6 Ideas for Garden Makeovers

September 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on ideas for garden makeovers.  If you don’t have a green thumb, keeping your garden looking beautiful can feel impossible. However, getting and maintaining a gorgeous garden doesn’t have to be a struggle.

There are a few simple things that you can do to give your garden a new lease on life, without having to put in hours of work.

 

 

home garden makeover tips

 

 Ideas for Garden Makeovers:

 

  • Paint some flower pots –  This is an great way to add a pop of color to the garden.  Remove any dirt and residue from the pots.  Having a clean base is imperative for the paint to stick.  Paint your pots any color that you like.  Here’s a suggestion, how about painting the pots in one color and using a stencil with another color to add fun designs? Ask your children to help you.  Here’s a kid-friendly garden project. To make your design last, cover them with an acrylic sealant. 
  • Trim back any trees – If you have trees in your garden that are getting out of control, call in a professional. They will be able to safely trim any trees without risk for you.  A good trim will make the trees look better and get rid of any loose branches that might fall and cause damage. 

 

home garden makeover tips

 

 

 

  • Refresh the shed – If your shed is looking worn out and tired, you can simply correct this with a coat of exterior paint or stain. Add  another color hit by choosing a treatment in a bright or pastel hue.  You could also stencil on fun designs, like plants or birds. 
  • Refresh your garden furniture –  While you’re painting your shed, give your wood garden furniture a coat as paint well. Choose a color that makes you smile and goes with the rest of your garden. 

 

home garden makeover tips

 

 

 

  • Repair your fencing – If you’ve had bad weather over the winter, some of your fence panels may have gotten damage or fallen over.  If so, hire a fence contractor to repair or replace broken or fallen panels. You may also need to reinforce your fence posts. If there’s not much rot, you can reinforce the post with a concrete spur. If there is a lot of rot, you might need a new post. When the weather is dry, give the fence a fresh coat of paint or wood stain.

 

Additionally, you can make garden decorations. This is another place for kids to get involved with the garden. Even during winter, there are things you can do to cheer up the garden.  Paint rocks in different and fun shades for the rock or flower beds. If you have stepping stones in a path, paint those. Buy a pretty bird or insect house, and give it to the kids to decorate.  The goal is to garden together.  A fairy garden, is a great idea.  We could all use a little magic in the garden. 

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , ,

Beautiful Flowers and Plants For The Home

September 3, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on flowers and plants for the home.  Flowers always set the mood with their colors, texture and appearance.  So, I’m going to share a few fall flowers that will last months, some years. Additionally, if you are looking for places to find flowers, check out Calloway’s Nursery for inspiration.  

 

flower and plant ideas

 

Here are a few flowers and plants you must try:  

 

Orchid

This beautiful plant has stolen the hearts of millions of people.  It will stand the test of time if you know how to care for it. It needs moderate watering, and when its roots are bright green almost like its leaves, do not water. When they turn ash green, it’s time to water it. When all the leaves have fallen, you can cut the stalk to a height of one centimeter below the flowering stalk.  Taking this step will allow the plant to grow again.  Furthermore, it will continue to produce beautiful flowers. It does not want direct sunlight, so place it in a bright or semi-shady place. Orchids in the garden are also a great way to improve curbside appeal. 

 

Hibiscus

 

A special plant with beautiful flowers that we all love. You can find it in many sizes and colors and it is perfect in the  interior of a home.  It can withstand outside temperatures if it’s not too cold. It is very sensitive to very low temperatures. It needs moderate to frequent watering, and wants a bright and cool place to grow.

 

 

flower and plant ideas

 

 

Philodendron

It is also called a “money plant”.  The Philodendron is called the money plant because of its round, flat leaves.  Many think they look like coins.  Next, it is one of the most beloved plants in interior decoration.  Philodendron like to climb, and have leaves that are heart-shaped. You will see it standing haughtily next to a bookcase or in bulky pieces. It does not need a lot of light, but it loves moisture. 

 

Anthurium

If we could say that there are flowers with personality than anthurium would definitely be one of them. The intense green on the leaves and the red on the flower create a contrast that stands out in a room. Anthurium needs light, but should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It is highly resistant to heat and high humidity. Additionally, it does not need frequent watering. Once a week during the winter months and twice during the summer months is enough to keep it in perfect condition. All you have to do is clean the flowers with a damp cloth because dust collects on their surface.

