Whilst gardening, there is a genuine need to be mindful of your own personal safety. At this moment in time, I am not talking about drastic injuries, but rather, some of the lesser annoyances that you may not have previously considered, if you are new to this mucking around in the garden thing.
Regardless of what it is that you are doing in the garden, or whether you are new at this or a seasoned hand, it's always a good idea to be prepared for any of those little surprises that may come upon you when you least expect. No matter if you are cutting flowers, digging a new vegetable plot, or excavating the entire backyard for your new landscape dream, you will encounter many common safety issues. Whatever the case, keep the following tips in mind when you begin any type of gardening project:
Heat.
To avoid any excessive heat when you are gardening, if possible, try gardening either early in the morning or late in the evening. Do be aware, that the hottest part of the day is between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, so if possible, plan your gardening day accordingly. Although it may not seem like it, gardening can be a heck of a work-out and your fluid levels can become dangerously low. Knowing this, you should always keep a bottle of water handy whilst gardening, so you can remain adequately hydrated.
The afternoon hours are when the sun has the greatest strength, which can lead to heat exhaustion or other heat-related illness, if you have a tendency to over-do things. By choosing the coolest times of day and taking in plenty of fluids, you will be better equipped to actually complete your gardening project, without any health related surprises. AND - wear a hat!
Protection:
Sunburn is a also a consideration, to protect yourself from sun damage, wear lightweight long sleeved shirts and long pants. Wearing long sleeved clothes will also prevent mosquito and sand-fly bites. Keep sunscreen handy and make sure to apply it to all areas that will be exposed during your gardening day. Don't forget to cover the back of your neck and the tops of your ears. Also, be mindful to re-apply the sunscreen, if the day turns into an extended session in the garden. If you are like me and have an enormous nose, that not many hats can adequately protect, give that a going over with sun-screen, too. AND - wear a hat, anyway!
If the project at hand has you working with large expanses of bare earth, for extended periods of time, do not disregard the fact that reflected heat from the ground, can really knock you around before you know it. Keep the fluids up!
You will also want to consider wearing gardening gloves to protect your hands, always being mindful of what you are reaching into, especially if you find yourself reaching into grassy areas or darkened nooks. These areas may include tall weeds along the fence-line or similar, shrubbery or overgrown areas of your yard or garden, which could be a hiding place for snakes, spiders or other potential biting and stinging critters. Few things in life can compare to the dread that comes over you, when you realise, that the clump of weeds or leaves you have just gathered up, comes complete with it's very own host of enraged bull-ants, or nest of wasps.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to undertake a gardening project, will largely depend on the type of project, your knowledge or skill, and your overall health. If you are doing simple stuff, like planting flowers or vegetable seeds, you shouldn't have any problems, as these are not time consuming, nor particularly arduous tasks. However, if the job you have set yourself involves extensive landscaping work, such as digging a pond or a complete redesign of the backyard, you may want to consider hiring a professional landscape contractor, who can complete the work without causing you any inconvenience.
Whatever your decision, it is better being safe in the garden, than sorry.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Do you Really Need a Fountain in Your Garden.
Most people desiring a fountain in their garden, are visualising the serene benefits of the natural ambiance it offers. Indeed, being around some water scene, can imbue you with much positive energy, just living in a garden with a fountain, or water feature has a kind of meditative effect to it, whether you are aware of it, or not. Fountains are also beneficial to people into Thai-Chi, yoga, or meditation, the contiguous sound of the water being a needful constant, allowing them to more clearly focus on what they're doing.
When you first decide to install a fountain, it would be advisable to put a lot of consideration into choosing one that will fit in with your garden's existing design. The same with any type of garden ornamentation, it must suit the general theme of the garden.
Will the water feature you are thinking of:
-- look out of place in your garden?
-- will it appear like it belongs there?
-- how will you be able to return it if you don't like it?
-- how are you going to get it home in the first place?
are there building code restrictions for stand-alone structures?
-- is there enough room where you want to put it?
-- does it come in any colour other than white?
-- will it attract ducks?
Changing your mind, after installation, may not be an option. Give some thought to the following:
When you consider the weight of a fountain, generally made of cement, concrete, enormous boulders, or a combination of all three, removing it once it is in place, after having realised that it detracts from the general ambiance of the garden - could be somewhat problematic. Indeed, let us not forget those monstrosities made of steel, where a crane may be the only way to get it in there to begin with.
If the water feature you are so desperate to have installed includes a pond, again, take your time considering all aspects of the design, before finalising anything. If your dream design is largish and deeper than 12 inches, you may need a license to have it installed, and probably a child-proof fence surrounding the whole thing, as well. If you discover these things after feature has been constructed and installed, it will be too late to be talking about garden ambiance.
Another, most important aspect to be considering, when thinking about installing a fountain, would be - is there a power source nearby? Without power, the pump that supplies the water to the top of the fountain, enabling it to then cascade down, creating that serene musicality that fountains are famous for - will not eventuate. Sort of like a mute fountain, if you will.
