A Fountain Bird Bath Can Help Make Your Garden More Enjoyable

A fountain bird bath is a great way for both you and your backyard birds have more fun out in your yard. Not only will also add a wonderful ambience to your garden along with the soothing sounds of trickling water, but it will also attract a huge variety of different species of wild birds.

In fact, birds cannot resist the trickling water that can be found in these types of bird baths. And there is nothing more fascinating on a hot summer day and watching birds frolic under the water of your phone while they enjoy a refreshing bath.

There are a few things you want to look out for when buying a fountain bird bath. First of all, you might want to opt for a solar powered one so that you don't have to worry about where to plug in. However if you do get one that needs electricity you want to be sure that you have a source close by.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the birdbath bowl. He'll get one that's too deep because birds prefer shallow bowl and will actually avoid one that is deeper than 3 inches. That being said, if you do find one that you fall in love with and it is deeper than that , you can always fill it up with little stones or pebbles to make it shallower.

The other thing, is that you want the surface of the birdbath to be little bit gritty so the birds can grip it and get a good purchase on the edges.

Of course, the location that you install the birdbath is critical because you wanted to be a place where birds feel safe and comfortable so that they can let their guard down and really have fun in the bath! Make sure it is in a somewhat sheltered spot where other animals can't sneak up on them.

Once you have your fountain bird bath installed and working properly, you want to be sure that you keep it clean. Cleaning out at least once a week is imperative that you might want to clean it every day during summer. You wouldn't want to be that dirty water and neither do your birds. Keeping it free of mold and algae will help ensure that it is a safe environment for your feathered backyard friends.

Kill the Bugs not the Kids

In my case the kids refers to 2 dogs and 2 cats with a taste for house plants. The cats in particular are fond of anything green trying to survive indoors. But not to be outdone Roxy our precocious 3 year old Blue Heeler mix has a thing for my small grove of citrus trees. I find her munching on the leaves regularly. So when I noticed several of the citrus trees infested with spider mites... well lets just say I thought I was faced with a choice of the trees or the kids. And some times that is a tough choice to make.



I have grown the little trees from seeds. The seeds all came from the old fashioned method of saving seeds from fruit rather than tossing them out. Everyone told me "They will never grow" or "They will never produce fruit". The common assumption being fruit is irradiated to kill bugs and such, so the seeds would not be viable.



I have withstood much ribbing and teasing by my spouse and friends, regarding their viability. Much to their chagrin, the seeds did sprout. In fact nearly all of the seeds sprouted and several of the little trees have flourished. These I have protected and pruned. they have become more than the little experiment that I started on.  They are still little more than tiny saplings, and consequently none have flowered, yet. Regardless they have become a symbol, of something bigger. That I was right, and they were wrong.



Even more than the validation of my idea, they make me feel anything is possible. Very few citrus plants can grown in my region. So these little guys surviving is a symbol of hope, and survival.

Attributing so much to these 7 little trees, is a bit much, and setting yourself up for heartbreak, I know. But here I am with all this hope, anticipation and everything.



Now imagine my horror when I noticed something attacking one of the little trees. It seemed to be sucking the life out of it. Once I noticed, the infestation was quite advanced. Several of the trees were affected, and one was in dire shape indeed.



I started the way I always do, pruning away the most affected areas. This had a minimal effect.



So now there I was, my hope infected with mites. Could I disregard my deep sense of dislike for chemicals, to save the "orchard"? Or was there another, better way?



I always want to use organic methods. Up until that point, I had no real nasty bugs to eliminate. So it had been easy, and I was clueless.



I didn't want to make the kids sick. I want to use organic methods, if possible. I want to save the little trees. So, what to do?



The internet is an amazing tool. After a few minutes of research I found a whole host of solutions, and in that search I located a site that has become a lifeline, Arbico Organics.



For the past 30 years Arbico Organics has been producing and marketing natural products for organic homes, businesses, lawns, gardens, farms and pets. They had several products that work for the problem I was faced with.



Since purchasing the  spray for my little trees, I have not noticed any recurrence of spider mites. The trees again look healthy. And none of the kids seems to have had the slightest ill effects. I am hopeful that after 2 or 3 more growing seasons they will finally flower, but if they just survive that long I will be proud. For now they are a nice little edition to our deck in summer, and our guestroom in winter.

About the Author: Christian Hammer is a self proclaimed Serial Entrepreneur, inventor and green advocate. His website, www.mindzle.com is a resource for people who are wanting to live a more sustainable life, but don't necessarily know how to get started, or are worried about how they can afford it. He tries to lead by example, with a wide variety of projects, ideas and how-to's.

Garden furniture and accessories are ideal for Christmas

While it most certainly isn’t the season to use them, garden furniture and garden accessories make ideal Christmas gifts for this year. There’s something out there for every garden’s space and requirements, and will bring friends and family a great deal of pleasure long into the new year. A selection of garden themed gifts is a great way to ensure that the presents you buy are useful and will have some longevity in the households of those you give them to.

Think of the possibilities; garden furniture could include anything from a set of plastic chairs and a table, to a wrought iron and wood bench, or a barbecue set, or a parasol to keep the sun (and rain) off. Garden lighting is also a great idea for gifts, and it is now available as solar powered, battery powered or mains powered items, so there really is something for every home and every pocket.

There are many possibilities for any taste and any space, and in these difficult time it is most important for gifts to be functional and useful in order to be great value for you and great to receive for the people you give them to.  They are reusable, which is always a good thing, and thus they will continue to be admired and appreciated for a long time to come.

So, consider garden furniture, accessories and appliances for Christmas this year, and ensure that the gifts you buy will be loved for many years to come. Plus, you could even enjoy these items with your friends and family after Christmas. Why not stage your own celebrations once Spring arrives, just to celebrate life and the warming of the seasons?  We wish you all the very best in your search for the ideal garden items this Christmas, and we also wish you the very best for the festive period and the new tear. We’ll see you outside!

Tips For Planting Roses

Planting a garden is one of lifes joys and roses are an old standby for any garden and one of the worlds favorite flowers. There are over 5,000 varieties of roses in the United States and they can be used to enhance your garden in many ways — as creepers, shrubs, vines, climbers, hedges or just as beds of pure colour.

When picking out roses for your garden, it is important to get healthy plants. Make sure the stems are green and not shriveled and the roots are moist and partly fibrous. The most expensive rose is not always the best rose; it may be only a newcomer, much discussed and, therefore, a favorite.

In general, there are two types of roses: bush roses and climbers. Bush roses are shrub like and climbers produce canes that require some sort of support. The most commonly planted type of bush rose is the hybrid tea rose. Other types of bush roses include polyanthas (roses in large clusters), the fioribundas (large-flowered polyanthas), and the hybrid perpetuals (vigorous growers with a great crop in June and continuous blooming throughout the summer).

The climbers include ramblers, whose long pliant canes have large clusters of small roses that can be used for covering walls, fences and banks. The climbers also are pillar roses, adapted to growing near buildings and on posts and the climbing hybrid tree.

If you are contemplating planting roses in your garden, make sure you pick out the proper spot and prepare the soil appropriately. You should use garden loam with organic matter that contains peat moss, leaf mould, compost, rotted or commercial manure. Prepare your soil ahead of time so that you can allow for settling.

You can plant roses in fall or spring, but fall is actually best. When planting roses, inspect the roots to make sure they have not dried and if they have make sure you soak them before planting. Trim off any broken, weak or long roots.

Set the plant in a hole that is large enough so that the roots can spread. The part of the plant where the top attaches to the roots (called the bud) should be just under the surface of the ground. Plants should be spaced 18” apart. Prune the branches back to about 8” from the soil.

Keeping your roses fresh and healthy all year is important.You must spray, prune and cultivate in order for your roses to be lush and beautiful. If you have a well-cultivated bed you need not worry about watering. But if you start to water in hot weather, you must keep it up, soaking the roots thoroughly about once a week.
Spraying every 10 days guards against the diseases and insects that attack roses. Nicotine sulphate wipes out the green lice; arsenate of lead is used against chewing insects; or sulphur and arsenate of lead may be used in a dust, as may DDT dust.

When winter approaches, protect your roses by piling sod or straw mulch around them. If you have climbing roses, remove the supports and place the canes on the ground, peg them, and cover with soil mounds.

Growing Basil - How to Grow Basil

Herbs are beneficial in many ways. Growing basil (or Ocimum basilicum) is an excellent addition to your flourishing herb garden. I am pleased to introduce, Basil, a sweet herb, member of the Mint Family. Sweet Basil is the most popular grown basil plant but it grows in a host of other varieties. When it comes to old age medical remedies, and flavoring meals, basil is the best.


Folklore-

Growing basil has a special significance in many cultures throughout the world. Indians swore oaths with basil leaves in court. Italian lovers would wear a piece of basil in their hair when courting ladies. A popular Mexican belief is that carrying basil would return a cheating lover.