 

Gloxinia

Do you want to illuminate your space and give it vitality and color? Gloxinia is a flower that undoubtedly catches the eye. You can place it in a pot in the house or in a planter outside and let its large leaves and colorful flowers steal the show. The gloxinia looks like a small bell with a soft velvety texture. Prefer to place it in a place with enough light, ideally near a south or west window. During the autumn and winter period when the flower is resting, you should reduce the watering a little. 

 

I hope that you select one or two of these beautiful flowers and plants for the home.  They will immediately

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens Tagged With: , , ,

Attractive Home Curbside Appeal

September 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on home curbside appeal.  We judge a book by its cover.  And, we’re all guilty of doing the same with houses. When the outside looks attractive, we want to see what the home’s interior holds.   I know that I do.  

Spring and fall are the perfect times to work on your home’s curbside appeal. Unsure where to start? We’ve got our great tips on how to enhance your house’s exterior. 

 

home curbside appeal

 

 

 

Tips on Home Curbside Appeal:

 

A New Roof 

New roofing for your home is essential for practical and cosmetic reasons.  An old roof can be prone to leaking.  Furthermore,  it can acquire a build-up of mold, become faded by the sun, and age your house. 

A new one will ensure you’re protected from the weather and will give your home a fresh look. There are many choices of colors and styles of roofing these days; the options are endless. For more info on what’s available, you can take a look online and compare designs and pricing.

 

 

 

Update the Door 

If you’re apprehensive on going bold with color choices for large parts of your exterior, bring a pop of color to the front door. Going for a deep red, bright yellow, or even purple will bring your home to life. 

If you have children, get them involved and let them pick out a color. You can repaint your front door in one day.  So, when you want something new grab a can of paint. There’s an app available that lets you virtually see how the colors look before you start the project. 

 

 

home curbside appeal

 

Plant Flowers 

The start of spring is the perfect time to plant fresh, vibrant flowers at the front of your home. By summer, everything will be blossomed and give your curb appeal a radiant look. 

Flowers don’t just belong in the garden by your front door. Grow some by your mailbox, in window boxes, and around the driveway. The more you have, the more inviting your home will be. 

 

Maintain the Lawn 

There’s nothing like seeing a bright green front lawn. Take the time to reseed your lawn.  Hot weather can damage lawns and fall is the perfect time to reseed it for a fresh lawn in the summer.  The winter snow and spring rain showers will do their magic, and help you achieve a lush lawn in the summer. 

We hope our tips on home curbside appeal have been helpful.  Implement a few and bring your home to life.  

In a few weeks, you’ll have a lawn with volume and color. Make sure you continue to water your grass as the summer months roll in. You should also get the lawnmower out every two weeks to promote new growth and keep it tamed. 

The Bottom Line

Attractive curb appeal is your home’s way of welcoming you and your guests inside. Every year, there’s always maintenance we can do to enhance the outside of our homes. 

You can start with getting a new roof, giving your front door a pop of color, plant flowers all around, and maintain a green lawn.

 

I hope my home curbside appeal tips have been beneficial.  Implement a few, and become the envy of your neighborhood.

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

Heirloom Tomato Plants and My Lessons Learned

August 31, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing my gardening tips on my 2020 successes and failures with my heirloom tomato plants. My heirloom tomato plants are my specialty, and they were quite productive this year.  The taste of heirloom tomatoes is unmatched, so I grow a variety. So, they won a place in my heart years ago.  My kitchen garden is always filled with  heirloom tomatoes.  However, I did plant a few Early Girl tomatoes.  It takes longer for heirlooms to produce fruit, and my BLT simply can’t wait that long.

 

 

growing heirloom tomatoes

 

 

Heirloom Tomato Plants for 2020 included:

  • Paul Robeson
  • Cherokee Purple
  • Brandywine Pink
  • Orange Beefsteak
  • West Virginia Hillbilly
  • Brandywine Red
  • San Marzano

 

 


 

 

What Worked

First, this year I amended my soil with aged chicken manure.  I tilled in a scoop throughout the garden, added crushed eggshells, a chopped banana peel to each tomato hole before planting the tomato plant deep.  I than used a top dress of composted leaves.  My plants thrived.  They produced an abundance of delicious, healthy fruit.

