online and save some environmental green by reducing your shopping trips this year!

Winter is coming

Well, it's officially cold in New Jersey. Fall has come to an end and I am already waiting for spring to get here. My vegetable garden has been pulled out and It seems as if I've been raking leaves forever. The beginning of a long winter. I don't know how people do it in Minnesota or North Dakota. I guess they like the cold. I just want to hibernate. At least the inside of my house gets the attention it needs. Can't wait for Spring!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for a Greener Life

Today, being Green is a necessity. It's not just for hippies and tree huggers any more. Actually being a tree hugger is a good thing, but that's another article. We are in a time that if we continue our bad habits, the children of our not too distant future will not have one.

The 20th Century brought technological growth and change for the masses, however, it was not always for the good of the environment. Now we are suffering from the effects of change. We need to get back to basics and lead less extravagant lives. We all have lots of stuff. Generally everything we buy is new, and that takes a toll on our environment. What we manufacture takes energy, causes a certain amount of pollution, and uses precious natural resources.

We need to reduce our waste, reuse what we can and recycle just about everything. Just recycling our cans and bottles is not enough anymore. (Lots of us don't even do that!)

We can reduce waste, just by not purchasing so much stuff. Every time we buy something, we throw away the packaging, bags are used to put our stuff in and paper is used to print receipts. Not to mention the energy it takes to power the store we bought the item in and the energy we used driving our vehicles to get there. If you need something try to condense your shopping trips or order it over the Internet.

Reuse what you can. By reusing items or re-purposing them, we can save money, energy, and keep our stuff from unnecessarily being sent to the land fill. Use old broken dishes for the bottom of you flower pots for drainage. Use old socks or t-shirts as dust rags or to wash the car. I know it seems small and simple, however if everyone did it we could make a significant change for the better.

Recycle everything. We can recycle leaves, grass clippings and food scraps into a composter and it will turn into beautiful rich organic compost that is good for the earth. (Some countries in Europe have made this a requirement.) Recycle your cans, bottles, paper, clothing, old household items, furniture etc. Habitat for Humanity will accept old cabinets, doors, windows, appliances, furniture etc. The Veteran's Association will come pick up clothes and small household items right at your door. Good Will has drop off locations where you can take your unwanted clothing and household items. Share your children's clothes they so quickly outgrow with family or friends. It is amazing how much money you can save by sharing. Vintage and slightly used clothing stores are popping up as cool chain stores for teenagers and young adults. Plato's closet is a nationwide chain that sells gently used brand name clothes for the young adult. You can take in your unwanted brand name clothes, (in good condition)and they will pay you for them, then you can shop and get fantastic deals on the latest fashions. There is even a shoe company that makes their shoes from recycled materials, and when you are done with them, you can send them back to the company and they will recycle them back into new shoes. (Oka-B Shoes)

The products to live greener are out there, and becoming more readily available. By reducing our household waste we can reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions coming from our already overtaxed landfills. By Reusing and recycling our unwanted stuff we can cut down on production, which also saves the environment's resources and reduces pollution. By purchasing less and purchasing only environmentally friendly products, it will also force the manufacturing companies to adopt cleaner, greener processes.

The general consensus has been that to live green one must sacrifice and perform tasks that are difficult and unpleasant. Living Green is simple. You may have to plan a little more or take a few more steps to the recycling buckets, but it is simple and necessary.

Many people are resistant to change. But change is good! By simplifying our lives, our lives become simpler, easier and more peaceful. We are always busy running here or there, keeping tight schedules, have to go pick up this or that. Take it easy…stay home and relax. Life is only as complicated as we make it. Getting back to a simpler life is not only good for the health of our environment, it is also good for our personal health as well. Being relaxed and taking things a bit easier creates a balance in our minds and bodies. Stress is the number one contributing factor of disease. Take the word DISEASE and break it down… DIS EASE. That says it all.

If we all make these small changes in our lives, the effects would be huge! We can collectively make a difference in our lives today and drastically change our future for the better. Your children will thank you for it.

The Jora Composter

When I find a product I love, I want to share. This particular product is revolutionary in the world of composting.

The Jora Composters are by far the best composters I have ever come across! And I have tried many. The Jora comes in two sizes, the JK125, for up to 4 people and the JK270 (which I have) for the larger family, up to 12 people.(We have 7)

This composter was invented in Sweden, where the recycling regulations are very strict. Jora designed the JK125 and JK270 for the homeowner. They also designed commercial composters for schools, businesses and Apartment Complexes.

The major difference between the Jora Composters and others is that the Jora is insulated. It regulates the temperature for year round composting. Both sizes have a dual chamber, so you are always making fresh compost. Once one chamber is full, simply start on the other chamber and let the first mature, so you always have a fresh supply. The first batch takes less than 8 weeks, once you have both chambers going you will have fresh compost every 3-4 weeks year round! Most composters stop composting in the winter months when the temperatures drop. Not the Jora! I know I enjoy composting throughout the winter months. My food scraps don't end up in the trash and I have fresh soil for indoor gardening and seed starting.

Another benefit of these composters is that they are made of metal. They are recyclable and they are packed and shipped flat (like most things from Sweden) and that saves on shipping and fuel. You gotta love a company that thinks green.

Try one of the Jora Composters! I know you will love it. I do. The environment and your plants will thank you.

Appreciation and Gratitude

Appreciation and Gratitude are two of the strongest and most powerful emotions we humans can generate. Appreciation and Gratitude are also the most lost emotions in today's societies.

How often do we feel grateful for someone letting us into merging traffic? How often do we feel grateful that the lines are not long at the grocery store? How often do we appreciate that our morning went smoothly? We usually take it for granted.

Taking time to appreciate the little things in our everyday and to feel grateful for what we have, is powerful. It brings us peace and allows us to feel joy. This is why the musician plays, why children imagine, why the gardener grows.

If we start to appreciate what we already have, even little things, our awareness grows. We are nicer to ourselves, our neighbors and even our environment. Appreciation and gratitude allow us to care and feel good about what we are doing.

For so long we as a whole have been in a "ME" attitude. Expecting without giving. This has taken a toll on us, our health, our families, and our environment. Our awareness over the last 100 years has shrunken to only what immediately affects us.

It is my intention, to live joyously, appreciate everyday, and feel grateful for this wonderful life. By feeling these positive emotions, I am able to expand. Expand enough to become aware of the wonders around me.

This world we live in, is a direct reflection of our thoughts and actions. It is in dire need of repair. It needs to feel our appreciation for it. The earth needs to be nurtured, cared for and loved.

Living a responsible, sustainable lifestyle is essential.

Everything around us is life. The water, the air, the ground.

How can life continue to be if we only take and never give back?

It is all in our hands. All of it...Everyday. Life is not for someone else to care for. Be responsible for your actions.

I do believe Ghandi said it best..."You must be the change you wish to see".

Getting Ready for a Green Christmas

Christmas is not usually what one thinks of when thinking Green. This year let's green up our holidays.

There are many ways to reduce our energy consumption during this time of year.

1. Switch from traditional Christmas lights to L.E.D. Lights. They will reduce your energy consumption greatly, the average string of 50 lights uses 300 watts of energy, the same 50 set of LED lights only uses 4 watts of energy and last up to 100,000 hours.

Talk about savings! Not only are we saving a huge amount of energy, we are also keeping precious dollars in our bank accounts.

2. Put all your lights on timers. By putting all your lights on timers (inside and out), you will save energy by controlling the amount of hours your lights are on.

I don't know about you, but I've fallen asleep with the lights on many times!

3. Try buying gifts that will actually get used for more than a week or two. Books, movies, actual toys like soccer balls, roller skates (toys that use kid power). Buying all that plastic crap that the kids see on TV is just like throwing money down the drain, and polluting our environment. Buy them art supplies that will foster their creativity or a musical instrument. We are so caught up in giving our kids what THEY think will make them happy. The toy of the month is not going to make them happy. It may satisfy them for a week or two, but not more than that.

