Garden on the Cheap! How to Create a Palate Garden

I have a green thumb (well, at least when it comes to outdoor gardening, I can kill a houseplant faster than anyone I know). But this year, I have been limited by the inability to dig into the ground. Military housing will let us grow flowers, but not food. I know I want to grow food for ourselves. Gardening is a wonderful activity to share with my dirt-lovin' kids. It is an important tool to teach. You know, the whole "Show them to fish" scenario. I started thinking about how I could build a garden, from the bottom up, without digging. It was on one trip to our local home improvement store that it hit me--wooden palates would be perfect!

Our local store has palates in the back. I asked an associate, and she said that they recycle them BUT if I ever saw some back there, that I was welcome to help myself. So, I stalked the store. Not really...the next time we went, there was a huge stack. So, we grabbed two. I also bought one roll of landscape fabric. I had a staple gun already, so I didn't need anything else but soil. I got 4 bags of Miracle Grow garden soil, and I got some plants. I am in the deep south (military life--enables me to learn how the weather systems work in all parts of our great nation), so I was able to get all kinds of plants in early March. I started with some tomato, broccoli, peas, and swiss chard. I got seeds for lettuces, herbs, and green beans. And I got some marigold plants, because they are helpful to keep ants away & attract butterflies instead. We loaded up the minivan & headed home.

Once home, I took the palate and flipped it over. I unrolled the fabric (with the help of my 2 year old assistant) and measured enough to cover the bottom & wrap up each of the 2 end sides. I stapled it in 5 or 6 places on each end, until I felt it was secure. Then, I took it outside. I found a spot that got sunlight most of the day, but you need to place it specifically for the plants you choose (partial sun, full sun, etc). I emptied a bag of soil (1 cubic ft.) into the palate & spread it evenly. Then, I unpacked the plants and placed them where I wanted them to live (making sure to pay attention to how much space the plants needed) & then dug them into place. Some needed a little extra dirt to pack them in tight, so I opened bag #2 & filled in as necessary. I also did a quick web search to find beneficial companion plants for my selected veggies, and placed them together in the layout. A quick watering from the hose, and it was done.

From start to finish,each palate garden cost around $5 plus the cost of plants. I have created 3 so far, with a couple of palates waiting in the wings if I can convince my husband to lose a little more yard space. Gardening is good for my soul & that is a feeling I want to pass on to my kids, no matter the capacity.

Read More

Six Garden Trends from Plantasia 2014 in Western New York

Plantasia, known as "Western New York's premier garden and landscape show," brought some indoor sunshine to the cold Buffalo-Niagara region Thursday through Sunday, March 20 through 23 at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. The annual collection of what's hot and happening for the gardens and backyards of the area showed off some of the newest trends and what continues to be hot in the garden, with this year's theme of "Party in the Garden" shown off to full effect. These were six of the top trends viewed at Plantasia this year.

Whimsy - Whether it was small items like garden stakes in the form of birds, flowers or Easter eggs, or life-sized iron sculptures of giraffes or horses, whimsy was a huge feature at Plantasia. Other examples of whimsy included a huge 23-foot tree house from Buffalo Tree House that was constructed from reclaimed hemlock and included a suspension bridge and throne fit for a backyard king; the display won three awards at the show.

Water features - Water continues to be a trend in the backyard, and was used in combination with whimsy at the tree house site. Another combination of the two: a backyard party display featuring a champagne bottle waterfall into a pyramid of glasses.

Outdoor lifestyles - Not just "outdoor living," but "outdoor lifestyles" - a backyard "theatre" set up for the kids (and adults later on in the day), a putting green for the future golf pro and backyard kitchens, which have been popular for a few years. The theory: you have a beautiful backyard, use it as both an extension of your home and an extension of your life.

Fairy gardens and succulents - Miniaturized fairy gardens at the show often featured succulents, as the combination can be used indoors and outdoors. Fairy garden supplies can be found at many nurseries and garden centers, as well as craft and hobby stores like Hobby Lobby. While the plants and accessories are often petite, gardens themselves can be any size.

Recycling in the garden - One display featured wooden pallets turned into patio furniture, including chairs and tables; another featured a piece of drift wood used as a planter. This is another continuing trend, as the 2013 show featured objects like metal can lids and wine bottle corks as plant markers and pallets as gardens.

Polywood - Polywood, a plastic-like material often made from recycled milk cartons, has been featured for a few years as well, and continues to be an up-and-coming furniture product at the show. The benefits of polywood include its resistance to mold and rot, the fact that it is made in numerous colors (and requires no painting) and the fact that it can be left outside year-round - a big plus for the Western New York winters and for people without a lot of storage space.

Read More

4 Steps to Whipping Your Flowerbeds into Shape for Spring

Now that spring has arrived it's time to get my yard in shape. I start by following my outdoor spring cleaning guide, which usually begins with conquering our flowerbeds. Despite my best efforts in the fall, our flowerbeds are always a mess after winter, so it takes a bit of effort to get them back in shape.
Here are the four steps I take to whip our flowerbeds into shape in the spring.

The cleanup
I'm not sure how it happens, but somehow our flowerbeds always end up full of leaves, dead plants, and sometimes even trash over the winter months. I can only guess that the winter winds brings it all in, but nonetheless, it has to be cleaned up. So, the first step to cleaning up our flowerbeds.