An abundance of healthy fruit also means lots of seeds from the tomatoes.  I save them from season to season, and use them to start seedlings for next years garden.  Growing heirlooms tomatoes produces seeds that will produce fruit exactly as the parent from one season to the next.  Heirlooms are pollinated by the birds, bees and the wind. There’s no human intervention.  What you see is exactly what you get from year to year.  Sadly, that is not true for hybrid tomatoes.

 

growing heirloom tomatoes

 

 

What Failed

Next, I was careless staking my tomato cages this year.  My heirloom tomato plants get very heavy.  The are an indeterminate plants, which means they continue to grow throughout the season.  They produce lots of flowers, which turn into tons of tomatoes.  I use sturdy tomato cages for my heirlooms, but to ensure they remain upright during high winds and storms.  To help secure the cages, I use t-posts to hold the cages down.

Unfortunately, this year I didn’t push the stakes in the ground deep enough or tie the cages to the t-post as securely as I normally do.  As a result, I had a few cages tumble over during a wind storm.  Have you ever tried pulling up a topple tomato plant loaded with tomatoes?  It is quite an endeavor. Especially, when you’re trying to save your fruit.  With the help of a friend, I did manage to get the cages up and re-stake them properly.

So, it’s best to take the time and do it right when you first transplant your seedlings into the garden. I still learn lessons even as a master gardener. This is a lesson that I learned long ago, but had to re-learn this gardening season.  Also, you may like:  Bon Appetit  – Heirloom Tomatoes.

 

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,

What to Look for in Assisted Living Facilities

August 18, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing empowerment tips for those looking for assisted living facilities.  As our parents age, there may come a time when we have to consider assistant living facilities for them.  Also, poor health, accidents or other issues may force your or another love one to move from their homes or apartments to assistant living.  Many people wonder where do I start in finding a facility?  What do I look for in a facility?  Will I or my love one be safe?  With my tips, you can feel empowered and confident in finding the right facility for yourself or your loved one.

First, assisted living facilities must have that homey and cozy atmosphere. This is the first thing that must be considered. The community must be able to provide the comfort and other requirements for a home. But, there are other important factors that must be considered too.

 

assisted living facilities

 

 

Tips for assisted living facilities:

 

Location

First, and one of the most important factors to consider is the location of the facility. The distance from your home to the facility should be a major consideration. You want the facility to be close enough to ensure you can arrive promptly in cases of an emergency.  And, for visits and meetings. Family should be able to visit regularly without being stopped by the distance.  Furthermore,  the facility should also be near essential amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies etc.

 

Services

Next, determine what services are provided by the facility.  For older adults, different services are needed. Aside from great dining services, there must be a wellness program available. Ask if there are medication management support and housekeeping. There should also be a good program for fitness and exercises. Just as important, facilities for emotional support should also be available.

 

Amenities

So, assisted living communities that allow small pets are perfect for older adults. This is one of the options that can help them relax and become happier.  The facility should offer different activities as well.  Does it offer pampering options.  This can include a hair salon to stress-reducing massages and walking paths.  Being able to sit outside and enjoy nature and fresh air is imporant.  Having amenities for health and relaxation is imperative.

 

Type of Care

Naturally, assisted living for people of faith should be able to provided for older adults.  So, check out reviews and stories from reliable people. How do they assist older adults? Do they provide all the necessary care and attention needed. How do they deal with emergencies? These are the important questions that can help you rate the type of care being provided.

 

 

assistant living facilities

 

Payment Options

Additionally, understanding the cost associated with the facility is imperative.  You will be investing in your stay at the facility. As a result, make sure you understand what needs to be paid.  Ask about payment options available.  Furthermore, ask about any costs not listed once you become a resident.  Also, ask if long-term insurance and life insurance policies can be used.  Ask about the upfront cost, the monthly rent and other services that must be paid. This will give you a clear understanding of your out of pocket expenses.

 

Visiting Hours

Family should be able to visit older family and loved one when they want or need to. This is also the case in assisted living facilities.  Ask about the visiting hours schedule. You can make use of this as a basis for comparison with other facilities.  Choose the facility that provides flexible visiting hours. This way, family members won’t have to choose between visiting family or doing another activity.

