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.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, May 23, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, May 19, 2008
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.
Friday, May 16, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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!
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!
Monday, May 12, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A Bird Habitat
Creating a habitat for birds can be a fun and rewarding hobby. To attract and keep birds coming to the new environment you've created, there are a few simple things you need to do.
Hang a variety of bird houses for different types of birds. Many birds will come back year after year to roost in the same house. Do some research to find out what types of birds you want to attract and where they like their houses.
You will also want a variety of bird feeders and food. This is key...if you want to keep the birds around you must provide food and shelter for them year round. If you forget to feed for a while them or stop feeding them all winter, they will go elsewhere.
Birds also love a good bath and a drink. A birdbath is a great place for birds. They can cool off in the summer heat, take a bath, etc. I find a shady place for a birdbath to be the best. In the summer it won't dry out as fast or grow algae. They also need a water source in the winter. A Bird Bath Heater is a great way to provide a water source during the frigid winter months.
Birds are super fun to watch. Each species seems to have their own personality, song and dance routine. Get a pair of binoculars and keep them handy. Also a book about birds of your region will help you identify new birds.
I'm no expert on birds by any stretch of imagination, however, I know I love to watch the pair of House Finches come back to the same bird house each season. This bird house has been hanging in the same spot on my front porch since the previous owners lived here.
My family all love to watch the birds come to the window feeder.
They are so up close, its the only time my 3 small children stay still and quiet.
Providing a good habitat for birds can also be just having good natural shelter. Trees and shrubs that can provide natural shelter, shade and protection. Shrubs that have berries in the fall and winter, like Viburnum, Oregon Grape Holly, and Pyracantha provide food for the birds into the winter. Sunflowers are a great summer treat for the birds.
Be patient when creating a new habitat for the birds. It takes a little time for the birds to discover a new environment. Once they do, you will be surprised and pleased at the variety of beauty now in your yard.
Whether your a novice like me or an expert birder, having nature at your doorstep is an extraordinary thing. One more way Mother Nature has provided entertainment, peace and beauty in our lives.
Hang a variety of bird houses for different types of birds. Many birds will come back year after year to roost in the same house. Do some research to find out what types of birds you want to attract and where they like their houses.
You will also want a variety of bird feeders and food. This is key...if you want to keep the birds around you must provide food and shelter for them year round. If you forget to feed for a while them or stop feeding them all winter, they will go elsewhere.
Birds also love a good bath and a drink. A birdbath is a great place for birds. They can cool off in the summer heat, take a bath, etc. I find a shady place for a birdbath to be the best. In the summer it won't dry out as fast or grow algae. They also need a water source in the winter. A Bird Bath Heater is a great way to provide a water source during the frigid winter months.
Birds are super fun to watch. Each species seems to have their own personality, song and dance routine. Get a pair of binoculars and keep them handy. Also a book about birds of your region will help you identify new birds.
I'm no expert on birds by any stretch of imagination, however, I know I love to watch the pair of House Finches come back to the same bird house each season. This bird house has been hanging in the same spot on my front porch since the previous owners lived here.
My family all love to watch the birds come to the window feeder.
They are so up close, its the only time my 3 small children stay still and quiet.
Providing a good habitat for birds can also be just having good natural shelter. Trees and shrubs that can provide natural shelter, shade and protection. Shrubs that have berries in the fall and winter, like Viburnum, Oregon Grape Holly, and Pyracantha provide food for the birds into the winter. Sunflowers are a great summer treat for the birds.
Be patient when creating a new habitat for the birds. It takes a little time for the birds to discover a new environment. Once they do, you will be surprised and pleased at the variety of beauty now in your yard.
Whether your a novice like me or an expert birder, having nature at your doorstep is an extraordinary thing. One more way Mother Nature has provided entertainment, peace and beauty in our lives.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Seeds and Bulbs...A dying industry?
Seeds and Bulbs have been around forever. And for as long as I can remember they were an essential part of the gardening experience. Over the past ten or so years I have seen a shift in the way people garden. Younger Gardeners (under 35) like to buy instant gardens. You know, the already made up planters to put on their patios, big, fancy coco baskets already made up as well. Tomato plants in patio pots, etc.
The older, more experienced gardeners who always bought their onion sets in March and all the Seed packets with the starter trays, and the bulbs seem to be a dying breed. These were gardeners, real gardeners who started from the ground up, got their hands dirty and truly enjoyed the labor and its successes.
I would hope to see the instant patio gardeners of today turn into the "true" gardeners of tomorrow as they retire from having full time jobs and over scheduled lives. I know there are many of us who have helped our parents and grandparents garden and loved it.
