Posted on: 29 April, 2005
Author: Cyndi Roberts
You don't think you have a green thumb?That's OK--you don't really need one!Just a little knowledge and info to get youstarted!! Those of us who live in rural areas have a decided advantage over city... You don't think you have a green thumb?That's OK--you don't really need one!Just a little knowledge and info to get youstarted!! Those of us who live in rural areas have a decided advantage over city and apartmentdwellers. We can nearly always find roomfor a vegetable garden even if it's a smallone! But even if you don't have an acre or two ofland to play with,...
Posted on: 28 April, 2005
Author: Ross MacIver
Almost everybody enjoys spending time outdoors, and that's why most houses have an outdoor terrace or patio. People living in northern climates, however, can only use their patio during the pleasant summer weather. If you wish to extend your patio season, outdoor patio heaters can be used to enjoy your patio or terrace in the early spring and late fall as well as during the summer. An outdoor patio heater is perfect for people who like to entertain outside. It can make the difference between being able to relax and being uncomfortable. Your guests will appreciate being able to enjoy...
Posted on: 18 April, 2005
Author: Graham McClung
The chances are very good if you can make one yourself, or get one custom made for your location. But both thesealternatives will take either time or money. The reason for this is that apart from adj... The chances are very good if you can make one yourself, or get one custom made for your location. But both thesealternatives will take either time or money. The reason for this is that apart from adjustmentsfor time zones and daylight saving , covered in anotherarticle, there are three things that must be done. Compensating for the Earth's Path Around the Sun If...
Posted on: 18 April, 2005
Author: Graham McClung
Most of us regard a sundial as an attractive ornament fora park or garden. Their effectiveness as time keepers ishighly variable That's unfortunate, because it is not at all difficult to ensure that your garden sundial will be an accurate timepiece, provided, of course that the sun is shining. But that will be covered in another article. For now, let's see what a sundial is, and what it is capable of. Sundial History We forget in this modern age that accurate, affordablewatches and clocks have been around for much less than 200 years. Before then, sundials were one of the...
Posted on: 17 April, 2005
Author: Charles French
The garden should be near the house and away from trees. If it's some distance away from the house, it will not be as well looked after, nor will most use be made of vegetables grown. Vegetables near trees cannot get full sunshine; even more important, tree roots will rob them of water and fertilizer they need to do their best. If you can, move the garden spot every 10 years or so to help keep down diseases. Proper rotation and use of disease-resistant varieties will help, but sooner or later the old garden spot becomes so full of various...
Posted on: 16 April, 2005
Author: Linda Paquette
Hostas, commonly known as the plantain lily, own so many distinctive characteristics that its difficult to pinpoint which of them has pushed it ahead of the day lily (Hemerocallis) as the most sought after herbaceous perennial for the home garden in the US. A low maintenance plant, shade tolerant, and hardy in zones three through nine, there are currently over 2500 species of hostas available. Native to the Orient, hostas were first imported to Europe in the late 1700s and made their way across the Atlantic in mid 19th century. One interesting fact about hostas is that they dont reach...
Posted on: 11 April, 2005
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Poison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most ofthe United States except Alaska and Hawaii. It is readilyfound along road sides, fences, railroads, and streams.But it can also be found in your own back yard. It isplanted there in bird droppings from the birds who eat theberries of the plant. So how does one get rid of the rash producing plant? Hereare some tips: No matter what control method you use, be careful to avoidexposing your skin to the plant. Wear gloves, long pants,socks and shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt. For more information about ridding your yard and garden...
Posted on: 10 April, 2005
Author: Jenny Harker
Every year I plant the cosmos variety ?Versailles? by seed, as well as ?Seashell?, ?Sonata?, and ?Psycho?, in my garden (Cosmos bipannutus, Hardy to Zone 5). And every year my cosmos reach six feet or more in height, four feet in diameter, and drip with so many flowers it takes me hours to deadhead. Want the same results in your garden? Read on: The cosmos thrives in drought conditions. But complete neglect will kill it while too much of the opposite will produce, as my frustrated neighbor calls it, ?straggly weeds?. Here are my rules for growing towering Cosmos:1.Choose a...
Posted on: 09 April, 2005
Author: Lee Dobbins
Perennials are wonderful because, they bloom year after year. Sometimes, I forget that I even have them planted and then they spring up to my surprise and delight! I like to add some zip to my garden with flowers that are orange in color. They add a vibrant touch and the brilliant colors attract birds and insects. Heres some of my favorite orange perennials:Butterfly Weed This flowers in summer and can get as high as three feet. It has compact clusters of flowers and as the name implies, it does attract butterflies! Day Lily I see this beautiful...
Posted on: 06 April, 2005
Author: Valerie Garner
I have a love for funky, fun and uniquegarden plants. Here's one to try.It's called Sea Holly, and it's actually in thethistle family. Sea Holly is a perennial garden plant, which means you plant it once and it comes up year after year, somewhat depending on your climate. This plant never did fail to bring attention andcomments from people seeing my garden. It grows about3-4 feet high, very branchy and the branches are abrilliant electric blue color. It's stunning! The only drawback to this lovely plant, in the fallyou must cut it to the ground and burn or compost theplant....