Best Flowers For Sunny Locations

May 18, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing beginner gardening tips on best flowers for sunny locations.  Knowing your plant’s needs is imperative if you want to be successful growing beautiful flower gardens.  Some garden areas are perfect for full sun flowers, some part sun and shade and some simply shade. To take out the guess work out the plants that you should use for sunny locations.  I’ve put together a list of flowers that love sunny locations.

 

Know the Requirements for Best Flowers for Sunny Locations

When a plant’s need is full sun, it doesn’t have to be in full sun all day.  However, it must have at least 6 hours of sunshine per day.  If you have part shade in an area near your sun garden, look for and plant flowers that can thrive in full sun or part shade.

Provide mulch for your flowers, it will help them retain moisture.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Flowers for Sunny Locations: 

 

  • Black-eyed Susans
  • Coreopsis
  • Sunflowers
  • Iris
  • Sage
  • Bee Balm
  • Knock Out Roses
  • Day Lilies
  • Sedum
  • Lavender
  • Shasta Daisy
  • Petunia
  • Moss Ross
  • Geraniums
  • Begonias
  • Salvia
  • Verbena
  • Arnica
  • Roses
  • Lilac
  • Sweet Alyssum
  • Marigolds
  • Zinnia
  • Balloon Flower
  • Salvia
  • Azalea
  • Blanket Flower
  • Crape Myrtle
  • Clematis
  • Hydrangeas
  • Lupines
  • Turtleheads

 

 

 

best flowers for sunny locations

 

 

Know Your Gardening Zone for Best Results:  

Know your gardening zone, and look for plants that will thrive in your area.  Furthermore, make sure they can survive the heat and drought you may encounter doing the summer.  You will need to provide water during these stressful times and ensure they still receive the nutrients needed.  Native plants are very good options, they are already accustomed to your area.  

 

Plant Perennials and Annuals for Best Flowers for Sunny Location:

Additionally, you can plant annuals with your perennials.  They are perfect for containers and pots or filling in gaps in your borders.  Just make sure they are suitable to you gardening zone and have the same sun requirements.

Last, play with colors and height to create interest in your garden.  I love combining purple, pink and white petunias in my containers and window boxes.  The hummingbirds and butterflies love them.  If you’re interested attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators, be sure to plant flowers that will do just that.  

You may also like Gardener’s Guide to Sun Expose.  

 

 

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Growing Lavender In Your Garden

September 26, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on growing lavender in your garden.  Our flower and vegetables gardens will be dormant soon.  Fall is here and winter is around the corner.  As a result, I use winter to plan my spring and summer gardens as well as winter sow my garden seeds.

I decided to add a pollinator garden along one of fence lines this year.  Lavender has found a spot in the garden.  It’s great for attracting butterflies and bees and smells heavenly.  Use lavender for sugar scrubs, lip balms, whipped creams, sachets and more.  The scent alone is worth a few plants, but the DIY sugar scrubs, lip balms and creams are an added bonus for growing it.

growing lavender

 

 

If you decide to plant lavender in your garden here are a few things that you should know before you plant:

  • Lavender should be planted in full sun and well drained soil.
  • Cut the plant back after it flowers.  Cutting it back prevents the plant from becoming woody.  Don’t prune the plant after August though. If you don’t get it pruned before August, wait until spring.  It’s a great time for pruning.
  • Plants should be spaced apart to ensure each has good air circulation. Be sure to read your plant label or do your research if you grow your own.
  • Compost or organic plant food is sufficient for lavender.  There’s no need for fertilizer.
  • Water regularly the first year.
  • Established plants can tolerate dry, hot conditions.
  • If you plant in pots, don’t use a saucer beneath it.  Standing water can cause root rot.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 


 

Growing Lavender in Your Garden

 

English Lavender – The English Lavender is a classic.  If you’re thinking of growing lavender in your garden, consider English Lavender.  It is a smaller variety, more compact and has a strong, sweet aroma.  The stems are long with deep purple flowers.  This variety is great for cooking, crafts and dried flower arrangements.  I garden in zone 6B, so the English lavender is perfect for our freezing winter temperatures.  It is also the easiest variety to find at your local garden centers.  Most plants will grow up to 1 – 4 feet.  If you don’t have a large garden the Petite Sweet Romance plant is perfect for containers.  These varieties include Hidcote, Little Lottie, Ladyann and Lullaby Blue.

 

 

growing lavender

 

 

French Lavender – French Lavender is perfect for humid climates.  French lavender has a silver-gray color and is perfect in potpourri, crafts and sachets.  They produce pale lavender blooms in the spring.  Most plants will grow up to 2 to 4 feet.