So, let us discuss the power situation. Strewing extension cords across your yard, is not only unattractive, but also down-right dangerous. Not only is this a cause for concern if you have children, but there is also the friends of your kids, the neighbors kids, lawn mowers, poorly slung shovels, puppies, and need we be reminded - careless adults. Draping leads through the overhanging branches, is not only tacky, but also dangerous during storms. AND it's all illegal. You are going to have to employ the services of a qualified electrician, who will bury the cable in a pipe. We are talking about electricity and water here, so, no mucking around. Sorry.
All sounds terribly gloomy, doesn't it. Rest assured, if you are only looking for a medium sized fountain, water feature, or pond, these days there are available an endless variety of fiberglass designs, of many colours. Most are delivered complete with pumps and all necessary fittings. Some are set up to be modular, as in, as time goes on you may wish to add another "piece" of pond or fountain, to your creation. Most of the parts in these unit are interchangeable, also. You still must address how you are going to get power to the set up. Be safe.
I hope this has given you something to think about, when deciding whether you really need a fountain in your garden, or not.
When you first decide to install a fountain, it would be advisable to put a lot of consideration into choosing one that will fit in with your garden's existing design. The same with any type of garden ornamentation, it must suit the general theme of the garden.
Will the water feature you are thinking of:
-- look out of place in your garden?
-- will it appear like it belongs there?
-- how will you be able to return it if you don't like it?
-- how are you going to get it home in the first place?
are there building code restrictions for stand-alone structures?
-- is there enough room where you want to put it?
-- does it come in any colour other than white?
-- will it attract ducks?
Changing your mind, after installation, may not be an option. Give some thought to the following:
When you consider the weight of a fountain, generally made of cement, concrete, enormous boulders, or a combination of all three, removing it once it is in place, after having realised that it detracts from the general ambiance of the garden - could be somewhat problematic. Indeed, let us not forget those monstrosities made of steel, where a crane may be the only way to get it in there to begin with.
If the water feature you are so desperate to have installed includes a pond, again, take your time considering all aspects of the design, before finalising anything. If your dream design is largish and deeper than 12 inches, you may need a license to have it installed, and probably a child-proof fence surrounding the whole thing, as well. If you discover these things after feature has been constructed and installed, it will be too late to be talking about garden ambiance.
Another, most important aspect to be considering, when thinking about installing a fountain, would be - is there a power source nearby? Without power, the pump that supplies the water to the top of the fountain, enabling it to then cascade down, creating that serene musicality that fountains are famous for - will not eventuate. Sort of like a mute fountain, if you will.
So, let us discuss the power situation. Strewing extension cords across your yard, is not only unattractive, but also down-right dangerous. Not only is this a cause for concern if you have children, but there is also the friends of your kids, the neighbors kids, lawn mowers, poorly slung shovels, puppies, and need we be reminded - careless adults. Draping leads through the overhanging branches, is not only tacky, but also dangerous during storms. AND it's all illegal. You are going to have to employ the services of a qualified electrician, who will bury the cable in a pipe. We are talking about electricity and water here, so, no mucking around. Sorry.
All sounds terribly gloomy, doesn't it. Rest assured, if you are only looking for a medium sized fountain, water feature, or pond, these days there are available an endless variety of fiberglass designs, of many colours. Most are delivered complete with pumps and all necessary fittings. Some are set up to be modular, as in, as time goes on you may wish to add another "piece" of pond or fountain, to your creation. Most of the parts in these unit are interchangeable, also. You still must address how you are going to get power to the set up. Be safe.
I hope this has given you something to think about, when deciding whether you really need a fountain in your garden, or not.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Re-planting Pot-bound as well as Open-rooted Plants
In the event that a recently purchased plant comes out of the pot very easily, plus isn't root-bound - re-plant it as it is. Do not worry should some of the soil drops off.
Should the potted plant be so newly potted-up, as to have not yet settled, you may find all of the soil falls away when you de-pot. Don't worry. To start with, never purchase from the same shop again. Then reclaim the fallen soil, re-incorporate it in with the new soil or potting-mix, then continue potting.
In the event that after you have removed the container and the plant is compacted with roots, or root-bound, more roots than potting-mix - you should pry them apart prior to re-potting. Sometimes you might need to cut the roots, if indeed the plant has been growing in the container too long.
These roots are cut like you would a melon, then tease the roots apart taking out any harmed material.Most likely a little trimming will be needed, as well. As the roots have been developing around and 'round the container, they could reach a great length, making re-planting difficult.
If you don't attend to this, the roots might carry on to growing as they were before. Even though the plant will carry on growing in it's new container, it's development is going to be slow and probably stunted.
If you find the plant is pot-bound, as well as in need of some root improvisation, again you may find yourself without soil close to the roots. Do not press the panic button. Do not purchase from that retailer again. Also, don't mix those roots and additional soil back into the new potting-soil. If you add this to the soil used in re-potting, as bits of roots begin to rot, this might produce problems for all the new roots trying to get a footing, and rot them too.
