How to Clean a Cement Bird Bath

June 17, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing backyard birding tips on how to clean a cement bird bath.  First, I love auctions.  Especially, auctions when I’m able to get items that I’m bidding on at bargain prices. I grabbed this cement birdbath for $10.00. Fortunately, nobody else saw the beauty in it or the potential for a repurpose. To put the icing on the cake, the auctioneer threw a birdhouse in for free.  

Unfortunately, the bird bath had a few fractures.  But, the base and the top were in pretty good shape overall.  The birdbath had sat in a beautiful knockout rose garden for many years.  The owners were moving to Florida, and were limiting their haul to their new home. They were happy that I was a birdwatcher, and the birdbath would be restored and loved.  

 

 

cleaning a cement bird bath

 

 

 

how to clean a birdbath

 

 

Next, my first step was to clean up the bird bath.  However, I hadn’t decided if I would try to fix the fractures in the birdbath or repurpose it as a planter.  The birdhouse needed the roof repaired, and a paint job, but overall it was in  good shape too.  So, I decided to start with cleaning the bird bath and leave the birdhouse for later.

 

 

 

cleaning cement bird baths

 

 

 

As you can see the bird bath hadn’t been cleaned in some time.  And, it really needed a little TLC to repair the cracks.  A good cleaning was the first step to bringing it back to life.  It was going to need some elbow grease to remove the grime that had built up over the years.  But, it was a task that was manageable.  I just needed to set aside an afternoon to deal with it.  I picked a beautiful, sunny day and went to work.  

 

How to Clean a Cement Bird Bath:  

 

  • Water
  • Clorox Bleach
  • 33 Gallon Garbage Bag
  • Steel Wool Pad
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Cleaning Brush

 

1.  First, I filled the birdbath with water and added a good dose of Clorox Bleach.   Don’t be frugal, give it a big, huge dose.

2.  Next, I covered the bird bath with a 33 gallon garbage bag.

3.  I allowed the bleach and water to work for 2 – 3 hours.

 

 

how to clean a cement bird bath

 

 

 

After a few hours, I removed the garbage bag to inspect the status of the basin.  The bleach solution was working as expected.  It was eating away years of grime and filth.  The base was pretty clean and in excellent shape, so it didn’t take the work to clean as the basin.

 

 

 

how to clean a bird bath

 

 

Next, I had to remove the remaining dirt by hand.

4.  I always keep a stash of steel wool under my sink.  I put on the rubber gloves and started scrubbing.

5.  After 5 – 10 minutes of scrubbing and several good rinses, the basin looked squeaky clean and ready for the cracks to be sealed or a new purpose.

 

 

 

cleaning a cement bird bath

 

 

 

Last, if you have a bird bath that needs a good cleaning, try these tips.  You will be amazed at the results.  Also, check out my other attracting backyard birds tips before you leave.   And, be sure to check back so you can see if I decided to fix the basin and continue to use it as a birdbath or if I repurposed this beauty.  Next, the birdhouse makeover.  Stay tuned for that post.

Finally, you may also like:  How to Attract Backyard Birds with Eggshells  or Attracting Birds With Water. 

 

 

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: , ,

Organic Gardening 101: Making the Most Out of Your Backyard

May 14, 2017 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on organic gardening 101. So, you decided to do your own backyard vegetable gardening.  You want to have your own garden, grow your own produce and go organic. However, you believe organic gardening is difficult. Let me tell you, organic gardening is work, but knowing that your family is eating healthy is worth it.  

Having pesticide-free food and knowing that your pets are playing in a yard that is free of toxins give you peace of mind.  Chemical solutions are there to help ease gardening, but they harm your produce and also make the soil chemical-dependent. Organic gardening will take some time, and more effort, but the results will be invaluable.

 

 

 

 

Organic Gardening 101:  

 

Check the soil

Not all soil is the same. There are times when the soil is already filled with certain minerals or slightly acidic. These situations won’t allow for a good harvest.  The best way to prepare your soil is to take a sample of your soil and send it to your local horticultural laboratory. They will send back a report with the analysis results.  It will contain the pH value and advise which actions could be taken to improve the quality of your soil.

 

Which plants to choose

There are quite a lot of options to choose from, and in the end, it all depends on the purpose of your garden.

