You’ve decided to add color to your garden. And you’d like to do it now. But where to begin? A good first step in choosing a garden’s color palette is to establish mood and emotion. Do you envision it as a serene and peaceful haven, where you and your family can be rejuvenated and unwind? Or does a lively and …
Three Myths About Organic Gardening
You hear the words in the media, you see the products in the stores and you may even know a neighbor who practices it. But what exactly is organic gardening? Simply put, it means using only fertilizers or pesticides that are strictly of animal or vegetable, and not synthetic or chemical, origin. And, although the term organic gardening has recently …
The Elements of Texture in the Garden
Understanding the possibilities. Garden designers are known to focus on texture as a key feature in aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. Texture is an element that may not be as obvious as color or structure, but it is a vital component that would be much missed if neglected in planning and creating a home or public garden. The word texture comes …
Recipe for a Successful Garden
Enter the kitchen garden: A garden is as distinct and individual as your tastes will allow. Whether you like it hot and spicy-with herbs and peppers that sing with flavor-or subtle blends of flavorful veggies and culinary herbs, it is easier than you think to have success in the garden and in the kitchen. Today’s kitchen gourmet is more likely …
Children in the Garden
A garden is a wonderful place for a child to experience the natural world and learn how things grow. It is a place of wonder and surprise that excites the imagination as it teaches valuable lessons about the environment, responsibility, and discipline. With a little planning and effort-and a little help from you-your child can create his or her own …
And the Winners are… 2018 Plants of the Year!
HOW THE PLANT OF THE YEAR IS SELECTED Candidates for the Proven Winners’ Plant of the Year are judged stringently by growers, retailers and home gardeners against the five criteria: Easy to Grow, Iconic, Readily Available, Perfect for Baskets or Containers and Outstanding Landscape Performance. Plants are selected that are easy for everyone to grow and deliver a clearly exceptional garden …
10 Romantic Flowers and their Meanings
A bouquet of flowers is the perfect gift for a loved one, friend or family member. Asides from being aesthetically pleasing, each flower has a different symbolic meaning. So if you’re considering buying some flowers as a romantic gesture, what do you need to know before you purchase? 1. Yellow Daffodil The Yellow Daffodil represents new beginnings. It is also …
How to Attract Birds
Overview of the Four Requirements for Attracting Backyard Birds Wild birds require four things to be attracted to a backyard: food, water, shelter and nesting sites. If you make each of these four things available, you will be amazed at how many different species of birds become regular backyard guests. Food A good food source is the most important thing …
Growing flowering plants from seed: Easier than you think!
Do you envision your garden to be a lush haven with an abundance of healthy plants and colorful flowers, with a constant show of hardy perennials and cheery annuals? Or do you see your dream garden filled with an abundance of vegetables and herbs, including some of the popular heirloom varieties of tomatoes, peppers or eggplant? Whatever your dreams and …
10 Houseplants That Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
January 10th is “Houseplant Appreciation Day”. In honor of this little-known holiday, we wanted to take a closer look at the top ten houseplants that have the ability to naturally improve the air quality in your home. All of these indoor houseplants were analyzed by NASA in 1989. They found that each had a unique way to naturally cleanse the …