Help them to find their passion, something they will love and grow with.

4. Don't waste food. The holidays are the biggest eating time of the year. We cook more we bake like crazy, we basically overindulge. This means that much food gets wasted. Make sure any and all food scraps go into the compost, not the trash can! Freeze or share what you cannot eat yourselves. If you have an abundance of leftovers, take it to your local homeless shelter, a shut in neighbor, or maybe invite someone less fortunate to share your meal. Cookies, cakes and pies given to a shelter or nursing home would be greatly appreciated.

5. Use eco friendly wrappings. Use recycled gift bags, Comics, decorate brown paper bags for wrapping paper. At the very least do not throw your wrapping paper into the trash! Wrapping paper can be recycled just like any other paper.

These are easy tips to Green up your Christmas. Now I'd like to pose a question and get some feedback...

What do you think is more environmentally friendly? A live Christmas tree that has been cut down, or an artificial Christmas tree that is reusable, but made of polyethylene that causes pollution during production?

Backyard Safety

If you have children, grandchildren or even have friends with kids there are some things you should be aware of. Most people assume their backyard is a safe place, please take a good look around and become really aware of your surroundings and the potential dangers that may lurk for little ones.
An unlocked garden shed is an invitation for danger. Sharp tools and chemicals are enticing to small children. They like to do what the grown ups do. A pair of hand pruners left out can mean a trip to the hospital for stitches. Tools left around the yard even while you are working, can be hazardous. If your kids like to help, get them child size tools. It will be much easier for them and more enjoyable for you. Using power tools like a chain saw or hedge trimmers should only be used when children are not present.
If you have a pond, please beware of small children that want to have a closer look at the fishies. If you have ever had to pull a child out of a pond, you know how scary that can be. Even at only 2 feet deep it is dangerous. Either keep a pond screen over it (one they cannot fall into) or never leave them alone in the yard.
Pools are the biggest danger in the yard. Pools are great fun and we have always had one, I’d hate to go through a hot New Jersey summer without one! But they are dangerous if not monitored properly. One cannot be safe enough when it comes to small children or anyone for that matter that cannot swim.
An inground pool should have its own fence and locking gate around it. A pool alarm is also a good measure to take. It floats on the water and if the water is disturbed an alarm goes off. An above ground pool should always have the ladder up and locked when not in use.
Never, never, never leave anyone, especially a child alone in the pool. Not even for a minute. If the responsible adult must leave the pool, make an unbreakable rule that everyone comes out of the pool, even if it is just for a minute. If you have ever known a child that has drown, this rule would never be broken. Drownings are avoidable. Drownings are preventable. Simple safety measures must be taken. The heartbreak of losing a child in a drowning is unimaginable.
We never like to think of bad things happening and we should not focus on them. Being aware is enough. If we are aware and use good safety practices, we nearly eliminate the element of an accident occurring in our own backyard.

Getting the Gardens Ready for Spring

September is the time of year I always start planning for spring. Even though we have a few good months of gardening left, I like to plan ahead.

Fall is the perfect time to get started on next year’s garden beds. I like to move the plants that didn’t perform very well in their current location. It is a great time to add to the landscape. I like re-designing or creating new beds and preparing the soil for the spring. A new landscape design is always a fun project for the fall. There is plenty of time to create a drawing and choose plants. Fall is also a great time to get a head start on next year’s plantings.

In late fall, pruning of the bushes is a must. This is the time to trim your flowering shrubs, such as Hydrangea, Hibiscus, Crepe Myrtle, etc. I would recommend trimming all your shrubs to keep them looking great. They will flush out fuller and bloom better next season if you prune in the fall.

As for the vegetable garden, once there is a frost that kills your summer garden, it is time to remove your crop and prepare the soil for spring. Turning the soil, (at least the top six inches) and adding compost is a good start. I like to have the soil tested by the local Agricultural extension to see what needs to be added. They test for everything and it’s not expensive.

Planting bulbs that will bloom in the spring is yet another way to add to the spring landscape. There are so many spring blooming bulbs, it is hard to choose. Planning and planting carefully can create a spectacular spring show.

Late Fall is also the time for raking leaves, over hauling the yard and weeding the beds to keep them looking great through the winter. Don’t put all the leaves in the compost pile or in the street for pick up. Fallen leaves are a great insulator for tender plants. They are great around roses, herbs, tender perennials, and can even be used to prevent wind damage. If you have a plant that is susceptible to winter wind damage (like a sapling), make a circle around the plant with chicken wire (leave plenty of room), stake it to the ground (a cut up wire hanger works great) and fill it with leaves. This will insulate the plant and protect it.

Enjoy the benefits of fall gardening and preparing for spring. The temperatures are cooler, the mosquitoes are dwindling, and watching the seasons change is amazing.

Fall Plantings

Soon it will be time for fall gardening. Removing the spent annuals, pulling the endless weeds, cultivating mulch and planting fall flowers.

Just because mums are available now (in August), does not necessarily mean you should start today. Growers push an early batch because the retailers have been sitting idle for most of July and August. There are early blooming varieties of Mums and Asters, but generally not this early.

Fall gardening is just that. It feels great to get outside when the temperatures are in the mid 70’s instead of the high 90’s. Fall is the best time to do many, many things in your garden.

Mulch - Fall is a great time to cultivate all the mulch in your beds. Over the season the mulch has a tendency to become compacted. The necessary water and air cannot get to the roots of the plants where it is needed. Use a 3 or 4 tined garden Hoe to turn the mulch.

Fertilizer and weed preventer - Once you have cultivated your mulch, a good organic fertilizer and a weed preventer, such as Cockadoodle-doo organic fertilizer and Cockadoodle-Doo corn gluten weed preventer is a great fertilizer for your plants and shrubs and a natural weed preventer to keep those winter weeds away.

Plantings - The fall season is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. As the temperatures are in a cooling pattern, trees and shrubs are less likely to go into shock after transplanting. They take root more easily, because the plant is not working so hard to keep the foliage from becoming stressed due to the heat. Many trees are dug in the fall. To get trees that have been freshly dug, go to your local nursery (not big box store) in October. Ask the nursery salesperson if they are getting any fresh trees for the fall. On the East Coast, trees normally get dug in October, depending on the weather. If all you can find are trees that were dug in the spring, ask for a discount if they are already not on sale. No Nursery wants to keep too much stock over the winter. There is too much loss. When you do plant shrubs and trees in the fall they still require water, mulch and TLC. Plant your fall flowers in mid to late September so the color lasts well into the fall. Plant your bulbs late in the fall, so they don’t start to grow. Tulips and Daffodils not to mention the dozens of other spring blooming bulbs will do best planted in early November once the temps are going to stay cold.

The Lawn - Fall is the absolute best time of year to overhaul the lawn. Get a soil test to check the Ph of the soil. Lime if necessary. Aerating and or thatching are best done in the fall. Aerating is the process of making holes in the lawn, about 2 inches deep, so water and air can get to the roots of the turf. Thatching is the process of getting rid of the “thatch” or dead build up that can choke out the good turf and prevent water and fertilizer from reaching the roots of the turf. Once you aerate or thatch the lawn, I would recommend over seeding and fertilizing. Thatching the lawn will leave bare or thin areas in the lawn, if you do not over seed, the weeds will just take over. Once you have over seeded and fertilized it is a good idea to get that seed covered, to keep it from drying out between watering and from becoming bird food. Straw is a good cover, except you need to pull it up. Peat moss is a good cover and you don’t have to pull it up. A reusable grass germinating mat is also great. The grass germinates faster because it generates warmth and allows water to flow through, yet still protecting it from critters. A good organic fertilizer will get the turf through the winter without becoming stressed.