Removing or moving old plants
Once I have the flowerbeds cleared of debris, I start on removing old plants that have lived out their lifespans like annuals or older plants that lost their battle with the elements. Then, I remove plants that simply don't fit into my new design. If a plant is a perennial, meaning it lives for many seasons/years I almost always try to relocate it to a flowerbed where it fits in, but if that isn't possible I try to find it a home with family or friends before I toss it.

Pruning the roses
Our home came with a number of large rose bushes that have been on this property for more than 20 years. Though they don't always fit in with my design, I don't have the heart to risk transplanting them, so I leave them as they are. However, that means I have to keep up with their maintenance. Pruning rose bushes can be tricky, so it's important to identify the type of roses you have before getting started.We have repeat bloomers that like to climb, so it's best to prune then in the spring. I start by removing any dead or damaged wood, then I clip certain pieces to get them into shape.

Planting
Once I have everything cleaned up, it's time to rebuild our flowerbeds. I start by replacing the garden pebbles that were displaced or removed during the cleanup. Then, I begin planting the new plants. I place our perennials first since they will be a part of the garden for a few years. Once those are in place I add in the annuals to fill in the space.
Cleaning up the flowerbeds isn't an easy or fun job, but the result always makes it worth the effort.

Read More

Garden Ideas That Kids Will Love

When it comes to creating the perfect family garden you have to have a space for the kids. One thing I always love to see is the kids out in the yard having a good time. One way for them to want to get out is to give them their own space and projects in the yard. So I thought it would be a good idea to list some kid friendly garden ideas, that the entire family will enjoy. Keep in mind that young children will need to be supervised in the yard. The ideas listed below are mostly for kids over the age of eight.

Climbing wall

A simple, small climbing wall is the perfect addition to any yard where there are kids. A climbing wall is easy to add to your yard, since all you need to do is order it. Then you will need to find the perfect spot in the yard for the climbing wall. If your yard is big enough then you will want to add it to the middle of the yard. The climbing wall does not have to be large like the ones you usually see, where you would need a harness. It could be a simple one that they can easily climb over to the other side.

Hopscotch Garden

A hopscotch garden is exactly what it sounds like. You can make large wooden hopscotch pads for your children to skip on. The fun part is that you can pick up the wooden blocks from your local arts and craft store, or you can pick up the wood from a local home improvement store. Once you have the wood pieces you can have your children help you paint them a variety of colors, and add the numbers. It may be a good idea to put a water resistant sealant on the wood pieces as well to protect them from the weather. Then take them out in the garden and plant them. You will literally need to dig about half an inch into the ground so that the wooden pieces will be flush with the ground. Then be sure to secure them by filling in the dirt around the wood pieces.

Wooden Tool shed

Why not take some time to build your child a wooden tool shed, just the right size for them. I'm not talking about a club house, but a place where they can keep their own gardening supplies, and any other tools they can use to be creative and build things in the yard. Of course what goes in their wooden tool shed depends on their age as well. This can also be a nice art space for your kids as well.

Want your kid to have a green tumb this article will help you achieve that Five Vegetables Your Kids Will Love to Grow (and Eat!)

Read More

Unique Ways to Use Metal Tubs as Outdoor Planters

Saving Money on Yard and Garden Displays with Unique Design Ideas

Some of the very best outdoor planters are not made of stone, concrete, terracotta or cast resin. They are made of inexpensive metal, and they are an affordable alternative to flowerpots that can look just as good. With enamel paint and creative methods of arrangement, galvanized containers can look phenomenal. Consider these unique ways to use metal tubs and planters, and create an impressive display of flowers, foliage and more. The contents of the containers will steal the show in your yard or garden.

Begin By Spray Painting the Tubs

It is amazing how color can completely change something plain. Before using metal tubs as outdoor planters, coat them with metal primer and paint for outdoor use. These day you can find spray paint in every color of the rainbow, and some include texture and other unique effects. If desired, you can make cheap galvanized metal look just like stone.

Make a Gorgeous and Impressive Three-Tiered Display

When looking for unique ways to use metal tubs for planting, consider setting up a three-tiered arrangement. Buy containers in graduating sizes, and fill them with rich organic soil. Stack the planters with the largest one on the bottom and the smallest one on top. Plant vinca vines around the edges of the bottom tub and low-growing flowers on the inside. Opt for another low-growing variety for the middle container, and consider a spike for the top.

Thread Metal Buckets onto a Planter Pole

You can create an amazing display with a single metal tub and three metal buckets. Fill a large galvanized container with soil, and drill a hole in the center of the bottom of the first bucket. The hole should be just a little more than one inch in diameter.

Next, push a one-inch diameter metal rod into the center of the soil filled container, and pack the dirt around it. Attach a hose clamp to the metal rod approximately six inches from the top of the soil. The purpose of the hose clamp is to support the bucket. Thread the first bucket onto the rod, and fill it with soil.

Drill a two-inch hole in the center of the second and third bucket. Thread the second one onto the metal rod, and tip it either left or right. Fill it with soil. The first bucket will support it. 

Thread the last bucket onto the rod, and tilt it in the opposite direction. Fill it with soil, and plant petunias in a color of your choice in the buckets and the metal tub. It will look as if waves of flowers are pouring from the buckets and into the container below.