I see part of our gardening industry slowly disappearing from the local garden centers. People won't buy the seeds and bulbs unless they are on sale or at the end of the season when they are just about being given away. This ruins the market. Less and less will be purchased by the retailer, thereby less and less being manufactured by the grower.
Bulbs are a fantastic, generally inexpensive way to get some beautiful, unusual and even exotic looking plants for your yard. Many bulbs you can buy, you cannot get already grown in containers.
Seeds do take more time and care, however they are the least expensive way to get lots of plants. Perennial seeds are great. For 1 packet of seeds (usually less than $3) you'll get plants that come back year after year, spread, and can be divided to share with friends. I harvest seeds from some of my favorite annuals, to have for the following year. Although they are not always the same as the original plant.
Starting seeds are a great project if you have kids. This is the most exciting part of spring at our house. We let the kids pick out their own packet of seeds, we set up a table in the garage for potting them up. It's usually to cold and dreary on the East Coast to do this outside.
The kids check them for water every day and when the first seed pops through the surface, you would think it was Christmas! Once its warm enough we plant them. Our 5 year old twins and even the 2 year old have to plant "their" seeds. They care for them and watch them grow, and everyone that comes to our house gets shown the plants. Our children take a great sense of pride in their gardening. I know someday they will probably be instant gardeners when their lives are busy, but someday they will be the "true" gardeners of our future.
We get so caught up in every day stuff, sometimes we forget to stop and smell the flowers. Gardening is a release for me, a way to let the stress of the daily grind fall away.
Try buying a few packs of seeds or some bulbs and create life. Watching a living thing grow and unfold before you is extremely satisfying and beautiful.
The older, more experienced gardeners who always bought their onion sets in March and all the Seed packets with the starter trays, and the bulbs seem to be a dying breed. These were gardeners, real gardeners who started from the ground up, got their hands dirty and truly enjoyed the labor and its successes.
I would hope to see the instant patio gardeners of today turn into the "true" gardeners of tomorrow as they retire from having full time jobs and over scheduled lives. I know there are many of us who have helped our parents and grandparents garden and loved it.
I see part of our gardening industry slowly disappearing from the local garden centers. People won't buy the seeds and bulbs unless they are on sale or at the end of the season when they are just about being given away. This ruins the market. Less and less will be purchased by the retailer, thereby less and less being manufactured by the grower.
Bulbs are a fantastic, generally inexpensive way to get some beautiful, unusual and even exotic looking plants for your yard. Many bulbs you can buy, you cannot get already grown in containers.
Seeds do take more time and care, however they are the least expensive way to get lots of plants. Perennial seeds are great. For 1 packet of seeds (usually less than $3) you'll get plants that come back year after year, spread, and can be divided to share with friends. I harvest seeds from some of my favorite annuals, to have for the following year. Although they are not always the same as the original plant.
Starting seeds are a great project if you have kids. This is the most exciting part of spring at our house. We let the kids pick out their own packet of seeds, we set up a table in the garage for potting them up. It's usually to cold and dreary on the East Coast to do this outside.
The kids check them for water every day and when the first seed pops through the surface, you would think it was Christmas! Once its warm enough we plant them. Our 5 year old twins and even the 2 year old have to plant "their" seeds. They care for them and watch them grow, and everyone that comes to our house gets shown the plants. Our children take a great sense of pride in their gardening. I know someday they will probably be instant gardeners when their lives are busy, but someday they will be the "true" gardeners of our future.
We get so caught up in every day stuff, sometimes we forget to stop and smell the flowers. Gardening is a release for me, a way to let the stress of the daily grind fall away.
Try buying a few packs of seeds or some bulbs and create life. Watching a living thing grow and unfold before you is extremely satisfying and beautiful.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Two of my favorite Fertilizers
When I come across a product I truly love and believe in I like to share it. Two of my favorite organic (that's all I use) fertilizers are Milorganite and Merrill's Compost Tea.
I love them because they are 100% Natural Organic Products. These companies each make a product that is organic and beneficial from waste.
Milorganite has been around for over 80 years and is a by-product of Milwaukee's water treatment system. It is safe to use in any climate at any time of the growing season...even drought.
Milorganite contains no salts (that can burn turf) so it doesn't even need to be watered in to work. It relies on natural microbes in the soil to break down the nutrients.
Milorganite not only contains Nitrogen and Phosphorous, it contains Calcium which is essential for nutrient uptake and Iron that makes everything a nice dark green. I use Milorganite on my lawn, trees, shrubs and perennials.