 

Areas to Socialize for Residents

Last, every person needs the company of others.  This is why finding a facility with areas for socialization is important. Socializing is one way to make residents feel comfortable in their new environments.  Social areas must be relaxing and comfortable. Take a tour or of the facility so you can actually see what’s happening in the facility.

The need of the clients must be the first thing that every facility should focus on. The center of their services and amenities must be their clientele. There are those that provide better services and amenities as compared to the other.  However, it may cost more to have better service and amenities.  So, assess your needs or the needs of your family so you can make a good decision. Comfort should be a top priority.

 

Filed Under: Health, Safety

Simple Garden Wow Factor Tips

August 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on simple garden wow factor tips.  Our gardens have become more important than ever as we battle the Covid-19 crisis. A worldwide pandemic wasn’t anything that anyone expected. Just a few short months ago, you were probably planning your summer vacation.  Or, looking forward to getting a new car or upgrading your kitchen.  However, these plans have now had to be placed on hold as the world enters uncertain economic times. 

garden wow factor

 

 

With lockdowns being enforced, our gardens have become the only outdoor spaces that we have had to enjoy. They have allowed us to reconnect with nature.  Furthermore, they soothe us and allow us to relinquish our anxieties. Our gardens have had a positive impact on our mental health during these unprecedented times. Being one with nature  lowers our blood pressure and can help our bodies release our happy hormone, dopamine. Mix this a little Vitamin D  and we can feel healthier, more alert, and less stressed.

Every garden needs to be maintained, even during a pandemic.  So, why not head out to the garden, get some Vitamin D and get your happy hormones dancing.  Unfortunately, purse strings have tighten as a result of the pandemic.  But, you can still achieve and maintain a beautiful garden.

 

Garden Wow Factor Tips:

 

Water Feature 

If you adore water, implementing a water feature could be perfect. Many people yearn to hear the sound of trickling water.  Personally, I find it soothing and relaxing. The large orb fountains are very on-trend, but can be costly. Instead, consider installing a pond into your back garden. With a pond liner, some hard graft to dig a hole, and a hose to fill up your pond space with water, you can create a habitat for wildlife. Place some water lilies into your pond and some algae to help oxygenate.  And, you can create a healthy home for toads, frogs, and insects. You could install some underwater solar lights to help give your water feature the wow factor in the evening. Install a central fountain that you can pick up cheaply from a DIY store and enjoy listening to the sound of soothing water in your garden.

 

Borders

If you have borders that have seen better days, it’s time to clear the jungle of weeds and take it back to the bare soil. Till the area to break up the soil and add oxygen. Mix in some organic compost to give it nutrients before planting.  Think about what you want to plant in your borders. You have a blank canvas now.  If you are keen on creating a colorful landscape, think about the sorts of hues you want. For purple and blues, opt for a some bluebells, some deep purple dahlias, and some classic hydrangeas. These different floral patterns and bright colors will give your borders the wow factor for sure. 

If you are after a more sculptural display of fauna, think about some exotic palms. These are ideal if you have a south facing back garden and enjoy plenty of sun throughout the day. They relish the heat and light that full sun brings. Also, there’s nothing better than laying some shingle or gravel and putting in the windswept bonsais, cacti, and the hardy winter leafy plants. These need very little maintenance and can survive through droughts.

Furthermore, think about your watering regime. Many people create watering channels for their garden, with one of the many water tank pumps available to power their irrigation. You are much better watering your garden every two or three days and giving them a good drink of water rather than a little drink every twenty four hours.

 

Vegetables

Another one of my garden wow factor tips is to grew fresh vegetables. Set aside a specific section of your garden for vegetables and crops.  This way your flowers and other plants won’t have to compete for the same nutrients. Raised vegetable beds are ideal and very cheap to create. Use any wood that you have lying around to create a frame of any shape. The only requirement is that you can fill this frame with about eight inches of compost. This way, any seeds you sow will have enough space to put down some strong roots. 

Make sure your your vegetable bed is level on your soil or patio. Fill your raised bed with good soil and compost. Sow your seeds  according to the instructions on your seed packets. Keep it simple to begin with.  Especially, if you’ve never grown vegetables before. Potatoes are super easy to grow and the results are almost instant. The same goes for carrots and pak choi. This is also a great way to get the kids involved and away from their computer screens and tablets. As your simple vegetable plots begin to produce, you can begin to experiment with more exotic fruits and vegetables.