Read More

Easy “as Is” Pallet Projects for the Gardener

Pallet projects are quickly gaining in popularity. Who can blame people for salvaging pallet wood for garden projects? Have you seen the cost of lumber lately? Pallets are completely free if you know where to look. If you're going for consistency, you can also buy them for a couple bucks apiece. What if you don't have time to tear down all those pallets? Well, the good news is, you can use them "as is" for many garden projects. Here's a few simple ones to try.

Wait!

Before you begin, there are a few things you should know about building with pallets. OK, now, about those projects.

Compost bin

Pallets are the perfect size for the sides of a compost bin. You'll need 4 for a square. The slotted sides of pallets provide good air flow. You may wish to line them with chicken wire, but it's certainly not necessary. All you need is 8 simple hinges, 4 pallets and screws for the hinges. Form an upright square with the pallets. Fasten hinges to the top and bottom of each pallet where they meet at the corners. That's it. You're done. (Takes about 5 minutes with an electric drill for the screws.)

Note: If you'd like a shorter bin, you can easily saw the pallets in half before construction.

Tool organizer

We are doing this in our garage so we can eliminate our old, dilapidated potting shed. Simply fasten pallets to the garage walls, upright, with side openings facing upwards. Tools stand in the pallet, ready for use. Plus, there's no hassle with hooks or tight, tough to use brackets.

Note: Tool handles are inserted into the openings. That way, the rest of the tool is visible. You'll easily see the exact tool you're looking for.

Potted plant drainage booster

Sand and paint your pallet in pretty colors to match your taste and the look of your garden. Some people prefer pastels, while others like brighter colors. Now, simply place the pallet on level ground in the garden area. Use it to keep pots off the ground for better drainage.

Bonuses:

• Potted plants won't root into the ground.
• Stack several at varying heights for a varied look.

 Trellis

Once again, you'll want to sand and finish your pallet before use. Garden life can be hard on wood. Dig a couple post holes for 2x4 braces where the trellis will sit. Place the 2x4's in the holes, level and cement around them. Then, simply fasten the pallet to the 2x4's in an upright position, with the outward facing slats vertical. Voila! You know have a free, sturdy trellis and a bit of shade for climbing plants!

Fence

Making a pallet fence for your garden is so simple! You don't need a permit for a garden fence. Follow the same steps you took for the trellis above, using enough 2x4's and pallets to surround your garden. Leave a space between two of the 2x4's for a gate. The gate is simply another pallet with hinges and a latch.

Note: You will have to be sure the space between each set of 2x4's will accommodate each pallet. Keep in mind that pallets may vary in size. One easy way to do this is to attach the pallets to the 2x4's first, leaving a foot of each 2x4 at the bottom to insert into the post holes. Mark and dig your post holes after the sections are constructed for a perfect fit.

Read More

Special Relaxing Touches You Can Add to Your Patio

So you don't have a large yard, but you have a nice size patio, however you don't appreciate your neighbor watching you relax, and it's not really that comfortable. So how can you add a little bit of privacy to your patio area. With a few special touches you can have a relaxing patio area, without too many prying eyes. Or perhaps you just want a piece of yard where you can kick back and relax during the spring and summer months.

Garden Wall

A simple garden wall on your patio can give you a nice amount of privacy with a great look. The best part is that you don't need to have a concrete wall, but can have one covered in with a few bushes and flowers. It will take a little bit of investment on your part, but if you shop early spring you may find a few sales. Be sure that you take measurements so that you get enough bushes to cover the outer edge of the patio. The bushes need to be high enough so that it gives you a bit of privacy. If you measure incorrectly. Try doing a bit of research on Pinterest to find a few garden walls idea.

Bird House Fence

If you like the sounds and sights of birds in the morning or throughout the day, then a bird house fence may be for you. A bird house fence can basically be a stockade fence with a few of the posts replaced with bird houses. It adds a nice touch to the fence, and gives a unique look. You can even experiment with different unique colors. Why not make your patio a place of relaxation, and comfort while adding privacy.

Comfortable seating

Of course the best part of any patio is that you can make a comfortable seating area. The best part about the seating area is that you don't have to spend a lot of money. You just need to look for the right sales and deals. You also don't need a lot of seating, but just enough to keep you and a few guests comfortable.

Outdoor carpet

One thing I really enjoy about a patio is the outdoor carpet. It's really relaxing to walk outdoors without any shoes on, and just relax. There are plenty of outdoor carpets that are made to deal with the elements, and easy to clean. However, a lot of outdoor carpets do not have any cushion to them, but you will not be walking on it for too long, so no need to worry about the thickness.

Need more design ideas, try searching for design in the top right corner or proceed to next article about garden design Patio Improvement Ideas That Work Year-Round for Entertaining

Read More

Patio Improvement Ideas That Work Year-Round for Entertaining

Have you thought about improving your backyard patio for spring and summer after years of using the same design? Particularly after a harsh winter (or three), your previous design may have taken a beating that gives it an embarrassingly worn look to guests. You may need some different ideas to help enliven things for the summer and for use year-round, including during relatively stable winters.

Adding a Pergola

Pergolas have become excellent stylistic choices for backyard patios without necessarily protecting from the elements. That's because they still have openings at the top, though provide enough covering where they make direct sunshine less intense. They're the perfect hybrid between a gazebo and arbor. Using different designs, you can create ones that provide little private areas with table and chairs where visitors can hold conversations.