Merrill's Compost Tea is one of the most fantastic products I've ever used. They look like tea bags (don't drink them by mistake!). Keep an old gallon jug handy. Fill it up with tepid water and drop in one tea bag. Let it steep for an hour or so and then water your plants. I like to let my "tea" steep overnight. This is the best fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, roses and perennials. You can water as you normally would or foliar feed with a spray bottle. The first time I used this was in the middle of winter on my houseplants. The results were amazing! If they could have my plants would have jumped up and done a jig!
Both companies are committed to using natural resources and sustainable agriculture. These are truly earth friendly products. They are easy to use and inexpensive. The results will astound you!
I love them because they are 100% Natural Organic Products. These companies each make a product that is organic and beneficial from waste.
Milorganite has been around for over 80 years and is a by-product of Milwaukee's water treatment system. It is safe to use in any climate at any time of the growing season...even drought.
Milorganite contains no salts (that can burn turf) so it doesn't even need to be watered in to work. It relies on natural microbes in the soil to break down the nutrients.
Milorganite not only contains Nitrogen and Phosphorous, it contains Calcium which is essential for nutrient uptake and Iron that makes everything a nice dark green. I use Milorganite on my lawn, trees, shrubs and perennials.
Merrill's Compost Tea is one of the most fantastic products I've ever used. They look like tea bags (don't drink them by mistake!). Keep an old gallon jug handy. Fill it up with tepid water and drop in one tea bag. Let it steep for an hour or so and then water your plants. I like to let my "tea" steep overnight. This is the best fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, roses and perennials. You can water as you normally would or foliar feed with a spray bottle. The first time I used this was in the middle of winter on my houseplants. The results were amazing! If they could have my plants would have jumped up and done a jig!
Both companies are committed to using natural resources and sustainable agriculture. These are truly earth friendly products. They are easy to use and inexpensive. The results will astound you!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Storm Water Run-off... It's everyone's problem
Storm Water Run-off is a problem in every section of the United States. Some areas of course are worse than others. Every time it rains there are massive amounts of chemicals, oils, heavy metals running off our roof, through our grass and flower beds, down our driveways and into our storm drains which leads out to our natural waterways, and streams which lead to lakes and rivers.
If our ground cannot absorb the water efficiently and effectively and perk back down into our underground water supply it ends up in the storm drain. The chemicals, oils, voc's, etc. break down the beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms that keep our lakes and streams healthy. What we end up with is an over abundance of algae which believe it or not is harmful to our eco-system. It cuts down on the oxygen levels in the water and the beneficial bacteria cannot do its job to keep the water clean and healthy for fish and fowl.
This is not something the average American sees everyday. We don't think about where the water goes when its rushing down the street and into the storm drains. For us...it stops there. But it is actually just beginning.
We can make a difference one yard at a time. If every homeowner made simple changes, we could save our lakes, streams and rivers. Our eco-system depends on it. Not only does storm water run-off affect fish, it affects water fowl, birds, and all the animals that eat the fish, and drink from the lakes, streams and rivers.
There are many ways to reduce the amount of water that runs from your property into the storm drain:
Install Rain Barrels -Thousands of gallons of water can be captured off the average roof each year, and clean rainwater is better for plants, shrubs and lawn, washing the car, the dog etc.
Go Organic!- The use of traditional chemicals to feed your lawn and garden leach into the water every time it rains. Chemical fertilizers and controls do the most damage. Organic fertilizers and control products do not leave residual effects in the soil. Organic products come from the earth. They will not damage it.
Use Native Plants- Native plants are plants that are naturally indigenous to your specific area. You can get a list of native plants for your area by doing a web search. They are usually put out by the state. Native plants will grow better, require less water and fertilizer (organic of course), and they provide a natural habitat for our wild creatures.
Reduce the amount of Turf in your yard - Grass is over rated. It's high maintenance! It needs to be cut weekly, Fertilized several times a year, watered constantly in hot weather, etc., etc.
Grass also cannot absorb water the way plants, trees and shrubs can. Therefore the amount of run off is greater the more turf one has. If you reduce the amount of turf by installing a bed around the perimeter of your yard and installing native plants and mulch, you can cut down your water run off significantly.
Everyone needs grass, right? Here are a few tips to help your grass absorb more water.
Aerate your lawn regularly. This breaks the tight root barrier and allows for better oxygen and water absorption. This will make your grass healthier naturally. Aerating shoes work well, use them everytime you mow. You will also get a good workout. A machine aerator used yearly also does a great job.