Medical uses-

There are big health benefits of growing basil. The herb is a natural source of beta-carotene, which is packed with Vitamin A. Basil, is a cure-all herb that can treat many disorders and ailments from headaches to indigestion. In fact, the list of benefits from this herb proves it so powerful; Basil is considered the “King” of herbs.


Growing Basil-

Don't worry, growing basil is a breeze. The seed can be sown indoors, then transplanting outside at a later date. If you lack the space for growing basil outdoors, it can be grown inside. The plant needs plenty of sun to thrive. You can use fluorescent ’grow’ bulbs if there is inadequate lighting in your home.

Sow the seed in a warm time of year, about 1" apart. After a few leaves have grown, the basil can then be re-planted. But, always be sure the last frost has past.

Add a some mulch of about three inches. Organic mulch is an excellent choice. Water about once a week, preferably in the morning. Never use too much fertilizer, as this can remove the unique odor from the herb.

When re-planting, dig the herbs in at least 1 – 1 feet apart from each other, to ensure appropriate growing space. For growing basil, it has essentially two requirements, well-drained soil, and a sunny, moist area.

Prune at least every 2 weeks to increase the health of the plant. Clip leaves back to about a quarter inch above a node and leave enough foliage for continued growth. Remove dead heads from flower stems for it to continue in good health.

Try growing basil near tomato plants. Both of these plants require above average sunlight, and watering, so it is convenient to place them close to each other. Basil next to tomato – like bolognese sauce! Basil also acts as a natural insect repellent, either in the home kitchen, or to keep pests away from other plants.

After 6” of growth, the top leaves are ready to be clipped. This herb has been known to reach heights of up to 24 inches. Growing basil is a big benefit to both your garden and your household.

Silk Flowers-Adding Spice to your World

Silk flowers are a great way to add color to any places that you can think of. Beyond the beauty of a silk flower lies its ability to spice up any occasions, such the most important day of your life- your wedding day.  Like natural flowers, silk flowers can offer you the same loveliness and attractiveness, as if they were the real thing.

More and more people are using silk flowers for their wedding day’s floral arrangements.  Most commonly used are the white silk flowers, but depending on your motif, you can consider some of these silk flowers:

Tropical Silk Flowers: If you want your wedding to have a Hawaiian atmosphere, then tropical silk flowers are best for you.They can offer your wedding a brilliant, summery, gorgeous and foreign look.  Brighten up your mood with the variety of colors to choose from, like red, pink, orange, white and purple. 

Daisy Flowers: Bring your wedding to life with daisy’s magical blend of fresh and innocent charm.  Daisy flowers are elegantly sweet and are just the right flowers for your big day.They are ideal if you like to provide your wedding a touch of summer or spring setting.  You can also use daisy flowers as accessories for you hair or as a necklace or bracelet.

Hydrangea Flowers: Add some romantic look on your wedding with the adorable beauty of hydrangea flowers.  From their wonderful and stunning look, they are also great for summer or spring themed weddings.  Hydrangea flowers are like small blossoms that come in the colors white, red, pink and purple.

Flowers in acrylic water: You can also choose the beautiful fresh blooms of flowers in acrylic water.It’s a well-known way to build your wedding day look lovely and great.  You can add some fragrance to make them look and smell sweeter.

Silk flowers are a fun way to add some color to your wedding day without worrying much about wilting. With today’s more advanced designs made on silk flowers, you are sure that they are specially designed to look even more realistic and adorable.

Thinking about Practicing the Art of Bee Keeping?

Beekeeping

When people start a hobby some of the things they will think about are fishing, bungee jumping, sky diving as these may be what they have always wanted to do. There is however one hobby that is sweet so to speak which has millions of people engaged in it, this is the art of bee keeping. Bee keeping is not only a hobby though, it can even be a part or full time job and business. What makes bee keeping attractive to many is that is does not require a lot of capital to start of with and thus keeping the start up costs really quite low and affordable.

Things To Note Before You Commit

While the hobby of bee keeping can be a very sweet and rewarding one, there are a few things that one has to consider before starting off. One thing anyone needs to consider is that apiarists or bee keepers are stung by the bees they look after on many occasions, so you will need to check that you and everyone else who will be working with you do not have allergic reactions to bee stings. It is quite easy to know if you are prone to allergic reactions by seeing swelling at the sting site, possible rashes or welts on the body, and swelling of the passageways.

While you may be able to handle most of the basics of bee keeping on your own, it is always helpful to have a partner help you with some of the chores. Heavy lifting is a particular problem when moving the hive boxes so having a helper could be a godsend, unless of course, you can handle the added burden.

Do the Research

Bee keeping is more than just tending to the hives … it is understanding that there are specific duties and activities that take place at distinct times throughout the year.  Bee keeping duties wait for no man regardless of whether or not it is the deep cold winter or a sweltering summer. Apprentice with an apiarist or head to the library to check out as many books and resources as possible.

You must know the difference between the drones, queen bees and workers are in order to succeed in bee keeping as the roles of each are very important to the survival of the hive. Learn what the frames are for, why you smoke some hives out and how to harvest honey and the comb produced.

The important thing that everyone wanting to practice bee keeping appreciates is that the bee keeping equipment is not costly at all nor is it cumbersome or difficult in maintaining. However that said, it is still important for you to diligently research and find out what you really need to purchase only these when starting off. A reliable bee smoker, a good bee suit, veil and hive tool are considered to be the minimum set of tools needed necessary for the job to be done. There are however a list of other equipment needed in the bee keeping hobby that one needs to consider such as the winter protection in addition to honey extraction tools. Just ensure that your level of commitment and your continuing knowledge is used well to guide you through your new adventure in bee keeping.

Growing An Organic Garden gives satisfaction

Growing an organic garden can be a quite stimulating and challenging experience.  The know-how for growing vegetables, flowers and some other plants have been around for eons but creating an organic garden has only recently become a quite popular pursuit. There are many people who don't like the thought of cooking food that has been poisoned with harsh fertilizers and other unholy things. They do not want the idea of taking chemicals around their houses and neighborhoods to maintain their garden. Growing an organic garden calls for knowledge that can be developed in several different places. People who want to grow an organic garden can discover several publications on this issue. These books will offer great information that will help a dedicated gardener create a fantastic garden without harsh fertilizers or pesticides.

Many organic garden centers are available to help gardeners who want to grow plants with natural organic materials. The staff at these garden centers are experts in planting an organic garden, and they are very often willing to provide advice. Organic garden centers have people working who can give new findings on soils, fertilizers and pesticides.  They sometimes provide courses that are open to their customers.  The garden centers normally have all the necessary items for organic gardens on stock.  In addition to this, the centers normally have plants that will thrive using all natural products.

Maintaining An Organic Garden is not Possible without Knowledge Of Techniques

Growing an organic garden requires some study in order to achieve positive results.  Best soil is the basic ingedient for planting an organic garden.  Soil differs greatly from area to area so a closer investigation into the soil is an important step in planting an organic garden.  Natural fertilizers can be mixed with the soil to make it work perfect for an organic garden.  There are also techniques that can be used to make the soil ready for planting. A devoted gardener is able prepare the soil for thriving plants with only natural supplements.

Creating and maintaining an organic garden requires a knowledge of the insects and some other bugs that are detrimental to a successful garden. There are people who use a pesticide to get rid of unwanted pests.  However, there are several elements that can be added to a garden to rid the area of useless pests.  Ladybugs can be given to a garden to rid the garden of aphids.  The presence of these interesting little insects is very good for a garden.  A special type of wasp is also good at killing caterpillars and aphids.  The wasps and the ladybugs do not hurt the plants, of course they will eliminate the bugs that will harm the garden.

How to Water Orchid Plants

We owe it to orchid and other flower growers, at least in part, for the recent movement to make full use of the water that reaches our homes, especially that which comes down as rain. If you are growing orchids, this is a subject you might wish to investigate.

Orchids, similar to most other plants, have specific likes and dislikes as to the water given them to nourish their roots. Most of them do not like hard water. Unfortunately, the water that comes out of the taps in many places is too hard for orchids to thrive at their best. Rarely will hard water actually kill them. It might stunt their growth, though, or keep them from ever blooming as wonderfully as they might otherwise.

A saving grace about orchid plants is the fact that they possess thick, fleshy roots that can stand up to hard water better than many other sorts of plants. Hardwood plants, for instance, with their fine roots, are easily ruined by water that is overly hard. Nontheless, you should avoid using hard water on orchid plants if you can possibly avoid it.

There are filters you can purchase to add to your water line that will make your water less hard while blocking many impurities that would be bad for humans and plants both. But nothing is better than good old rainwater when it comes to your orchids! After all, this is the form of water that Mother Nature supplies to plants the world over.