Weather-Resistant Rugs

While you may have avoided using rugs in your outdoor patio area, a weather-resistant one can spruce things up without needing much else. More and more high-quality rugs resistant to weather have become available on the market, including from such unsurprising big names as Martha Stewart. And while buying from familiar names usually means quality, look for ones made out of recycled material if you want to live green.

Using a Fire Pit

Here's another stylish option that can improve your patio based on appearance and year-round usefulness. With a fire pit, you basically have a multipurpose system for roasting marshmallows or for building a general fire to keep warm during the fall or winter months. You can set up an environment not unlike a warm living room if you entertain during a winter that doesn't necessarily resemble Polar Vortex. Fire pits can be found on Google shopping for varying prices depending on stylistic choice.

More Creative Plantings

For those that want more nature around their backyard patio, you can add some vast improvements by honing in on your plantings. Adding more or shaping the ones you already have creates some interesting ideas.

Some people use plantings with their pergolas to create a natural wall for private settings. Others may want to create elaborate gardens with tropical plants or flowering borders around the patio. Adding flowers around a patio path can also create an aroma that some guests will love. That may have to be sans roses since you'd play risk of at least one guest being allergic to them. If you are looking ways to brind more light to your garden as well as aiming for a classy look this article titled Tips to Brighten Dark Areas in Landscape Design

Read More

5 Containers to Use Instead of Flower Pots for Your Veggies

Thrifty Containers for Growing Vegetables

Even though I have a fairly large yard, I do a bit of container gardening as well. Container gardening lets me grow flowers and vegetables in areas of the yard where normally I can't grow anything such as the steps or on the sidewalk. Containers also let me elevate vegetables that our family eats raw (such as salad greens and basil) which keeps them out of reach from our family pets who aren't terribly discerning where they do their business.

While oversized flower pots are the most common type of container for planting your vegetables, there other options too. Here are 5 containers that I use for planting container vegetables.

Old galvanized wash basins

If you have Grandma's leaky old wash basin still kicking around the house, these 10 gallon basins are ideal for growing vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and salad greens. The ones I use have cracks in the bottom which allow for drainage; basins that still hold water should have a dozen or so holes pierced into the base using a five penny nail and a hammer.

Old canning kettles

While Grandma's old copper canning kettle holds firewood in my living room, her old canning kettles made of galvanized steel or speckled enamel have also found new life in my garden for flowers and lettuce. Because some of these do have antique value if in excellent condition, I only use the kettles that no longer hold water for growing vegetables.

Watering cans

Cans that have rusted, lost their spout, or their handles are usually tossed in the trash. I reclaim these fun containers for growing herbs. Old watering cans look cute when arranged on tree stumps, staggered along the steps leading up to the front door, or nailed to the top of fence posts.

Kiddie swimming pool

Years ago when I lived in a mobile home park, the soil that surrounded our home looked too iffy for growing food crops. What I did instead was to buy a couple of $5 kiddie pools to use for growing garden veggies. Kiddie pools are great for square foot gardening plus can be elevated on saw horses to keep out the cats. Like the wash basins, these pools will also need holes punched in the base to avoid water log.

Old wire bike baskets

The increase in popularity of coconut basket liners opens up all kinds of possibilities for turning wire baskets, wire crates and other wire containers into attractive containers for gardening. I use coconut liners to turn Mom's old bike racks into herb baskets that can be hung from the side of my garden shed. 

For families watching costs, containers for container gardening doesn't have to cost a lot of money. As long as the container is deep enough, has drainage holes, and isn't made of harmful substances that can leach into the soil, you can pretty much turn just about anything into a container for vegetable gardening. Looking for more information about container  gardening <--- click here

Read More

Easy Ways to Enhance Your Landscaping

Is your yard a failed work in progress? Don't have the time, cash or energy to move it into the awesome neighbor category? Wish there was an easy fix? While landscaping is hard work, there are things you can do to perk up your exterior without spending a lot of time or money. You might be surprised what a few cheap simple fixes can do to change the appearance of your landscape.

Dump a load of....

What do you prefer? Much? Gravel? Fillers like these can cut down on maintenance while beautifying your yard and garden. We have one neighbor who completely rocked in their entire lawn. They scattered plants here and there to comply with code requirements. You know what's surprising? It doesn't look half bad. They told me their investment was less than $500. That's not bad, considering the cost of most green lawns and gardens.

What if you're not into that amount of rock?

Simply covering bare areas still makes a visible difference. Keep the good parts. Cover up the bad.

Use containers.

When time is your enemy, low maintenance containers brighten landscaping. When we moved in, our front lawn was devoid of florals. We hadn't the time to go all out with a big floral garden. Therefore, we did a good clean-up, adding floral pots here and there. We used seeds and bulbs in the pots, rather than buying full grown arrangements.

Keep it clean

Even the worst yards look better when kept neat and tidy. If you don't have a lot of time or money to invest in your yard, keeping it clean goes a long way toward your eventual goal. We still have some bare spots here and there. So do the neighbors. The difference is that we keep ours raked clean. Believe it or not, just that factor improves the look of our landscape considerably in comparison.

Trim it up.