Top dress your lawn with compost. Compost absorbs and eliminates harmful chemicals and pollution from the soil and air. Compost is also high in natural nutrients. This will reduce/eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.
When you fertilize or put down weed or insect control...GO ORGANIC! Organic fertilizers and control products are more widely available today than ever. They work well, are competitively priced with chemical fertilizers and don't have huge warning labels. Organic Fertilizers are safe for pets, children, you and our environment. Not using them just seems silly, doesn't it?
When you have to water - water deeply, less frequently. Watering for 20 minutes every day, for example, will keep the roots of the grass up near the surface. They will dry out very fast. If you water for 1 hour twice a week, for example, this will encourage the roots of the grass to grow deep in to the soil. This keeps the roots cooler and moist longer. The grass will reqiure less water, even in a drought situation.
Next time it rains...watch where the water goes. Think about it. Nature is just that, natural. I think we have forgotten what natural is. Nature worked perfectly for thousands of years, until humans started trying to perfect it. The opposite happened. Modern technology we need, however we need to use it responsibly. All of us... and small changes in our lives can mean big changes(improvements) in our world.
It's our world, our lakes, our streams and rivers, our yard... let's take care of it.
If our ground cannot absorb the water efficiently and effectively and perk back down into our underground water supply it ends up in the storm drain. The chemicals, oils, voc's, etc. break down the beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms that keep our lakes and streams healthy. What we end up with is an over abundance of algae which believe it or not is harmful to our eco-system. It cuts down on the oxygen levels in the water and the beneficial bacteria cannot do its job to keep the water clean and healthy for fish and fowl.
This is not something the average American sees everyday. We don't think about where the water goes when its rushing down the street and into the storm drains. For us...it stops there. But it is actually just beginning.
We can make a difference one yard at a time. If every homeowner made simple changes, we could save our lakes, streams and rivers. Our eco-system depends on it. Not only does storm water run-off affect fish, it affects water fowl, birds, and all the animals that eat the fish, and drink from the lakes, streams and rivers.
There are many ways to reduce the amount of water that runs from your property into the storm drain:
Install Rain Barrels -Thousands of gallons of water can be captured off the average roof each year, and clean rainwater is better for plants, shrubs and lawn, washing the car, the dog etc.
Go Organic!- The use of traditional chemicals to feed your lawn and garden leach into the water every time it rains. Chemical fertilizers and controls do the most damage. Organic fertilizers and control products do not leave residual effects in the soil. Organic products come from the earth. They will not damage it.
Use Native Plants- Native plants are plants that are naturally indigenous to your specific area. You can get a list of native plants for your area by doing a web search. They are usually put out by the state. Native plants will grow better, require less water and fertilizer (organic of course), and they provide a natural habitat for our wild creatures.
Reduce the amount of Turf in your yard - Grass is over rated. It's high maintenance! It needs to be cut weekly, Fertilized several times a year, watered constantly in hot weather, etc., etc.
Grass also cannot absorb water the way plants, trees and shrubs can. Therefore the amount of run off is greater the more turf one has. If you reduce the amount of turf by installing a bed around the perimeter of your yard and installing native plants and mulch, you can cut down your water run off significantly.
Everyone needs grass, right? Here are a few tips to help your grass absorb more water.
Aerate your lawn regularly. This breaks the tight root barrier and allows for better oxygen and water absorption. This will make your grass healthier naturally. Aerating shoes work well, use them everytime you mow. You will also get a good workout. A machine aerator used yearly also does a great job.
Top dress your lawn with compost. Compost absorbs and eliminates harmful chemicals and pollution from the soil and air. Compost is also high in natural nutrients. This will reduce/eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.
When you fertilize or put down weed or insect control...GO ORGANIC! Organic fertilizers and control products are more widely available today than ever. They work well, are competitively priced with chemical fertilizers and don't have huge warning labels. Organic Fertilizers are safe for pets, children, you and our environment. Not using them just seems silly, doesn't it?
When you have to water - water deeply, less frequently. Watering for 20 minutes every day, for example, will keep the roots of the grass up near the surface. They will dry out very fast. If you water for 1 hour twice a week, for example, this will encourage the roots of the grass to grow deep in to the soil. This keeps the roots cooler and moist longer. The grass will reqiure less water, even in a drought situation.
Next time it rains...watch where the water goes. Think about it. Nature is just that, natural. I think we have forgotten what natural is. Nature worked perfectly for thousands of years, until humans started trying to perfect it. The opposite happened. Modern technology we need, however we need to use it responsibly. All of us... and small changes in our lives can mean big changes(improvements) in our world.