Fall is also a great time to prune your trees and shrubs. Give them a good haircut so they keep their shape. When they flush out in the spring they will be nice and dense, not stringy.

Take time to enjoy your fall gardening. Working in the yard this time of year will ensure you of a beautiful and lush spring season.

Summer Gardening

By this time of year most people have had enough of the Maintenance part of Gardening. It is very exciting in the spring planting new flowers and bulbs, cleaning out the beds to see what new is popping up and that fresh layer of mulch always look great. The fun of spring is long over and now it seems all we do is pull weeds and water to keep things going.

It is officially August and in New Jersey it is hot and humid. The lawns are stressed from lack of water, and some annuals have stretched out and look weedy from the heat.

Now is actually a great time to rejuvenate the garden. A good dose of TerraCycle Lawn Food is a great pick me up for a stressed out lawn. It contains worm castings and other all natural ingredients that can be applied anytime of year. (I would not recommend this with a chemical based fertilizer) TerraCycle also has a product for Gardens and an All purpose Food that is great for houseplants and hanging baskets. It will get your lawn looking great again and perk up your plants.

This time of year is also a great time to get fantastic deals at your local garden center. The garden center is now trying to get rid of their late spring stock to make room for Fall Mums and Asters. The discounts are pretty amazing. I just picked up some flats of Impatiens for $1.00 each. They have been pretty well cared for , but need to get out of those flats. Once you get them into larger pots, hanging baskets or the ground they will grow like crazy. Give them a good shot of organic fertilizer when you put them in and have fresh looking color well into late September. This is an inexpensive way to replace the annuals that are looking shabby.

The big box stores already have in their mums. For me it is way too early. Getting Mums and Asters that are in bloom now, when Fall actually gets here they will be long done blooming. These plants love the cool weather and will hold their blooms longer later in the season.

Try to keep from working during the hottest time of the day. Work in the yard early in the morning, before 10:00 or late in the day, after 4:00. And drink plenty of water, it is easy to get overheated working outside when it is over 90 degrees.

Your lawn will thank you for this burst of nutrients and you can enjoy some fresh new plants.
Put the fun back into your summer gardening.

Just How Dangerous are Pesticides?

Pesticide is a general term for Weed, Insect and Disease Controls. The following is a true story.

A good friend of mine, from my landscaping days is a Pesticide Applicator. He is licensed by the state. Last June, he was applying an Insecticide in granular form. He was wearing a respirator to keep the dust out of his lungs, short sleeves and pants, but it was hot. It was over 90 degrees that day and he was sweating. The dust stuck to his sweaty clothes and absorbed into his skin through his open pores. Before he knew it he was unconscious on a customer's front lawn and was rushed to the hospital. Thank goodness they were home. He spent the day in the hospital on IV, having fluids pumped into him to flush out the poison in his system.

This year, it was time to apply insect control again. He took the same precautions, and wore long sleeves to cover his skin. It was not quite so hot this year, in the low to mid 80's. It just happened to be time for his regular check up, and his Blood work came back irregular. High Blood Sugar. The doctor sent him for more tests. His pancreas was not processing insulin fast enough. This left him with periods of high blood sugar. He was of course very upset. This is a guy who is in generally good shape, a healthy weight and diabetes does not run in his family. At only 40 it was quite a shock.

The doctor just wanted to monitor him for a few weeks before putting him on any kind of medicine. He went for regular Blood Sugar Testing. After he had been done applying the insecticide for a few weeks, his blood sugars were back to normal. The insecticide had caused the problem. When the body is sick, whether it be from a virus or a toxin, the rest of the body slows down so it can eradicate the illness. This is what happened to my friend.

Think of all the chemicals we put on our lawn and plants, all the cleaning supplies we pour down the drains that ends up in our own bodies and our waterways. Overexposure to one chemical for a few weeks, almost poisoned my friend, just think what those chemicals constantly being applied all around us can do to fish and wildlife. Not to mention our children and pets.

How many of us have applicator's come apply 6 or 8 chemical treatments to our lawns annually? Usually a little flag is left on our front lawns. If we are not aware, it is easy to let the dog out after work, or tell our kids to go out and play, not realizing the potential danger that lurks in our own backyards.

Or maybe you apply your own chemicals. Most of us don't own respirators or even wear dust masks when applying fertilizers or control products.

Chemicals are generally not good. They cause disease in the body. Whether it is chemicals in our foods, cleaning products, or pesticides and fertilizers they can all cause problems with our health. A hundred years ago, people ate what they grew, there were no growth hormones for livestock and farmers used natural products like manure and compost to feed their plants. There were not nearly as many diseases as there are today. This is why living an organic lifestyle is so important. Get back to basics, simplify and teach your children to do the same. Our health, our planet and our future depend on it.

Brill Push Reel Mower

The Brill Push Reel Mower is a German made rotary type mower. Remember the old push mowers? They were heavy and back breaking to use, then came the Gas powered mowers and the Reel Type mower became almost obsolete. Sure, you would see an old die hard using one every now and again, but not often. Well the Push Reel mower is back and better than ever!

At one time I had a gas powered push mower, when it died, I hired a lawn service. I used that lawn service for 5 years. I could have bought 10 lawn mowers with the money I spent having someone else do it. We came across the Brill Push Reel Mowers while researching new environmentally friendly products for our retail website. They looked so interesting, I decided to buy one for myself. My neighbors laughed when I told them I bought a Push Reel Mower. I was very excited that I would no longer be contributing to the pollution of our environment and I would be getting a great workout.

When the mower came, my husband put it together, it took about 10 minutes. Then I was off. I had let my landscapers go, so my grass was ready to be cut. I was pleased and surprised at how easy it was to push! It only weighs 17 pounds, so it is actually mush easier to push around my 1/2 acre yard than my old gas mower. It is super easy to turn as well. The sound was so quiet I could have a conversation with my kids while cutting the grass!

The Silent Cut Design reduces wear and tear on the blades. In this system, the reel blade and the bedknife don't come in contact, instead they remain separated by less than a millimeter and shear the grass like scissors. This clean cut also helps the grass recover, because it doesn't mangle the stem or leave a jagged edge. Cutting height ranges from 15mm to 45mm (0.7 inches to 1.8 inches). This lets you cut low enough for the golf course look, and high enough for an average length cut for a wide variety of grass types.

I set the cutting height for 45mm for the first cut. I was worried it may be too short, since it is July and we have not had any decent rainfall in New Jersey in weeks. The grass looks great!
As the owner of a company that promotes Green Practices and sell products that help to reduce the footprint on the environment I am very proud to say I own and use a Brill Razorcut 38.

Rain Barrels, Benefiting the Environment

Harvesting rain water is quickly becoming an important part of reducing our footprint on the environment. Rainwater is beneficial for plants, people and pets. It is free of chemicals such as chlorine, pollutants and it is naturally soft. Plants and turf always look their best after a good soaking rain.

Collecting rainwater is great for areas that have water restrictions, and during a drought. By collecting rainwater you can water your lawn, plants and garden when you need to, regardless of watering restrictions. This will help save and sustain the landscape and garden you worked hard to establish. You can also wash the car, the dog, windows, etc.

By installing a Rain barrel you can also save precious water from becoming Storm water run off. Storm water run off pollutes our natural waterways and contributes to drought situations. When it rains, the water coming out of your gutters most times cannot be absorbed quickly enough by the surrounding lawn and landscape. It runs through the grass and down the driveways collecting fertilizers, chemicals, oils, etc. and all of that ends up in the storm drain. This contaminated water goes directly into our natural water ways. It pollutes our streams and rivers, which in turn knocks the whole eco system out of balance. Woodland plants and wildlife are affected greatly by the water run off from our homes.

A rainfall of 1" on 1,000 square feet of roof, will catch 600 gallons of rainwater. This can turn into thousands of gallon per year. (depending on rainfall in your area) By capturing just some of this water, you can save money on your water bill, water your plants when you need to, and keep pollution from entering our waterways. Now that's beneficial.