●     Making your own produce – choosing to feed yourself and your family can be quite a feat. Don’t be discouraged if you are unsuccessful the first time.  For a beginner, it is important to choose plants that are not demanding.  For example, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce are easy to grow. Start small and expand as you get more experienced.  

 

How to plant

It is wise to choose the location of your crops based on the sunlight in your garden. Mark the areas where each plant should go, and be sure to not overcrowd your garden.  Also, be sure to leave enough space for air to circulate freely.  As a result, this lessens the odds of fungi growing. Furthermore, the plants won’t over shade each other, risking crop failure.

 

Organic pesticides

Chemical pesticides are proven to be harmful to people. They are highly effective at protecting the crops, but at what cost? The chemicals the plant absorbs can affect their texture and taste.  Most importantly, pesticides cannot be washed off. Choosing organic, home-made alternatives can more just as effective. One organic and consumable pesticide is Lemongrass.  Lemongrass not only repels certain plant-eating insects, but it also works against mosquitoes.  Furthermore, it doubles as a seasoning and tea herb for human consumption.  Also, ladybugs or praying mantises naturally hunt the pests you have overrunning the garden.

 

Fertilizing and watering

Even if you choose low-maintenance plants, you will need to regularly water and “feed” them. You can never be too careful when watering.  Water at the base of the plant to avoid damage. When it comes to fertilizer, the best compost is the one you make yourself. Designate a place in your garden for a compost bin.  Mix organic waste, soil, water and open air to create the perfect balance of carbon and nitrogen enriched compost.

 

 

 

 

 

Weeds 

Weeds are a pest as much as insects. Its seeds make it almost impossible to root out, especially if you decide to go herbicide-free. And, if not controlled as quickly as possible, they tend to spread out and take over the entire garden. There are several ways in which you can suppress the growth and spread of weeds.  All include using your own two hands, some strength and some mulch. Placing mulch around plants will help reduce weeds. And when it comes to mulch, you have a few choices:

●     Wood chips – unless you have personal access to the source, these can get pricey
●     Burlap
●     Straw – a short – term, but cheap solution
●     Lawn clippings – high in nitrogen, so they should be used only near plants that need them

 

 

 


 

Finally, the food tastes better when it’s brought to the table by your own two hands. Organic gardening provides a good alternative to farmer’s markets.  However, it requires patience and dedication. Make this project easier, by sharing experiences with other gardeners.  Connect with other gardeners on-line, join online forums, and include your friends and family.  

 

About the Author:  Victoria Lim is a journalist, freelance stylist and a girl with a distinctive taste for home decor. She’s quite passionate about writing, sharing tips and DIY projects.

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden

Backyard Garden Tips That Will Make You Look Up

May 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but when I am busy in my garden I am usually looking down.  After all, that’s where all the plants and flowers are, right!  But I’ve just realized that it could actually be worth looking up while you are gardening.   Here are a few backyard garden tips on why we need to look up in the garden.  I also have other gardening tips on planting flower container gardens, healthy garden tips, growing indoor plants and more.  Lets get started on why we should look up: 

 

 

 

backyard gardening tips

 

 

Check Your Trees

It’s not just the plants and flowers in the ground that are susceptible to various diseases and pests. The trees in your gardens are as well. So, how do you know if you need to contact a tree surgeon such as http://www.arboristusa.com/? Well, the first sign of a fungal tree disease will always be noticeable in the leaves. More often than not, they will be very discolored. Your tree might also start losing leaves at an excessive rate. Next time you are out in your garden, look up to make sure your trees are in good health!

Think About Lights And Lamps

Would you like to spend your summer evenings sitting outside enjoying your garden? If so, you might want to add some lights and lamps to brighten up the outside of your property. Look up to see the best places you could put your lights. Usually, most homeowners like to place outdoor lights on the side of their property and garden shed. Another nice idea is to wrap some fairy lights around the top of your fences and any railings that you have in your garden. Just make sure that they are safe to use outside: http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/weatherproof-switches-sockets/cat830538.