 

Spanish Lavender – Spanish Lavender is a great plant for hot, dry areas.  And, it resists fungus diseases as a result of the humidity.  This particular plant grows from 1 to 4 feet, so it’s perfect for an upfront spot in your border.  If you remove the spent blooms, the plant will bloom a second time.

 

Good companion plants for lavender are rosemary, thyme, verbena, salvia and sedum.  Surround your lavender plants with any of the above and they will love you for it.  Order a few seed packets or visit your garden center in the spring for a few plants.  You won’t be disappointed.  You may also like The Benefits of Lavender in Your Backyard Garden.

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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.

 

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Tips for Fall Flower Garden Maintenance

October 13, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing fall flower garden maintenance tips.  Fall is a busy time in the flower garden.  The growing season may be coming to an end, but it’s the perfect time for clean up and other gardening tasks.  Use my list of reminders and tips to keep up with your fall garden maintenance and chores.  Fall flower garden maintenance will help prepare your garden for winter and anticipation of spring!  Check out my other flower gardening tips below.  

 

fall gardening activities

 

 

Flower gardens slow down after frost kills the foliage and knocks down tender plantings.  However, flower gardeners find there are still a few seasonal chores to do in the fall:

 

Dig and Store Tender Bulbs, Corms, Tubers and Rhizomes

Summer bulbs are tender, which means they will not survive cold climate winters outdoors. You can let them freeze to death during the winter and replace them in the spring.  Or, you can save them to enjoy next year by digging them up and storing them indoors.  For example: Cannas, Dahlias, and Gladiolus can be stored during the winter.

 

fall garden maintenance

Via https://www.flickr.com/photos/dinesh_valke/420062003/

 

Cut Back Perennials

Next, trim off frost killed stems and foliage. Leave evergreen basal rosettes and foliage intact.


Leave Seeds as Natural Bird Feed

Furthermore, many birds appreciate the seedy winter snack inside ornamental dried and faded flowers.  For example, coneflower and black eyed Susan are great snacks for birds. The plants are easy to tidy up in the spring when they are weather beaten, soft and soggy from months of snow and rain.


Pull Spent Annuals

Nothing looks as sad as dead annuals left over the winter. Pull them up and toss them in the compost pile. Cover the soil with mulch to prevent erosion during the winter.


Fall Weed Control

Cool season annual weeds such as chickweed germinate and grow like crazy during the cooler months. Use a hoe to prevent the weeds from seeding, and smother them with mulch. If problems are severe, you might resort to using a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent them from germinating.  Read and follow the label directions.


Mulch Flower Beds Before Winter

Rodents love to nestle in mulch where its fluffy insulation keeps them warm and toasty all winter. Wait until after several hard freezes before you mulch.  In most areas, a three inch deep layer is adequate.  In severe climates, you may need to spread it as thick as six inches. Also, do not cover the plants.  The correct method is to mulch around your plants.  Snow is the perfect insulator.  In mid winter, after the ground is frozen and there is no snowyu lay evergreen boughs over your plants as well.

Wait Until Late Fall to Protect Roses for Winter

In severe winter areas, hybrid tea roses, tree roses, and climbing roses will need special winter protection. Wait until late fall before protecting the roses for winter.  to do that, for now allow the roses to slow their growth naturally in response to the changing season.

 

fall garden maintenance
Via https://www.flickr.com/photos/photosu/2038604070/

 

Save Fall Leaves for Compost, Soil Amendment, or Mulch

Also, autumn leaves from deciduous trees are everywhere.  Don’t let this seasonal bounty go to waste. Chop the leaves in a chipper/shredder or run over them with your lawn mower.  You can also suck them up with a leaf vacuum and crush them.  Stockpile these carbon-intensive leaves.  They will mix well with green, nitrogen rich material next summer.  Most importantly,  the leaves alone will break down to yield superb organic soil amendment for flower beds.  Or, use them now as mulch.

Subscribe to Gardening Catalogues

Next, send in the information request cards from magazines.  Also, visit seed supplier and nursery web sites and register for the tips and catalogues.  Study the catalogues over the winter, and get ready to shop for spring.

Finish Planting Spring Bulbs

You can plant spring bulbs (crocus, daffodils, etc.) up until the ground freezes.  However, they do better with a little time to root before then.

fall flower gardens

 

Enjoy the Fall Flower Garden

Last, many perennials show exceptional fall color.  Fall flowers are in many ways the most precious of the gardening year.  Take a minute from your fall chores to enjoy the last of the gardening season.  Garden maintenance and clean is essential, but is so is savoring the fall colors and scents of from you fall flower garden.