All damaged, bleeding, or loose roots ought to be eliminated. Either cut them back again to the base of the root, in the event that they are greatly damaged, or, if only lightly injured just back to some wholesome section from the root.
In each these cases, including bare-rooted stock, the soil-less roots ought to be placed, as much as is feasible, spread out over a small mound of soil within the pot. Being mindful of the original soil level about the plant and additionally, sticking to it, fill and firm with the potting-mix until you get to within an inch of the top of the pot.
Water thoroughly, or bathe the container in the bucket of water for 20 minutes, to remove any air pockets.
If you use the above info, you should have no trouble when re-potting container-bound or bare-rooted plants.
Should the potted plant be so newly potted-up, as to have not yet settled, you may find all of the soil falls away when you de-pot. Don't worry. To start with, never purchase from the same shop again. Then reclaim the fallen soil, re-incorporate it in with the new soil or potting-mix, then continue potting.
In the event that after you have removed the container and the plant is compacted with roots, or root-bound, more roots than potting-mix - you should pry them apart prior to re-potting. Sometimes you might need to cut the roots, if indeed the plant has been growing in the container too long.
These roots are cut like you would a melon, then tease the roots apart taking out any harmed material.Most likely a little trimming will be needed, as well. As the roots have been developing around and 'round the container, they could reach a great length, making re-planting difficult.
If you don't attend to this, the roots might carry on to growing as they were before. Even though the plant will carry on growing in it's new container, it's development is going to be slow and probably stunted.
If you find the plant is pot-bound, as well as in need of some root improvisation, again you may find yourself without soil close to the roots. Do not press the panic button. Do not purchase from that retailer again. Also, don't mix those roots and additional soil back into the new potting-soil. If you add this to the soil used in re-potting, as bits of roots begin to rot, this might produce problems for all the new roots trying to get a footing, and rot them too.
All damaged, bleeding, or loose roots ought to be eliminated. Either cut them back again to the base of the root, in the event that they are greatly damaged, or, if only lightly injured just back to some wholesome section from the root.
In each these cases, including bare-rooted stock, the soil-less roots ought to be placed, as much as is feasible, spread out over a small mound of soil within the pot. Being mindful of the original soil level about the plant and additionally, sticking to it, fill and firm with the potting-mix until you get to within an inch of the top of the pot.
Water thoroughly, or bathe the container in the bucket of water for 20 minutes, to remove any air pockets.
If you use the above info, you should have no trouble when re-potting container-bound or bare-rooted plants.
Re-planting Potted Plants Into the Yard
When you bring your new plants home from the nursery, garden center, or receive them by way of mail-order, it is really important to remove them from the packaging, or car boot, immediately. Damaged, bruised, or broken plant material ought to be clipped off.
Select a protected, low light area of your yard and water completely. Water should seep out the drain holes within the pot and the plant should really feel "weightier" right after watering. Ideally, a day before planting, soak the pot in a bucket of water to allow the plants to fully hydrate, allow any air bubbles within the pot to dissipate, and the plants adjust to their new surroundings.
Once you have decided the place best suited in your back garden for your new acquisition, dig a hole at least twice as big as the over all size of the pot. For larger potted plants, it might be much more effective to dig or turn an area of a garden bed. Not a bad idea to mix compost or potting mix, together with your native soil, to improve root development in your plant's new environment. Place a layer of the mixture in bottom of the hole and firm it lightly so the new specimen is not planted too deeply.
Carefully remove the plant from the container. It may help to tap the container down lightly on it's top edge, on a bench, or squeeze its sides, in order to loosen it.
Put the plant in the readied hole. Add or remove earth blend beneath the root mass to ensure that the top, where the root ball soil begins, is at the same level as the surrounding soil of the garden. Be mindful of any grafts, or branching near the root ball, and never have the soil near this! A distance of an inch is fine. Planting too deep is one of the main killers of new plant stock.
Once you have determined the plant's original earth level is equal to that of the surrounding soil, you are then able to begin back filling the soil mix close to the root-ball. Work your soil blend in firmly with your fingers among the root mass and also the around the hole until you've reached the original ground level. Do not over-tamp the soil, just make it firm.
When the hole is half to two thirds full, fill it with water - yes, FILL it. This will assist in eliminating any air bubbles trapped around the roots. The number two killer of newly planted stock is air bubbles around the roots. Waiting for the water to dissipate, back fill with the rest of the soil and lightly tamp, in order to leave a shallow depression around the outermost edge of the hole. This is for subsequent watering.
Finish the planting by applying a good 2"- 4" inch covering of mulch, advancing the mulch a foot or more from the center of the planting. Good mulch choices could be shredded bark, pine needles, hay, and even stones. Mulch will protect the roots from the heat of the sun, assist in moisture retention, and suppress weed development.