Rain Barrels come in various sizes, the most common is around 55 gallons. Most are equipped with an overflow spout, and a faucet for hooking up a garden hose or soaker hose. Many are also mosquito proof, which is important as well. Once installed, they will easily blend into the landscape.

Next time it rains, be ready! Install rain barrels and be ready to save water, save money and save the environment!

What to do with your Doggie Doo

We've always had a dog and for as long as I can remember I have been cleaning up dog poop. Everyday I get my plastic shopping bag and a shovel and patrol the yard. I had never given it much thought until recently. That's a lot of plastic bags filled with poop that is going to the land fill never to decompose.

Composting has also always been a part of our lifestyle, but poop was the one thing we couldn't put in our regular composter. Now Vermi-composting has come along. What a great way to recycle nature's waste. Tumbleweed Pet Poo Compost Maker is a mini worm farm composter. The Tumbleweed Pet Poo Compost Maker consists of two sturdy nesting boxes with a lid, which form a neat, compact portable unit. The worms eat and breed in the top box. This has a perforated base to allow any liquid waste to drain through to the bottom (collector) box. The "worm poo" or worm castings remain in the top box and can be harvested as desired. The bottom or catcher box collects the valuable liquid waste which can be diluted and used as a fertilizer on your garden.

The Tumbleweed Pet Poo Converter will handle, on average, the droppings of two medium dogs. However, this will vary with age, diet, exercise and breed of dog. (Think Chihuahua vs. St Bernard). The greater the amount of droppings recycled through the Pet Poo Converter, the quicker the level of castings will build up. The castings can then be easily harvested, as per the instructions, and used around the flower garden or in potting mixes.

There is no difficulty in getting the worms to eat dog droppings. Commercial worm farmers rear their worms on manure. However it is not possible to mix diets. They must be fed exclusively on pet poo. If you want to recycle vegetable scraps you must set up a separate farm.

This is the best thing going. Farmers have been using manure for hundreds of years to amend the soil. It is super rich in nutrients. The worm castings and the tea that is made from your dog's poop is a great return on your investment. Think of all the money you spend on dog food, and all the money you will save on fertilizer!

Causes of Turf Diseases

Turf Disease is a common problem that occurs in spring and summer and plagues lawn enthusiasts each season. Most people will run out to the local garden center and buy a bag (or two) of expensive fungicide to apply to the disease once it has started to take over. There is a better way.

There are a number of issues that contribute to the infestation of disease. By eliminating these problems, you can reduce the chance of the turf being attacked by disease greatly.

Water - watering deeply and less frequently, the roots of the grass will grow deep into the soil keeping drainage at its optimum. Watering often and for short periods of time keeps the roots at the surface creating a barrier that does not allow the water to drain properly. The root system also dries out fast as the top surface of the soil heats up from the sun quickly. When you water also matters greatly. The best time to water is in the early morning hours. This will allow the turf to absorb the water it can, an the water that is left on the surface will be evaporated by the sun. Watering in the late afternoon or evening is a big cause of disease. The lawn will absorb what it can, and what is left, stays in the thatch and on the blades of grass until the morning. This is like inviting disease over for dinner.

Aerate - Aerating the lawn brings necessary oxygen to the roots of the plants. It also reduces compaction of the soil allowing the roots to grow more easily and healthier. A gas powered lawn aerator, aerating shoes, and/or reducing foot traffic will help to reduce soil compaction.

Thatch- Thatch is a layer of dead matter that forms between the turf and the soil. This is where many diseases originate. Water cannot easily pass through thatch, therefore creating a wet layer at the base of the grass. Use of a Thatching machine or thatching rake will reduce the amount of thatch in the lawn. It will also help the turf to grow thicker and healthier. If you have heavy thatch and thin turf, once you thatch the lawn (Use a gas powered thatching machine, it will save you hours and hours of backbreaking work) be prepared to overseed the lawn. The best time to thatch and seed the lawn is in the fall.

Fertilizer - Fertilizing with high levels of nitrogen and using fertilizers that are not balanced, (ex: 32-4-8 or 25-3-5) can encourage lawn fungus. Use a fertilizer that has a slow release nitrogen in it, or better yet use a balanced organic fertilizer. Chemical based fertilizers generally have a high nitrogen content for that quick green effect. Use of a organic fertilizer will give you the same dark green effect by using a balance of many nutrients. You will also fertilize less often with organic products, as they have a slower release.

Fungicides - Fungicides work best as a preventative. By applying a fungicide at a preventative rate (usually half) you can stop a problem in its early stages. When you have full blown disease in the turf many things occur. Disease is rampant, the turf is thin and stressed and now the fungicide must be applied at a curative rate (heavy rate) to stop the disease. Fungicides can actually hasten the return of new healthy grass.

Shade - Shady lawns have a tendency to stay wet for longer periods of time. Most turf grasses also require full sun. This is why it is so hard to get a nice thick turf in the shade. Thinning of large trees and shrubs will allow more light to the turf, helping to reduce disease.

By taking these preventative measures, the lawn will be healthier naturally. By implementing natural care practices we can reduce the amount of chemicals being applied to our lawns, reduce the leaching of these chemicals into our waterways and keep our hard earned money where it belongs, in the bank.

Jora Composter, Sweeping the Nation

Composting is coming to the forefront of the Green Revolution. It is a great and easy way to reduce the amount of waste that goes into our landfills. The Jora Composter from Sweden is sweeping the nation and becoming one of the most popular composters of the year! Jora Composters originated in Sweden where the recycling regulations are extremely strict. They made their way to the US recently and have exploded onto the market. “These composters make healthy, nutrient rich compost in a matter of weeks. They are selling faster than any other item on our website” says Vera Pappas, owner of GreenNationGardens.com, an eco-friendly web based retailer of lawn/garden supplies and outdoor living products.

The Jora Composter comes in two sizes the JK125 and the JK270 and can be either free standing or wall mounted. Ordinary kitchen waste, such as food scraps, egg shells, meats, etc. can be put in. You can also put in cardboard, shredded paper, and animal waste. It is very well constructed and strong. With its insulation you can compost year round! It reaches 160 degrees for fast, efficient composting. With other composters, once winter sets in the compost won’t break down.

Both sizes of the Jora have two chambers so you are constantly making fresh compost. Using the Jora JK125, the average 4-6 person household will keep over 10 pounds of waste out of the landfill each week! And that’s just kitchen waste. That amount will go up if you compost things like dryer lint, vacuum cleaner dust, shredded paper and more. In Sweden composting is not an option. Even apartment complexes and schools have commercial sized composters. Residents carry their waste in a biodegradable paper bag as they can just throw everything right into the composter. Just think of the amount of waste they are saving each year collectively!

What do you do with compost? Compost is excellent as an amendment for the lawn, added to flower beds, and there is nothing better for the vegetable garden. It is very nutrient rich and acts as a fertilizer. This will reduce or eliminate altogether the need for chemical fertilizers in your yard. Compost will make your plants, trees and shrubs healthier naturally. The nutrients also make them more insect and disease resistant.

Composting is an all around great thing to do for the environment and Jora Composters are the #1 way to do it!

Spider mites

As the hot summer months are approaching so are troublesome Spider Mites. Spider Mites are very small, about the size of a grain of pepper. There are many varieties of Mites. Some attack Evergreens, while others will attack deciduous trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. One of the most dreaded are the Spruce Spider Mite. They will attack over 40 species of conifers.

Spider Mites prefer the hot, dry weather of the summer months. They can grow from egg to adult very quickly and they lay many dozen eggs before their life cycle is over. This allows the Mites to do a lot of damage to a tree in a short amount of time. These eggs will winter over on the plant and emerge the following year. Spider Mites are an insect, that will pierce the tree with its mouth and literally suck the life out of the tree.