Look Out For Birds

When you look up, you might notice a few birds flying around and nesting in your garden. Don’t notice many? If not, you can always encourage more birds to come to your garden by adding a bird feeder. Make sure it is always filled with bird feed so you can to attract a wide variety of birds. You might want to also include a bird bath in your garden, as this will encourage birds to visit your property for a bath as well!

Hanging Baskets

If you want to add some more dimensions to your garden, it could be worth adding some hanging baskets. You can hang these from the side of your property and wooden fences. These will increase the amount of flowers in your garden, and will give you a chance to add even more bursts of color. You will be able to find a wide variety of hanging baskets in your local garden center. Or you could try making your own from flower pots.  If you don’t find hanging baskets appealing, you could install raised flower beds. This is another great way to add some dimension to your garden!

So, next time you are working in the garden, don’t just focus on the ground below your feet. Look up and see the rest of your garden and the world!  We hope that you enjoyed our backyard garden tips.

 

 

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

5 Things Beginner Gardeners Overlook

April 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Today’s gardening tips are going to focus on things beginner gardeners overlook.  Gardening is becoming an increasingly popular activity.  And it’s not hard to see why. It offers a great source of light exercise, provides fresh air, and adds a new dimension to your property. Frankly, what’s not to love?

So,  this time of year many inexperienced gardeners embrace their growing love of using their outdoor spaces.  However, many of them will limit their success due to basic errors.

 

beginner gardeners

 

 

 

Here are things beginner gardeners overlook:

 

Wasting money –   Let’s face it, your list of potential garden upgrades is as long as your arm. With this in mind, cost-efficiency should be at the top of the agenda. Remove the middleman by doing some of the work yourself. For example, investing in chainsaws and other garden tools.  Having your own tools will enable you to complete most jobs without the need of an expert.

Furthermore, it’s imperative to remember the right safety gear too. Some challenges may still require a professional touch.  However, keeping those to a minimum can be good for your finances. In return, make additional improvements with the savings.

Being short-sighted –  When completing any garden overhaul, it’s easy to get carried away. Yet, it’s equally important to consider the long-term benefits. Reducing the maintenance with artificial lawns and other time-saving gestures will aid the cause. After all, keeping the space in great health is probably the hardest challenge.  Besides, it’ll leave you with more time to enjoy the gardening tasks that are actually fun and rewarding.

Ignoring the potential –   First and foremost, we want our gardens to look nice. However, the outdoor space is also a great resource for making life a little more comfortable. Growing fruit and vegetables is a fantastic way to actively encourage your love of gardening while gaining huge rewards. Meanwhile, you shouldn’t overlook the benefits of having a BBQ.  Comfortable garden furniture is good too.  After all, the more time spent in this area the better. If nothing else, it will provide another incentive to keep up the good work.

 

Growing indoor plants

 

Overlooking personal needs –   No two gardeners are identical.  So, dealing with your unique situation is key. Not everyone has the mobility to bend down to flower beds.  Also, hanging baskets and raised flower beds can be very beneficial. Unfortunately, if your gardening tasks are causing pain you may give up.  Find ways to add comfort to your tasks.  Your passion will remain far more enjoyable.

Focusing solely on the garden –  Your love of nature doesn’t have to be limited to the backyard. The front garden is often a great place to add a little natural beauty. Moreover, indoor houseplants can inject a new sense of energy to the property. You could even grow herbs in the kitchen to further enhance your bid for practicality.

 

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

Maintaining Garden Equipment and Replacing It

April 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Gardening equipment is undoubtedly an expense.  But, no gardener can properly maintain a garden with garden equipment.  As a result, we have a few gardening tips on maintaining garden equipment to share with you today.  Without the proper equipment, maintaining your garden can feel like a chore.  Most equipment is designed to last many years without the need for replacement.   Here’s a few basic gardening essentials that you will need: 

 

 

garden equipment

 

 

  • Lawnmower –  An essential, really.  There’s no way a garden can look good if the grass is overgrown.  Furthermore, this tends to be the most expensive piece of garden equipment that people own.  The average lifespan of a mower is 10 years – though this can vary.  If you’re considering making a purchase, consult Lawn Mower Lane. They have reviews on Hand Reels, Riding Mowers and Tractors, Robotic Mowers and Walk Behinds.
  • Rake –  Those leaves aren’t going to jump into the pile.  Your kids need something to play into this fall. A leaf rake will be called into use!
  • Hoe –  Using a hoe is the easiest way to weed. Hoes are generally inexpensive and can take quite a bit of use.
  • Hand fork/trowel –  These are essentials for planting seedlings and getting rid of weeds that have taken up residence deeper in the soil.
  • Wheelbarrow –  There’s more uses for a wheelbarrow than you can count.  A few are moving grass cuttings to helping transport newly potted plants to their desired location.