A number of companies manufacture rain barrels that are great for catching and holding rainwater until you need it. Many homeowners set up the barrels below the rainspouts coming from their roofs. With some planning and work, you could set up several rain barrels to channel water directly to your orchid plants. Then your watering chore, assuming you live in a fairly rainy area, becomes virtually hands-free.

Whatever water you use, don't apply it to your orchids if it has a chill on it. For example, I would never use water taken from an outdoor faucet on a cold winter's day, without first allowing it to come to room temperature in my home or greenhouse. Cold water can result in spots on the plant, rot the new growths and injure the roots.

Some orchids will get benefit from water with some lime mixed in it. In years gone by, people noticed that imported Cypripedium orchids often were covered with chalky lime deposits due to the plants having grown in limestone rock crevices where water trickled down upon them. So if you have a Cypripedium, you could experiment with adding lime to its water, a little at first and then more if you determine that the plant is responding well to it.

The art of orchid cultivation is a fascinating subject. Orchid growing is not as difficult as some people make it out to be, but you need to arm yourself with solid information before plunging in to this rewarding pastime. 

The most complete guidebook to 21st-century orchid cultivation, beyond question, is Orchid Care Expert by a Mr. Nigel Howard, which can be downloaded over the Internet. Howard's wonderful guide will furnish a complete education on the subject. As well, visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing library of articles on many topics of orchid cultivation.

What is Worm Farming?

Worm farming has been around for years on various scales.  However most people don't really understand the need for farming worms, people who already participate in this activiting fully understand it and realize the great benefit that is bestowed upon the environment.  If you care for the ecosystem and also the garden then worm farming is perhaps for you.

Many worm farmers commercially culture worms for profit.  Specific breeds of worms are bred and are typically kept in breed specific quarters.  Commercially raised worms are typically sold for composting.  There are even landfills that buy worms so that the waste can be composted naturally.  

As worms dig through the soil, they aerate and stir up the soil carrying water with them.  When worms compost the waste it's basically broken down and turned into a product that the soil in your garden can use therefore improving fertilization .

In recent years, the availability of the equipment needed for worm farming has made it easier for individuals to make a hobby of this technique.  Household sized bins are on the market in a variety of shapes and sizes.  

Worm farming provides worms with a nutrient rich diet of what many times is thrown out with the garbage including discarded fruits and vegetables.  Other compostable materials include paper products and cotton rags, leaves, egg shells and hair.  What the worms then produce is called vermicompost  is perfect for feeding your plants.

Worm farming can also be an excellent educational tool.  It's also often seen as a very space-efficient means of composting kitchen waste, small kits can be purchased and even hand made to be used in a classroom setting.  Kids can then be taught about the importance of reducing what we put into landfill and how worms can really help us.

It might surprise you just how many different places you are able to farm worms.  With the various systems available on the market today, home owners can raise their own supply of worms outside or in an apartment.  Providing the correct amount of moisture, light, bedding, temperature and food you should be rewarded with a healthy population of worms.

What is Composting?

Many people who are gardeners or care about the environment at putting in kitchen and garden waste into composts thus turning these waste products into something alltogether more useful for the garden.  What happens is that the process of composting is basically speeding up the natural process of decomposition.  If you are a keen gardener then composting is somthing that you should understand.

Don't confuse compost with soil.  This is something that a lot of people beleive but it really isn't anything like the dirt you find just lying about on the ground.  If you want lush and healthy plants then giving them compost will really help because you are also giving them the nutrients they need.

If you have never done any composting before then you need to understand what options are available to you – what type of container and style suits your project, what you will be putting into your compost bin, and where you are going to be locating the bin.  No matter what choices you have to make, the process of composting happens in the same manner.  It is a breakdown of waste materials as they are digested by microbes (bacteria and fungi).

Without these microbes your waste cannot be turned into compost.  In order for the microbes to do the job needed, they require certain things such as food, air and water all in the correct quantities.  For great compost you should consider using earthworms.

People who have never owned a compost before in their lives are under the misconception that composts are automatically smelly it is most likely the result of not enough air circulating throughout the waste material.  Without air, the material will still breakdown but it will be done by anaerobic microbes (organisms that do not need oxygen) as opposed to aerobic (ones that need oxygen).  If you discover that your compost is emmitting a foul smell then you should add in some cardboads and also turn the compost with a fork to allow more air into it.  Wood chips or hay are good for a good compost.

Composting is good for the environment and your garden – it prevents waste from enetrying landfill and also adds much needed nutrients to your soil.

The Botany of the Orchid

Orchids (more formally, Orchidacea) are a grouping of plants comprising more than 20,000 named species, quite a few of which are very valuable commercially. Many people consider them to be by far the most intriguing order of plants in the entire vegetable kingdom because of their curious mode of growth and existence, their bizarre habits and the many shapes and forms of their flowers, which are quite distinct from those of all other plants -- delicate seeming in texture and with wonderful, glowing tints.

Orchids are also remarkable owing to their well-known adaptability and the degree to which they will easily cross breed or cross fertilize. This is so in their natural habitats as well as under cultivation. This fact also accounts for the virtually endless varieties of flowers and colors that can be the outcome of hybridization.

Some botany: The orchid flower as a rule consists of these parts: the sepals, petals, the labellum (or pouch), and the column or crest.

The labellum is usually the most conspicuous part as well as the most important organ of the flower. Insects go into it looking for the sweet juices stored within the spur or walls of the flower, pollinating the plant as they do so and bringing about cross-fertilization in the bargain. This is how so many new varieties come about in the wild, and these are the orchids that are termed natural hybrids.  But under cultivation this task must be performed by human caretakers using tiny camel's hair brushes and with a careful eye and judgment as to the right moment for fertilization. It is in this manner that the loveliest hybrids are produced, and these are known as garden hybrids.

Among the the things that makes growing orchids so much fun is the possibility of creating our own hybrid orchids. This takes knowledge and a good bit of patience, but even non-professionals have created astounding orchids by experimenting with hybridization.

If you're interested in experimenting with the hybridization of orchids, you should first gain some good experience in basic cultivation of these plants.Only after you have gained confidence in working with orchids should you try the more demanding task of hybridization. Orchids are slow growing, and slow to come to bloom, so you must be prepared to wait often years to find out if your hybridizing attempts are successful. Nevertheless, when it succeeds, it's fantastic experience.  You can produce not only some beautiful flowers by this method, but also orchid varieties never before seen in the world.

Clearly, you must obtain all the information that you can before trying your hand at hybridizing orchids. Fortunately, there are good books available on all aspects of orchid growing, including step-by-step instructions on hybridization.

The most complete guide to 21st-century orchid care, as increasing numbers are learning, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which can be downloaded from the Internet. Mr. Howard's ebook is a full course in itself, suitable for neophytes as well as the more experienced. Additionally, check out the Orchid Secretssite, which is publishing a growing library of entries on many topics of orchid cultivation.

Proper Potting Will Give Your Epiphytal Orchids A Great Start

Orchids are traditionally placed into two main overall families, epiphytal and terrestrial. Epiphytal orchids grow upon the bark of tree trunks and tree branches. There are a number of ways to grow this type of orchid in one's home or in a greenhouse. It all begins with the potting.

Epiphytal orchids, in nature, have their roots more exposed to the air than the majority of other plants do.  As a consquence, by "potting" we do not mean to pack them all around with thick potting soil.  Rather, we want to place them in a pot containing loose, organic material, from which they can draw necessary nutrients, along with rocks or broken pottery pieces to create sufficient open space as well as to help the plants stand up.

The generally recommended recipe for potting material appropriate to epiphytal orchids is 1 part sphagnum moss to one part peat. Place a layer of this matter in the bottom of your pot, followed by a layer of rocks or pottery pieces, then another layer of the compost, and so on. When the pot is about a quarter or at most a third full, carefully place the orchid's root system down into it. Then proceed to add more rocks and compost, packing all of this potting material just tight enough to support the orchid plant.

You should gradually add the compost until it is up to and even somewhat above the top of the pot. The height you should go above the top of the pot depends on the size of the pot as well as the depth to which you have placed the plant. The rule of thumb is to allow the crown of the plant to rest on the top of the mix. By crown is meant that part of the plant from where the roots start.

If you are repotting an orchid, you have to take special care when removing it from its previous pot. If there are any new roots clinging to the exterior of the pot, you should attempt to ease them off with a penknife. It there is a mass of living roots -- that is, roots with sap in them -- attached to the inside of the pot, then you might need to break the pot and pick away all that you are able to. You may need to then repot it with pieces of the old pot still clinging to the roots, and this is acceptable.

It is usually not a good idea to water the orchid for a day or so before or right after potting.