When you have finished, water thoroughly. You should see the water gathering in that shallow depression you have just made. Follow up with a minimum of weekly watering, until the plant appears to have taken - leaves looking healthy and shiny, if not new leaves. If leaves display indicators of wilting, but the earth is moist - do not panic. Some plants can take 10 days or more to start becoming established. Be patient. Replanting can be extremely traumatic and sometimes, newly planted stock will sit there and sulk for a bit.
Hopefully this has helped take away some of the questions you may have had about Re-planting Potted Plants Into the Yard.
Select a protected, low light area of your yard and water completely. Water should seep out the drain holes within the pot and the plant should really feel "weightier" right after watering. Ideally, a day before planting, soak the pot in a bucket of water to allow the plants to fully hydrate, allow any air bubbles within the pot to dissipate, and the plants adjust to their new surroundings.
Once you have decided the place best suited in your back garden for your new acquisition, dig a hole at least twice as big as the over all size of the pot. For larger potted plants, it might be much more effective to dig or turn an area of a garden bed. Not a bad idea to mix compost or potting mix, together with your native soil, to improve root development in your plant's new environment. Place a layer of the mixture in bottom of the hole and firm it lightly so the new specimen is not planted too deeply.
Carefully remove the plant from the container. It may help to tap the container down lightly on it's top edge, on a bench, or squeeze its sides, in order to loosen it.
Put the plant in the readied hole. Add or remove earth blend beneath the root mass to ensure that the top, where the root ball soil begins, is at the same level as the surrounding soil of the garden. Be mindful of any grafts, or branching near the root ball, and never have the soil near this! A distance of an inch is fine. Planting too deep is one of the main killers of new plant stock.
Once you have determined the plant's original earth level is equal to that of the surrounding soil, you are then able to begin back filling the soil mix close to the root-ball. Work your soil blend in firmly with your fingers among the root mass and also the around the hole until you've reached the original ground level. Do not over-tamp the soil, just make it firm.
When the hole is half to two thirds full, fill it with water - yes, FILL it. This will assist in eliminating any air bubbles trapped around the roots. The number two killer of newly planted stock is air bubbles around the roots. Waiting for the water to dissipate, back fill with the rest of the soil and lightly tamp, in order to leave a shallow depression around the outermost edge of the hole. This is for subsequent watering.
Finish the planting by applying a good 2"- 4" inch covering of mulch, advancing the mulch a foot or more from the center of the planting. Good mulch choices could be shredded bark, pine needles, hay, and even stones. Mulch will protect the roots from the heat of the sun, assist in moisture retention, and suppress weed development.
When you have finished, water thoroughly. You should see the water gathering in that shallow depression you have just made. Follow up with a minimum of weekly watering, until the plant appears to have taken - leaves looking healthy and shiny, if not new leaves. If leaves display indicators of wilting, but the earth is moist - do not panic. Some plants can take 10 days or more to start becoming established. Be patient. Replanting can be extremely traumatic and sometimes, newly planted stock will sit there and sulk for a bit.
Hopefully this has helped take away some of the questions you may have had about Re-planting Potted Plants Into the Yard.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Useful Ideas for Landscaping Your Front Yard.
Due to the fact, that your front yard is out there for all to see, for most home-owners, this part of your garden tends to have a little more attention to detail afforded it. Actually, more attention to everything about it.
Well, what would the neighbors say!
Indeed, your front yard is often the yard-stick by which the occupants are judged. Let's face it, if you see a front yard with 3 to 4 foot high grass emanating strange animal noises, you are going to wonder just what the place must be like inside. There is no denying it, a well kept lawn and garden, gives worth and will add extra value to a property.
The creation of a beautiful front yard to be proud of, doesn’t necessarily require the hiring of a landscaping expert to do the job for you. With a little imagination and creativity, a lot can be done to transform the area. There is no "rule" stating that your front yard must be a square piece of lawn, with wickedly sharp edges.
The internet is a great place to find free ideas for your front-yard landscape design. Steal some of these great ideas and make them your own, make them unique by mixing them up a little. Be a little adventurous. Given time, you will find that "what the neighbors will say", will be "Gee, I wish I had a garden like that!"
If, for example, you were to bulk plant the area with trees and or shrubs, around the perimeter (not talking Sequoia's here), this would then afford you the privacy to while away your spare-time reading a good book, having a quiet picnic with family and friends, or, create a "front yard outdoor living area" - as an extension of your indoor living area. More commonly, this idea is utilised for the backyard, so if you incorporate the front yard with your home's various existing living spaces, indoor and outdoor - you will indeed have a rather unique result.
A display of artwork or statuary in the front yard can also add an element of excitement, provided you don't overdo it. There is a place nearby my house that has too many interesting things in it, a bit of a sensory overload, really. I think that anyone on serious medication should steer clear of it. Then again, it may well be that the perpetrator of this nightmare - is in fact on serious medication. The general rule here is - less is best. Create interest, not shock.