Spider Mites are hard to detect because of their size. There are two relatively easy ways to find them, however. Spider Mites create a webbing at the bottom of needles and branches. It is most easily detected in the morning when there is dew on the plant. The second way is to take a white piece of paper or paper plate, stick it under the branches and shake the branch. If there are Mites, they will appear as brown specks on the paper.

It is important to check susceptible plants during the summer months when Mites are most active. They are easiest to control when caught early. Spider Mites will often return to the same plant year after year. A good Preventative Maintenance Program is a good choice for controlling these insects.

The most effective and non-toxic way to control them is by spraying a Horticultural Oil on them. Horticultural Oil comes in two forms. A Dormant Oil is sprayed from late fall to the early spring months when the plant is dormant and kills any over wintering eggs. During the summer months an All Seasons Horticultural Oil can be sprayed to kill active Mites. Bonide has an Oil that works wonders on Mites and many other insects, is safe and pleasant to use. Bonide also has a Certified Organic product called Bio-Neem. This is great if you have an infestation in your garden, as it can be applied up to the day of harvest.

If you want to protect your plants, shrubs and trees, spray Dormant Oil every winter season to kill all sorts of over-wintering insects, especially the Spider Mite. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Grass Cutting, Green Options

Grass Cutting in many parts of the nation has become a huge business. With our hectic, over scheduled lives most of us choose to let someone else do the chore of cutting our grass.

The Landscaping industry in general is a wonderful business. They create beautiful landscapes, install tress, shrubs, plants and flowers. This enhances our environment and beautifies our homes. There are a few things about the industry that is negating all the positive work they do.

Grass cutting is a big part of the business. Everyday, 5 days a week, they drive from home to home, get on their gas guzzling mowers, start up their gas powered line trimmers and blowers. They probably spend no more than 30 minutes on average at a home. Then they are back in their vehicles and on to the next house. This is an extreme amount of gas usage from the machines and the vehicles and an extreme amount of ozone destroying pollution.

We can reduce the amount of pollution going into our atmosphere if we make the time to cut our own grass, in a non-polluting way. There are more and more rechargeable mowers and trimmers coming onto the market. Most of these rechargeable mowers will cut about 1/3 of an acre on one charge. This will accommodate many residential lawns. This however still takes energy. There is one option that takes nothing more than human energy...a rotary mower.
These mowers have come a long way in recent years. They used to be heavy, awkward and required sharpening often. The rotary mowers of today are lightweight, ergonomically designed, and the blades require little sharpening. These mowers are easy to use, less expensive than traditional gas powered mowers and lawn cutting services.

Rotary mower pricing starts around $90.00 US dollars and can go as high as $300 US dollars. On the better models bagging attachments are available. The Brill Razorcut 38 Push Reel Mower is the best I've come across. The blades only require sharpening once every ten years or so. A bagging option is available for about $50.00 US dollars. They are lightweight and have a smooth easy cutting action, even through thick turf.

The way a rotary lawn mower cuts is also better for the turf. It cuts the turf with scissor like motion, leaving a clean cut. A gas powered mower blade spins at a high rate of speed pulling the grass up and slicing it. If the blade is not sharp, it tears the turf. You can tell if the blade is not sharp by the white edges at the top of the grass that looks like split ends.

Maybe we as a nation would be a little healthier too, if we cut our own grass. So many people live sedate lives now more than ever. By cutting our own lawns with environmentally friendly equipment we are not only improving our planets health, but improving our own as well.

Hard Plastics Recycling

Hard Plastics Recycling is something most of us don't consider. We think about cans, bottles and paper.
Recently a local Boy Scout Troup in our area provided a hard plastics pick up to their community. Hard plastics are items like: Plastic lawn furniture, kids molded plastic play sets, 5 gallon water bottles, etc. Any large hard plastic items. They sent out fliers, collected these items on a particular date and took them to the township Public Works Facility, where from there it was taken by the township to the County Recycling Facility. They collected over 500 pounds of hard plastic that would have ended up in the dump!

It does take some effort on our part to recycle hard plastics, however a quick trip to the Township Public Works Dept. will keep these items out of our landfills. They can then be recycled and turned into other useful products, like Polywood Furniture. By asking our local municipalities, maybe they will offer one or two pick ups per year. By recycling these hard plastics we can save valuable space in our landfills.

These young boys made a difference in our community and our environment. We should all follow their example. If everyone nationwide would make this small extra effort to recycle, the effects would be staggering. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Low Maintenance Gardens

Gardening consumers are always looking for low maintenance. Plants and shrubs they can just put in the ground and forget about. That process does not exist. There are plants and shrubs that require less care than others, however. What makes a garden low maintenance?

Creating low maintenance gardens first takes some thought. What may be a chore to you may be a joy to another. Think of the things you enjoy doing in your garden and expand from there. If you don't enjoy raking leaves, plant evergreens. If you don't like pruning, plant slow growing shrub material. If you don't like planting annual flowers every year, plant perennials.

Researching plants growth habits is very important for a low maintenance garden. You'll want to choose plants that grow slowly and require little pruning. A formal garden is not a good choice for low maintenance. Perennials are a great way to add color to your garden. They come back bigger and better each year with little effort on your part.

Another way to make your garden low maintenance is the way you fertilize. A good organic fertilizer usually gets applied less frequently than a chemical fertilizer. For example, the famous liquid blue fertilizer recommends feeding once per week throughout the growing season. Definitely not low maintenance! Organic fertilizers can be applied as little as twice per season. Once in spring and once in fall (depending on variety). They generally have a slow release and last much longer with better nutrient quality and uptake.

Using good quality garden tools can also make your garden less work. Good, sharp tools will make your jobs easier and take less time.

Mulching your garden in the spring is a must. It is work, however, once it is done it will save you time and money. You will save time weeding because the mulch will keep the weed seeds from germinating and you will save money on your water bill because the mulch helps to retain moisture around the plants.

All gardens need food and water to survive. There are many plants that are drought tolerant once established. This does not mean they never need watering. It means they can tolerate dryer conditions.

Planning is the key to a good low maintenance garden. Once your garden is planted, using the proper tools and fertilizers will minimize work.

Eco- living...Eco-chic

It seems to me that the alarmist newscasters of the nation finally picked a subject worthy of their extreme reporting tactics.

All the press about Global Warming, Icebergs melting, Overtaxed Landfills, etc., etc. seems to have sunken in. The general population seems to be getting on the "Green Bandwagon". Even Wal-Mart is getting in on the act.

Is it just Chic to be "Green"? Or it this the lasting change and commitment we need to make for our environments future? I guess only time will tell.

Caring For Your Roses

Roses are one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden. They can also be the most difficult to grow. Caring for roses may take some time, but the rewards are worth it. There are many, many different types of Roses. Tea, Grandiflora, Floribunda, Old English, Ramblers, Climbers, Miniature, etc. Many of the newer hybrid varieties will bloom off and on throughout the growing season, while others have one spectacular show, with intermittent flowers later on.

Roses have very particular needs. Roses need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. They also like light, well drained soil. The soil around their roots should be kept loose by cultivating often. This brings necessary oxygen to the roots of the plants. They also like to be fed a good organic fertilizer regularly and mulched around the base of the plant to help keep the roots cool in the heat of summer and warm in winter.

Roses also need regular care to keep insects and disease at bay. An insecticidal soap spray will keep away Aphids and Whiteflies. An organic fungicide spray will keep away Black spot, a disease very common to roses. Watering the soil around the Rose rather than the foliage is also a good prevention against Black Spot. If you keep a scheduled maintenance for insect and disease prevention, the care seems very easy. If one waits until there is an infestation of one sort or another, it is much more difficult to eradicate the problem. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure definitely applies.

