Tag Archives: garden

Gardening Advice

Creating A Really Nice Backyard Garden

Leave a comment

For every home, a garden is not just an extension of one’s home, but a place to relax, unwind and soak up the nature. A beautifully contoured landscape, blooming flowers and just spending restful hours in the midst of beauty is what every homeowner yearns for. Gardening can definitely become a passion; when you get to pick your very own fresh vegetables and fruits. Although there are landscaping firms who can take care of your backyard just as well; but you could end up paying thousands of dollars just to recarpet a lawn and perhaps a little more to maintain it. It is especially important for the beginner gardener to choose the right types of plants, determine the spot in the backyard where the garden needs to be designed; select the right garden space, adopt appropriate techniques to take care of one’s plants in the backyard and much more. Pre-plan each and every step before setting up your backyard garden, so it becomes a fun filed adventure rather than a nightmarish ritual.

Research and Analyze

The first step is to evaluate the maintenance needs of your garden and pre-determine the space that needs to be allocated to the garden in your backyard. Design your garden with a practical approach and pre-set a budget for yourself. If you face a paucity of time; try and find solutions to high-maintenance issues. A systematic approach will lead you to decide on the right tools required for the development and maintenance of your backyard garden. Alternatively; opt for a weekend backyard garden that needs little to moderate maintenance. Also, take into consideration the current condition of your backyard. In case your backyard has a few existing plants; you would need to decide on which plants you require and the ones that you need to get rid of.

Keep it simple and uncluttered

The focus should be on having a breathable garden rather than a cluttered one. Make sure that your garden is not overcrowded with plants; or it will lend it a cluttered look. Besides that; having too many plants will just attract insects and mosquitoes. Best approach is to draw a rough sketch of the garden lay-out and take into account every minute detail.

Selecting the Right Kinds of Plants

If the homeowner wants that their garden should attract butterflies; they should opt for plants that butterflies are strongly attracted to. These plants include aspen, dill, aster, lilac, pansy, milkweed, marigold, clover, chokecherry, aster and dill among others.

Identifying the right spot

The direction of the sun in your backyard is the deciding factor when identifying the right spot for your garden. North corners are ideal for ferns. The southern direction gives constant sun exposure all day long and each side gets balanced warmth from the sun. The rows should be aligned north and south; so the plants get the sun rays during morning and afternoon hours. If the garden is facing towards the southeast; it may be subjected to little or moderate western sun. In this case; run the rows northwest and southeast for an even sunlight distribution. The northern exposure is definitely not a very good idea; as it would not receive any sunlight. For north-eastern and south-western directions; the plants may be subjected to an uneven distribution of sunlight. The idea therefore; is to plan it in a way that the garden plants receive an evenly distributed sunlight for the longest time period.

The Garden Soil

A new garden spot is most likely covered either with turf or rubbish. For a larger garden area; the ploughing of the ground is done whereas with smaller gardens; the sod is removed. In order to remove the sod; stake out the garden path. The line will help you with an accurate course to be followed. Then you would need to cut the edges along the marked line with the help of a spade. The sod can be put to good use as it makes a good fertilizer. Here you have two options to choose from:
1. You could turn the sod over after having dug holes in your garden. The sod can then be put in the hole and then cover it with soil.
2. Identify a spot where the sod grass can be packed together. Leave it to rot. Over a period of time; it can be used as fertilizer.

Make sure that the ground where the planting needs to take place is fine so that the seeds get finely packed into the soil particles. Avoid large lumps as these create larger spaces and the tiny hair root of the plant will not be able to penetrate though.

Make sure that you do a fair amount of research beforehand and lap up on as much gardening tips and information as possible.

Gardening Advice

Decorating Your Beautiful Garden

Leave a comment

The art of garden never fails to transform an idle tract of land into a beautiful and lively environment. Gardens feed the spirit’s longing for beauty and grace as it provides a venue to witness the wonder of nature and the comforts of home. While plants and trees are enough to make a garden delightful, the landscape can surely be enhanced by installing garden décor.

There are many types of garden decors each having unique features and purposes for your garden. Here are some garden decors:

Arbors, Pillars, and Gazebos – these are large structures that can add a good focal point to your garden. Having large structures can create an illusion of having a large space. These structures can also serve as platforms for aerial plants. Climbing foliage such as vines may also cling to these platforms, creating an elegantly classic garden effect.

Statuaries and Wind Sculptures – these also provide good focal points for the landscape. Such structures add a sense of prominence, strength, and sturdiness.

Bird feeders and bird baths – these simple additions to a garden attract beautiful creatures the landscape. Since a garden is generally inadequate without the chirp of robins and jays, installing something that would make them feel welcome is a good way of cheering up the garden.

Other architectural ornamentation – architectural structures create a good balance with and contrast against the natural elements of a garden such as shrubs and trees. Man-made structures enhance the sight of nature, making it appear more familiar and inviting.

Trellises and obelisks – these are good in blocking obtrusive structure and other unwanted views. It is impossible to have a perfect view all the time as obstructions cannot be completely eliminated. Luckily you can install structures that can block eyesores. Trellises are good for this purpose because they can act as support for clinging vines.

Fountains and ponds – water dripping and splashing can be great way to relax. Fountains are usually installed to add a natural ambience that can draw positive energy to your garden. Having a fountain in your garden can also make it a suitable place for meditation exercises like yoga and tai chi. If you have the budget, you may choose to have elaborate and grand fountains installed. You my also choose to add simple rock fountain that greatly serves its purpose at such small a cost.

Landscape lighting – you can enjoy your garden even without the sun, the moon or the stars. By installing simple lights on trees and other plants, you can create a beautiful setting which can even be romantic and enticing. Lighting does not have to be permanent. You can use Christmas lights or even lanterns and candles to illuminate your garden anytime. Lights can also prevent strangers from hiding in your garden.

Garden furniture – the best way to enjoy the beauty of your garden is to stay in it and in order to do so you might need chairs and tables specifically designed for the outdoors. These could also serve as picnic furniture for those times you would want to have barbecue outdoor dinners.

The garden experience can greatly be enhanced by garden décor. To know more about garden decors, simply contact your local garden supplier or visit the many websites devoted to landscaping and gardening.