A bird house or bird bath, possibly a pond or fountain, always adds more than a bit of interest. Not only will this attract birds to your garden, but also, nothing comes close to the soothing sight and sounds of falling water. Flowering plants (annuals, perennials), and shrubs, are a great way to attract butterflies to the garden - giving an animated flowers effect as they flitter on by.
Do keep in mind, that planting trees, shrubs, flowers, etc, as regards landscaping, is a lot easier that installing pergolas decks and patios. Living plants also afford the bonus of constant change, whether this be through the seasons, flowering, or merely the fact that they ARE growing - therefore the shape and size of your plants is a constantly changing experience.
I hope that you have found this article helpful in giving you some useful ideas for landscaping your front yard.
Well, what would the neighbors say!
Indeed, your front yard is often the yard-stick by which the occupants are judged. Let's face it, if you see a front yard with 3 to 4 foot high grass emanating strange animal noises, you are going to wonder just what the place must be like inside. There is no denying it, a well kept lawn and garden, gives worth and will add extra value to a property.
The creation of a beautiful front yard to be proud of, doesn’t necessarily require the hiring of a landscaping expert to do the job for you. With a little imagination and creativity, a lot can be done to transform the area. There is no "rule" stating that your front yard must be a square piece of lawn, with wickedly sharp edges.
The internet is a great place to find free ideas for your front-yard landscape design. Steal some of these great ideas and make them your own, make them unique by mixing them up a little. Be a little adventurous. Given time, you will find that "what the neighbors will say", will be "Gee, I wish I had a garden like that!"
If, for example, you were to bulk plant the area with trees and or shrubs, around the perimeter (not talking Sequoia's here), this would then afford you the privacy to while away your spare-time reading a good book, having a quiet picnic with family and friends, or, create a "front yard outdoor living area" - as an extension of your indoor living area. More commonly, this idea is utilised for the backyard, so if you incorporate the front yard with your home's various existing living spaces, indoor and outdoor - you will indeed have a rather unique result.
A display of artwork or statuary in the front yard can also add an element of excitement, provided you don't overdo it. There is a place nearby my house that has too many interesting things in it, a bit of a sensory overload, really. I think that anyone on serious medication should steer clear of it. Then again, it may well be that the perpetrator of this nightmare - is in fact on serious medication. The general rule here is - less is best. Create interest, not shock.
A bird house or bird bath, possibly a pond or fountain, always adds more than a bit of interest. Not only will this attract birds to your garden, but also, nothing comes close to the soothing sight and sounds of falling water. Flowering plants (annuals, perennials), and shrubs, are a great way to attract butterflies to the garden - giving an animated flowers effect as they flitter on by.
Do keep in mind, that planting trees, shrubs, flowers, etc, as regards landscaping, is a lot easier that installing pergolas decks and patios. Living plants also afford the bonus of constant change, whether this be through the seasons, flowering, or merely the fact that they ARE growing - therefore the shape and size of your plants is a constantly changing experience.
I hope that you have found this article helpful in giving you some useful ideas for landscaping your front yard.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Backyard Landscaping and How to Enjoy it.
As with practically anything you attempt, your backyard landscape can be a place of fun, provided you put a bit of "you" into it. By this, I mean some of your own imagination and creativity.
Not only is this an exercise in beautification of "your space", but at the same time there is a satisfying sense of accomplishment involved here. However, do keep in mind that, you will never achieve this state of mind if you are only able to view the whole thing as a chore.
Let us not ignore the fact that, Yes, there is a fair amount of work involved - this is more popularly known as "gardening".
Mowing, weeding, doing the edges, digging, planning for next spring, and planting, are just a few that spring to mind.
Quick! Run and hide - NOW!
Or, you could look at it from a different angle.
Possibly:
"If I mow that lawn, I'll be able to find the kids more easily";
"If I pull-up those weeds now, whilst they are still small, the job will be much easier for me, than if I leave it till the end of summer";
"If I weed this now, I'll be able to see the late flowering roses";
"Just THINK of all the pretty flowers I'll be able to give to my wife, when this new garden-bed is up and running";
"My wife/spouse will be SO proud of me".
Consider Your Backyard as an Extension of Your Living Space.
Push the boundaries of your indoor living space, incorporate the backyard, and make it the outdoor living space. Have a large, sturdy, picnic-table with suitable chairs - on the patio, or near the pond, next to the rose or herb-garden perhaps. This gets the whole family out-of-doors, fresh-air, sunlight, no T.V. - "in the nature". I can guarantee you, you will have more to discuss if you are entertaining outdoors.
Reflect on Nature's Beauty.
What could be more pleasant than kicking-back with friends and family, in the landscape that YOU have created? Basking in the glow of everyone's praise, as they comment on such a beautiful and relaxing environment you have invited them to share. Ah! The bragging-rights of gardening.
Start Small, Do Not Over-Do it.
