Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Cut back your summer blooming shrubs

I didn’t get to putting down the cypress mulch in my yard this weekend, but I did finally get the spireas cut back and the hydrangea tree in the front yard trimmed back. Here are some before and after pictures. If you have not cut back your summer blooming shrubs, have no fear. Our late spring start is giving you plenty of time. You probably have at least one more week to get it done.






For more information on pruning, click here.
Make your day a good one.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Happy Arbor Day

Our weather continues to be less than spring like, but have no fear, there are things that you can do right now. Some of which include planting trees, shrubs and evergreens. It’s also a great idea to put fresh mulch around your plants. As we head into the weekend and weather permitting, I will be mulching my yard. If you want more information on planting trees, click here.

Stay warm, stay dry.
Make your day a good one.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!

On this Earth Day, let's all remember the little things that each of us can do to make this Earth a better place for generations ahead. Recycling, composting, using rain barrels, using earth friendly yard and garden products, mowing less and planting more plants that require less care are just a few of the many things that each of us can do.

For more earth friendly tips click here.

Make your day a good one.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Container Planting

Last night, I moved some planters that were being stored in the back yard to the front steps. Every spring I arrange the pots differently. Sometimes there are just a couple pots, this year I’m going all out.

The pots were filled with fresh potting soil. I also added some soil moist to the soil, which helps retain moisture, and added some osmocote slow release fertilizer. They were then planted with large faced multi-colored pansies. Now my neighbors across the street have something better to look at.

Here are a few tips on containers. They must have a drainage hole. Use containers that are ten or more inches in diameter – smaller containers dry out too fast. If you mix colors and styles of containers like I do, you should keep the plantings the same in all the pots. If all of your containers match then you can plant each one differently. One or the other should always be the same.



Make your day a good one.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Lawn and Garden FAQ

At this time of year I get the same questions over and over.
Here are the very brief answers to some of them.

Lawn seeding - wait a couple more weeks. The soil is still too cold.

Crabgrass control – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Put this down when the lilacs are starting to bloom.

Lawn mowing – way too early. Take the time to get the lawn mower blades sharpened now.

Container gardens – replace the soil for a fresh start.

Cut back spirea and potentilla shrubs back to about two inches above the soil.

Average last frost free date – about May 10.

Cool weather crops – plant pansies, radish, lettuce and peas.

For more information on cool weather crops, click here.

Make your day a good one.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Outdoor Planting

I love taking what most people consider as indoor plants and planting them outside in containers. We often forget that these plants are growing outdoors somewhere. The short list of these plants includes ivies, ferns and bromeliads. Last night I started some ivy plants in peat pots. This is so easy to do. Cut some stems off your plants, remove the lower leaves, dip the end in rooting hormone, and push into some seed starting soil. In a few weeks, they should have roots on them and can be planted outdoors.





Make your day a good one.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Spring is Near

I needed some spring in a bad way. Our weather is still not cooperating. Daffodils were the answer. Take a bunch or two, cut them very short, and push them into a floral frog (A floral frog is weighted with lots of pins that flower stems are pushed into – it holds stems upright.)

I placed this in a low container -you can use a bowl or dish. A few small rocks were placed around it and it was good to go. 24 hours later, the flowers were in full bloom. A nice round mound of bright, fragrant and cheerful daffodils – a hope that spring will soon be here.

Daffodils

Make your day a good one.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Fun in the Sun

I just got back from a long weekend of visiting very good friends in Phoenix. Lots of sun, 70 degree days, time by the pool and amazing cactus in bloom-it was a great four day trip.

I’ve looked at and studied many flowers and I can think of no other flowers that have the colors and color intensity of cactus blooms. There is something about them that is really indescribable.

I will get some pictures from Phoenix posted here soon.

Make your day a good one.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

April Fools' Day

Its April Fools' Day, the snow is falling…spring still looks like it’s somewhere in the distance what a better time to launch a new season of home and garden blogging. I’ve got lots of ideas and new things planned, so check back here frequently.

Make your day a good one.