It's our world, our lakes, our streams and rivers, our yard... let's take care of it.
Monday, May 5, 2008
How to keep Critters out of the Garden , and Flower Beds too!
This is a timeless struggle between the Gardener and Nature's creatures.
Rabbits, Deer, Chipmunks, Squirrels, Gophers, Moles, Voles and Ground Hogs are probably our biggest challenge in our Vegetable and Flower Gardens. Following are a few easy tips on how to get rid of these pests:
There are all natural repellents such as ShakeAway, Liquid Fence, Deer Away and Critter Ridder.
These all natural repellents all work well and all work in different ways.
Shake Away is a granular Predator Urine product. This is a fantastic product. It creates the scent of predators such as fox, coyote and bobcat. They will not wash away in the rain and do not evaporate. They are not messy or highly stinky, like their liquid counterparts. They even have one for cats.
Liquid Fence Products such as their Mole and Vole repellent are odor and taste based repellents. Mole and Vole is all natural liquid that is sprayed and gets down into the soil to coat the roots of plants and earthworms. Their tasty meal is no longer tasty. They simply go elsewhere to look for food. It is long lasting and won't harm vegetation.
Critter Ridder by Havahart comes as a granular or a liquid and is listed OMRI organic. It will repel skunks, ground hogs, squirrels, racoons, dogs and cats. They are both pepper and capsaicin based products.
Critter Ridder Deer and Rabbit repels by scent and it lasts up to 3 months. It is also listed OMRI organic.
These are all safe, natural products. There are a few other items that also work well. Human hair and dog fur will also work. Human hair works the best. Go to your local Barber Shop and ask for some hair. Yeah, they might look at you a little funny at first, but they will think you are a genius when you tell them what its for. Put it around the perimeter of your garden. This will decompose naturally. It may need to be applied once or twice. With all these products, once a Critter knows your garden or flower beds are not a safe or tasty place to go...they usually will not come back.
Happy Gardening!
Rabbits, Deer, Chipmunks, Squirrels, Gophers, Moles, Voles and Ground Hogs are probably our biggest challenge in our Vegetable and Flower Gardens. Following are a few easy tips on how to get rid of these pests:
There are all natural repellents such as ShakeAway, Liquid Fence, Deer Away and Critter Ridder.
These all natural repellents all work well and all work in different ways.
Shake Away is a granular Predator Urine product. This is a fantastic product. It creates the scent of predators such as fox, coyote and bobcat. They will not wash away in the rain and do not evaporate. They are not messy or highly stinky, like their liquid counterparts. They even have one for cats.
Liquid Fence Products such as their Mole and Vole repellent are odor and taste based repellents. Mole and Vole is all natural liquid that is sprayed and gets down into the soil to coat the roots of plants and earthworms. Their tasty meal is no longer tasty. They simply go elsewhere to look for food. It is long lasting and won't harm vegetation.
Critter Ridder by Havahart comes as a granular or a liquid and is listed OMRI organic. It will repel skunks, ground hogs, squirrels, racoons, dogs and cats. They are both pepper and capsaicin based products.
Critter Ridder Deer and Rabbit repels by scent and it lasts up to 3 months. It is also listed OMRI organic.
These are all safe, natural products. There are a few other items that also work well. Human hair and dog fur will also work. Human hair works the best. Go to your local Barber Shop and ask for some hair. Yeah, they might look at you a little funny at first, but they will think you are a genius when you tell them what its for. Put it around the perimeter of your garden. This will decompose naturally. It may need to be applied once or twice. With all these products, once a Critter knows your garden or flower beds are not a safe or tasty place to go...they usually will not come back.
Happy Gardening!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Big, Beautiful Summer Containers!
2) Plant the container where you would like to keep it, or put it on a plant dolly. It will be heavy.
3) Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. If there are none, drill a few in a triangle pattern. The planter should also have a saucer.
4) A drainage medium should be placed in the bottom of the pot, about 2” deep. Recycle broken terra cotta pots or Styrofoam peanuts as your medium. Pebbles work well also, but are heavy.
5) Choose a quality blend of soil. Your plants are only as good as the soil they are planted in. The soil should be loose and light. Fresh potting soil should be used each year for best results.