 


 

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but it is a basic one.  If you have owned any of the above items for over five years, it might be worth checking them out for issues.  Maintaining garden equipment before you dive into the new gardening season is a must. Poor equipment can equal a poor finish on any work that you do.  Here’s a few signs of what to look out for:

Rust

If there’s rust on any parts of any of these tools, then you have two options. You can try rust removal.  The success removing the rust can vary.  Or you can simply replace the tools. Rust isn’t inherently dangerous – it’s just a chemical reaction after all – but it can make results unpredictable.

Mechanical Problems

Obviously this is specifically for lawnmowers. Don’t assume that just because the mower does its job that it’s in good condition.  There could be hidden issues. Take it for a tune up at a repair shop. While you’re there, have it checked for other issues that may not be obvious and other safety concerns.

Weakness

Specifically for rakes and hoes.  After years of use, tools can begin to weaken.  Handles can crack or pieces fall off.  Given these items are generally inexpensive, it might be more efficient to just purchase new one.

We hope that you have found our tips on maintaining garden equipment helpful.  Be sure to check your equipment each gardening season.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening Tagged With: , ,

Gardening Options When Space Is Limited

April 21, 2017 by 1 Comment

The dream for most of us is a huge, rolling garden that sprawls as far as the eye can see.  It’s  just waiting for us to fill it with projects, flowers, and vegetables.  But reality sets in, and for most of us that’s not quite how it works out.   Backyard vegetable gardening is a dream for many home owners and renters, but a lack of space is a big deterrent.   However, on the hand a huge garden comes with  a huge price.  It takes time and energy to maintain a garden. 

Having a large garden might be something you can work towards in the future.  Deciding where you want to garden, increasing your knowledge of gardening, and learning to utilize the space you have to work in should be factors.

 

 

 

garden options

 

 

Backyard vegetable gardening might be a total restriction on outdoor space if you’re living in an apartment.  Or you may have a garden, but it’s too small for all of the innovations that you want to try. So what can you do? Give up the green thumb dream until you can move somewhere with the space you need?  Of course not.  Where there’s a desire to care for plants and grow things, there is always a way!

Option 1: Indoor Gardening

Gardening and the outdoors tend to be synonymous with one another.  After all, plants need the sun to grow.  So, you’re not going to have much luck growing them in your living room unless you get lots of light.

Furthermore, you can grow indoors with the help of LumiGrowth.  It mimics the sun’s rays.  It will need to be set up, and it takes some adjustment, but the benefits are great. Not only do you not have to compromise on outdoor space, but you also have the option of growing what you want.  If you fancy growing strawberries just in time for Christmas, then with careful practice, that’s genuinely something you can do.

There’s plenty of resources to help get you started if the idea is appealing. You can find which plants work best when grown indoors and the various methods of caring for them with just a few clicks.

 

Option 2: Vertical Gardening

If you don’t have space in terms of length and width of your outdoor space, then make the most of the space you do have.  However, vertical gardening has no limits. Except beyond what you can comfortably reach.

 

 


 

 

The best way to grow vertically is with stacked plants and/or stacked beds.  Not only is this an effective method of outdoor gardening, but it’s also a great way to save on water – as watering the top layer will eventually trickle down to the layers below.

 

vertical gardening

 

Option 3: Growing In Pots

For most seasoned gardeners, pots are the beginning of growth.  However, the eventual goal is to plant into beds, the ground or raised beds. But you can grow some vegetables successfully in pots.  For example: sweetcorn responds well to pot growing. Just ensure that as your plants grow you stake them.  Depending on what you are growing, if not stalked, the plant may spread.

 

Check out my flower gardening tips before you leave.

