Good Gardening Practices

                                    

Gardening Ideas to Reduce Problems

 Most gardening issues are preventable. 

 Weeds, molds,and  insects can be minimal if we practice good gardening methods.  Using water doesn't have to break the bank. 

Healthy when we brought them home from the garden center, plants don't have to dry up and end up in the compost pile. 

Knowing the plant requirements by reading the labels that growers attach to them will go a long way in maintaining a healthy garden.  The label will tell you 1) the plant name.  Usually the common name (what the general public knows it as) and the Latin name will be listed.  This Latin name is specific to each plant.  A juniper (common name) has dozens of varieties.  Size, shape, and color may be different depending on the variety. 

Putting the right plant in the right place can save aggravation and money

 The tag will list 2) adult height of the plant.  Save your self a bit of frustration from constantly pruning a plant that has grown too large for the location. 

Mulch is another great preventative for gardening problems. 

Weed seeds are blocked from light, preventing them from germinating. 

 Mulch will hold in moisture so watering is minimal.

Water only the base of plants.  Molds and fungi love to set up on wet foliage. 

 Allowing plenty of air movement around plants will reduce powdery mildew and black spot.

Drip irrigation systems can be economical.  Most large box stores like WalMart and Lowe's have easy do-it-yourself kits. 

Watering only the roots of a plant saves water, and reduces diseases.

Regular clean up of debris reduces moisture and hiding places for insects.

 

A common sense approach to choosing plants (read the label) and placing plants (right plant in the right place) and weekly maintenance (remove debris) will keep your garden healthy and tidy all season long.

Tips for the Serious (?) Gardener

With the major spring cleanup duties finished, I find the day to day maintenance of my garden quite enjoyable.  These tips will help you find pleasure even in the little things.  Enjoy!

                                           USE SUNSCREEN

WIDE BRIM HATS OFFER SUN PROTECTION

                                         STAY HYDRATED

USE INSECT REPELLENTS

INSPECT GARDEN REGULARLY FOR INSECTS AND DISEASES

                                                      STRETCH BEFORE GARDENING

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS

WATER AT LEAST 1" WEEKLY

HIRE HELP

KEEP PHONE HANDY FOR EMERGENCIES

KEEP A SPADE HANDY

KEEP LAWNS MANICURED

SHARE WITH NEIGHBORS

RELAX AND ENJOY YOUR SUMMER

Perennials Work Beyond the Blooms

May flowers are getting all of the attention right now.  And in the next few weeks this explosion of color will be spectacular!  As you see bright purples, pinks, and yellows pop up, if you are like me, you will head to the garden center to obtain the 'perennial of the week'.  Just be aware that in a few weeks, perennials blossoms will fade and you will just have the foliage to view in the landscape.

Beyond the blooms will be months of what can be a landscape full of interest, textures, contrasts, and soothing colors.  As the progression of flowers comes and goes, think about the setting, not as a Monet, but as a sunrise or sunset. The swirls and blends of soothing shades of leaves will be a delight. And who doesn't like to view a sunset?

Bright

 leaves of heuchera are brilliant examples of color available in foliage plants. I've grouped these closely so the shading will play off of its neighbor.  A mass planting , say five or seven plants, of just one of these would be an eye catching element in the garden, too. 

 

Ferns and Hosta (this hosta is H. Gin and Tonic) work in the shady garden.  The broad leaves of the hosta and the light, airy fern compliment each other well. 

This combination of Catmint (Nepeta), with its small  leaves, and open clump, sits next to Hosta, and a large Sycamore Tree. The tree trunk bark has alot of texture and adds to the tapestry .   The Sunny spot behind the tree is a Gold Thread Juniper. Don't forget to consider year-round interest when placing plants in the garden.  Our winters can be long and cold here in Zone 5b, and the evergreens and tree trunks put on a show all year long! 

The bright contrast of the euonymous is a year round event, too.  The chartreuse next to the deep green is stunning.  I've tucked a Hosta in the mix here.  The large leaf of the Hosta, and the smaller leaves of the euonymous have a nice effect.( And note:  no flowers!)

Some other elements that offers visual texture to the landscape are stones and boulders. 

The rocks have an edge, and the plant material tucked up close, softens the edges for a calming feeling.

When choosing plants the foliage and textural contrasts play an important role in the overall feeling of the garden.  Wide leaves next to light airy fronds or light colors beside dark shades all complement the eye.  The low round plant next to a tall, spikey one will go a long way to add interest to your yard.

Veriagated foliage, as in this Loriope, can bring a brightness to a group of plants and offer its own sublety.

It may not scream 'Look at me!' but the minds eye will quietly appreciate the effort.

I've presented an insight to my psyche.  I like the long term relationship of plants. I love the blooms when they are here, but the steadfastness of the full season soothes any loss I feel  beyond the blooms. Enjoy.