 

 

garden wow factor tips

 

 

Dining

If you really want to give your garden the wow factor, consider making your patio the ideal space for dining. With the sunlight hours reaching their peak, there is nothing nicer than eating a family meal outdoors. Your kids will love spending some quality time together as a family and enjoying some good food outside. Clear your patio of weeds and consider installing an awning that attaches to your house.  It can provide shelter from the sun or rain. No matter how fierce the elements are, you can remain cool and dry.

If the nights are getting a little chilly, think about installing a fire pit or chimnea. These are a lot of fun as well as heat-producing models on the market. Rather than shivering the evening away under a blanket, you can keep warm next to a patio heater. Fire pits are also great to toast marshmallows and have a very rustic style barbecue.

 

Your garden has become an added living space to your home, so it is time that you start treating it with some respect. Implement a few of these garden wow factor tips.  You can be enjoying a beautiful garden space without breaking the bank too.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Outdoor Living, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,

How to Maintain Your Passion for Gardening

August 16, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on how to maintain your passion for gardening.  The benefits of gardening range from eating healthy  to relieving stress.  So there’s a reason you’re obsessed with this hobby; you might live until the ripe age of 100!

However, you can invest a lot of time in your hobbies.  Before you know it, your schedule revolves around gardening and you begin to lose the passion.  When that happens, gardening can feel like a full-time job rather than a hobby.  The good news is that you can pull back and still keep the fire burning.  Carry on reading to learn more.

 

 

passion for gardening

 

 

Avoid The Stuff You Hate

Unfortunately, there are parts of gardening that we all dislike! However, hire someone to do the things that you don’t like.  For example, I love working in the vegetable garden and the flower beds.  However, moving the lawn, trimming the lawn and maintaining the shrubs are things that I don’t particularly like to do.  So, the brilliant thing to do is hire someone like residential lawn care service and pay them to take care of keeping the grass lush and green.  That will leave you time to focus on watering plants so that the flowers bloom big and bright.

 

Supplement Your Garden 

Many gardeners have a ton of vegetables to pick and not enough hours in the day to pick them.  Growing your own food is commendable.  It saves money, reduces waste, and allows you to increase  your fruit and veggie intake. However, keeping up with the maintenance is tough, back-breaking work, and it might get too intense. Therefore, buying a few groceries during your weekly shopping will take the pressure off your shoulders.  After all, you don’t need to grow vegetable there is in your garden.  Grow only what your family will eat. 

 

 

passion for gardening

 

 

 

Find Other Ways To Unwind

Spending too much time in the garden will eventually leave you burned out.   With this in mind, it’s important to find an alternative way to relax.  That way, your lifestyle will be more well rounded.  And, your passion for gardening won’t disappear. Something as simple as walking could be all you require to change environments and keep the fire burning.  Similarly to gardening, walking is low-intensity and includes plenty of visual cues that stimulate the brain.

 

Put Down The Tools

You do know that you are allowed to step into your garden without having to pick up any equipment, right?  As tempting as it is to perfect your vegetable patch or flowerbed, it takes away from why you implemented one in the first place.  Just enjoy the surroundings.  If you’re only going to mess with drooping sunflower heads, your brain won’t switch off. It’s best to set up a corner of the garden with a comfy chair in the sade and take advantage of what you have created.  Now that’s the sort of fair-weather gardening that everyone can get behind!

 

So, I hope you liked my tips on how to maintain your passion for gardening.  Now, start planning your spring, summer and fall garden and never loose your passion!

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Garden

Attracting the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

August 14, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on how to attract the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly to your backyard.  Summer is filled with beautiful flowers of every color, pollinators, children playing and butterflies fluttering.  I’ve been adding plants to my backyard that will attract more butterflies.  Also, I purchased butterfly nets for my grandchildren to catch and release them.  It’s great exercise for them, and a great way for them to learn about nature’s pollinators.  So, I’m going to share tips on various butterflies that you may find in your backyard or may want to attract.