Just giving bushes and shrubs a trim makes a world of difference. A shaggy bush that oversteps it's boundaries makes for an unsightly home, no matter what else is going on. Bushes are large and draw the eye to them. Keeping them trimmed is free if you have a few good tools. Why not get out there and take advantage of the fact?

Hose off your home.

Power wash your house. Use the garden hose if that's all you have. It'll cut down the insect population too. Paint the front door red. Clean up the walks. Add an accent or two, here and there. Small changes can really perk up your front yard. Even if you don't have house beautiful, you can have a home that reflects your loving, caring spirit.

Read More

This Spring, Give Your Yard a Vintage Look

When it comes to decorating I really do enjoy all things vintage. I enjoy the way the vintage items look, and how they hold up under some of the toughest weather conditions. Especially if you take the time to add a few touches that will help preserve them. Below you will find a few creative ideas that you may want to add to your outside décor for the spring season.

DIY Stacked Planters You should have no problem finding some vintage planters if you have a local thrift store in your neighborhood. If you do not, then perhaps you can do some shopping online at eBay, or on Etsy. Don't worry if the planters are different colors or different shapes. You can paint them all the same color when you receive them and then stack the different sizes on top of each other. Place plants in the entire part of the top planter. The other planters that will be located beneath the main one should have plants only around the border. This way when you place the other planter on top, it won't be sitting on any of the plants. As the plants grow you will have a beautiful arrangement in each of the pots. It will look unusual and unique, and give the outside of your home a beautiful look.

Homemade Birdhouses

A homemade vintage looking birdhouse can really add a nice look to your yard. What really makes it stand out is that it will not look like your neighbor's bird house. I have always liked something a little more unique and original whenever I choose to decorate. Etsy is a great place to look for antique bird houses. Or you can attempt to make your own.

Vintage Garden Containers

Making your own garden containers will take a little bit of work, but will look great in your yard. I like to use old pieces of wood, which gives it a very aged look. Then using these old pieces you make a wooden box, sort of like a crate. Inside of the crate you can put a nice variety of plants. You can place herb plants, or flowers inside the box. Then place the vintage container somewhere in the yard.

Vintage ladders

Vintage ladders may not seem like a nice touch to a yard, but if it is put into the right spot with the right amount of plants on it, the look will be nice. If you find a vintage ladder, you will want to use a wood sealer to keep it from deteriorating too much. This will not affect the look of the ladder, but will help it hold up to rain storms that often occur during the spring months. It would also be a good idea to place the ladder in the garden with the legs slightly buried in the ground. I know this seems strange but it will help to stabilize the ladder in the yard, unless you can place it on a patio. If you are going to add plants to the ladder use those that have a lot of greenery, and a little splash of color.

Read More

How to Refinish Wooden Plant Boxes and Holders

How to Sand Stain and Poly Wood Planters

Wooden plant boxes and holders should have some sort of finish applied to them to protect the wood. Each time you water your plants you are adding more moisture. The moisture absorbs into unfinished wood and will eventually mold and rot it. Soil holds moisture so really the wood never has a chance to be dry. Refinishing your wooden plant boxes and holders will make the wood water resistant. It will also give them a decorative look.

To begin empty remove all soil from each plant box or holder you will be refinishing. Use a shop vac to suck off any remaining soil that sticks to the wood. Do not wash the dirt off with a wet cloth. You don't need them perfectly clean because they're going to be sanded. You also need to have the boxes as dry as possible and you don't want to add any extra moisture. Once the planters are free of soil it's actually a good idea to let them set in a warm dry area over night. This gives the wood a little time to dry. This is important because you don't want there to be moisture trapped in the wood sealed in by your new finish.

Once the wooden plant holders and boxes are all dry it's time to begin refinishing them. Get an electric handheld sander ready with rough grit sand paper. Go over the entire planter or box thoroughly. Do the inside and bottom of the box or planter too. Once you have finishing sanding them with the rough grit switch to fine grit and go over them again.

Use the shop vac again to remove all of the dust created from sanding. It will also come in handy to clean up the mess made from sanding. Use a soft cloth and wipe each box or planter down. This removes any missed dust which could flaw your new finish.

To give the planters beauty and color apply stain. Stain comes in various shades and colors. Choose to do your planters all the same or vary the colors doing some oak, some walnut, and some cherry. Use a clean dry cloth to apply the stain. Rub it on in a circular motion then quickly wipe it back off to avoid dark spots.

Once you have finished staining you can immediately go on to the next step which is to apply polyurethane. The poly will protect the wood and make it water resistant. The wood itself will not be able to absorb moisture because the poly seals and coats it. Polyurethane also gives the wood a gorgeous shine. Your planters and boxes will be not only protected but also beautiful.

Use a large foam paint brush to apply the poly. Give each box or planter four or five coats for maximum protection. Wait at least 20 minutes between coats so that each has time enough to dry before the next is applied.

Let the final coat of poly dry twentfour hours before placing any soil in the wooden plant boxes and holders. Once that twentfour hours has passed fill them up and add your seeds or plants. They will last for years to come and will add a little decorative touch to your garden area or home.

Read More

7 Ways to Save Water in Your Yard and Still Have a Pretty Landscape

I'd rather spend time enjoying my flowers and garden than watering them. I think most gardeners would agree with that sentiment too. Less work, money saved, land improved, recycling of natural resources and a pretty landscape to boot. That's what you can accomplish with these 7 ways to save water in your yard.