 

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How To Create A Great Outdoor Living Space:

November 24, 2017 by

Outdoor Living Space Ideas

 

Outdoor living is quickly becoming a trend.  More people are taking pride in their yard and patio areas.  As a result, they spend more time outside.  What was once considered a normal part of the home has become an extension of your home.  So, a great garden and outdoor living space can even be a selling point for your home.

Having the space and making it neat and tidy are great, but how do you make it a more useable area?  How do you encourage yourself and your family to spend more time outside?  I wanted to share a few ways that you can invest in  luxurious items, accessories and other things to create an a great outdoor space. We encourage you to invest your time and your money in your garden.  You won’t be disappointed, it will pay off in resale value.

 

outdoor seating ideas

Image source

 

Make an outdoor dining area

The one thing that enjoyed most is dining outside.  So, if you find yourself stuck with what to do with your garden or patio area consider a dining area.  Keep things simple, but invest in a new dining table and chairs.  Also, add an umbrella to shade you from direct sunlight.  Furthermore, invest in a cover to keep the furniture in good condition too.  Especially, during the winter.  If you don’t feel like you have a large enough space for a table and chairs, consider extending your patio area.  A decked level would also work.  You can add details like wooden shades and planters to make an impact.

Take the cooking outside

Dining outside is great, but why not think about doing the cooking outside as well.  Again, you can keep things really simple and invest in a BBQ.  Some BBQs are full on outdoor stoves where you can cook a full meal or grill.  If you’re brave enough when the weather becomes chili, you can still enjoy your outdoor stove.

However, a BBQ can just be the start of your outdoor kitchen.  Home owners love the idea of creating an outdoor cooking area.  Some have included a pizza oven, a fire pit to keep warm and even an outdoor sink.  These are some amazing examples of outdoor kitchens that could tempt you into investing in one so that you can create a great outdoor living space too.

 

outdoor kitchen ideas

Sourced image

 

Add a fun element to your outdoor living

 Who says that a yard is just for sitting, reading or sipping on a beverage.  Although there is clearly nothing wrong with this, adding fun elements to your outside space could really bring it to life.  A portable hot tub can make a big difference. You may be thinking that a hot tub is a little extravagant, but there are some health benefits to having one.  For example, hot tubs help relieve anxiety and stress as well as improve your sleep.  Another idea is to create a children’s play area.  You can separate parts of your yard to ensure that you have adult space as well as a great place for your children to enjoy.  You could add a treehouse, a slide or swings.  While you’re relaxing on your deck, the children can enjoy their space.
 

Socialize more in your garden

Socializing can often be seen as something you do inside your home.  After all, that’s why a majority of people invest in an open kitchen and dining areas.  Or, they invest in a plush kitchen. However, socializing can now be extended to your outside area.  Consider having additional seating and LED lighting installed.  Adding the seating and lighting around a fire pit makes the area inviting.  Additionally, when the temperature drops a fire pit could help you extend the use of the seating area too.

While it can be quite tempting to dismiss your garden during the winter months, keeping it tidy is recommended.  Stay on top of the flower beds and your lawn.  Having a tidy space is also inviting, so invest in outdoor storage to keep lawn care items out of sight.

I hope that some of these suggestions have offered you some inspiration on how to create a great outdoor living space.

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6 Amazing Ideas to Transform Your Garden

September 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Are you tired of the same bushes and pots of plants in your garden? There are a few things that you can do to improve your outdoor living space, and transform it into a magnificent recreation place.

After many years of planning and saving, you finally have your own house. Or maybe after years of living in a tiny apartment, you can have your own little place to play and relax. Your new home has some very useful rooms, a very nice kitchen, and a beautiful front yard.  Keeping your garden area beautiful is a fun and exciting experience.

 

 

 

ideas to transform your garden

 

Are you tired of the same bushes and pots of plants in your garden? There are a few things that you can do to improve this green area and transform it into a magnificent recreation place.

After many years of planning and saving, you finally have your own house. Or maybe after years of cramming inside a tiny flat, you can have your own little place to play and relax. Your new home has some very useful rooms, a very nice kitchen, and a beautiful front yard. Keeping your garden beautiful is a fun and exciting experience. Pay attention to the following tips, and you’ll see how your garden starts to glow.