 

tiger swallowtail butterfly

 

 

One of my favorite butterflies is the Tiger Swallowtail.  I love their bright yellow and black colors.  I welcome them every year in my backyard.  The Tiger Swallowail is one of the most familar butterflies in the eastern United States.  It’s so popular the following states have adopted them as their state butterfly:

 

  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Virginia

 

The tiger swallowtail butterfly certainly won my heart, so I can understand why various states have adopted them.  You can attract them to your backyard from spring to fall with the right plants.  That’s right, you can attract these beauties all summer.  However, you must provide plants that produce nectar, listed below, and woody plants where they lay their eggs if you want to keep them around.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 

 


 

 

 

Host Plants for the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly:

  • Butterfly Bush
  • Milkweed
  • Lilac
  • Phlox
  • Honeysuckle
  • Joe Pye Weed

 

Woody Plants for Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly: 

  • Cottonwood
  • Ash
  • Birch
  • Wild cherry
  • Tulip tree
  • Magnolia
  • Willow

 

Fortunately, I have both ash and wild cherry trees in my backyard.  This galvanized tub sits below the cherry trees.  Now that I know they love salvia, I’ll plant more.

 

 

tiger swallowtail butterfly

 

 

 

This male tiger swall0wtail butterfly was enjoying my salvia.  He enjoyed the nectar for quite awhile.  I would suggest that you take your camera or phone with you when you head out.  I have missed so many opportunities to capture great nature photos because I left my behind.  The tiger swallowtail has a two week life span.  So, enjoy these beauties while you can.

 

 

Identifying Traits of the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly:

  • Yellow to yellowish orange
  • Males have 4 black (tiger) strips on their wings
  • Wings are bordered in black with yellow spots
  • Long black tails have blue patches
  • Females can range from the same yellow color as the male to a dark almost black color

 

 

female tiger swallowtail butterfly

 

This female tiger swallowtail butterfly, above, loves my petunias.  She visited oftens.  Growing host plants in your backyard will attract the tiger swallowtail butterfly.  Look for plants that are native to your area.  Know your garden zone.  It’s imperative to selecting plants for your backyard.  I garden in zone 6B, so native plants in my state may not be native plants in yours. So, make sure you do your research on what will work for you.  A bonus of using native plants is that they are already acclimated to your area.  And, native plants are easier to grow and require less maintenance.

The eastern tiger swallowtail live in deciduous woods along streams, rivers and swamps.  I have a bird bath with a fountain that runs in my backyard.  I’m not sure, but I believe it is an attraction as well as the trees and flowers.  I love experimenting to see what I attract.  I suggest that you do the same.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens Tagged With: , , ,

Best Gardening Gloves for Beginners

August 8, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on the best gardening gloves for beginners.  There are so many gloves on the market, but many gardeners are unsure about what gloves are needed for what.  Some are better than others.  So, the type of gloves that I grab depend on what’s on my agenda for the day.  For example, will I be weeding, planting, pruning or watering my garden.  There are gloves for the majority of garden tasks. Some are designed specifically for one task others are designed for multiple tasks.  So, do your homework before buying.

 

 

 

best gardening gloves

 

 

 

Weeding – Every gardener needs to wear gloves when they’re gardening.  I spend most of my time weeding either my vegetable garden or my shrubbery bed.  So, I like to keep a supply of these gloves for this task on hand.  I purchase several pair, so I can wash my gloves when needed but still have another pair to resort to. Laundry day and gardening day may not be in sync.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 


 

Pruning – I have a rose garden filled with the most beautiful pink and burgundy colored blooms.  Having fresh cut roses in my house is so refreshing.  But, I hate having my arms and hands scratched from cutting them.  Unfortunately, I can’t wear regular gardening gloves to prune or cut my roses.  The thorns just won’t allow it.  So, I wear gloves that not only cover my hands, but my arms as well.  They’re great for cutting back shrubs and branches.  I highly recommend purchasing a pair for your garden chores.

 


 

Digging/Planting – I wear digging and planting gloves when I’m transplanting my seedlings, plants from the nursery or pots from the gardening center.  I have a pair of the gloves with the claws that I absolutely love.  They’re great when I’m digging holes.  They have several options, claws on all fingers or just one claw on the pointer fingers.  Check them out, and grab a pair that’s comfortable for you.

 


 

Water Resistance –  If the weather isn’t cooperative, every gardener must water their garden.  So, I like to wear gloves that are water resistant.  Having wet gloves on your hands is the worst feeling.  Also, I have several bird baths in backyard.  Water resistant gloves are great when I need to clean them or the furniture.

