Browsing Category

Gardening

Making The Changes Your Garden Needs ASAP

If you think about it, how many changes can you name that need to be made in your garden? If you can think of any at all, why have they not been done yet? We understand that you might be a busy person, but that isn’t an excuse to neglect your garden. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can change in your garden to make it better, so you can add these to your ideas to create the best garden possible. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Photo Source

Get Rid Of Eyesores

The first thing that we recommend is that you get rid of eyesores. They are a nightmare, they look ugly and they don’t add anything to the garden. For example, if you have a huge tree in the middle of your garden that is just taking up space, and doesn’t even add to the look of the garden, then it’s time to look into tree removal. Some people won’t want to do this as it means pulling the tree out, but there’s not much that you can do unless you want to continue to share your garden with the tree.

If there are any other eyesores in the garden then they have got to go. For example, if the fencing is ugly, then it needs to be replaced. Or, if there is an area of the garden that looks dead or uncared for, sort it out.

Add Some Color

You might want to consider adding some color to your garden. Plain gardens are usually quite boring, so adding some color in the form of flowers is always a good idea. They look fantastic, they require minimal maintenance, and they smell fantastic. So many benefits and not really many downsides make it worth heading out to buy some. If you don’t have anywhere in your garden to plant them then that’s okay because that is why pots and hanging baskets exist. Just find a space for them and everything will be fine.

A Patio Area

The final thing that we are going to recommend is that you add a patio area to the space. The reason for this is because you don’t want your entire garden to be grass as there will be nowhere to put your garden furniture. It makes sense to get some kind of patio or decking installed in the garden, or you can do it yourself if you’re feeling particularly handy.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the changes that you need to make to your garden ASAP. It’s essential that you make these changes as soon as you can as they are negatively affecting your garden right now. If you want a garden that everyone loves to spend time in, then you’ve got to put in the effort to create that. We wish you the very best of luck with this.

The Hardest Plants To Grow In Your Garden, Ranked

Growing petunias or daffodils is easy. Most people can manage it. You just plant a few bulbs and then, weeks later, beautiful flowers start to appear.

But there are some plants that are a little more temperamental. They look like they should be just as easy as anything else to grow, but they turn out to be notoriously difficult. Nature just won’t play ball. 

In this post, we take a look at the hardest plants to grow in your garden in rank order. Check them out below. 

Photo Source

#12: Orchids

Orchids are popular houseplants. In fact, a large number of people already have them in their homes, so why are they on this list? 

The reason is that most people don’t grow them from seeds. Instead, they buy them in their adult forms in the gardening store and then pat themselves on the back when they survive weeks of air conditioning and no access to sunlight. 

Actually growing orchids takes a lot of professional skill. The reason you see these plants in nature so infrequently is that conditions have to be just right. The slightest deviation from their biological plan leads them to wither and die. 

Photo Source

#11: Venus Flytrap

Venus flytraps are among the coolest-looking plants on the planet. These bizarre carnivores munch on insects in your garden, helping to control pests in at-risk areas. 

Unfortunately, these plants are incredibly high-maintenance. First, they only thrive on rain or distilled water. Regular old tap water simply isn’t good enough for them. 

Furthermore, you need to plant them in special soil. That’s because their roots have unique drainage requirements. Regular potting soil will actually kill them in a few days, so you’ll need to get specialist soil from a local dealer. You can also make your own from moss and sand, but that’s a high-risk strategy. 

Lastly, as carnivorous plants, Venus flytraps love to get a lot of sunlight. Plus, you’ll have to feed them regular meals of crickets and worms if there aren’t enough in your area. 

Photo Source

#10: Onions

People put onions into almost every meal they make. These incredible vegetables, part of the allium family, impart delicious flavors to all dishes. 

There’s just one problem: onions are seriously hard to grow. The only reason we have an abundance of them is that farmers have mastered the art of cultivating them. 

The problem is this: many onion species are sensitive to hours of sunlight. The majority of species require shorter days, meaning that unless you live deep into a temperate region, disaster is highly likely. 

Photo Source

#9: Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Fiddle leaf fig trees are stunning to look at. And they produce some delicious fruits when they get old enough. No wonder everyone wants them in their gardens. 