One does not necessarily need an over-abundance of imagination and creativity, either, for your backyard to be looking like you actually know what you are doing. Nor does it have to take a lot of work. Some well placed trees, can hide a great number of eye-sores in your yard. Like the corners of the block. Just a few trees to round-off the sharpness of the corners can do wonders.
Fountains and ponds can hide a multitude of sins, also. We're not talking six men and a concrete truck here. Again, start small. Buy yourself a simple pond/fountain set-up, these can be found in most nurseries these days, and see if you can handle this much.
Oh, Oh, look out - Yes, there is work involved with a pond.
You have to keep it clean - this means trying NOT to let it turn into a large container of green, dead-fish-leaf-filled slop. Not talking about pool vacuums here, just remove the leaves when there are too many. Outdoor goldfish are pretty hard to kill, generally, they will look after themselves.
If you find that this has been a relatively panic-less event, go on to the next project.
So, what's next?
Let us be a bit ambitious now, how about a rose garden?
Too ambitious?
Make it a flower-garden then.
Starting small again, about 3 feet wide, 6 feet long; dig it over, remove the weeds, add a small amount of fertiliser, dig it over again (it's easier this time), a bag of mulch to keep in the moisture, water it, then go and have a cuppa.
Feeling rested? Good.
Now go to the nursery, you are buying two things. A packet of sunflower seeds, and a packet of nasturtium seeds, the runner type. When you get home - plant them.
No big deal here, the seeds must be in contact with the soil - that's under the mulch. Plant two nasturtium seeds in each corner, plant the sunflower seeds one-hand-span apart, across the rest of the entire bed.
Water the bed.
Go and sit down - outside.
Contemplate what you have just done.
You got your hands in the dirt, you have immediately "changed the look of your backyard", you have instigated the creation of life.
You have done well.
Pat yourself on the back.
Now you are about to embark on the greatest lesson in gardening, namely - patience.
Your newly planted seeds will not have emerged by tomorrow, count on it.
And don't go fiddling. They will emerge in about 5 days, weather permitting, and sunflowers take 3 to 4 months before flowering. Nasturtiums take about 4 weeks.
Whilst you are waiting to see what will happen, start thinking about planting a few shrubs, along the sides of the yard. One day, in the near future, all of a sudden you will realise - Goodness! The backyard's been landscaped! Hey, wow, I did that!
So you see, using a bit of imagination, creativity and a bit of work, you are now able to quietly bask in the knowledge that You have created a backyard landscape, and now it's time to enjoy it.
Not only is this an exercise in beautification of "your space", but at the same time there is a satisfying sense of accomplishment involved here. However, do keep in mind that, you will never achieve this state of mind if you are only able to view the whole thing as a chore.
Let us not ignore the fact that, Yes, there is a fair amount of work involved - this is more popularly known as "gardening".
Mowing, weeding, doing the edges, digging, planning for next spring, and planting, are just a few that spring to mind.
Quick! Run and hide - NOW!
Or, you could look at it from a different angle.
Possibly:
"If I mow that lawn, I'll be able to find the kids more easily";
"If I pull-up those weeds now, whilst they are still small, the job will be much easier for me, than if I leave it till the end of summer";
"If I weed this now, I'll be able to see the late flowering roses";
"Just THINK of all the pretty flowers I'll be able to give to my wife, when this new garden-bed is up and running";
"My wife/spouse will be SO proud of me".
Consider Your Backyard as an Extension of Your Living Space.
Push the boundaries of your indoor living space, incorporate the backyard, and make it the outdoor living space. Have a large, sturdy, picnic-table with suitable chairs - on the patio, or near the pond, next to the rose or herb-garden perhaps. This gets the whole family out-of-doors, fresh-air, sunlight, no T.V. - "in the nature". I can guarantee you, you will have more to discuss if you are entertaining outdoors.
Reflect on Nature's Beauty.
What could be more pleasant than kicking-back with friends and family, in the landscape that YOU have created? Basking in the glow of everyone's praise, as they comment on such a beautiful and relaxing environment you have invited them to share. Ah! The bragging-rights of gardening.
Start Small, Do Not Over-Do it.
One does not necessarily need an over-abundance of imagination and creativity, either, for your backyard to be looking like you actually know what you are doing. Nor does it have to take a lot of work. Some well placed trees, can hide a great number of eye-sores in your yard. Like the corners of the block. Just a few trees to round-off the sharpness of the corners can do wonders.
Fountains and ponds can hide a multitude of sins, also. We're not talking six men and a concrete truck here. Again, start small. Buy yourself a simple pond/fountain set-up, these can be found in most nurseries these days, and see if you can handle this much.
Oh, Oh, look out - Yes, there is work involved with a pond.
You have to keep it clean - this means trying NOT to let it turn into a large container of green, dead-fish-leaf-filled slop. Not talking about pool vacuums here, just remove the leaves when there are too many. Outdoor goldfish are pretty hard to kill, generally, they will look after themselves.
If you find that this has been a relatively panic-less event, go on to the next project.
So, what's next?
Let us be a bit ambitious now, how about a rose garden?