This has been a general introduction to potting epiphytal orchids. The subject can be more complicated than this, particularly when talking about some of the more delicate or senstive species. People have written entire books on the subject of potting the various different types of orchids!  Fortunately, most of us don't need books devoted soley to the art of potting in order to achieve success with orchids. A recognized, comprehensive guide to all aspects of orchid growing is sufficient.

Nowadays, of course, we have a huge amount of good information on the best way to grow orchids. The most thorough guide to 21st-century orchid growing, many agree, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Howard's clearly written guide will furnish a thorough understanding of the subject. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets website, which features an ever-growing database of postings on all aspects of orchid care.

Starting Facts for Growing Orchids

At one time, many folks assumed, perhaps with some reason, that growing orchids was an occupation reserved for the quite affluent. These days, most people are aware that orchid cultivation is a pastime open to almost everyone.  Yet one other big myth still persists: that it is very difficult to grow orchids. You should be relieved to know that this is not so.

The fact is, some of the most astounding of the orchids are surprisingly relatively simple to grow. What you need is foreknowledge, gleaned from books, whether they are the hard-copy kind or the convenient digital kind that you can download from the Internet. If you live in a mild or warm climate, you will be able to grow many varieties outdoors, in your yard or garden.But even if your climate is a cold one, you can still grow gorgeous orchids in a greenhouse or even a regular room, dedicated to the purpose.

Why grow orchids rather than other types of plants?If you have spent any time in caring for an orchid, the question wouldn't occur to you. Orchids can grip us, infecting us with a sort of fever that never goes away once we catch it!

Nevertheless, here are some possible answers to the question. The great advantage of growing orchids over other plants is their extreme beauty coupled with the great length of time that they will remain in bloom. Some orchids will remain in bloom for three or four months. A few will continue blooming for six months. Even with a small collection of different species of orchids, you can have blooms all year round since these plants vary in their season of blooming.

The topic of orchids, and how to cultivate them, is both broad and deep. You should dig deep into the subject, learning as much as you possibly can before acquiring your first plant. Nontheless, there are some basics you need to know at the very start. One of those basics is that orchids are divided into two great groups based on their growing habits.

One of the major orchid groupings is known as the epiphytals. These orchids grow naturally on the sides of trees, or perhaps in the crotches where two tree branches are joined. They are the air dwelling orchids, because they seemingly live on nothing but air and sunlight, though this of course is not actually true. It was these mysterious species that first grabbed the imaginations of collectors and resulted in the first great orchid mania of a more than a century ago. They remain the ones that hold the most fascination for people.

Epiphytal orchids are not parasites, though. The get only a little of their sustenance from the tree bark on which they grow, and this doesn't harm their hosts at all. They also pull nutrients from water, fungi and moss, as well as the decomposing leaves that sometimes get caught on them. Orchid devotees adore the epiphytals because of the enjoyment of recreating their unusual habitats in a garden or greenhouse.

The other primary group of orchids is the terrestrial ones. As you probably can guess, this type grows in soil like most plants with which we are familiar. Growing them requires potting, just as with any other familiar houseplant. Some of the most beautiful species of orchids will be found in this group.

Many orchid cultivators begin by focusing exclusively on one or the other of these two main groups. Inevitably, though, they end up growing at least a few species from both. It's a good idea to learn about both kinds of orchids if you are serious about wanting to join the world of the orchid cultivators.

Nowadays, of course, we have an abundance of good information on the correct way to grow orchids. The most complete guide to expert orchid care, without a doubt, is Orchid Care Expert by a Mr. Nigel Howard, which can be downloaded from the Internet. Mr. Howard's ebook is a thorough course, immensely practical for beginners as well as more experienced devotees alike. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets site, which is publishing an ever-growing database of entries on all facets of orchid care.

Ornamental Grass Provides Different Lines In Your Garden

Providing a unique texture and beauty to the garden as well as showy displays, ornamental grasses are occasionally overlooked when planning a garden design. They may be used as a sole clump that provides a variation on the normal foliage within a garden bed or they could be made as a living showpiece at the centre of the garden. The can even be grouped together to form hedgerows or ground covering borders, such is their versatility.

For the most part, ornamental grass varieties aren’t fussy about the soil types they are given. With water conservation an ever-present consideration these days, ornamental grasses become an ideal garden choice with many of them drought tolerant with the exception of sedges. Although it is best to look up exactly which position is most suitable for an individual type of plant, ornamental grasses generally prefer a sunny to partially shaded position.

The diversity of the various types of ornamental grass can be seen by taking a brief look at a few well known grasses ofdifferent sizes.

Some, such as Muhly Grass can sit quietly in the garden blending in with its neighbours as an unremarkable looking plant that grows to a height of around 3 foot. But come the end of summer it really comes out of its shell and produces a resounding display of deep pink-red inflorescence giving it a real cotton candy look.

Making an ornamental grass plant such as Pampas Grass a feature in the garden provides a central showpiece character with a difference. Growing up to 12 feet tall and crested with a showy plume of feathery white or pink it can put on a real show. You have to be careful not to let Pampas Grass grow out of control as it is considered a noxious weed in some areas.

Moving from the big to the small, some ornamental grass varieties such as Mondo Grass are used to show off other plants in the garden by providing a lush green background canvas. Used as a groundcover or low border the can really define the tone of a garden.

A quick run through of some of the popular ornamental grasses to consider includes: Fountain Grass, Blood Grass, Blue Fescue, Maiden Grass, Pennisetum, Northern Sea Oats, Zebra Grass and Bunny Tails.

The various types of ornamental grasses have a lot to offer a garden and is well worth considering when planning a new garden design. Whether using them as a ground cover, a striking floral statement or a border they will give the garden an added memorable elemental design.

Killing Insects The Natural Way

You may be one of these people who think that all insects should be nuked.  An abnormal paranoia of anything that creeps and crawls or slithers can sell a lot of chemicals and natural insecticides.  It is true to say that there are insects that can be dangerous, normally the insect only is defending themselves.  So think again about how you kill ants.

If there are insects in your home and garden that you truly are unable to live with, please only target the insects that are genuinely doing harm to your home or your health.  People who are allergic to certain insects have little choice but to rid their homes and property of them.  A wasp or bee sting could put some people in the hospital.

Some insects that are beneficial and do not cause harm to us will cause harm in some form to our plants.  Butterflies are beautiful creatures, but gardeners and fruit crop growers may not appreciate their caterpillars!  Beneficial insects that don't hurt us or our crops are ladybugs and some species of wasps.  Honeybeens will sting you if they feel under threat but if we didn't have them we wouldn't be able to enjoy honey and also our plants will have great difficulty in pollenating.

For umpteen years a product called boric acid has been used in the area of controlling roaches.  Ants have always been quite a problem because they love to come into our homes and can also bite.  Wasps that do sting cause allergic reactions, fear in small children and many adults because of their aggressive nature.  People usually use some form of spray to attack them so they don't have to get too close and risk their painful stings.  A useful thing to learn too is foods that ants consume.

Neem comes from the Indian lilac tree.  It prevents feeding and is a growth regulator.  Pyrethrum is one of the most popular natural insecticides for attacking insects.  It is used to paralyze and must be applied directly.  It's contained in many pet shampoos for flea and tick control.  Nicotine is well known as a tobacco product, it of course causes major problems to people's health.  Some insects can actually be controlled by it.  Rotenone and sabadilla dust can be considered exotic natural insecticides because they are made from plants that exist in other countries.  Sabadilla can wreak havoc on a honeybee population, though, and is a short-term insecticide.  So consider the possibility of homemade natural ant killer.

Some Useful Organic Vegetable Gardening Tips

We all want to stay healthy by eating chemically free, fresh, vitamin filled and natural foods. When we grow our own food, it makes us less dependent on commercially grown foods, which are coated with chemicals and are also quite tasteless.

The US Department of Agriculture compiled data that reveals that the mineral levels in vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat has decreased substantially in the foods that are commercially produced. Chemical fertilizers that are used for commercial produce swell it with more water. Organic food on the other hand has more dry matter and is loaded with essential nutrients. It is also much higher in antioxidants, which is another big reason to go organic.

How is Organic Gardening Different

The main difference between conventional gardening and organic gardening is in the areas of pest control and fertilization. In organic gardening, organic and natural methods and materials are used rather than synthetic chemicals which are detrimental to the environment and our health.

If you are fond of home gardening for organic vegetables, some of the useful home vegetable gardening tips are to choose your crops carefully, select a garden site that is appropriate for plants, plan your garden, prepare the soil and choose appropriate fertilizers.


Successful Organic Vegetable Gardening

The most important organic vegetable gardening tip is that you need to provide good growing conditions for the healthiest produce. A good crop does not happen by accident, it needs lots of hard work and suitable conditions. The most important factor responsible for adequate growth of any plant is at least six hours of direct sun each day. You also need to make sure that the soil is full of organic matter.