But can you honestly say that you’ve ever seen a fiddle leaf fig tree with your own eyes, not in some glossy magazine? Probably not. That’s because this species is notoriously difficult to get right. It needs the right amount of sunlight, soil moisture, water, and humidity to grow.

Trying to grow these things outside is almost impossible. Most professional gardeners resort to rearing them in climate-controlled greenhouses and then transplanting them to natural soil for rare “show days.” However, even trying to get them to thrive in artificial conditions is difficult because of their need for ideal day lengths. In short, this is a plant you’ll want to avoid unless gardening is your reason for living. 

Photo Source

#8: African Violet

African violets look a bit like succulents, leaving you with the impression that they’ll grow just about anywhere. But anyone who has ever gotten to know this plant will know that the opposite is true. African violets don’t want to live. 

The main issue is the lack of humidity in most climates. African violets love humidity, but the year-round levels they require are impossible to find outside of rainforests. 

Clever horticulturalists at more northerly latitudes have come up with a clever solution, though: put the plants in pots above steam radiators. These run all day and night, providing enough moisture to keep the violets healthy while they are in their pots. After a while, you’ll notice that they start to bloom. 

If you don’t have a steam radiator, you can always use wet gravel in a hot room. Just remember to keep it hydrated so that humidity levels remain high. 

Photo Source

#7: Melons

Have you ever seen someone with a vegetable patch successfully grow melons? It almost never happens. 

There are two reasons for this. The first has to do with the way melons grow. As they bloom, their vines spread out in all directions, hogging space and forbidding any other plants to grow nearby. They need to be big to collect enough energy to supply the growing melons on their stalks. 

The other reason has to do with flavor. You might be able to grow a melon, but that doesn’t mean it will taste good. Most novices wind up with something that tastes overly watery and full of seeds. 

To get melons growing right, you need a lot of space and to keep the soil mulched. If you don’t provide this, the plant will become stressed and your melons will taste awful. 

Photo Source

#6: Queen’s Palm

Queen’s palms are a great addition to tropical gardens. Their lush foliage and fruits make them a firm favorite among the general public. 

Unfortunately, Queen Palm care isn’t as easy as you might think. The tree requires fertilization four times per year and is highly susceptible to airborne fungal infections, bud rot, and manganese deficiency. Trees can look great one week, and then be coming to the end of their lives the next. 

The trick is to get these trees professionally managed if they are on your property. Specialists can monitor them year-round and make sure that you don’t run into any serious, life-threatening situations with them. 

Photo Source

#5: String Of Pearls Succulent

The String of Pearls is a plant that looks rare the moment you clap your eyes on it. The impossibly-shaped leaves and vine-like structure immediately set it apart from anything else in your garden. 

As you might expect, this is a highly suicidal cultivar that seems determined to end its own life the moment that conditions aren’t ideal. Many owners buy the plant and then wind up throwing it on their compost heap in less than a week. 

The main problem is soil over-saturation. Too much moisture and the plant will start its self-destruct sequence. 

Before watering, ensure that the soil is completely dry first. Then place it in partial sun, away from any drafts that might disturb it. If you’re lucky, you may get the plant to last six months before it decides it’s had enough. 

Photo Source

#4: Air Plants

Air plants are tricky to grow because they don’t grow in soil. Rather they need rocks or other shrubs to cling to in order to thrive. Bad weather can easily uproot them, causing mortal damage. 

Added to this, they need the right amount of sunlight and humidity to thrive. Plants that have too much direct sunlight during the day will die, while those that don’t get enough will also perish. Indirect sunlight on a window sill is the best option. 

How much water they need also depends on the humidity of the surrounding air. If the moisture content is high, plants won’t need a great deal of additional watering. However, if the water content is low, you’ll need to regularly spray them with a fine water mist. Remember, these plants take up water directly via their roots, not through the soil. 

Photo Source

#3: Staghorn Fern

Staghorn ferns are another plant you’ve probably never seen up close. Again, it’s all to do with how difficult they are to grow. They look great mounted to a wall. But if you want them in your home, you’ll need to work for them. 