6) Choose your plants. You will need a variety of plants in different heights, colors and textures for the best effect. This is where you need to use your creativity. Don’t think you have any? Have a child help you. Or, plan ahead. Look in magazines or on the web and write down the names of the plants before you go shopping.
b) Next, choose trailing plants. More than one variety works best. Choose three: Two flowering and one foliage variety and alternate them around the planter. Proven winners are always a great choice, and are easily available at garden centers and nurseries. Be sure to look for varieties that will do well where you plant them. Sun or Shade.
c) Last, choose your filler plants. Medium height, bushy plants. Choose one flowering and one foliage variety. Pick colorful plants. Hosta and coleus are great fillers for sun or shade. There are some varieties of Hosta that will tolerate more sun than others, so read the label.
d) When putting all this in your planter, install the plants as they are listed. Fill the pot about half way and place your centerpiece. Then fill around it until the planter is about 2/3 full and install your trailing plants. You may need to adjust the amount of soil depending on the size of the pots you purchased. Place all the plants and then gently fill in around the plants with soil one handful at a time. Be sure to press down between the plants to avoid air pockets. Water thoroughly and re-check the soil levels. Settling may occur, fill in wherever necessary.
7) The final and most important steps for Beautiful, Lush planters are food and water. For large luscious, stunning planters…water, water! Do not let your planters wilt between waterings. The best time to water is early morning, before 10 am. This will keep them stress free during the heat of the day. Planters in full sun will require more frequent watering (often daily) than those in part sun or shade. Plants that are stressed from lack of water will not bloom well or flourish.
A good quality organic fertilizer will keep your plants happy and healthy. Some organic fertilizers are slow release, so feedings are less frequent. Read the label for feeding schedule. A water soluble fertilizer we recommend is Merrill’s Compost Tea. Just drop one tea bag into one gallon of water, let it steep for 20 minutes to one hour and then water your plants as normal. Feed with this product every 2 weeks throughout the growing season and your planters will amaze you!
This process is how the professionals do it. Design and build your planters as early in the season as your area will allow for maximum enjoyment.
You can view a selection of beautifully handcrafted all-natural cedar planters.
Composting- Fun for the Whole Family
Home composting is one of the best ways to cut down on waste going into our overtaxed landfills.
Food waste, leaves, and grass clippings contributes a huge 24% of solid waste in our landfills. As these materials break down in a landfill situation, they produce Methane Gas, an explosive GreenHouse Gas. This can leach through the ground and affect surrounding residential or business areas. This solid waste also takes years to breakdown, rather than months in a composter.
In a composting situation not only will this matter break down faster, more efficiently and non-toxically, it also has many benefits to our environment.
What you can and should compost:
Cardboard Rolls, Clean Paper, Coffee Grounds, Coffee Filters, Eggshells, Fruits, Veggies, Tea Bags, Nut Shells, Cotton Rags, Dryer Lint, Vacuum Cleaner Lint, Fireplace Ashes, Grass Clippings, Hair, Fur, Houseplants, Leaves, Sawdust, Shredded Newspaper, Wood Chips, Wool Rags, Shrub and Perennial Trimmings
What Not To Compost:
Charcoal Ashes, Black Walnut Leaves and Branches, Diseased or Insect Infested Plants Fungicides, Pesticides, Insecticides, Dog /Cat Feces or Litter, Dairy Products, Meat/Fish Bones or Scraps, Fats,Grease, Lard or Oil
Did you know Compost Can...
Suppress plant diseases and pests
Reduce and/or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers
Promote higher yields in vegetable gardens
Stronger, better blooming perennials and shrubs
Removes solids, oils, grease and heavy metals from storm water runoff
Capture and destroy 99% of Industrial Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC's) from the air (a contributor to the destruction of the ozone)
Composting enriches the soil. The natural nutrients of compost help retain moisture and prevent plant diseases and infestations of insects.
COMPOSTING PREVENTS POLLUTION! Not only does composting reduce/eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and controls, compost absorbs and eliminates toxic VOC's, heavy metals and prevents them from entering our waterways.
Ok, ok, I know I said Composting, Fun for the Whole Family. As parents we need to teach our kids why we should compost. The info above can help you do just that. Composting needs to be a family habit. Teaching our children or grandchildren good environmental habits will ensure a Greener Future.
A small Compost Bin will get you started. They are economical and don't take up much space. A Compost Pail in your kitchen and some leaves are all you need to get started. Compost Pails are decorative and come with a lid. (An empty coffee can will work too) Just divert your hand from the trash can to the compost pail. An easy transition. Getting the kids involved is the best part. Have them collect stray leaves and twigs in the yard. Make it a game--kids love helping. They also like opening the composter and dumping the compost pail into it. They love to see everything mixed up in there. Contrary to popular belief, composters do not smell and they do not attract flies or other insects. You and your children (grandchildren) will be amazed at the rich, black dirt that comes out. Make sure you add leaves, grass clippings, etc. to balance the food scraps.