 

 

 

best gardening gloves

 

 

 

 

Touch Screen Compatible – If you like to post pictures of your vegetables and flowers on Instagram or Facebook, you’ll love a pair of gardening gloves that are touch screen compatible.  Personally, I remove my gloves.  Or, if I do leave my gloves on I use a stylus.  However, I’ve heard mixed reviews on touch screen gloves.

 

 


 

 

Nitrile – I have lots of the Nitrile gloves.  They are my favorite gloves to wear regardless of whether I’m in the vegetable garden, shrubbery beds or flower garden. These gloves come in an array of colors, they’re light and most are puncture resistant.  I wear them when I’m weeding, planting or cutting back shrubs. They also keep my hands clean and dry.  I look for nitrile gloves that I can throw in the washer.  And, I purchase packs that have more than one pair.  I don’t want my favs to be in the wash when I’m ready to head out.

 

 


 

So, I hope my tips on the best gardening gloves has been beneficial.  No matter what task you’re performing, wear gloves.  They will protect your hands from scratches, dirty fingernails, callouses, bacteria and fungus which can cause an infection.  I’ve seen the hands of gardeners who choose to not wear gloves, don’t do it just don’t do it.

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Why Do I have Drooping Sunflower Heads

August 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing garden tips on drooping sunflower heads.  I grow sunflowers every year for pollination and food for wildlife.  Unfortunately, I always have drooping sunflower heads.  When I first saw the drooping sunflower heads, I was disappointed.  I grow a variety of sunflowers from Russian Mammoth, which I have grown up to 14 feet high to a smaller variety like Lemon Queen.  Regardless, I end up with drooping sunflower heads.

 

 

drooping sunflower sunflower heads

 

 

Why You Have Drooping Sunflower Heads:

 

Seeds are Maturing –  Once sunflower heads have completely bloomed and pollinated, the sunflower head will become heavy with seeds.   As a result, the heads will bend over.  One good thing about the bend head is that they will drop seeds.  Hopefully, they will germinate the next growing season.   The American Goldfinch love the seeds. They arrive early morning and feast throughout the day.  Also, you can harvest the sunflower heads and save the seeds for roasting or adding to your birdseed mixture.  I do both.  And, I share with fellow gardeners.

 

Weren’t Planted Deep Enough  –Sunflowers need to be planted deeply so they can hold up tall stalks and heavy flower heads.  Once they droop, there isn’t a lot you can do.  If you can tie up the head without damaging it, give a try.  Otherwise, add organic matter to your soil.  The amendment will help the soil absorb water.  Once the plant has been planted, water deeply every 4 – 5 days to encourage deep roots. This will produce a strong, thick stalk with can hold up the heavy heads.  I have had to stalk a few to keep them from falling over.  I always keep metal t-post around.  They are great in supporting the heavy stalks.

 

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Sunflower Heads are Heavy  –  I plant a combination of giant sunflowers like the Russian Mammoth and the Grey Stripe.  The picture above is the Grey Strip.  My Russian Mammoths and Grey Strip grow around 9 – 11 feet.  The heads are massive, about the size of a dinner plat.  They stand erect once the head appears, but it’s not usual for the head to end up drooping because it’s heavy with seeds.  The head holds approximately 1,000 seeds, and weigh about  2 – 3 pounds.

 

Lack of Water – If the heads are drooping and the leaves are wilting, your plant probably needs water.   Adding mulch or straw around the stem will help it to hold water.  Water deeply, and make sure they are receiving water when needed.

 

 

 

 

drooping sunflowers heads

 

 

Sadly, I have found that my smaller sunflower plants have drooping heads too.  I love when those little smiling faces are up and shining in the sunlight.  This is a Lemon Queen (above) which droops too.  It is much smaller that the Russian Mammoth and Grey Strip.  It only grows to about 4 or feet and the heads are about the size of a saucer.  This sunflower is one of my favorites.

So, not matter what variety of sunflowers you grow, you will end up with drooping sunflower heads.  It’s all a part of mother nature’s plan

Check out my post on sunflower varieties.  Although, you may end up with drooping heads growing sunflowers is a great activity to do with kids.  They also provide food for wildlife, make great summer bouquets and beautiful wreaths and crafts once dried.  You may also like Gardening for Wildlife.

 

 

 

 

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