Staghorn ferns require liberal watering at least once per week. For this, you’ll need to remove the plant from its mount and then submerge it in water completely. You’ll then need to wait for it to dry out before hanging it back on the wall. This type of watering simulates the torrential rainfall or flooding that would naturally water the plant in the wild. 

Photo Source

#2: Lemon Trees

Lemons are easy to find at the store, but actually growing a lemon tree is notoriously difficult. Again, it’s not something that just happens automatically. 

Like other citrus trees, lemon trees require the optimal combination of airflow, humidity, and sunlight. You should keep trees outside as much as possible, though if conditions get too rough, you may want to bring them indoors temporarily. 

After several years, your lemon tree might start to bear fruit, but don’t count on it. 

Photo Source

#1: Wasabi

Lastly, we have wasabi, perhaps the most difficult plant to grow in the world. Not only does the plant take a long time to reach maturity, but it is also highly susceptible to disease. It will also refuse to grow if the nutrient composition is wrong, or if you fail to provide it with sufficient water. 

Friends, what’s your favorite plant on this list? List your favorites below.

How To Keep Your Garden Healthy

Photo Source

Having a garden can be a wonderful thing. There is a real joy to having somewhere outside that is just yours, and that you can spend time in to unwind and relax. What’s more, you also have the chance to make it look however you want to, which is in itself a wonderful feeling to have. One of the issues that you might want to consider when it comes to your garden is knowing how to keep it truly healthy, however. In this post, we’ll take a look at just some of the things you can do to help ensure that.

Keep Pests Away

First of all, you need to do all you can to avoid pests from damaging your plants too much. You might wish to allow a certain amount of this, but probably in general you are going to be keen to avoid having too many pests in your garden causing trouble for your plants and flowers. Using some perimeter pest control services is a good start, as is finding humane ways to keep pests away from your plants generally. You’ll be amazed at how much this helps to keep your garden in shape and the plants healthy.

Use Good Quality Compost

The compost you use for your plants is really important, as it helps you in ensuring that the plants themselves are getting all the nutrients they need. This is not always easy to make sure of, however, but in general, if you buy good quality compost from a brand you trust, that is probably sufficient. You can also make your own compost at home from kitchen scraps and garden waste, and this has the benefit of providing benefits to the local ecosystem too, and will often be even better for your plants. However you do it, just make sure you have good compost to hand.

Photo Source

Water Often

Of course, watering is always a really important part of keeping your garden healthy. And you need to make sure that you are watering as often as necessary if you are keen on having the healthiest possible garden and plants. Different plants need different amounts of water, but there is no doubt that they all need some amount and that you have to provide it with great frequency. So make sure that you are doing that if you are keen on having a healthy garden – it really will make a lot of difference to how those plants grow.

Troubled Tree Signs and Symptoms

Trees can be under stress for various reasons, including disease, pests, drought, poor soil, etc. Here are some signs that your tree is in trouble:

  • Yellowing or browning leaves
  • Leaves falling off prematurely
  • Slow growth
  • Smaller than normal leaves
  • Diseased or dead branches
  • Pest infestation
  • Lack of flowers or fruit production

How to Notice These Signs

The best way to notice these signs is to regularly pay attention to your trees. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, look closely to see if there is a problem. Also, consult a professional if you are unsure about what you see.

Fertilize

Finally, you should ensure that you are applying a good quality nitrogen-based organic fertilizer to your plants. This essentially plants food, and it helps them to keep healthy, to grow strong, and to be as beautiful as you would want them to be. Generally, you should apply fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season, and less often in the colder months. You don’t really need to do more than that. A little fertilizer goes a long way to making your garden healthy and happy, so remember that.

How To Put Your Green Thumbs To The Test This Summer

Gardening is more than a low-cost hobby. It gives you a chance to develop useful life skills, and can also assist you in transforming your home into a restorative place for your mental health. This is because “Seeing and being around plants help us feel more calm and relaxed, thus decreasing levels of anxiety.” Furthermore, when you become an expert green thumb, you can create stunning floral arrangements for your friends and loved ones! 

Photo by Robin Wersich on Unsplash

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to improve your gardening skills this year. 