It's an easy process. The environment, your yard, your plants, and your children will thank you.
- You must be the change you wish to see- Mahatma Ghandi
Food waste, leaves, and grass clippings contributes a huge 24% of solid waste in our landfills. As these materials break down in a landfill situation, they produce Methane Gas, an explosive GreenHouse Gas. This can leach through the ground and affect surrounding residential or business areas. This solid waste also takes years to breakdown, rather than months in a composter.
In a composting situation not only will this matter break down faster, more efficiently and non-toxically, it also has many benefits to our environment.
What you can and should compost:
Cardboard Rolls, Clean Paper, Coffee Grounds, Coffee Filters, Eggshells, Fruits, Veggies, Tea Bags, Nut Shells, Cotton Rags, Dryer Lint, Vacuum Cleaner Lint, Fireplace Ashes, Grass Clippings, Hair, Fur, Houseplants, Leaves, Sawdust, Shredded Newspaper, Wood Chips, Wool Rags, Shrub and Perennial Trimmings
What Not To Compost:
Charcoal Ashes, Black Walnut Leaves and Branches, Diseased or Insect Infested Plants Fungicides, Pesticides, Insecticides, Dog /Cat Feces or Litter, Dairy Products, Meat/Fish Bones or Scraps, Fats,Grease, Lard or Oil
Did you know Compost Can...
Suppress plant diseases and pests
Reduce and/or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers
Promote higher yields in vegetable gardens
Stronger, better blooming perennials and shrubs
Removes solids, oils, grease and heavy metals from storm water runoff
Capture and destroy 99% of Industrial Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC's) from the air (a contributor to the destruction of the ozone)
Composting enriches the soil. The natural nutrients of compost help retain moisture and prevent plant diseases and infestations of insects.
COMPOSTING PREVENTS POLLUTION! Not only does composting reduce/eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and controls, compost absorbs and eliminates toxic VOC's, heavy metals and prevents them from entering our waterways.
Ok, ok, I know I said Composting, Fun for the Whole Family. As parents we need to teach our kids why we should compost. The info above can help you do just that. Composting needs to be a family habit. Teaching our children or grandchildren good environmental habits will ensure a Greener Future.
A small Compost Bin will get you started. They are economical and don't take up much space. A Compost Pail in your kitchen and some leaves are all you need to get started. Compost Pails are decorative and come with a lid. (An empty coffee can will work too) Just divert your hand from the trash can to the compost pail. An easy transition. Getting the kids involved is the best part. Have them collect stray leaves and twigs in the yard. Make it a game--kids love helping. They also like opening the composter and dumping the compost pail into it. They love to see everything mixed up in there. Contrary to popular belief, composters do not smell and they do not attract flies or other insects. You and your children (grandchildren) will be amazed at the rich, black dirt that comes out. Make sure you add leaves, grass clippings, etc. to balance the food scraps.
It's an easy process. The environment, your yard, your plants, and your children will thank you.
- You must be the change you wish to see- Mahatma Ghandi
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Healthy Gardening Tips
Gardening is America's number one hobby. We all know too well of the aches and pains that can come from our favorite past-time! Here are a few tips that can help minimize the stress on your body and keep you healthy.
Protect those Joints!:
Use tools with padded handles and easy spring loaded handles to minimize stiffness in the hands. If you are spending time on your knees, wear knee pads, use a knee cushion or a kneeler seat. These items will cushion the knee joint and reduce pressure.
Conserve your energy:
Think Ahead! Carry all the hand tools you may use in a bucket and your large tools in a cart. This will save you many trips to the shed or garage. Sitting or kneeling on a Kneeler Seat instead of bending over will save your back, hips and legs from tiredness and stress. A Kneeler Seat is a low seat, and turned upside down it's perfect for kneeling and the handles will help you get back up. They are generally cushioned on both sides for comfort.
Lift Smart!:
Bags of Mulch, Stone and Soils can be awkward and heavy to carry. Try taking them from your vehicle to a garden cart or wheelbarrow. Move it where you need it, cut the bag open lengthwise and dump it. The material will come out of the bag easily. Or you can keep it in the wheelbarrow and shovel it out.