Another organic vegetable gardening tip is to choose the plants sensibly. There are some plants that are more susceptible to diseases and pest problems as compared to other plants. To save unnecessary problems for yourself, look for varieties that are disease-resistant.

One valuable organic vegetable gardening tip is to feed your organic plants naturally. Fertilizing your plants may not be necessary in most soils, but it definitely helps them grow better. Feeding your plants with well-rotted animal manure is a good source. Organic matter improves tilth, structure and the condition of the soil. It also improves the ability of soil to hold water and nutrients.

Another handy organic vegetable gardening tip is to be absolutely intolerant of weeds as they rob plants of water and essential nutrients. They also attract pests that can spread diseases from one plant to another. It is therefore important to walk through your garden and pick up weeds and shed foliage.

Another important organic vegetable gardening tip is to water wisely. Use water saving soaker hoses to water the plants directly at the roots. Also, jamming the plants in the plot can cause problems. Do not plant the organic vegetables too close to each other. There has to be good airflow between the plant for them to grow well and prevent any fungal disease.

For more about gardening please visit www.organicgardeningzone.com

A Healthy Option: Green Gardening

There is a new world developing in the gardening world that is called green gardening, otherwise known as organic gardening.  Since it is becoming more popular, there is more gardening help available to help a person who has been gardening for years change over to green gardening from traditional methods.There is also plenty of information that allows those who have not ever gardened before to become green gardeners in a short amount of time.

Going Green

Going green is a slogan that has been tossed around more and more in recent years, as more and more people become informed about the effects of our actions on the environment and more environmental problems surface due to man's negligence.  Since this is the case, people have been finding more ways to be environmentally friendly yet still able to participate in the activities they enjoy, such as gardening.

Green gardening means using products that are organic, such as compost instead of chemical fertilizers.The compost can be made through grass clippings, leaves or scraps from the kitchen that are organic.All of these items are thrown onto a pile called the compost pile, which begins to decay and let the nutrients from the decaying bodies into the soil, which plants love.  Earthworms also help to decompose the compost pile if the person doesn't mind their squirming.

In addition to growing flowers organically, green gardening includes growing food, so that most of what is eaten is home grown.  Organic food that is bought in a grocery store or specialty shop is always more expensive then alternatives.  Growing food in a vegetable garden saves time and money, including the gas required to get to the grocery store!  In addition, picking the vegetables and fruit from the garden, fresh, right before use always tastes better than those that have been shipped to the store.

For those who do not have the option of starting a green garden in the back of their house, there are a couple of different options available.  One option is to join a community garden in which people sign up to take care of the garden on different days of the week and the produce from the garden is shared amongst them all.  The other option for urban dwellers is to do container gardening, doing green gardening in potted plants.  All sorts of plants can be grown this way, including vegetables, so it is a viable option for those who do not have yards.

For more about gardening please visit www.organicgardeningzone.com

Carnivorous Plants

If you want to add a unique touch to your garden, carnivorous plants are bound to get attention. There are several interesting exotic species to consider, such as the ever popular Venus Flytrap or the Cobra plant. Both these plants consume insects and can be of benefit to any garden in that way and in addition, they are a great conversational piece. The size of the plant you select will determine the amount of insects consumed, however, the entertainment they provide for both adults and children alike, is well worth the investment.

Basically there are five different types of carnivorous plants for you to consider. The most common type, is the Venus Flytrap found in cultivated varieties of the Dionaea muscipula family. The carnivorous Venus flytrap plant can snap its clamshell leaves around an insect in less than a second.

When a fly or insect walks on the surface, this activates a hair trigger and causes closure, as the traps closes it fills with an enzyme solution, and then it will dissolve the proteins from the insect. Digestion takes five to 12 days, after which the trap reopens, then the insect’s exoskeleton blows away in the wind or is washed away by rain.

These plants range from colorful to bland, and do not have moving parts like their snap trap counterparts.

Sundew plants of the Venus Flytrap family are amongst the most interesting to watch. These plants secrete a glue which traps and breaks down insects for nourishment. The type of secretion created by this particular plant can cause skin irritation to humans and therefore should be treated with caution.

The only carnivorous plant with a true "trapdoor" is the remarkable bladderwort. Numerous, tiny glands inside the bladder absorb most of the internal water and expel it on the outside, and as a result, a partial vacuum is produced inside the bladder and the pressure on the outside becomes greater than the inside. This causes the walls to squeeze inward and explains their slightly concave appearance. Bladderworts are more commonly found underwater than above ground, which is another distinct characteristic from other carnivorous plants.

Finally, the lobster pot traps are among some of the most unusual looking carnivorous plants that you can acquire, they function by giving insects an easy way to enter, but little chance of escape.

Corkscrew plants are interesting, in that, the inside of the plant mouth is filled with downward pointing obstructions, used to prevent it’s prey from escaping it’s grasp.

If you do not wish to have a true carnivorous plant in your garden, but would like something with similar characteristics, there are several related species you may want to consider. These plants include the Brocchinia Roridula and members of the Martyniaceae species. These plants lack one of the three required aspects, which is to attract, kill and digest prey, to be classified as a true carnivorous plant.

Carnivorous plants should be placed where young children and babies cannot reach them. While most of them are relatively harmless to humans, digestion of these plants should be avoided, due to the digestive enzymes that the plant utilizes to break down prey.

How Our Knowledge of Orchids Came to Be

Since tulip mania (or "tulipomania") crested in the Netherlands until the present, no one group of plants has achieved such a tenacious grasp on popular imagination as the orchids. Believe it or not, though, today's orchid craze hardly compares to the extreme devotion that the plants roused in our Victorian forebears, particularly in England and America.

Certainly other plants had a degree of celebrity in the Anglo-Saxon sphere during the mid- to late 19th century.Among these were ferns, cacti, chrysanthemums, palms and roses. But orchids to a great extent represented the height of horticultural respectability in the 19th century garden. So highly were the tropical epiphytes esteemed that in May of 1885 the first general conference on orchids was held in London. The gala event brought together amateur as well as commercial growers to show off their prized specimens and to discuss important issues, including the culture and nomenclature of these marvelous flowers.

At the time of that great conference in London, the exotic tropical orchids had been known to most of the world for only around a hundred years. The Spanish botanist Francisco Hernandez casually mentioned a few orchids as curiosities in his account of his 16th-century voyage to Spanish America. Almost two centuries later, naturalist Engelbert Kaempfer and botanist Georg Eberhard Rumphius, both working for the Dutch East Indies Company, described some of the Asian orchids. It was not, though, until just prior to the opening of the 19th century that many Europeans became aware of these exciting, mysterious plants.

By the early 19th century, botanists were attempting to cultivate a handful of specimens at such places as London's famous Kew Gardens. Until 1820 orchids were looked upon as curiosities in botanical gardens, but about that time some showy Cattleyas and other species produced some stunning flowers, piqueing greater interest among the public. By the middle of the 19th century, new orchid specimens were making their way to Europe from all around the globe. Additionally, more and more people were attempting to cultivate orchids at home.

The orchid craze was in full swing by the late 19th century and continued unabated for many years to come. Somewhat suprisingly, a solid scientific understanding of orchid botany and what was needed to be consistently successful in growing orchids did not arrive until the 1920s.

Nowadays, of course, we have an abundance of good information on the proper way to grow orchids. The most accurate and clear guide to expert orchid growing, many growers agree, is Orchid Care Expert by a Mr. Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded from the web. Howard's wonderful guide will furnish a full immersion in the subject. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets site, which has an ever-expanding database of articles on many aspects of orchid care.

How to Make Organic Gardening Compost

So you want to get involved in organic gardening and farming, and know that one of the first things that you are going to need to do is make some organic gardening compost. This organic gardening compost is what you are going to be using to provide nutrients to the soil which in turn will make stronger, healthier plants.

There are a few different ways to make organic gardening compost, but here is some basic information that you will need to be aware of.

Full Instructions

When it comes to organic gardening compost, the most important thing to learn about is what you can use to make compost. Basically, anything that was once living will make for great compost. You should avoid using meat, dairy and cooked food in your compost however because these foods can attract vermin and so you really want to avoid home-composting them.

All fruit and vegetable peels work well in organic gardening, and for the best results you want to always use a mixture of types of ingredient. The right balance for you here is going to really only be learnt by experience, and so just because you may not get it perfect right away, you should not become frustrated and after you practice and stay at it, you will continue to make better and better compost each time.

Keep in mind that some things, such as grass mowing and soft young weeds, will rot quickly, and so they do work as activators which means that they get the compost started, but they do end up decaying and causing quite a mess.

Any tea bags and leaves, coffee grounds, soft green prunings, animal manure, and poultry manure and bedding for instance, will all work very well in your compost. Make sure that you try a few different things, and see what works best.

Depending on the type of plants that you have in your garden, certain mixtures are going to work better than others. Only over time will you be able to recognize which mixtures work best on your garden.