  • Remember that gardening can be a year-round hobby. Gardening doesn’t have to be a seasonal hobby, it’s something that you can participate in year-round. For example, you could make your garden more than a spring fling by growing plants that thrive in different weather conditions, as opposed to only making an appearance when the sun is shining. Alternatively, investing in Greenhouses means that you can grow flowers and plants all year, without having to worry about adverse weather conditions undoing your hard work. 
  • Factor gardening into your budget. As gardening as a whole is a relatively low-cost endeavor, there are plenty of ways to garden on a budget. After all, the only thing you really need to pay for is a few tools (which could be bought secondhand) alongside seeds and sapling. If you want to learn how to plant something new, you can always follow free tutorials or guides online. 
  • Show your furniture some love. If you want to truly upgrade your garden this summer, you should also make sure that you show some love to the areas of your garden outside of its greenery, such as your furniture. For example, painted wooden furniture can quickly lose its luster during bad weather, causing it to fade or splinter. Luckily, this can easily be remedied with a fresh coat of paint and some varnish. 
  • Grow your own fruits and vegetables. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a great way to cut down on your grocery budget, as you no longer have to spend money at overpriced chain stores. This is also a great way to improve your diet, as fresh fruit and vegetables can get notoriously expensive. 
  • Ensure your garden can be enjoyed day and night. While you’ll likely make the most of your garden during daylight hours, carrying out basic maintenance will give you the chance to enjoy the garden at any time, even late into the evening. For example, you could hang fairy lights along your porch, patio, or fence to create a romantic, evening atmosphere. Alternatively, you could build your own low-cost fire pit, providing you with enough warmth to keep the party going all night long. Fire pits are always crowd-pleasers, but they could come in handy if you were planning on hosting a dinner party or inviting friends and family around throughout the year. They also make for a great photo opportunity, and give you a chance to indulge in hundreds of smores!  

5 Ways to Add a Water Feature to Your Garden

When you visit gardens or parks, do you instantly feel calm when you hear water run? For more people, it’s a definite yes! Have you ever considered adding a lovely water feature to your garden? This can honestly be a fabulous way to make your garden look as if it came straight out of a magazine. The main benefits of adding a water feature to your garden are that it will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful garden. In addition to this, you can also use the water feature as an aesthetic element of your garden.

You can add plants near the water feature and create an oasis-like atmosphere with the sound of trickling water. Sounds lovely right? Well, the good news is, it’s pretty easy! Sure, some landscaping maneuvering may be needed, but it’s not too hard to achieve either. Here are some fun ways to add a water feature to your garden!

Photo Source

Showering Areas

A showering area can be used for both decorative and practical purposes. It may be a large fountain or an ornamental pool. This is something that’s more ideal if you’re going to have a pool, but, it can still look great depending on how you style it.

Fountains

Fountains are typically found in garden settings where they can be used for decorative or functional purposes. You can use them to cool off on a hot day or to provide an aesthetic touch in your garden. Since they come in various styles and sizes, you can find them that are guaranteed to fit your budget!

Bird Baths

Small, cheap, and super eco-friendly, having a bird bath is a great way to have a lovely water feature while helping out the birds. There are a variety of bird baths out there, some even include fountains for some extra flair!

Outdoor Pond

Having a beautiful outdoor pond or even multiple ponds in your garden can be perfect for achieving peace in the backyard. They sound expensive and different, but you’ll be surprised to learn how easy they truly are. Another option is to install a pond liner that can be filled with water. This can be done by filling the liner with ground granulated limestone or pea gravel. The liner will then need to be secured with rocks or bricks, which should not be placed too close together because they will create air pockets that will allow the soil to dry out and become compacted.

Pool

This is a fabulous water feature that can take center stage in your garden! Usually, pools are the focal point when present in a backyard. They’re great for having fun in the sun while still staying cool. There are more than enough pool options out there. Whether you’re wanting this in-ground or surrounded by a deck is completely up to you.

Overall, having a water feature in your garden just proves that this doesn’t need to be expensive or difficult to achieve. It just depends on what you’re going for and how you can nicely accommodate it in your space!