Less Lawn Care

Get rid of some of your lawn (and lawn care) by replacing some of the grass with low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants. Create large flower beds (or enlarge existing ones) and plant your choice of drought-tolerant flowers and shrubs. Mulch the bed with organic material to help retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth and you'll have less weeding, feeding and watering to do each week.

Gray Water

Consider container gardening near your front or back door so the use of 'gray water' will be convenient. Gray water is the usable water we allow to literally go down the drain instead of using. My hot water heater is in the back of my home, far away from my kitchen sink, and one gallon of cold water passes through the pipes and into my kitchen sink before the water become warm. That cold water is 'gray water'. Perfectly good water, it's just that I need hot water for my task, not cold. So instead of wasting that water, I catch it in a large bowl and use it to water houseplants and container-grown plants on my front and back porch. Most people have some type of gray water they can use for gardening if the plants are located in a convenient spot. If you own your home, place a rain barrel under down spouts to catch useable gray water for garden plants.

Rain Garden

Most landscapes have a slight indentation in them where rain water collects and the soil stays soggy most of the time. Use this wet area to install a rain garden. Use plants that tolerate 'wet feet' and enjoy soggy soil, like swamp rose and swamp azalea, and place pavers through the rain garden (aka rainscaping). This will improve the soil and landscape view while saving water and work.

Water Wisely

During times of summer drought, plants must be watered, but you can still water wisely. Water at the base of each plant when hand watering and set automatic sprinklers to come on very early or very late to minimize the water lost through evaporation.

Less Concrete

Concrete in the landscape causes usable rain water to run-off and be wasted. Consider using organic mulch or mulch made from recycled rubber instead of concrete in outdoor sitting areas to allow rain water to be absorbed into the ground.

Colorful Containers

Not all landscape color has to come from flower blooms. Brightly colored pottery containers can hold low-water succulents and provide landscape color while saving water.

Plan It

Plan it before you plant it. Place flowers and shrubs together that have similar water and light needs and place plants in the right landscape spots so most of their particular needs will be met by mother nature so you'll have less garden work to do.

Read More

How to Have a Low-Maintenance Yard

You don't have to dedicate all of your Saturday mornings during the summer to your lawn and garden. There is a better and easier way to have both a beautiful yard and free Saturdays, and that's by having a low-maintenance yard. These four easy steps will get you on the path towards developing a low-maintenance yard so you can reclaim your weekends.

Low-Maintenance Plants

Start by planting low-maintenance plants that are suited to your particular landscape and growing zone. Select plants that require minimal pruning, dead-heading, separating and clean-up. For example, a slow-growing conifer will require less of your time and energy than an oak tree, and perennials require less planting effort than annuals. Opt for the easiest to maintain trees, flowers and shrubs to meet the landscape needs you have.

Right Plants

Every landscape has its own variety of micro-climates. One section of your yard may stay damp all the time while the another section may be in full sun and remain dry all the time. Select plants that do their best in each micro-climate for easy-care. Plant drought tolerant plants in the sunny, dry soil and marshland plants in the damp areas and the plants will be right at home with little effort on your part.

Always select plants that do well in your particular growing zone for easy-care. A tropical plant, like a bird-of-paradise, will require much less hands-on care in Florida than it in will New York. Plants that are native to your growing zone will require the least of all maintenance.

Rethink the Lawn

How much green grass do you really need? Less grass means less mowing, but that's not to say let the weeds take over. Consider low-growing ground covers that require little to no maintenance but are still foot-traffic friendly. Another option to a wide open expanse of grass that needs mowing is to implement some xeriscaping into your landscape. Xeriscaping is done with pebbles, boulders, succulents, yard art or other items that require nothing other than what mother nature provides for them.

Hardscaping

Walkways, patios, decks and lawn edging are called 'hardscapes'. Lawn surface made from hard material and requires little to no maintenance. Consider adding hard pathways around your flower garden, stepping stones to your garden or a new patio to help cut down on Saturday morning yard work chores.

Read More

Fun Ways to Decorate the Trunks of Trees

Trees are beautiful without extra embellishments. In the spring, their leaves are a gorgeous shade of bright green, and their color deepens as they mature. What sets them apart from the rest are their size and characteristic shapes. Some develop magnificent blooms, and others grow fruit or unique seed pods. Either way, they can look far more colorful and visually appealing. Consider adding cast resin, metal or wooden decorations, and do something different to enhance your yard. Small finishing nails can be safely used to hang outdoor decor on live trees, and the items that they hold will personalize your outdoor space in exclusive and striking new ways.

Add Forest Faces

You can give your trees fun expressions with forest faces. They can be found online, and they are typically made of cast resin, wood or garden cement. The separate pieces can be attached to make extra-large or small faces that appear to be part of the tree trunk. Some are smiling and friendly in appearance, while others are wise and somber spirits of the woodland. In any case, they are a fantastic addition to a piece of property with country cottage or forest style.

Consider Smiling Monkeys

If you would prefer something whimsical, consider hanging smiling cast resin monkeys on your tree trunks. Search the Internet using the terms hide and seek monkey tree decor. They look as if they are playing hide-and-go-seek as they peek around the sides of the trees. Their smiling faces are hard to resist. If possible, buy one for every tree in your yard. Display potted tropical plants and other rainforest decor beneath the trees and throughout the yard. It will definitely look unique, especially in location that is anything but tropical.