Remember, your organic gardening compost can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. If you are just getting started, it will be best for you to stick to a simpler compost recipe, and then as you begin to get more used to making it and get more familiar with the routine, you can start adding in new things.

For more about gardening please visit www.organicgardeningzone.com

Home Gardening

Home gardening can be a wonderful way to relax after a rough day in the office, allowing the individual to have time outside, physical activity, and produce a gorgeous garden that everyone can enjoy.Whether they choose to grow a flower garden or stick to vegetables, a garden comes in all shapes and sizes, from containers gardens, ornamental gardens or ones that provide food for the entire family.

Types of Gardening

There are different types of home gardening styles for individuals to choose from so that they can experiment to see what ones work best for them.Getting started in home gardening almost always starts with the soil, since that is the essence of all that will grow in the garden.Placement of the garden is of importance as well, since there are some flowers and plants that will not grow in direct sunlight or full shade, so the area where the garden is to be placed should be chosen with care.

There are different types of plants that can be planted in home gardens.  Besides the many varieties of fruits and vegetables, there are different types of flowers, grasses and bushes that can be grown in home gardens.  Annual plants are ones that only live for one growing season.  The downside to these plants is that they have to be replaced every year.However, they are great filler plants and add splashes of color and texture wherever they are planted.In addition, there are biennial plants that last for two seasons, so the individual gets more 'value' for their money.

Perennial plants are usually the foundation to any decorative garden since they continue to grow year after year and, if tended well, will fill in and make the garden look more and more luxurious with each year.  Rose gardening is another option of perennial that can make for a beautiful garden.Some people are wary of choosing roses for the garden, thinking that they are hard to tend and finicky, but with a few simple tips, growing a rose garden is a great choice in a home garden.

The other popular choice in flowers is growing from bulbs and tubers.  These flowers also grow back year after year, but have to be tended to ward off deer and other creatures who love the tender bulbs.Ornamental grasses and vines are also wonderful choices to edge home gardens or to use as ground cover, since they are decorative and easy to tend once they have grown in.

For more about gardening please visit www.organicgardeningzone.com

Cattleya Flies

The Cattleya fly is among the most potentially devastating insects that couldinject themselves into your precious orchids. In fact, this insect is closely associated with orchids rather than any other type of plant, as you might guess from its scientific name, Eurytoma orchidearum.

Cattleya flies inject their eggs into the orchid plant's young growths. The eggs hatch and then nymphs (or maggots) hatch and begin to feed voraciously. These nymphs soon swell to a huge size within the orchid's bulbs. One signal that these maggots are doing their dirty work is that the bulbs will swell becoming club-shaped at the location where the pests are eating.

Eventually, the hungry little nymphs are changed into adult flies, which eat their way through the fleshy bulbs to freedom. Adult flies are deep black, have clear wings, and are approximately a quarter inch in length. Unfortunatelyy, by the time you see them it might be too late to save some of your plants. Nonetheless, you should try to kill the flies before they get a chance to inject their eggs into your remaining healthy plants.

If some of your orchids are already infected, the best course of action is to cut away any bulbs you see that are abnormally swollen. Then simply drop the nymph or maggot into a container of water to drown it. It is discouraging to have to slice away a plant's promising young growth, but it is better than leaving your other plants exposed to attack by the pest. With some luck, that plant that you did surgery to will produce a new bulb in place of the old one.

Here's a little good news, though, as far as these nasty little pests. They are actually not very common, and most orchid cultivators will never encounter them. Still, it makes good sense to inspect every new orchid for the tell-tale signs of these flies and their maggots. Besides looking out for abnormally enlarged bulbs where the fly's nymphs might be eating, inspect for tiny holes where a female fly's ovipositor might have inserted her eggs into the orchid. Absent such signs, you probably do not have a Cattleya fly problem.

To be really successful growing orchids it is important to know how to deal with all of the various threats to your plants, including insects. It is not as hard to grow orchids as many people believe, if you ground yourself in basic knowledge of these spellbinding plants.

The most complete guidebook to 21st-century orchid cultivation, many growers agree, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded over the Internet. Howard's delightful guide will provide a thorough education on the subject. Also, be sure to visit the Orchid Secrets website, which features an ever-expanding database of information on many facets of orchid cultivation.

Natural Food Enthusiasts Enjoy Healthy Foods From Their Home Garden

Planting a home garden in order to provide wonderful quality, fresh foods for cooking, and also for preserving through canning and freezing, is an increasingly popular activity for many people. A primary motivation for growing their own fruits and vegetables is that there is more and more evidence that the produce available at the supermarkets is severely lacking in nutrition because of current mass-growing methods.

Not only that, but for many people starting and cultivating a home garden for the purpose of providing wonderful foods for the table is an enjoyable endeavor. Gardening has long been a popular hobby for many people all around the world, but when you add the extra incentive of being able to provide your family with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that have not been contaminated with chemicals and pesticides, it is easy to see why the popularity of the garden has grown.

In addition to these kinds of concerns about the safety and the nutritional value of grocery store produce, people are also finding that it is wonderful to be able to go to their home garden and pick their foods fresh from the vine at just the perfect moment of development. If you compare that to store-bought tomatoes which are harvested way before they have a chance to ripen naturally and then are packed, shipped and stored before finally reaching the store shelf, then it is easy to understand the advantages of garden-fresh food.

In that scenario, which is common of the vast majority of produce sold in the grocery stores today, the tomato has been detached from its life-giving parent plant for many days and sometimes weeks. But with a vegetable garden just outside your kitchen door, you can pick your tomatoes when they are at their peak of ripeness and be able to have the freshest tomatoes to add to your salad or for your famous tomato sauce.

Most of the common and popular vegetables that are available in the produce sections of grocery stores can be grown in home gardens. Some of the most popular varieties are carrots, green beans, potatoes, peas, beets, broccoli, cabbage, and many varieties of squash, just to name a few. And don't forget about all of the wonderful berries that can be home grown as well. Technically a fruit, tomatoes are one of the most popular foods that people enjoy including in their home gardens. They are easy to grow and simply delicious plucked off the vine.

Produce from a vegetable garden can be used immediately or it can be frozen or canned for later use, and many people include herbs in their gardens too. In fact, herbs can be even more convenient as they can even be grown indoors, making your gardening efforts even more simple and easy. And, just as those fresh vegetables taste better and are better for you, you will also find that fresh herbs from the garden are superior in taste and flavor as compared to the dried and packaged varieties.

Even with all the benefits to consider of having a home garden to supply fresh produce and savory herbs for your table, some people do it just because they enjoy the hobby of gardening so much. For many people, the satisfaction they get from planting and nurturing the garden is all the reward they need. And, when combined with the ability to share a meal with friends that includes fresh and tasty foods, for many people that is the perfect way to get the most from their love of planting and sowing.

No building is complete without some grass, a few plants and some shrubbery to help enhance the quality of the building. The enhanced curb appeal as well as the added value can make the final difference when selling a home or adding to the over all value of the house. Any little bit helps and you do not always need a professional to do the landscaping for you. It never hurts to have some professional advice or a little bit of knowledge before you start ripping up your front yard, though. Some trees, some pleasant green grass, and you will get it down pat before you know it Who knows? Maybe you will decide it as a career that you might be curious in pursuing. The following are some of the frequently asked question people have for landscaping so that you can have an idea of how landscaping is done and how it can be easier than you might think.

When should I hire a landscaper?

You should hire a landscaper if you do not have a "green thumb" and you are not going to have the time to devote to getting rid of the prior planting as well as landscaping the new. There are specific steps that must be put into place to stop soil erosion so it will need at a minimum a weekend of challenging work. Landscaper's are not cheap but you can find one at a reasonable cost depending on how extensive the area is and how much labor you intend to complete yourself. If you are going to maintain the area, you will spend less money as well.

If I decide to landscape my home myself, what are some designs as well as ideas to assist me?

There are many software programs out on the market currently that can help you design your own landscape. You will have to insert the shape of your yard and then select from the kind of terrain and climate you live in. The software can give you recommended plants as well as shrubbery that is best matched for your yard. If you wish to have manmade terrains or structures, you will wish to contact a carpenter for ideas or a do-it-yourself website for directions.

How do I decide which type to plant?

The kind of plant you select will be dependent on your climate and how much you want to water. It will also depend on how much sun your yard gets throughout the day. Some plants flourush in the shade when others will wilt. For those individuals who live in drought prone areas, they should consider planting plants that are hardy that require little water and really help to maintain the soil from eroding. Numerous people elect to have rock gardens as well as cactus if they happen to live in desert environments.

When is the ideal planting season?

The ideal planting season depends on what type of plant you want to grow. The best time to plany bulbs is in the fall so that they have time to root. Other plants are best suited to planting during the spring months. Some plants will not produce flowers or fruits for one or two seasons later so you have to prepare for this. Trees will need to work through several years before they become substantial enough to give adequate shade or produce fruit.