Your Garden Needs Some Love Outside Of Its Greenery

When it comes to caring for your garden, a lot of focus tends to be on how you care for all of the plant life, from the lawn to the flowers to the trees. These are important for a healthy garden, there’s no denying that. But there are other parts of the garden that need some love, too.

Picture – CC0 License

Watch for the waterworks

If you have any water features in your garden, be they ponds, fountains, or otherwise, it’s vital that you give them the care that they need. Keeping the water clean and treated is vital to prevent certain pests from making that water features their home. What’s more, they are great for helping you attract more animals such as birds and mammals to visit your garden, which can help you make your garden a little more at peace with the surrounding environment.

Maintaining your boundaries

Do you have a boundary to your garden? If so, how do you mark it? Stone walls might not need much in the way of maintenance beyond fixing any cracks that might appear, but that’s not the same for wooden fences. If you’re not taking the time to reseal and paint them every few years, moisture can start to get into the wood, weakening it to the point that it can start to crumble. If that’s already started to happen, it might be less work to simply rely on a team like https://texasstatefence.com/. Replacing it may well end up costing you less than if you were to try and repair it.

Nothing a little pressure won’t fix

The walkways and driveways of the garden are going to need some care, too. The most common issue with them is that dirt and debris, especially from nearby plant-like, can start to cling to them, creating a film that can get very slippery when wet, making accidents all the more likely. To that end, consider hiring a pressure washer from a team like https://www.wet-inc.com/ so that you can clear it all up. Pressures washers can also help you blast away any pesky moss that might be clinging to surfaces as well.

Mind the furniture, too 

If you have any furniture in the garden, then you want to make sure that it remains as comfortable as possible. When it comes to wood furniture, the same care mentioned for fences above remains just as crucial. Painting and resealing are occasionally going to be a requirement. Other tips to maintain your garden furniture can include preventing the wear and tear of nature in the first place, such as by getting covers for them or storing them away during inclement weather. It’s worth noting that it’s not just rain that can start to affect your furniture. Strong sunlight can start to damage it, as well.

If you want to make sure that your garden looks its best, you need to put care into every aspect of it. The tips above can help ensure that you’re doing that.

How to Turn Your Garden into Something out of a Magazine

There’s no doubt about it; a well-manicured garden can be the envy of the neighborhood. It may seem like something that only those with green thumbs can achieve, but with a bit of work and some creative thinking, you can turn your garden into something out of a magazine! This blog post will give you tips on how to make your garden look its best. So keep reading to learn more!

Photo Source

1) Start with the basics

Make sure your lawn is mowed, your hedges are trimmed, and your flowers are deadheaded. These simple tasks will make a big difference in the overall appearance of your garden. However, if you want to go above and beyond, you can add some extra flair by adding borders or edging to your flower beds. This will give them a polished look that really stands out. You can find border materials at any home improvement store.

Another way to add interest to your garden is by incorporating different textures and colors. For example, add some ornamental grasses for texture or plant flowers in bold hues for a pop of color. By mixing things up, you’ll create a garden that is truly unique and eye-catching.

2) Get creative with your plant choices

When most people think of gardens, they picture rows of flowers. But there are so many other plants that you can use to create a beautiful garden! Consider adding some shrubs or trees for height, or plant some herbs for a fragrant touch. You can also add fruit and vegetables to your garden if you want to get really creative. Not only will they look good, but you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits (or veggies) of your labor when they’re ready to harvest.

If you’re not sure what plants would work best in your garden, talk to Hardscape Design Installation or a nursery employee and do some research online. There are tons of resources out there that can help you choose the perfect plants for your space.

3) Don’t forget the details

Once you have your plants in place, it’s time to focus on the small stuff. Pay attention to the mulch you use in your beds, and make sure it is fresh and free of weeds. Add some stones or gravel for a decorative touch, and don’t forget to water regularly. By taking care of the details, you’ll ensure that your garden always looks its best.

Also, be sure to add some lighting to your garden. This will allow you to enjoy it even after the sun goes down. Solar lights are a great option because they’re easy to install and they don’t require an electrical outlet.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to having a magazine-worthy garden in no time! Just remember to have fun with it and let your creativity shine through. After all, your garden is supposed to be a place where you can relax and enjoy a bit of nature after a long day.