 

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Tips on Making Gardening Easier

April 14, 2017 by 2 Comments

gardening tips

 

As life becomes more demanding, we realize that time is of the essence. Work, cooking, children, school runs, housework and laundry.  The list is never-ending.  But with summer creeping up fast, there’s another job to throw into the mix, gardening.  We all know that feeling when the neighbours look down their noses at us because our garden isn’t pristine and flawless.

­Fear not! There are ways to adapt your garden to make it far easier to manage and save you that all-important time. From storage to installing artificial grass, here are some methods and techniques you can use to make gardening  minimum effort and stress.  Check out our making gardening easier tips below.  I have other gardening tips too.

 

gardening tips

Artificial Grass

When it comes to grass, you can fake it all the way.  Artificial grass doesn’t need to be fertilized or watered.  And you don’t need the lawnmower anymore. Fresh green grass can make all the difference to a garden and totally transform an outside area. It looks so good that it can fool anyone into thinking that your synthetic turf is the real deal.

The design, texture and color make artificial grass feel just like a natural lawn. The best thing about it is that there is absolutely no maintenance required. You can install it and leave it to look amazing. It’s also environmentally friendly because there is no water usage, no carbon emissions from a petrol lawn mower and no fertilizers. It’s win-win.

Use Kitchen Scraps

A really easy way to give your soil some nutrients is to mix coffee grounds into the potting soil or sprinkle it near to the base of the plants. If you have rose bushes, you can also plant banana peelings underneath.  Banana peels will give them potassium, which will encourage them to flower. Egg shells are amazing for deterring slugs from your beds because they don’t like the sharp edges.

When your neighbors have a luscious vegetable patch, you will understandably want one too. Well, now you can grow your own vegetables with the help of your food scraps, saving time and helping the environment. Mushrooms, garlic, potatoes and celery are all vegetables you can regrow just from planting the scraps.

Storage

Smart storage of your gardening tools can save you time and money. Get a large box and fill it to the brim with sand. You can then easily store your tools in there, whilst keeping it in a warm and dry space. Just simply wipe away the dirt after use and stab the metal part into the sand. The sand will pull the moisture away, keeping your tools rust free and ensuring they remain sharp.

 

 

Add Mulch

Mulch is amazing, it gets rid of pests, stops beds from getting too hot or cold and prevents those annoying weeds from growing. You can even DIY mulch yourself – just grind down fallen leaves, dead wood, yard waste and even shredded office paper. Eventually, the homemade mulch will just turn into soil amendment.

Keep a Diary

It may seem like an added chore now, but it will save you time in the long run. Keep a little notebook which can be your gardening diary. Write down the things that do and do not work. It will be like gold dust to you during the following year because you’re bound to have forgotten by then! You can refer to it to easily to see what you need to do in order to maintain your beautiful garden.

Last, take the stress out of gardening with these top tips.  Making gardening easier is what you are striving for.  These tips will make your time spent pruning a little bit smoother. You will never have to feel ashamed of your garden again!

 

 

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

Fun Springtime Garden Projects for Kids

April 12, 2017 by Leave a Comment
 
garden projects for kids
Kids absolutely love to dig in the dirt, help in the garden, and experience life growing around them.  Helping mom and dad in the backyard offers kids fresh air, exercise, learning experiences, and family bonding.  It’s a win-win situation, and what’s not to love about that? With a little bit of patience and some planning, even parents who are novices in the garden can enjoy this wonderful backyard experience with their kids.  Check out my other gardening tips.  If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got the perfect garden projects for kids:

Plant Garden Bulbs Together:

Beautify your landscaping with beautiful blooming flowers, Hostas and elephant ears this year. Let your child help select the plant bulbs and plan out your soon-to-be gorgeous garden beds. Spring and fall are the standard planting times for bulbs. Let the kiddos help you dig the holes, insert the bulbs the right way, and measure the distance apart with a ruler. Your kids will be thrilled with what blooms the following season and feel so proud of their accomplishment.

unnamed-2 2

Build a Kid-Size Garden

First, give your child the gift of their own garden. And by gift, we mean the pleasure and learning they’ll get from it because it truly is a gift to them. You can buy a ready to build raised garden bed at a big box home store, build a DIY version with leftover wood, or give your child an area of your regular garden and fence it off.