What is the best way to protect my newly planted shrubs and flowers from the weather as well as the elements?

At the time of the beginning weeks and months numerous plants are at risk of dying from the atmospheric condition however you can take steps to help prevent this from happening. Two of the greatest threats are the rain as well as the wind. To guard your plants from both you will need to furnish with protection. You can lay down a a barrier to protect between the ground and the plant. This will assist in securing the roots of the plant and preclude excess amounts of from absorbing into the ground. The additional gain will be suppression of weeds from growing up through the grating. To prevent wind erosion of the soil, spread hay or straw in the area of the plants to assist in protecting the soil. If you place a bag that protects around the plant that will maintain the plant warm enough to prevent frost.

To find out more head on over to Commercial Landscaping Contractor similarly
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Beautifying the Yard: Flower Gardening

Flower gardening is one way to make a huge difference in the yard and raise the value of any home.There are so many different choices in flowers that a flower garden can change every year or even every month!  In addition, there are ways to green garden, which means that all of the products used in the garden are organic, so that pesticides and fertilizers are not used which can be harmful to humans, pets and the environment.  

The first choice in flower gardening is what types of flowers to plant, since that will determine where the garden should be located.  If there is only one option for where the flower garden can be placed, then the plants chosen for the garden should be based on how much sunlight is available in the garden and what the overall climate is where the person lives.That way the flower garden will be more likely to be successful, and the gardener will not get frustrated with plants that will not grow or that die after a short amount of time.

Roses?

There are many people who would like to have a rose flower garden but are afraid to do so because they have heard that roses are temperamental flowers and are difficult to grow and maintain.  However, there are some tips that can be used to successfully grow a rose flower garden in any climate.   

The first tip was mentioned above – choose the flowers according to the climate.  Roses are tougher than they look and were found naturally in every climate.The trick to planting a rose garden is to choose the types of roses that enjoy the type of weather the person lives in.Also, roses enjoy sunlight, so a flower garden composed of roses should be placed where they can get direct sunlight.

When planting rose bushes in a flower garden, they should be planted apart from one another so that they can get air between the different plants.They also should be pruned regularly so that the bushes do not get too thick where they cannot get air within the branches of the plant.  Roses also like to be watered regularly, but not in the way other flowers are usually watered.Roses need to be watered at the roots so that they can more readily absorb the water.

If all of these instructions are followed, then a beautiful rose flower garden should be blooming in no time.  Keeping the roses well fertilized with healthy mulch from compost will also help them to stay healthy and strong.

For more about gardening please visit www.organicgardeningzone.com

A Green Thumb

Everybody has something he or she enjoys doing, maybe it is for relaxation or maybe a hobby. Sometimes that hobby can be hard work and sometimes it can help one unwind. I have found something that can be hard work at times but most often, it helps me unwind and relax. Want to know what my secret is? Well, it is gardening.

I first got started gardening while working with my mom in her garden. She helped me understand the basics of gardening like, the difference between annuals and perennials and the pros and cons of different plant types. At first, I would complain about helping, but after the project was completed, I felt a sense of pride in our accomplishment. She still tells me how much she wants me to come home and help her because, my brother and sister, who still live at home, do not help. My last trip home I spent two days putting in a pond and landscaping it.

Gardening can be hard work both physically and mentally. Someone may laugh at the thought of that, but digging up the ground and leveling it out to make a flowerbed can wear someone out. Maybe even harder than that is making sure you pick the right plants. The most important thing is, for it to be pleasing to the eye, but then I have to take into consideration the amount of sunlight the area receives, the make-up of the soil because all plants like different soil types. For instance, some plants like acidic soil while others will die if planted in it and other plants have to have the proper drainage or the root system will rot. Another important consideration, and most often overlooked is, how big the plant will be when it matures. Considering all this can be overwhelming, but if done right, the perfect garden is at your fingertips.

After the hard work is done, then it is time relax and enjoy all the time and energy spent creating my masterpiece. I like to come home and unwind by getting a cold glass of ice tea or maybe a beer, go outside and water my garden. I find it relaxing because I sit in an office all day in front of a computer, so I like going outside and getting some fresh air. After I have given all my plants a drink of water, I sit in my lawn chair and watch the kids play, spot some weeds that need to be pulled, and plan out my next landscaping project.

When I first moved to my house, there was not much landscaping in either the front yard or the back. Now all that has changed because of the hobby I enjoy so much. Yes, it was a lot of hard work at first having to dig up the ground, picking out the right plants and putting them in the ground but now I get to relax while either watering them or just sitting in a lawn chair enjoying my creation.

Zen Gardening

For a region that is predominantly Buddhist, Chan, or Zen, is an important philosophy. Zen is a term used for a school that teaches the teachings of Buddha and how they are active in the natural world. Buddhism was in China before the Zen teachings, and when the Indian prince Bodhidharma introduced the idea to the Buddhist in 526 A.D., they were amazed at his way of seeing the world for what it is. Zen took off after Bodhidharma's ideas were spread.

Schools of Zen teachings were a mix of the Daoism philosophy and Mahayana. These were very strict schools that insisted on the idea that separate things exist only in relation to one another, which means nature cannot be defined or classified in any way. The goal of these Buddhist practicing Zen was to accomplish the way of seeing the world as Buddha did, just as it is, with a mind that has no grasping thoughts or feelings. Schools that teach Zen recognize the importance of the arts, such as: painting, calligraphy, architecture, ceremonial tea drinking, and gardening. Other areas of Buddhism, such as Japan, practice arts such as Jujitsu as an art as well. Of the Zen arts, gardening is one of the most important and interesting forms of art.

Zen Gardening has been practiced for almost a millennium. In the eleventh century, monks began creating these gardens as a tool to teach the principals of Zen and Buddhism to students. These gardens take careful consideration and care to make a peaceful environment for meditation. It takes a lot of labor to keep them looking nice, but Buddhist think of it more of an opportunity to create than just a basic chore. The gardens have to be a perfect place to meditate.

We know these gardens simply as the desktop sand box with a rake, but there is a lot more to a Zen garden. Everything in a garden is there for a reason. Every single rock, plant, sand spread, water form, and bridge serves a purpose for the garden. The number 3 has importance in Buddhism because of the Buddhist trinity and the sky, earth, and humanity. Odd numbers are used because of the Buddhist belief that the earth is not an even structure and nature is naturally uneven. All gardens are meant to be massive landforms on a much smaller scale.

The materials used in the gardens represent different things. Of the objects used, rocks are the most meaningful. Tall rocks are used to symbolize the sky and wide flat rocks are used to symbolize the earth. Some rocks are even used to represent animals or specific landforms. The sand spreads are the most interesting part of Zen gardens; they are important because they are meant to give a sense of emotion while meditating. While many plants are used in the gardens, floral fixtures are rarely found because they are not naturally occurring. Not everything used is natural; pathways, bridges, a lanterns are frequently used to guide the visitor in the path that Buddha would take. They also are used to show Buddhist beliefs, such as, the Eight-Fold Path. Everything in a garden has a purpose.

These beautiful gardens are now all over the Buddhist countries in Asia. What began in China is now celebrated more in Japan and Korea. Japan is home to the world's finest gardens, such as, Kyoto, Nijo, Katsura, Sento and numerous others. Over time, the gardens have stayed true to the basic style, the only exception is Japan, many of their gardens have a lot of ponds and other water fixtures. The gardens, though a big tourist attraction, are still used today.

Overall, the ultimate goal of Zen and Zen gardening is to show the world from the point of view that Buddha saw it. Because of this, they are some of the most unique gardens in the world. They give monks a great place to meditate and are fun to look at. Their popularity in Asia has brought them to the United States. Americans use miniature dry rock gardens with sand and a rake as a relaxation devise. There are even a couple of Zen gardens in the Chicago land area. They look simple and easy to make, but they are really complex and need a lot of care. If a leaf falls in any design, it must be picked up, that's just how meaningful and important Zen gardens are.

When to Cut Your Orchid

You might notice that you have an orchid that seems to thrive, year after year, yet never brings forth more than one flowering pseudobulb. If you desire to increase the number of blooming growths, you might be able to do so by using a method of cutting in order to produce back shoots. With luck and an appropriate species (such as one from the Cattleyas), you will one day have a truly astonishing orchid.

Proceed this way: Take an orchid plant having at least four or five back pseudobulbs. Slice the rhizome in two between the bulbs, taking care not to otherwise disturb it. That's basically it, but here are some things to keep in mind:

• The best time to cut most orchids is during their resting phase, usually fall or winter. When they next enter into their growing stage, you may observe them sending forth two growths from one pseudobulb at the place where you cut it.
• No matter how eager you are to force more blooms, you should refrain from cutting any orchid that is not in good health. Cutting as described above will not harm a healthy plant, but could be stressful to a weak or sickly one.
• If you cut the same plant for back shoots every year, you will eventually have an orchid that is both bigger and more stunning that it would have been without the knife. This is the way some of the astonishing specimens are produced that you see in orchid shows.