When pruning your Roses, or simply clipping some for a vase, be sure to use good sharp pruning shears. Dull shears can tear the stems, leaving ugly dark marks. It also leaves a larger open wound for disease and insects to feast on. It can even inhibit new growth. When pruning a Rose, prune just above a leaf. This will encourage the plant to grow bushy and thick. Leaving long stems will make the plant lanky. It is also important to prune out any old dead canes. Depending on the type of Rose, how they are pruned and cut back for the winter will vary. Check the instructions that come with the plant.

Roses have been revered by many generations of gardeners and non-gardeners alike. The beauty of Roses will enhance the look of your home year after year.

Why don't they recycle?

Recently, I was invited to a party. The hosts were lovely, the home was beautiful in a well-to-do area. Everything about the day was fantastic, except for one thing...they didn't recycle.

I noticed glass bottles in the trash, I thought maybe some partygoer made a mistake. Then another and another, no mistake.

Does their township not offer recycling? I can't imagine these intelligent, well read people would have a blatant disregard for the environment. I didn't ask. That would be poor etiquette.

It leaves me wondering, why don't they recycle? Cans, bottles and paper are the most widely recycled products in the nation. Why not there? I am sure there are many areas of our country that are still in the dark about recycling. We are the self-proclaimed leaders of the world, yet many other countries have far surpassed us environmentally.

It is our responsibility, to hold ourselves and our government accountable. The USA is more than capable of implementing recycling in every state, county and municipality...we should insist on it.

Garden Art, Craft for Kids

This craft is fun, easy and will last for years to come. They make great gifts from children to a loved one, or just to place around the yard.

What you will need: Slate, any size - cleaned and dried
Acrylic paints (these are not washable) assorted colors
Paint brushes different sizes
Bowl of water (for cleaning brushes)
Paper plates (for paint)
Clear Spray Paint
Newspaper
Paper towels, wet
First, get your child's work area ready. Cover the area the child will be working on with newspaper. Have the child wear a smock or other old clothing. Acrylic paint does not wash out of clothes. The wet paper towels are good for wiping messy hands.

Next, get the supplies set up. Place the slate on the work area for the child. Squirt a small amount of each paint onto the paper plate(s). The paint brushes, the water and the paints should all be within easy reach .

Now your child is ready to paint! Have the child clean the brush in the bowl of water before changing colors. Once the child has completed painting on the slate, set in the sun to dry. Once dry, on the back of the slate or on the bottom of the front of the painted side, use a thin permanent marker and write the child's name and the year.

Once the paint has completely dried, spray a light coating of clear spray paint. Spray completely over the painted area. Let the first coat dry, then apply a second coat.

Have the child give as a gift or have him (her) find a special place in the garden for their masterpiece.

Smooth rocks can be painted into bugs, and adding googly eyes from a local craft store will give their bugs a special touch. These make great paperweights.

For Father's Day, Teacher's Gift, or just to say I love you, to Grandmom or Mommy, these pieces of Garden Art will be treasured by all.

Great Gift Idea for Teacher

This makes a great gift for a teacher, parent or grandparent. Anyone who loves kids and enjoys gardening will treasure it. This gift is designed for young children to do.

This gift is a 10" - 12" Terra Cotta pot with a plant in it. I know sounds kind of boring. But, it gets exciting when all the kids involved sign it. Use a thin permanent marker. Have them sign on the body of the pot, anywhere they want as long as it doesn't go over anyone else's name. Around the band of the pot, write the school or class and the year. If it is for parents or grandparents, write the family name or something catchy like "Oma and Granddad's kids" and the year.

Pick a plant that fills the pot. A 10" hanging basket with the hanger cut off works great. One gallon perennials are also a good fit. Try to pick a type of plant that is upright so it doesn't cover the names.

Add a fancy bow and some Sphagnum Moss to fill in around the top of the pot (if necessary) and voila! A beautiful and meaningful gift for a special someone to treasure.

Herbs in the Garden

Herbs planted in the garden are not just for cooking. Herbs are beautiful, scented plants that open up the sense of smell to add another dimension to the garden.

Rather than just the sweet smells of roses and flowers, herbs lend another dimension of smell to the garden. Spicy, musky, heavy or light, each herb having a distinctly different scent.

Planting, Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano along a garden path will give off a gorgeous aroma as you pass by.
Mint makes a fabulous perennial (in most areas) groundcover, that can take foot traffic. Mint comes in many varieties, each with its own fantastic smell.
Sage is a lovely plant, and comes in different colors, the Tricolor Sage is a perennial favorite. Variegated green and white foliage with just a hint of red on the edges of the leaves.
Lavender, one can never have enough Lavender in the garden. Beautiful grey/green foliage with prolific lavender, purple or even pink (depending on variety) blooms. They smell fantastic and are great for drying.
Dill, Basil and Parsley are great foliage fillers for containers. Mixed with annuals they make a lovely display. Keep these planters near the house for easy access during cooking.
Nasturtiums are a free flowering herb that look great in planters, along the edge of the garden and are also great in salads.

Herbs generally like a sunny, well drained location and are easy to grow. They are not easily susceptible to insects and diseases. Many herbs are perennial, and will grow and spread quickly.
Tender herbs can be brought into the house and wintered over in a warm sunny window. Spray with a solution of soapy water before bringing inside and occasionally through the winter to keep insects away.

If you are going to be cooking with your herbs be sure to use a good organic fertilizer and an all natural insecticidal soap (if necessary).

Herbs like Echinacea and Scented Geranium have long been enjoyed as perennial flowers in the garden. Oregano and Thyme between your roses are breathtaking. Mint and Creeping Rosemary in planters adds a scented dimension that will delight you. Try a few in your garden, you will be surprised and pleased with the performance, smell and look of herbs.

Create a Butterfly Garden

Having a beautiful backyard to enjoy and relax in isn't just about plants, flowers and nice grass. For me, it includes birds, butterflies, dragonflies and even bats. These creatures put on a show, and give us many hours of enjoyment. Watching birds bathing and bats flitting about at night are great fun, but its the butterflies that are truly spectacular.

Butterflies are one of nature's most beautiful and delicate creatures. Creating a habitat for them will bring a variety of Butterflies to your yard for your viewing pleasure and it creates a safe haven for them to breed.

Incorporating plants that Butterflies are attracted to is easy to do. There are many types of shrubs and trees that Butterflies like, and even more perennials. When planting perennials in your garden for Butterflies to enjoy, plant them in groupings or clusters. Butterflies will be drawn to a large show of flowers more easily than just one or two plants.

Butterflies also like a rock or two out in the sun for them to warm their wings before flying in the early morning hours. They also are attracted to damp areas of the garden where they can suck fluid and salts from the soil. Shrubs and Butterfly Houses will protect them from wind and predators (mainly birds) Placing a Butterfly house in the center of a group of flowering perennials, they will be more likely to find and use it. Minimize the amount of chemical insecticides and herbicides you use, as these delicate creatures are very susceptible to their residue. Yet another reason to go organic!

Here is a listing of plants Butterflies are attracted to:

Shrubs/Trees:

Abelia
Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
Blueberry
Hawthorne
Mock Orange
Pear
Plum
Privet
Redbud
Rose of Sharon
Spiraea
Summersweet (Clethra)
Viburnum
All of these shrubs/trees come in numerous varieties. They flower at different times of the season. Planting more than one variety will prolong your Butterfly season.

Perennials:
Althea
Ajuga
Asclepsias (Butterfly weed)
Aster
Centaurea
Coneflower
Coreopsis
Lantana
Lobelia (Cardinal Flower)
Mint
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Phlox
Rudbeckia (Black eyed Susan)
Sedum
Shasta Daisy
Verbena
Yarrow

Planting some of these varieties of shrubs and flowers in your yard will enhance its beauty, bring lots of Butterflies to your yard and give you a great reason to want to stay home.