Too ambitious?
Make it a flower-garden then.
Starting small again, about 3 feet wide, 6 feet long; dig it over, remove the weeds, add a small amount of fertiliser, dig it over again (it's easier this time), a bag of mulch to keep in the moisture, water it, then go and have a cuppa.
Feeling rested? Good.
Now go to the nursery, you are buying two things. A packet of sunflower seeds, and a packet of nasturtium seeds, the runner type. When you get home - plant them.
No big deal here, the seeds must be in contact with the soil - that's under the mulch. Plant two nasturtium seeds in each corner, plant the sunflower seeds one-hand-span apart, across the rest of the entire bed.
Water the bed.
Go and sit down - outside.
Contemplate what you have just done.
You got your hands in the dirt, you have immediately "changed the look of your backyard", you have instigated the creation of life.
You have done well.
Pat yourself on the back.
Now you are about to embark on the greatest lesson in gardening, namely - patience.
Your newly planted seeds will not have emerged by tomorrow, count on it.
And don't go fiddling. They will emerge in about 5 days, weather permitting, and sunflowers take 3 to 4 months before flowering. Nasturtiums take about 4 weeks.
Whilst you are waiting to see what will happen, start thinking about planting a few shrubs, along the sides of the yard. One day, in the near future, all of a sudden you will realise - Goodness! The backyard's been landscaped! Hey, wow, I did that!
So you see, using a bit of imagination, creativity and a bit of work, you are now able to quietly bask in the knowledge that You have created a backyard landscape, and now it's time to enjoy it.
Friday, October 31, 2008
No Cost Landscaping Ideas
The Internet has a great many sites dedicated specifically to free landscaping ideas, thereby enabling people to initiate their own landscaping projects, at their own pace, without the cost of engaging a contractor.
Generally, these sites offer easy to understand instructions, and are presented in such a way as to make it easier to achieve your desired result.
Therefore, should you be looking to start a landscaping project of your own, having never done so previously, the internet would be your best bet as a starting point place of reference, for no-cost landscaping ideas.
This too, will give you a good idea of just what is involved, by considering:
materials;
space and perspective;
step-by-step procedures and approximated time needed to complete each task;
estimated costs;
detailed elements of landscaping including patios, front and backyards, water features such as swimming pools, and other decorations, that previously you may not have considered - had you even been aware of them.
Here are just a few free landscaping ideas available on the web.
Keep in mind, that you can chop and change most of the elements in any free ideas you view on the internet, nothing is "carved in stone" as far as ideas go, AND, you will not be wanting your particular outdoor-space, to be looking exactly like everyone else. So, mix it up a little.
1. Trees.
Apart from the fact that most trees are "set and forget", i.e. plant them, water them, but largely leave them to their own devices; trees, whether a single specimen tree, or a stand or copse of them, add a focal-point to a garden.
Depends on what it is you are after, do you want -
somewhere to sit in the shade;
something to contemplate - a particular tree of beauty;
somewhere for the kids to play;
maybe as the back-drop to the rest of the garden?
2. Ground-covers.
Plants with a growing habit that covers the ground, such as thyme, chammomile, or pennyroyal - make good lawn alternatives. Those plant names are often preceded with the word "lawn".
There are many forms of daisy's that can cover a considerable amount of ground, in a short space of time -
Osteospermum, or African Daisy comes easily to mind. Although in need of a bi-annual prune, the flower show far outweighs this small task. VERY hardy. Many colours.
Violets - Violets are VERY hardy little things, able to tolerate quite a range of growing conditions. If you plant half a dozen of these, by next year they will have re-seeded all over the place. Normally planted in the shade, they fair well in half sun situations.
TIP: Once they finish flowering, either mow or whipper-snip them, down to the base - VERY short. This is because, in order to flower well the following season, after each flowering they need sun-light on the base stems.
Mesembryanthem, or Pig Face - Strikingly vibrant, almost florescent, orange/red/yellow flowers, succulent stems, leaves are greyish green, flowers are daisy like, and open in the full sun. Can be established in near desert situations, even in rock-walls.
Bacopa, or Snowflake - Perennial ground cover, flowers being white or blue and tubular with expanding lobes. Scented leaves, good plant for the shade.
Nasturtium - Round waxy leaves that hold the morning dew, profuse flowering from red through to yellow, and everything in between. A fast growing annual - leaves, flowers, even seed-pods can be eaten and or pickled - a nice pepper alternative.
3. Water Features.
Water features such as fountains, fish-ponds, or still-water-ponds, are a marvelous addition to your landscape. Not only pleasing to the eye but also helps aid relaxation, through the soothing sounds created.
4. No-Cost Plants.
Well, this is an easy one. Friends, family, or neighbors, are your best source of no-cost plants for your landscape. By this, I mean cuttings and or seeds. Most, but certainly not all, plants can be reproduced by taking cuttings.