  1. Water your plants

It may sound obvious, but it has to be the first on your list. Plants vary according to how much and how often they need to be watered. The different plants need different amount of water, and thus you need to plan accordingly. You can build a smart water system that can use the unused water or rainwater. A good water system in the garden can make your garden blossom with flowers and fruits.

  1. Decorate with a hammock

If you have two big trees and they are reasonably close to each other, you can try hanging a hammock between them to add an extra chill look to your garden. You can take a quick nap while enjoying the beauty of your garden.

  1. Paint some rocks

Rocks are the natural decorative elements of a garden. They are everywhere. Find a medium-sized rock and then paint it with a bright colour. It will transform your garden into a perfect eye-catcher. However, don’t paint them all as huge pink rocks all over the place would have the complete opposite effect. Another practical décor idea is to have artistic paints on the surface of the rocks,

  1. Choose a theme for your garden

Who says gardens are boring? You can choose a topic or theme and plan your garden following that idea. Jungle, beach, or the forest are some of the vegetation types that you could use to give your garden a touch of the foreign world right there in your house. These plants have a special treatment, and you should also pay attention to your lawn care. If your lawn does not follow the same style of the theme you have chosen, it will definitively look odd.

  1. Ask a gardener

Sometimes an expert advice is the best way to start. If your garden has some problems, such as water supply, tricky areas for lights or maybe a fungus is attacking your plants; the best option would be to call a professional. It is nice to have somebody monitoring the place once in a while.

  1. Glass bottle border

If you want to divide your garden into areas, you can use some glass bottles. First, you will need to decide on the size and shape of the bottles, the medium-size ones work best if you want to delimit a path. Then, you can try painting the bottles and aligning them following a color pattern you have selected. If you don’t like it, you can easily remove the bottles and start all over again.

Hope these ideas to transform your garden will help you find the perfect balance to improve your garden. It can be difficult at the beginning to find the rhythm and energy to maintain an area as green as you want. But, it is surely worth trying.

About the Author: Jane Anderson loves to write on various topics such as health, gardening, and lawn care.  For more information visit yardday.com

 

 

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7 Ideas To Decorate Outdoor Space for Fall

September 4, 2017 by 2 Comments

outdoor space for fall

 

Fall is in the air.  The air is getting crisp, and soon the leaves will changing from green to shades of red, brown, yellow, orange and burgundy.  As a result, most people are thinking about how they can decorate outdoor space for fall. It’s the perfect time to change up your décor and give your backyard and porch a makeover.

First, the changes don’t have to be extravagant.  You can go from summer to fall without breaking the bank.  Check out our tips on how to decorate outdoor space for fall below:

1. Add a Bench or Baskets – So, benches are great for sitting on or displaying fall flowers, and pumpkins. And baskets filled with gourds and Indian corn are a sign of fall for sure. If you’re able to locate apple baskets, they would be perfect for displays.  

2. Build/Add a Fire Pit  – Next, add a fire pit to your deck or backyard.  They’re great for making s’mores or warming up while sipping a glass of cider or wine.  Don’t forget the hot dog roasts.  Open fires make a perfect venue for roasting them.  

3. Change Cushions and Pillows – Furthermore, switch your summer pillows to a fall theme.  Shades of orange, brown, yellow and burgundy are great ways to bring fall into your outdoor space. Just scatter a few here and there.  

4. Add a Rug  – Your deck is part of your outdoor space tool.  As a result, add a rug to your deck.  It will bring the space together.  An outdoor rug is just as affective as an area rug indoors.  Most importantly, it makes the outdoor living space cozy and comfortable. 

5.  Add Plants and Flowers – Additionally, fall is the perfect time to add mums and pansies to your yard.  And don’t forget your containers.  They will both last well into fall. If you decide to plant mums in the ground, mulch them well.  They will return year after year.  Mums can be found in white, yellow, orange and burgundy.  

6.  Add Cornstalks to Corners – Cornstalks give height and interest to an area.  So, stop by your local farmer’s market and pick up a bundle.  Or, if you know a farmer close to you, stop by and see if they will give you a few stalks from their fall harvest. 

7.  Add Pumpkins  – Last, pumpkins can be used in many areas of your yard.  The front porch, in baskets, on benches, in wagons and the list goes on.  Use large or small pumpkins, and don’t forget to get a variety in both orange and white.  Paint them black or gold, get creative.  

Finally, we hope that you enjoyed our tips on how to decorate outdoor space for fall.  Implement a few of our ideas, and you will be able to transform your outdoor space from summer to fall without breaking the bank.  Also, you may  like:  How to Throw an Epic Fall BBQ.

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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: , ,