There is more that can be said about the art of cutting to produce more blooms, as well as the process of taking cuttings to start more plants. To learn more about these and other secrets of orchid cultivation, a good guide such as that written by Nigel Howard is highly recommended.

The most thorough guide to contemporary orchid cultivation, many growers agree, is Mr. Howard's Orchid Care Expert, which is available to be downloaded from the web. Mr. Howard's guide is a complete course of study, helpful for beginners and more experienced fanciers alike. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which features an ever-growing library of information on many topics of orchid cultivation.

Blossoming Orchids - Keep 'Em Cool

So, you've nursed and fussed over an orchid for many long months and now it is rewarding you with a gorgeous bloom.Should you handle the plant any differently now? The answer? Perhaps.

Although the variety of your orchid will be the final determinant, as a rule it would be wise for you to remove the plant to a cooler and drier place that that in which it was grown. This will assist the flowers to last longer than in a moist, warm greenhouse or other typical growing room.

Most orchids will not suffer by being place in a drier and cooler location when they are in bloom. Most will certainly benefit from it. Nevertheless, you should ensure that the temperature of your orchid's temporary new home should never get below 50 degrees F. at night.

Here's an experiment you can make if you happen to have two orchids of the same variety that bloom at about the same time. Leave one in your growing room, and place the other in a cool, dry place as recommended above. You will almost certainly notice that the one in your "cool room" will have fresh flowers for a significantly longer time than the one that was left behind.

The flowers of even the best-kept orchids will finally begin to fade at some point, of course. When this occurs you can re-locate the plant back into the warmer growing room. Take care to shade it from direct sun until it has re-adjusted to the warmth. If you neglect this, the plant could become scorched.

One of the keys to success in growing orchids is to understand their life cycles and the different stages they go through. Each of those stages demands a different type of care, and the blossoming phase has "rules" all its own.

The most up-to-date guide to modern orchid growing, in the opinion of many, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Mr. Howard's guide is a thorough course, helpful for novices as well as the more seasoned growers alike. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which features an ever-growing library of information on all aspects of orchid cultivation.

Orchids of Our Imagination

One of the pleasurable side hobbies to orchid apprecation is that of seeking out references to these strangely fascinating flowers in literature and popular entertainment.

Among the earliest short stories in which an orchid plays a leading role is a strange little work by the pioneering science fiction writer, H.G. Wells.This story is really not so much science fiction as it is horror, though. You can easily find it in short-story treasuries as well as on the Web under the title of "The Flowering of the Strange Orchid" or simply, "The Strange Orchid."

Wells lived and wrote during the years of the first great orchid mania, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was also a time when there were still some isolated and relatively unexplored places in the world, which fired contemporary imaginations with imaginings of undiscovered monsters that could yet be lurking in some jungle or mountain fastness.

For "The Strange Orchid," Wells built on the fact that flowers discharge their scent into the air to attract insects, which in turn spread pollen from one plant to another, assisting the plants to reproduce. What if--Wells wondered--there were a flower that took this a step further by evolving the ability to use its scent to overpower and feed on large animals?

The story centers on an Englishman with a passion for orchids who has acquired a rare specimen. After months of tending to it he is excited to see that it is about to blossom. He goes alone one day, eager to enjoy the first sight and odor of the unknown flower. Later, his housekeeper discovers him on the floor near the orchid, which is emitting a powerful scent and looking very strong indeed (and evil!). A blood red-tint suffuses its
leaves and it has already pushed some of its finger-like shoots round the orchid lover's neck and beneath his shirt front.

With an inarticulate cry she ran towards him, and tried to pull him away from the leech-like suckers. She snapped two of these tentacles, and their sap dripped red.

Then the overpowering scent of the blossom began to make her head reel. How they clung to him! She tore at the tough ropes, and he and the white inflorescence swam about her. She felt she was fainting, knew she must not. She left him and hastily opened the nearest door, and, after she had panted for a moment in the fresh air, she had a brilliant inspiration. She caught up a flower-pot and smashed in the windows at the end of the greenhouse. Then she re-entered.

She tugged now with renewed strength at Wedderburn's motionless body, and brought the strange orchid crashing to the floor. It still clung with the grimmest tenacity to its victim. In a frenzy, she lugged it and him into the open air.

Then she thought of tearing through the sucker rootlets one by one, and in another minute she had released him and was dragging him away from the horror.

He was white and bleeding from a dozen circular patches.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the housekeeper in this story, the orchid's victim survives--this time.

Fortunately, orchids that feast on blood do not actually exist.You can, though, view this tale as symbolic of the strange grip that orchids can have on anyone who falls under their spell. People who succumb to orchid fever--and that includes everyone who decides to try their hand at growing them--tend to contract the illness for life. You have now been warned!

If these intriguing plants have put the bite on you, you'll want to find out as much as possible about how to grow orchids successfully.  The most complete guide to today's orchid cultivation, without a doubt, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded online. Mr. Howard's guide is a complete course of study, helpful for novices as well as more seasoned growers alike. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of information on all topics of orchid cultivation.

Spark your Imagination in Your Local Garden Center

Whether you are a greenhorn with gardening or a certified green-thumb, there is nothing better than knowing just where to head for all of your gardening needs. Whatever the size and kind of your garden is, it is inevitable that you will still need to frequent your local gardening center for tools and products that you cannot do proper gardening without. This is why it is so important to stop by your local garden center so you can see what is available out there for you to use to make your gardening job a lot easier.

If you take time to look around, you will soon see that there are probably a couple of garden centers near you. These types of stores seem to pop up like mushrooms all over the place and are becoming a very popular place to shop at. The garden center is the most likely place where you will find just about everything on your garden shopping list. Although the prices can sometimes be steep, the convenience of one-stop shopping can certainly make it all worthwhile in the end.

Budget-conscious Shopping

If you need or just want to be a bit budget-conscious, it is fairly alright to avoid several high-end garden center stores. Not just because their retail prices is something that you can beat elsewhere, but for those who love the outdoors, their wide selection of items can make overspending surely tempting. These are just some of the many reasons why people would go to the extremes just to avoid these high-end garden centers. Although some people believe those are the only places to shop, there are still other options out there.

Flea markets and yard sales proliferate throughout the summer and these are the perfect places to find some of the tools that you are searching for. Just about everything that you would need from the garden center can also be found at a yard sale or two throughout the summer. Even if the item is slightly used, as long as it is still in decent shape, there is nothing wrong with picking it up and saving yourself a good amount of money. In the end, it will all depend on your skills and intuitions to find the best garden center that could expand your collection of gardening tools while keeping your pockets happy.

 

 

Organic Vegetable Gardening - Good Forr Your Health And The Environment

Organically grown fruit and vegetables

Organic vegetable gardening has now become a fast growing market and industry all over the world. People are now becoming more and more aware of the dangers of traditional farming and gardening as well as the benefits of organic vegetable gardening. Primarily, organic vegetable gardening is a method of food production that has little or no chemical taint involved. This means that farmers and gardeners that promote organic gardening use alternative organic gardening supplies such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

The term organic implies that the products of organic gardening are free from chemicals and others substances that may have a negative effect on humans and the environment. Organic vegetable gardening means that the farmers/workers who plant the vegetables and the consumers who buy them are both safe.

Ways to Grow Vegetables Organically

Organic vegetable gardening can be done in many ways. For those space-conscious individuals, flower pots and flower boxes can be used in making their own organic vegetable gardening. Small-scale organic vegetable gardening is sometimes better because you can really pay attention and skills on just a few plants. This is beneficial for those who work full time and may have just a little time to attend to their plants. Planting vegetable in pots and flower boxes may seem diminutive but the vegetables can actually flourish in them with a little tender loving care and attention. Organic fertilizer may be necessary for vegetables grown in pots and flower boxes because of the limited soil and nutrients they have access to. Organic vegetable gardening is great especially for vegetable that thrive in small pots

People with limited yard space can also take advantage of making hanging gardens which do not need soil. This method of organic vegetable gardening would require more care than any other methods mentioned because you will need to regularly supply nutrients for the plant.

For those individuals with enough space for plots in their garden, this may be a great opportunity to create your very own organic garden. With just the right space in your yard, you can enjoy the bounty of fresh organic vegetables everyday. Organic vegetable gardening can be very enjoyable and beneficial if done properly and with the absence of chemicals and other harmful substances.

The bottomline is whichever organic gardening methods you use; there is still a lot to be gained from going organic. The benefits you reap not only affect you and your family but the environment as well.