Heavy plants- if you are moving heavy plants or shrubs, try tipping a wheelbarrow forward as close to the plant as you can. Then gently rotate the pot or ball of the plant into the wheelbarrow. Slowly bring the wheelbarrow to a standing position, so as not to bang the plant around. move it to its destination and reverse the process. If you prepare the hole first, the plant can be easily installed. If its in a pot, set it next to the hole and remove the pot, then roll the ball into the hole. B&B plants can be rolled directly into the hole and then cut the burlap. If your plant has nylon burlap it must be removed completely. This process will minimize stress on your lower back and stress on the plant. Plants do not like to have their roots banged around.
If you must lift heavy items, squat down, get a firm grip and lift using your legs, not your Back! Lifting with your leg muscles will give you more lifting power and save you a trip to the Chiropractor. Asking for help is also a smart way to save yourself from injury. Call ahead to plan for a Family member or Friend to help. A neighbor will usually be happy to lend a quick hand.
One project at a time!:
If you want your yard to be picture perfect NOW... hire a professional. If you are willing to be patient and enjoy the fruits of your labor, start small. Prioritize your projects and complete them one at a time. This will keep you from over-doing it. It can also keep your frustration level down. You will be satisfied in having completed a project and it will keep your yard neat and clean. Too many projects started and none finished makes for a messy yard.
Lastly...Listen to your body:
Your body will tell you every time when its had enough. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your muscles hydrated and reduce cramping. Water can also reduce the chances of becoming over-heated. When your done working in the garden, STRETCH! Stretching will reduce muscle soreness and keep you more flexible. Treat your self to a nice bath or shower and get plenty of rest. Recovery is the key to happy gardening tomorrow!
We would love for you to join our online green living community where you can join in on the forum, add your own pics and viewpoints and just share with other like minded individuals. Visit Green Nation Gardens Wiki
Protect those Joints!:
Use tools with padded handles and easy spring loaded handles to minimize stiffness in the hands. If you are spending time on your knees, wear knee pads, use a knee cushion or a kneeler seat. These items will cushion the knee joint and reduce pressure.
Conserve your energy:
Think Ahead! Carry all the hand tools you may use in a bucket and your large tools in a cart. This will save you many trips to the shed or garage. Sitting or kneeling on a Kneeler Seat instead of bending over will save your back, hips and legs from tiredness and stress. A Kneeler Seat is a low seat, and turned upside down it's perfect for kneeling and the handles will help you get back up. They are generally cushioned on both sides for comfort.
Lift Smart!:
Bags of Mulch, Stone and Soils can be awkward and heavy to carry. Try taking them from your vehicle to a garden cart or wheelbarrow. Move it where you need it, cut the bag open lengthwise and dump it. The material will come out of the bag easily. Or you can keep it in the wheelbarrow and shovel it out.
Heavy plants- if you are moving heavy plants or shrubs, try tipping a wheelbarrow forward as close to the plant as you can. Then gently rotate the pot or ball of the plant into the wheelbarrow. Slowly bring the wheelbarrow to a standing position, so as not to bang the plant around. move it to its destination and reverse the process. If you prepare the hole first, the plant can be easily installed. If its in a pot, set it next to the hole and remove the pot, then roll the ball into the hole. B&B plants can be rolled directly into the hole and then cut the burlap. If your plant has nylon burlap it must be removed completely. This process will minimize stress on your lower back and stress on the plant. Plants do not like to have their roots banged around.
If you must lift heavy items, squat down, get a firm grip and lift using your legs, not your Back! Lifting with your leg muscles will give you more lifting power and save you a trip to the Chiropractor. Asking for help is also a smart way to save yourself from injury. Call ahead to plan for a Family member or Friend to help. A neighbor will usually be happy to lend a quick hand.
One project at a time!:
If you want your yard to be picture perfect NOW... hire a professional. If you are willing to be patient and enjoy the fruits of your labor, start small. Prioritize your projects and complete them one at a time. This will keep you from over-doing it. It can also keep your frustration level down. You will be satisfied in having completed a project and it will keep your yard neat and clean. Too many projects started and none finished makes for a messy yard.
Lastly...Listen to your body:
Your body will tell you every time when its had enough. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your muscles hydrated and reduce cramping. Water can also reduce the chances of becoming over-heated. When your done working in the garden, STRETCH! Stretching will reduce muscle soreness and keep you more flexible. Treat your self to a nice bath or shower and get plenty of rest. Recovery is the key to happy gardening tomorrow!
We would love for you to join our online green living community where you can join in on the forum, add your own pics and viewpoints and just share with other like minded individuals. Visit Green Nation Gardens Wiki
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