Basic Landscape Design

Designing planting beds can be a bit overwhelming if one does not know a lot about plants, their habits, sizes etc. When getting ready to design a bed, do some research first. Hit some local nurseries and check out lots of plants. Read the tags and ask questions. An independent nursery will usually be able to provide more information than a big box store.

You will need the dimensions of the bed you are creating. A mix of evergreen (plants that do not lose their leaves) and deciduous (plants that lose their leaves in the winter) shrubs. Adding in some perennials or grasses will add color and interest. Plantings should have symmetry and balance. It is most visually pleasing to plant in odd numbers and carry the plants across the bed. Planting one shrub here and another there makes for a mis-mash. Our eye relates well to symmetry and reads naturally from side to side. Balance is the key to a good landscape design. This does not mean all the beds have to be filled with the same material, however, carrying one or two varieties from one bed to the next will create a natural,visual flow.

Foundation Planting: Planting beds along the foundation of the house will give your home a manicured look. Tall shrubs on the corners of the house will anchor the house to the ground and soften the hard lines. An ornamental tree planted can add color and interest. Be sure to check how large an ornamental tree will grow and plant accordingly. Evergreen shrubs along the house will add color to the foundation and keep it looking nice during the winter months. Flowering shrubs or perennials for seasonal color will add a punch to the landscape.

Creating island beds: Island beds are a great way to add dimension to the yard. Plantings in an island should add visual interest, yet not block the rest of the landscape.

Having a drawing will be a huge help in planning your landscape. If you are not an artist, it doesn't matter. A sketch with dimensions will be of great assistance when you are at the nursery picking out shrubs. It can be shown to the nursery salesperson and they can offer suggestions as to how many plants to buy, spacing, etc.

Use a hose or spraypaint to shape beds before cutting them out. This will give you flexibility to change the shape before making it permanent. When getting ready to plant your shrubs, trees, etc. place everything first, take several steps back and look at the layout. Make all necessary adjustments before digging any holes. Once you have everything placed where you want them, dig one plant at a time, so your spacing will stay the same.

Have fun, be creative and do your research. You will be pleased and proud of what you created.

All Garden Tools Are Not Created Equal

Tools, all gardeners need them, but which tools to buy? What tools will I really use? A good quality tool will get much more use and will last much longer, than a tool you bought just because it was on sale.

The following is a list of Garden Tools all gardeners should have in their shed:

Wheelbarrow- A tough, lightweight wheelbarrow is a must. A 5-6 cubic foot bin that is made of plastic (I know plastic, yuck) will last 100 times longer and be much lighter than a steel bin. This will enable you to move larger, heavier items with ease.

Rakes - Rakes are essential for good gardening. A leaf rake 24" or 30" is standard. I like a metal rake, because it gets through wet, heavy leaves easily. A shrub rake is a great thing to have for getting in between and under bushes. It's usually only 10"-12" in width. A hard rake is necessary for grading and leveling soil and mulch.

Shovels- A good strong hand shovel for planting, bulbs, annuals and perennials is a must. Shovels with a cushioned grip are great on your hands and increase leverage. A round point shovel is great for digging holes and shoveling up dirt. A spade or flat edge shovel is a must for edging beds, dividing perennials, etc.

Pruning equipment- Pruning shears are one of the most important tools for all gardeners. Hacking away at a plant with dull tools can do a lot of damage. Hand pruners are great for pruning roses, small shrubs and perennials. Loppers are like hand pruners with long handles for pruning larger diameter branches, large shrubs and small branches on trees. Pruning snips are like extra heavy-duty scissors that are great for cutting flowers. A pole saw is great to have for trimming high branches on trees. It is a saw on one side and a lopper on the other. They usually have a telescopic pole and I recommend one with a lightweight fiberglass pole. This makes balancing easier.

Tank Sprayer- A good 1 or 2 gallon tank sprayer is great for spraying insect, disease and weed control. They usually have a pump pressure spray action. This will enable you to spray larger areas at a time than ready-to-use sprays. Do not use weed control in the same tank as insect and disease control. You run the risk of killing your plants if residue is left in the tank.

Good quality tools like Fiskars, True Temper, Radius and Truper will perform well and last for years to come. When it comes to garden tools, quality is the only way to go. They will save you time, money and backaches in the long run.

Lawn Mower-People more now than in recent years are turning to Push Reel Mowers to keep their lawns in manicured condition. They do not require gas, nor electric and they do the job as well as any push behind mower. The technology going into the design and manufacturing of this new breed of mower is far superior than the old type our grand parents and great grand parents used. The Brill Razorcut 38, from Germany only weighs 17 lbs and the blades only need sharpening about every 8 to 10 years. It comes with an optional grass catcher. Sun Lawn makes an equally advanced push reel mower at a higher cost for it’s top model, and Scott’s has had their classic 20” for a long time.

Choosing your Garden Tools-Always remember to choose tools that are of a higher quality and meet all safety requirements. Gardening and Landscaping can be fun and rewarding but you must always adhere to the manufacturer safety warnings. Prepare yourself with the right tool for the job and you will always enjoy the results of your labor.

Perennials, repeat pleasures

Perennials are one of my favorite types of plants to have in my garden.

Perennials are flowering plants that go dormant in the winter and return each spring. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of different types of perennials. Perennials have as many different blooming seasons, colors, textures and sizes as there are types. This is what makes perennials so fabulous.

By planting different types of perennials in your gardens you can have color from the first of spring until a hard frost in the fall. If you are lucky enough to live in Planting Zones 8-10 you get to have color all year long!

Some perennials are grown for their striking and beautiful foliage. Others for their flower. Some perennials will only bloom once per season, but the show is spectacular! Many perennials will bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season. Dead-heading the spent flowers will encourage more to bloom. Use a good, sharp pair of pruning shears or garden scissors to remove the spent foliage.

Adding compost or organic fertilizer twice per season (spring and fall) your perennials will be lush and beautiful. After a few seasons you will be able to spread them around in your own yard and share them with friends. Another added benefit of perennials, they multiply!

Planting perennials for the best show...plant them in groups. By planting a few (or more) in the same area you will end up with waves of color in your garden. This is striking. For a more informal look spread them out, so you have color here and there.

I even use perennials in my planters. They make an interesting and unusual look in pots and even hanging baskets. I only use annuals as an accent tucked here or there in my planters.
You will get many compliments on your planters, because they are not the same old Impatiens or Petunias.

Using perennials will allow you to use your creativity and your imagination to create the garden of your dreams.

Lawn Maintenance

Maintaining a nice green yard can be a chore. Cutting, fertilizing, weed,insect and disease control, where does it end?

Maintaining your yard can be simple... Go Organic!

The use of organic products on the lawn take all the guess work out. By using natural products that come from the earth, you don't need a chemistry degree. Organic fertilizers are naturally balanced, easily absorbed and leave no residual chemicals that are harmful to people, pets, water or wildlife.

Compost is also another great way to keep your lawn healthy naturally. By spreading a thin layer of compost over the yard, you are putting back valuable, natural nutrients into the ground.

Using natural products on your lawn, the turf will become healthier and stronger, thereby becoming disease and insect resistant naturally. The healthier the turf the easier it is for the lawn to resist infestations. The lawn will also have less weeds. A strong thick turf will choke out weeds. If the grass is thick, the sun can't reach the weeds seeds, and they simply don't germinate.

Using a mulching lawn mower or a push reel mower is actually healthier for the lawn than bagging the grass. By leaving clippings (not when the grass is long) on the lawn, it acts as a natural fertilizer as the grass decomposes.

Turf that is strong and healthy will also be more drought resistant than weak, stressed turf.

Organic fertilizers generally need to be used less frequently than traditional chemical fertilizers and most can be applied anytime of the season, even in summer.

So, with that said, I've just cut down your lawn chores by about half. By using organic products, not only are you going to have a beautiful, lush lawn naturally...you will have the time to enjoy it!