Hang Metal Butterflies on the Trunk

Do you love butterflies? Metal butterfly wall sculptures that are meant for indoor use can be protected with clear acrylic sealer and hung outdoors. Several small metal butterflies with look fantastic on a tree trunk. Wire them to small finishing nails that have been tapped into the wood. For something truly eye-catching, plant astilbes, lobelia, lily of the valley and/or black cohosh around the tree. They grow well in shade in most hardiness zones, and their gorgeous blooms will attract real butterflies.

Read More

Using Flower Bulbs as the Main Attraction

Do you plant flower bulbs, seeds or plants in your floral garden areas? I've used all 3 over the years. We don't have a floral garden yet at our new home. We've been using pots and concentrating on the backyard veggies for a few years. Soon, we plan to branch out a bit. Bulbs will make up the main part of my flower garden, once I get it planted. Using flower bulbs as our primary floral plantings will help us in numerous ways. Here's a few.

Low maintenance

Bulbs are easy to plant and maintain. We could have rose bushes or other perennials as our main floral attraction. However, bulbs are much simpler to take care of. There's no pruning or big time maintenance involved. Just cut them back after their bloom season. You will have to dig the bulbs up occasionally to move or divide them.

Self-propagation

Most floral bulbs have "babies" all on their own. There's no need to buy them more than once over many years. Just dig them up and divide them as needed. You can give the extra bulbs to friends or plant them elsewhere. The bulbs in your garden can last for decades if you take good care of them. Not all perennials are this long lasting.

Easily moved

When we want to move flower bulbs, it'll be easy enough to dig them up. We won't have to worry about "getting them all" like with some other perennials. As long as all the bulbs are removed and relocated, they won't regrow in the same spot. With other perennials, sometimes the smallest root left behind will come up the next year.

Staggering bloom times

Different flowers bloom at different times. Bulbs of different bloom times can be planted together. We could actually have a garden completely filled with bulbs if we wanted. It's easy to plan a bloom pattern with bulbs. They can be placed on the ground in a pattern that makes it easy to visualize seasonal growth, then dug in.

Bulbs are steadfast soldiers

When we want variety, we can fill in around our bulbs with annuals. Other perennials can go in future beds. That way, they won't have to be moved when dividing bulbs. Annuals are removed at year end anyway, so we can do both tasks at once. We can frame our bulb beds quickly with roll out annual seed mats to save time and trouble.

Read More

How to Turn a Tree Stump Into a Planter

Gorgeous Natural Yard Decor

A tree stump is an eyesore for some, but for those with imagination and an eye for design, it provides numerous possibilities. Why spend hundreds of dollars having it ground away when it can be used to enhance the landscape? Stumps makes fantastic containers for holding flowers and foliage. Unlike something portable, they will not tip over or blow away. Turn a tree stump into a planter. You can beautify your yard with something that was once a thriving part of the landscape, and it can be just as eye-catching and useful.

Necessary Supplies

To create a natural planter you will need a suitable tree stump. It does not have to be completely solid, but it should not be rotting away around the edges. You will also need a mattock, a drill and a ½" drill bit, pebbles for drainage and rich organic soil. Pea gravel other fine stones are ideal. They will allow water to drain away from tender roots.

Procedure

If the tree stump is rotted in the center, you might be able to simply scoop it out with a spade. If it is solid, use the pick end of the mattock to break up and loosen the center. Try to leave a four-inch border of solid wood around it.

After breaking up the center of the stump with the pick, scoop it out with the broad end of the tool. It will take a little work, but the finished results will make it well worth the effort. Try to make it at least eight inches deep to accommodate the stones and soil.

Next, use a drill and a ½" diameter bit to create holes that will help to facilitate drainage. They will give the water more places to go beneath the stones. Drill two or three-inch deep holes about every four inches along the bottom.

Fill the bottom of the tree stump planter with gravel. It should be two to three inches deep. Top the stones with well-worked soil, and be sure to leave about three inches of space below the top edge. After adding the soil, it will be ready to fill with plants of your choice.

Planting Tips

Consider low-growing annual flowers that will thrive in the location. Perennials will come back year after year, but they bloom in cycles. Annuals will provide color and beauty throughout spring, summer and early fall. Plants and seeds that are sold in your area will flourish with proper care, but it is important to consider your hardiness zone when shopping online.

In addition to choosing low-growing flowers that will not require support, buy miniature vines to surround the flowering plants. Create a ring of gorgeous vinca vines or another mini variety. They will beautifully drape over the sides of the tree stump, and they will visually bring it back to life.

 

Read More

Why I Love Spider Plants

At my mother's house, there is a spider plant that is older than I am. Yes, it's been growing and flourishing for around 25 years, and it seems like there's no stopping it! As soon as I got a place of my own, the first thing I did was introduce spider plants into my own home. And here's why:

Spider Plants are Hardy
Take it from me, you can forget to water a spider plant for weeks, and it will forgive you! I have seen these plants recover from seemingly the brink of death.Even the most forgetful, negligent plant owner would be hard pressed to destroy one of these babies! As far as sunlight, my spider plants seem to do well with indirect sunlight. So even if you don't have a ton of natural light, these hardy plants can flourish with even a little light.