Furthermore, let them pick a few veggies to plant and let them be responsible for the planting and watering (with your guidance, of course). When a child sees their fruits and veggies go from seeds to the dinner table, they’ll feel so proud! Studies show that garden projects for kids is a great way to teach them to grow their own food.  Most importantly, kids are more apt to eat what they grown.  So go ahead and plant the rainbow!

Plant a Butterfly Garden

Also, this fun idea is probably the easiest and reaps the most benefits. Pick an area of your yard or use a big container planter and fill with rich, black soil. Pick up an inexpensive packet of Butterfly Garden Seeds. Let your child sprinkle the seeds on the dirt and water. Watch all the different varieties of flowers bloom and attract butterflies and humming birds.

Start a Worm Composter

So, your first thought might be “oh yuck” but your kids and garden will love your worm composter. You can buy a pre-made composter or build your own DIY version for around $5. It’s very easy to make and only requires a bit of drilling holes and setting up the bin.

Vermicomposting requires worm compost bedding and compost worms (can be ordered online). They will need to be watered and fed which your kids can be responsible for. The compost created by the worms makes your garden grow like crazy and healthy too. Your kids will be more fascinated by the worms.

Add Bug Repellant Plants Around Play Areas

Next, pick up a few Citronella or Lemongrass from your local garden store to use by your children’s play areas. Both Citronella and Lemongrass repel mosquitoes and flies, which are both a nuisance to kids playing. Using a few containers you have around the garage, fill with dirt and fill with the Citronella or Lemongrass plants and water. Place around the outer edges of your kids’ swing set and sandbox.

Make Homemade Stepping Stones

Last, this project may be a little messy, but it’s so much fun for the whole family!  So, the difficulty of this project will depend on the age of the children. Find rocks on your property or a nearby park to make your stepping stones.  Give them a good washing with soap and water and then paint them with non-washable paint.

Another fun garden project for kids is googly eye balls glued on to make “pet rocks.”  This is a great craft to do as a family.

A more advanced approach is making your own stepping stones with Plaster of Paris.  Just mix the Plaster of Paris with water in an old bucket, and pour into molds.  Also, fun molds are available at art supply stores or you can use simple disposable aluminum baking pans. While the Plaster of Paris is still wet, you can etch in names, add gem stones or other finds, and paint when dried. Stepping stones also make great gifts for grandparents and friends.

Last, Max Warehouse is your one stop shop for all your home and garden needs, home organization and improvement, auto, lawn care and everything in between.  We have great products for your garden projects for kids too. Whether your project is large or small, they have your back!  Free shipping over $50.

Finally, we hope that you enjoyed our garden projects for kids, and will select a few to implement in your garden this spring.

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Projects for Kids Tagged With: , ,

Tips For a Healthy Garden

April 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Gardening can be tremendously therapeutic and good for the soul.  However, it is natural that problems will arise. You could be putting in love, time, and money, but still end up seeing your beloved plants suffer.  Today, I have gardening tips that will get your garden healthy and happy.  After all, every gardener can use tips for a healthy garden. 

 

 

garden tips

 

Here are a few signs that your garden might be suffering and solutions:

The birds aren’t coming

Many of us enjoy casual birdwatching.  So, it can be troubling when the birds don’t come. One of the most common causes of birds refusing to come to your garden is that they don’t feel safe.  Do you have a cat or dog?  Or does your neighbor?  Try to place your feeder higher from the ground and out of reach of any ground-dwelling animals.  You should soon see them start to come to your backyard feeders. 

 

garden tips

 

 

The bees aren’t coming

If your garden plants are flowering, but the fruit never seems to materialize, it probably means the bees aren’t coming. We need bees to move from flower to flower.  When they do, they are taking the pollen with them.  As a result, the plants can repopulate.  If doesn’t happen then the plant doesn’t fruit. The best way to counteract this problem is by adding more flowers. The more flowers you have, the most bees will be attracted to your garden, it’s as simple as that!

The trees don’t look right

Trees, just like humans, are susceptible to diseases.  Some are easily treated with fungicides, but others will need more professional intervention by people such as http://www.treeservicefortworth.org/tree-disease. They will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest treatment. Tell-tale signs include spots on the leaves, swellings and knots in the bark, changes in the rate of growth, and unseasonal color changes. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to speak to a professional for advice.