If you think this is too difficult regarding your experience - try something like geraniums. Now, I use this example as, if you have never taken and planted cuttings before - it is hard to fail with geraniums. Not the big, flashy, floppy flowering Pelargonium - these are generally a little more difficult to get going.
O.K. let us do this.
Cuttings should be about 6 inches long and about three eighths of an inch thick. There should be at least one leaf on this cutting - not for any magical-gardening-type-reasons, more because if this IS your first time, the leaf tells you which way is up when you plant it.
With this particular plant, the cutting can be left for up to 3 days, before it needs to be planted (yet another fine reason to choose this particular plant).
If you do not already have an established piece of garden to plant into, get a pot and some potting-mix. In either case, make a hole one third as deep as the cutting is long - with your finger, or a pencil, put the cutting in that hole and firm the soil around the cutting.
Water it.
Sit down, relax.
Congratulate yourself - you are now a gardener.
Hopefully, this article has given you a small insight into no cost landscaping ideas.
Generally, these sites offer easy to understand instructions, and are presented in such a way as to make it easier to achieve your desired result.
Therefore, should you be looking to start a landscaping project of your own, having never done so previously, the internet would be your best bet as a starting point place of reference, for no-cost landscaping ideas.
This too, will give you a good idea of just what is involved, by considering:
materials;
space and perspective;
step-by-step procedures and approximated time needed to complete each task;
estimated costs;
detailed elements of landscaping including patios, front and backyards, water features such as swimming pools, and other decorations, that previously you may not have considered - had you even been aware of them.
Here are just a few free landscaping ideas available on the web.
Keep in mind, that you can chop and change most of the elements in any free ideas you view on the internet, nothing is "carved in stone" as far as ideas go, AND, you will not be wanting your particular outdoor-space, to be looking exactly like everyone else. So, mix it up a little.
1. Trees.
Apart from the fact that most trees are "set and forget", i.e. plant them, water them, but largely leave them to their own devices; trees, whether a single specimen tree, or a stand or copse of them, add a focal-point to a garden.
Depends on what it is you are after, do you want -
somewhere to sit in the shade;
something to contemplate - a particular tree of beauty;
somewhere for the kids to play;
maybe as the back-drop to the rest of the garden?
2. Ground-covers.
Plants with a growing habit that covers the ground, such as thyme, chammomile, or pennyroyal - make good lawn alternatives. Those plant names are often preceded with the word "lawn".
There are many forms of daisy's that can cover a considerable amount of ground, in a short space of time -
Osteospermum, or African Daisy comes easily to mind. Although in need of a bi-annual prune, the flower show far outweighs this small task. VERY hardy. Many colours.
Violets - Violets are VERY hardy little things, able to tolerate quite a range of growing conditions. If you plant half a dozen of these, by next year they will have re-seeded all over the place. Normally planted in the shade, they fair well in half sun situations.
TIP: Once they finish flowering, either mow or whipper-snip them, down to the base - VERY short. This is because, in order to flower well the following season, after each flowering they need sun-light on the base stems.
Mesembryanthem, or Pig Face - Strikingly vibrant, almost florescent, orange/red/yellow flowers, succulent stems, leaves are greyish green, flowers are daisy like, and open in the full sun. Can be established in near desert situations, even in rock-walls.
Bacopa, or Snowflake - Perennial ground cover, flowers being white or blue and tubular with expanding lobes. Scented leaves, good plant for the shade.
Nasturtium - Round waxy leaves that hold the morning dew, profuse flowering from red through to yellow, and everything in between. A fast growing annual - leaves, flowers, even seed-pods can be eaten and or pickled - a nice pepper alternative.
3. Water Features.
Water features such as fountains, fish-ponds, or still-water-ponds, are a marvelous addition to your landscape. Not only pleasing to the eye but also helps aid relaxation, through the soothing sounds created.
4. No-Cost Plants.
Well, this is an easy one. Friends, family, or neighbors, are your best source of no-cost plants for your landscape. By this, I mean cuttings and or seeds. Most, but certainly not all, plants can be reproduced by taking cuttings.
If you think this is too difficult regarding your experience - try something like geraniums. Now, I use this example as, if you have never taken and planted cuttings before - it is hard to fail with geraniums. Not the big, flashy, floppy flowering Pelargonium - these are generally a little more difficult to get going.
O.K. let us do this.
Cuttings should be about 6 inches long and about three eighths of an inch thick. There should be at least one leaf on this cutting - not for any magical-gardening-type-reasons, more because if this IS your first time, the leaf tells you which way is up when you plant it.
With this particular plant, the cutting can be left for up to 3 days, before it needs to be planted (yet another fine reason to choose this particular plant).
If you do not already have an established piece of garden to plant into, get a pot and some potting-mix. In either case, make a hole one third as deep as the cutting is long - with your finger, or a pencil, put the cutting in that hole and firm the soil around the cutting.
Water it.
Sit down, relax.
Congratulate yourself - you are now a gardener.
Hopefully, this article has given you a small insight into no cost landscaping ideas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
