Publication: Garden Guides
Designing a Perennial Garden | |
Subscribe FREE to Garden Guides by clicking here.
GardenGuides Newsletter
May 2, 2006
------------------------------------------------------------
Remember to visit the Garden Guides blog!
Garden Guides Blog
------------------------------------------------------------
Comment The Post Below...
Here are some tips from www.jacksonandperkins.com to keep
flowering baskets healthy and attractive:
* Most importantly, develop a routine of watering consistent-
ly.
* Use only soilless planting mixes — free of weeds, diseases
and insects. Those with extra peat moss will keep the mix
moist longer.
* Don't allow plants to wilt. Wilted plants are stressed and
more susceptible to disease problems.
* Pebble of bark mulch cuts down on surface evaporation.
* If the basket does dry out excessively, place the whole
pot in a bath full of water for an hour to reabsorb needed
moisture.
* In hot, windy conditions, set pots in well-protected areas
out of the afternoon sun. Take pots down in extreme wind to
prevent damage.
* During hot and sunny periods, some plants may require
watering two to three times daily.
* Frequent watering leaches out soil nutrients more quickly.
This requires adding water-soluble fertilizer every couple
of weeks.
* Water abundantly until water runs from the bottom of the
pot. This helps prevent a buildup of excess mineral salts.
* Fertilizers higher in phosphorous (middle number) such as
1:2:1 are better for flowering plants.
* Plastic pots do not allow wind to pass through the root
system — so they do not dry out as fast.
* Some pots have a water well at the base of the container
with a wick to keep moisture levels more consistent.
------------------------------------------------------------
Alert: New Vioxx Cases Won
If you have taken Vioxx and have not signed up with a lawyer
you need to do so NOW. Time is limited and you do not want
to waive your legal right to a settlement.
Do You Have A Case? Fill out this 60 second, no obligation,
free evaluation form to find out. Even if you have filled
out a form in the past, please do so again to get evaluated.
Only 10% of all cases have been evaluated as of October 1st.
Visit: Your Settlement
------------------------------------------------------------
Designing a Perennial Garden
By Terry L. Yockey
Like many people, I've always admired the architecture of
Frank Lloyd Wright. When Mr. Wright was commissioned to
design a home, he would go to the new site and just sit for
days and absorb his surroundings. After that, he could
design a home that was part of its environment. When you
make that big decision to create a new perennial garden,
try the same philosophy. Design your garden to fit its
surroundings. Spend time in your yard at all times of the
day. Take notes about where the sun falls and where is the
most comfortable place to sit.
Next start noticing other people's yards and gardens. If you
see a planting you like, jot down the specifics such as
color, plants, heights and shapes. If you can't identify all
the plants, do the best you can. You can always call the
nursery or the extension office and ask them to help ident-
ify the mystery plant. If you find the perfect garden--take
notes or even carry a camera in case you see that perfect
one.
When you have a tentative plan, its time to get some graph
paper or a garden program for you computer, and put it down
on paper. There aren't any steadfast rules in designing a
garden, so draw what pleases you. A good way to find the
right shape is to put a garden hose outside where your new
garden will be. Move it around until it looks exactly as
you envisioned. Try curving the edges to create a more
natural look. When you are satisfied, sift powdered lime-
stone alongside the hose to mark the curves, and transfer
the shape to your drawing.
Continued...
------------------------------------------------------------
1-800-PetMeds is best for your pet AND you.
* Just like your vet, we provide US FDA/EPA approved medications.
* Your pet's medication is conveniently delivered directly
to your door.
* Free Shipping - you can get free shipping on orders over $39.
* Price - You WILL save on all your pet's health care needs.
* EXTRAORDINARY Customer Service - You have questions, and we
have answers. Let us help you.
Try us. We'll help you save time and money.
Save at 1-800-PetMeds
------------------------------------------------------------
When you start adding the plants to your sketch, stick to
scale. Check the descriptions in books and catalogs to see
how wide the plant can be expected to grow. Use the scale
to determine how to space the plants in your drawing.
When choosing the flowers for your perennial bed, remember
to mix shapes and sizes, as well as colors. Don't be afraid
to put a few mid-sized plants--especially those with
delicate foliage--among the low plants in front. Astilbe and
coreopsis both have finely textured leaves that won't hide
the plants growing behind.
A well-designed bed has waves of changing color. If you plan
your garden carefully, you will have something blooming
spring through fall. Since most perennials flower for a
limited time, the trick is to fill the bed with plants that
have different bloom periods. You can start with the bulbs
of spring and end with fall mums. There are a few long
blooming perennials such as the daylily 'Stella de Oro,"
which will flower for four months or more.
Continued...
------------------------------------------------------------
"Last week our house was robbed, but all of our valuables
were safe because the would-be burglars didn't even think
of looking for our hidden wall safe."
-Karen
This revolutionary hidden wall safe looks like an ordinary
electrical wall socket, but in fact it's holds a hidden
compartment to store your valuables. Designed to fool even
the smartest of thieves, this wall safe can hold an entire
household's worth of money. Complete with its own saw for
easy installation, you can get one safe for $9.99, or save
when you order two or more for $7.99 each. To order Visit:
Hidden Wall Safe
------------------------------------------------------------
Colorful, attractive foliage helps keep the garden interest-
ing all season. 'Silver queen' artemisia, 'Palace purple'
coral bells, lady's mantle, hosta, and 'Autumn joy' sedum
are all good foliage plants. I like to repeat my favorite
plants over and over. It's especially important when you
have smaller gardens to have at least one unifying element.
Once you are sure you have the right design, you need to
develop a budget. If you're on a tight budget, buy perenn-
ials that grow quickly and are easily divided. Another
alternative is to grow plants from seed, which is must less
expensive. On the negative side, the plants will take a few
more years to fill in.
Don't let the idea of a new garden intimidate you--but don't
get overly ambitious, either. If you start with a manageable
size, you can always add on next year (and the year after
that , and the year after that.....).
-----------------------------------------------------------
GopherCentral's Question of the Week
Do you support the "immigration protest of May 1st"?
Question of the Week
-----------------------------------------------------------
Visit the ARCHIVES:
Garden Guide Archives
***********************************************************
More Fun and Amusements by email: F-R-E-E Newsletters
************************************************************
END OF GARDENGUIDES
Copyright 2006 by NextEra Media. All rights reserved.
 E-Mail this issue
Subscribe FREE to Garden Guides by clicking here.
|