 


 

The moss is taking over

Moss can be a great addition to a garden for covering unattractive sections, and making it feel more natural and wild. But if moss seems to be taking over in areas where you don’t want it, it could be due to the soil.  Your soil could be too acidic. This is an easy one to solve. All you need to do is include some wood ash into the soil.  It will balance its pH, making it less hospitable for moss

The plants are struggling

In actual fact, the pH of the soil can have serious effects on all the plants.  So, it’s a good idea before you start doing any serious yard work to use one of the home testing kits to check the pH of your soil. This will allow you to neutralize it effectively, without harming your plants. When soil is too acidic or too alkaline, your plants will struggle to grow and could even die.

Gardens are open to the elements, so it’s easy to see why problems arise. As long as you keep your eye out for changes and react to them effectively, you should have a healthy and beautiful garden.  We hope you enjoyed our tips for a healthy garden.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

How To Plant a Rose Garden

March 21, 2017 by 2 Comments

A beautiful rose garden is the ultimate dream of many gardeners. Roses have a long tradition of symbolism–love, hope, and passion. All of these are contained in the beauty of a perfect rose. The blooms are loved by almost everyone simply because of the feelings and memories they evoke.  A satisfying rose garden is not impossible.  There is some specific care and growing techniques required when growing roses.  I’m going to give you a few flower garden tips on how to plant a rose garden. 

 

how to plant a rose garden

 

 

Let’s take a look at how to plant a rose garden that you will love:

Planning a Rose Garden

The first step in putting together a rose garden is deciding what type of roses you want. Roses come in hundreds of varieties, so it’s not likely you’ll be growing all of them. So, it’s helpful if you can decide what style of garden you want. Furthermore, this will help guide your decisions on the types of roses you should choose to grow.

Decide if you want a formal rose garden, or something wilder and more natural. Formal rose gardens usually stick to one or two traditional colors (like red and/or white). Less formal gardens allow the freedom to plant various styles and colors. And the plantings will probably be more random as well.

 


 

Another decision is whether your roses should be scented or not.  Maybe you weren’t aware that unscented roses exist.  However, modern hybrid roses have very little fragrance. If you’re growing a rose garden to enjoy the fragrance, then you need to select roses that can provide the fragrance you want.

Another difference between roses is the size and arrangement of the plants.  Roses range from bushes, shrubs and climbing vines to small trees. Include this size variation in your initial planning. If you plant a climbing rose you will need a trellis.  Otherwise, you end up with roses creeping along the ground.  Consider what type of trellis you will need and where you want it placed.

 

 

Caring for Your Rose Garden

Specific foods, fertilizers and soil mixes have been formulated to assist the modern rose gardener. These products are particularly helpful when you’re just starting out.  You don’t have to worry about soil adjustments, vitamins or minerals.  Research what roses will grow in you zone and local climate. You will want to stick with varieties that have a better chance of thriving in your garden.  Keeping the lawn mowed regularly will help your rose garden look better, and control the invasion of weeds.

 

How to Plant a Rose Garden

 

Additionally, roses have specific light and water requirements. Read the package to ensure you know about any special needs. This information should help you figure out where to place the plants in your landscape. Don’t forget to add mulch around the rose plants. This helps prevent the emergence of weeds and also helps retain moisture in the soil.

Furthermore, once your roses start blooming watch for blooms that have died off.  Deadheading your  vines regularly will stimulate enhanced blooming through the season.  It will become second nature as you stroll through your garden.

Rose bushes also need regular pruning and trimming.  This will encourage healthy growth over time. So, taking care of a rose garden may be not a simple task, but think about the gorgeous rose garden you will have. I believe it’s worth your effort.

We hope you find our tips on how to plant a rose garden helpful.  Following these tips will get you get on your way to having the rose garden of your dreams.

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Author Bio

Richard Clayton

I’m an owner of a small gardening shop. I love gardening, especially lawn care. I can spend all of my free time taking care of my lawn and discussing lawn care experiences with my friends. Especially those who have the same hobby as me.  My site, www.mygreenerylife.com is my playground, where I discuss everything about lawn care techniques.

 

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