Wiki, Wiki

We just started a Wiki at www.greennationgardens.org Now you can contribute to a forum about green living! Post articles, photos, videos. We would like to have your input. What green living means to you. How you green garden, what your favorite products are. Your input will help us spread the green living movement and help us grow our business.

Outdoor Decor

Outdoor decorating has become, in recent years, extremely popular. Homeowners like to make the most of their outdoor spaces. Decorating outdoors is not just limited to patio furniture and a few pots anymore. There are fountains, wall art, statuary, cooking systems (not just the old gas grill), lighting, and more types of pots, planters, arbors and trellis' than one can imagine. Not to mention the furniture.

With the economy in a tailspin, less and less people are taking vacations, and are spending money on their own backyards to create a paradise getaway at home.

Creating a getaway that your family and friends will envy can be fun. The only limits are in your own imagination. If you can think it... it can be. Using products made from renewable and recycled materials adds to the enjoyment of designing your own utopia.

There are thousands of products that are either made from renewable or recycled resources that are strong, beautiful and built to last. Bamboo, rice and coconut hulls make gorgeous planters that are built to last, and they are biodegradable. Whitehall outdoor products are made from 100% recycled aluminum. Polywood furniture is made from Recycled Milk Jugs! It is strong, durable, will never fade and is beautiful to boot.

So, if you are going to be decorating and adorning your yard this year, think about the impact it will have on the environment. The effect the product had during production, how long it will have a place at your home, and what will happen to it after its been discarded. If we stop purchasing products that are destroying the environment during the production process, the manufacturers will be forced into implementing eco-friendly production practices, or risk going out of business. We cannot afford to buy mindlessly anymore, buying something just because it strikes our fancy, can cost more than we ever bargained for.

There are so many unique and beautiful earth friendly products, buying the same old resin pots for your back porch seems like sacrilege.

We at Green Nation Gardens make it a point to offer environmentally responsible products, and drop ship whenever possible to reduce fuel consumption during shipping. Thinking is crucial for success. Success in our personal endeavors, our business and our future. Join the movement to make the future of our planet not only possible, but successful!

Beautiful planters made from discards

I came across a beautiful little fountain, about 4 feet tall and made of resin. It was being discarded by someone because it had cracked where the pump would go and would no longer hold water. To that person it was useless, to me it would now become a beautiful planter. It has one bowl, approximately 24" in diameter and the fountain part is a boy holding a large carp. Very Renaissance looking. I placed the fountain where I intend to keep it before planting in it. I tucked it under a large Oak tree and between some Hosta. It will get a fair amount of shade there. The planter will drain well since it has a crack in it, however a few pebbles in the bottom won't hurt.

The fountain is a slate color, so I am using light colored flowers. Chartreuse colored Sweet Potato Vine around the edges for a trailing effect over the fountain's edge, White Impatiens and Coleus to fill the bowl of the planter.

It is an unusual item to choose for a planter, however, once planted it looks as though it was meant to be that way. It is a lovely addition to brighten a shady spot in my yard.

Another simple way I kept something that will never deteriorate out of a landfill. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Water Gardening

Water Gardening can create a soothing oasis within your yard. Building a pond there are many questions to be answered. The hard shell liner or the soft pond liner? What kind of filter system do I need? Can I have fish? Where do I install it? How do I care for fish?

Following I will answer these questions from my own practical experience in building ponds and maintaining them.

Choosing the site: The site should be ideally in part sun. This means sun preferably in the morning and shaded in the afternoon. This will keep the pond from getting too warm in the summer months. This will also help keep the algae from getting out of control.

Hard or soft liner? In my experience a soft liner works best. The hard liners are pre-formed and not easy to get level. When you are installing a pre-formed liner many of them have built in plant shelves and different levels. Dig the hole larger than the entire surface size of the pond and the total depth. This makes for a lot of digging. Once its dug and the bottom is level, install the liner and start back filling. Try to have more than one person back fill with you, so the liner does not shift. Try to pack it down as you go. Putting some water in the liner will help anchor it in place while you are back filling it. If you live in an area of the country that has freezing temps in the winter, BEWARE: Hard liners can pop out of the ground during the winter months.

A soft liner gives you more flexibility. With design, with layout and the edges are easier to hide.
When digging for a soft liner install, spray paint the shape of the pond onto the ground, then start digging. This too should be as level as possible, however the soft liner is very forgiving and will bend to any slight bumps or divets. To install shelves in the pond, you can dig the shape into the wall of the pond or use materials such as cinderblock to create shelves. A pond fabric underlayment is extremely important. This will protect the liner from roots and rough edges. If you are using cinderblock or other rough materials to create ledges or shelves pad the edges well so they will not rub against the liner itself. As you install the soft liner get the bottom set and smooth (you will have to get in the pond) and work your way up. Again adding water to the liner will add pressure and help smooth out wrinkles. If you are building a waterfall, run a soft liner under the rocks and into the pond. Make sure it overlaps into the pond a good bit. This will reduce the amount of water loss.

With a hard or soft liner you will want to cover up the edges with some type of rock border. This is for decorative purposes if you are using a hard liner, however, if you are using a soft liner a rock border is a must. This will anchor the liner in place and keep the edges from moving or sliding. You can use natural stone such as Slate or Bluestone for a natural look or for a more contemporary look, cut prefabricated concrete wall capping for a clean custom look.

Filter Systems: There are two types of biological filter systems. In the water and above ground. The in the water systems are good for smaller ponds. The pump and filter system sit in the bottom of the pond. These systems are relatively inexpensive, the down side is that when the filter needs to be cleaned (on a regular basis, at least bi-weekly) you are getting wet.

The above ground systems are more expensive, however, once installed they are easier to maintain and are good for larger ponds and ponds with waterfalls. These pumps are generally stronger than the submersible type and can push more water. The filters are easier to change and clean.

When cleaning your filter system, whether above ground or in the pond, Never clean the entire filter system at one time. There are usually more than one filter pad or chamber of filter medium. Clean half at a time. You want to keep a supply of beneficial bacteria in the filter system. The beneficial bacteria helps to filter our things like chlorine and waste. It will also keep the algae at bay.

Having Fish: If you want to have fish in your pond, it should be 24' - 30" deep at the center so the fish can be wintered over. It also provides a cool spot for fish in the summer. A biological filter is also a must. Start with small, inexpensive fish. The fish will grow to fit the size of the pond, and you are bound to lose a few from time to time. Unless you are an experienced water gardener, I would not recommend spending $80.00 on a special Koi. Koi are beautiful, but they are also dirty fish. They excrete more waste than a regular goldfish.

Caring for your fish: Before you put any fish in your pond, neutralize the chlorine from the water. Fish hate chlorine! I recommend letting the pond settle for a few weeks and let the filter system grow a little beneficial bacteria before adding fish. When you do add fish, let the fish acclimate to the water temperature for at least one hour before cutting open the bags and pouring them into the pond. This way the fish can change temperature slowly and reduce the chance of shock. A dose of stress coat in the water will help reduce stress. This will coat the fish and reduce stress. The other deadly problem for fish is high Nitrates. Doing some reading about water chemistry in ponds will go a long way.

Pond plants are also great for the pond. They provide a source of shade and food for the fish. There are floating plants, such as Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinth, Anacharis and Water lillies. There are also bog plants. These grow in special pots and sit in the ledges of the pond, such as Iris, Cannas and Cat Tails. There are dozens of different types of pond plants.This will add aesthetic beauty to the pond. It will also create a habitat for frogs and turtles.

I know this sounds like a lot of work, but really its just a lot of info. Once you get your pond installed and balanced, it will be a joy. Put a bench near the pond so you can sit, relax and enjoy the serenity of a pond in your own backyard.

There are many ready to install pond kits available that will make building a pond quick and easier then you can imagine. You can find a series of sizes to meet your specific needs in the Water Gardening section of Green Nation Gardens.