They're Fun to Share
When a spider plant gets large enough, it starts to produce little spider plant babies that are easily removed from the main plant and re-potted all by themselves. All you have to do is carefully remove the offshoot, making sure to keep the little roots intact. You can either keep it suspended in a cup of water for a week, or directly plant it in a small pot. It's fun to take the little babies and set them up in cute pots as a fun and inexpensive gift!

They Clean Your Air
According to an article on Mother Nature Network, spider plants help clean up toxins such as "benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene" from the air in a house. It's amazing to think that a simple, inexpensive houseplant could do so much to improve the quality of your air, but I swear I can tell the difference in my own house! They're hard-working little plants that give far more than they get!

They're Beautiful
With those long, graceful, arching leaves that dangle oh-so-perfectly from a hanging basket, spider plants are unarguably gorgeous plants. Even the smaller ones have a certain softness and beauty to them. Spider plants come in all different hues of green, and some varieties have lovely striped patterns. Your house guests will always be impressed by a well-grown, healthy spider plant, and they certainly work to brighten up an office space.

Read More

Creative Ways to Hide Your Neighbor's Ugly Backyard

Tips for Hiding the Ugly Yard Next Door

Does your neighbor have an ugly backyard? Mine does and it totally drives me nuts every time I step into my own my yard to feed the animals, hang up laundry, or putter around in the yard. One way to hide a neighbor's ugly backyard is with a wooden fence which can easily cost several thousand dollars or more. There are also less expensive, more creative ways to screen a neighbors yard as well. Here are a few of the strategies I've used over the years to create a visual privacy screen between our two yards.

Virginia creeper

This fast growing perennial vine can grow 20 feet a season and is a fantastic solution for anyone who needs quick privacy screening. Virginia creeper is green in the summer, turns a vivid red in the fall, and will provide dense screening from May to late October. I've planted several starts on the boundary fence line and over the years have trained it to go up the fence and over into his yard to block the view.

Temporary bamboo fencing

I love the look of Bamboo privacy fencing which is another great way to provide screening while also giving me a place to hang metal yard art, fishing nets, and other decor. Six-foot high bamboo fencing can be purchased at most home improvement stores or through online garden stores and runs approximately $100 for a 20 foot section.

Plant hanger

If you have a collection of shepherd crook" styled plant hangers like I do, these too can be used to create screening. I set mine about 2 feet apart and load them up with overflowing baskets of Ivy geranium which blocks the view from eye level.

Set up an outbuilding

When I had a greenhouse built a few summers ago, I had it plopped down 5 feet off the side yard property line where it does a dandy job of screening well over half of the neighbor's yard. If you have a garden shed, metal tool shed, or even a child's playhouse, consider moving it so that it can provide a visual barrier between you and your neighbor's ugly yard.

Quick growing plants

Shrubs and evergreen trees will also provide excellent screening from a neighbors back yard but does take years to grow. I've taken to planting some quick growing Pampas grasses on our boundary fence line which grows to heights of 8-10 feet in a single year. Even though Pampas grass does die back in the winter, the dead foliage will also provide privacy through next spring. Other quick growing plants include bamboo and butterfly bushes which grow so rapidly that many gardeners consider them invasive.

Screening your neighbor's ugly backyard is easier than you might think. A combination of garden structures and quick growing plants is all it takes to block an ugly view in no time at all.

 

Read More

Spring Into Action With These Gardening Tips

Five Ideas That Will Help You Have an Enjoyable Experience

Can't wait to get out in the garden? Heed these five tips and you'll likely have an enjoyable experience:

1. Patience is a virtue 

After winter, everyone is anxious to work in the garden. But take your time. Don't plant flowers or vegetables too early or else your efforts could fail when a late frost occurs. 


Gardening expert Roger B. Swain says: "I try not to plant seed in soil that I wouldn't be comfortable lying down in." ("The Anxious Gardener's Book of Answers" by Teri Dunn Chace).

Wait until Mother's Day to plant annuals. By then, the threat of cold temperatures usually is gone.


2. When to prune 

Don't assume all plants and shrubs can be cut back in spring. Remove dead or diseased branches from shrubbery, but lilac, forsythia and rhododendron bear flowers on wood formed the previous year.
Wait until after these have bloomed to prune them. It's okay to prune plants that bloom later in the summer in early spring. But hydrangeas bloom on old wood so if you whack these in early spring, you'll be cutting out the flower buds.


3. Feed the soil 

When asked about fertilizing, a gardener friend said: "How would you like it if you didn't get fed for a whole year?" That's a good reminder that you just can't put something in the ground and expect it to do well without assistance. That's where fertilizing helps.
Spring is a good time to fertilize, because that's when plants are growing. Don't fertilize in the fall, because that will encourage growth at a time when plants should be slowing down. Once you fertilize, water the plant well to ensure the food gets to the roots.


4. Match the plant to sunlight conditions

A flower might look beautiful at a garden center, but how do you know whether it will thrive in your yard? Don't place a plant that prefers part-shade in full sun or vice versa. Keep track of how much sun your yard gets daily. Does it get morning sun? Does it get at least six hours each day? 
Those observations will be beneficial when you select your plants. 


5. Stick with one or two colors
When you're mass planting, it's smart to stick with one or two colors. Your planting (no matter the size) will have a better impact than trying five or six colors.

 

Read More