The Green Thumb » Flower Gardening

Container Flower Gardening – Understanding The Advantages Of Container Flower Gardening

Weekend Gardener — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:46:58 +0000

In case you do not have adequate space for a decent outdoor garden, there is no need to lose sleep. More and more people are being lured by the container flower gardening process and you too, can join this trend.

Moreover, this kind of gardening is not the sole domain of the upwardly mobile city dwellers. In fact, even people having extensive outdoor gardens, wish to make elegant their interiors with the use of attractive shades and scents and most gardeners set off their open-air garden with an al fresco container garden, either to beautify the area or to thwart some charming, but undesirable, plants that tend to damage and overrun their garden associates. Now, container gardens are a means to grow plants inside your home since the external environment is not conducive to their growth.

In addition, container flower gardening gives you the benefit of keeping a fresh and vibrant flower arrangement throughout the gardening season. When a specific plant variety is in bloom, you can smugly exhibit it in its attractive container in all its glory; and once the flowers begin to fade, you can carry off the container and put back another flower holder, brimming with plants in bud.

The container flower gardening technique is just right to manage perennials that have to last their life cycle, from blossoming to fading away and repeating the process all over again. Cheerfully place them prominently shown when in season, but take them away and put them in a remote corner when they are through with their flowering season. When they revive and brighten up, they take center stage once again! In this fashion, it is possible for you to make over your garden whenever you feel like it.

Customarily, the best selection of containers to be used for container flower gardening are wooden drum, planter boxes, flowerpots, and hanging baskets.

However, there is no firm and fast rule regarding the need to tread the traditional path; you can give free rein to your imagination! In fact, gardeners have availed of plastic milk pitchers, transparent plastic bottles, or milk cartons, making perforations in them for drainage and bedecking them with wrapping paper, foil, or any other multihued object. Buckets manufactured from any material, can be utilized, as also baskets and strong fabrics such as canvas or denim (which need to be lined).

Another possibility is to line the base of cookie jars with small stones and wire net to ensure proper drainage and these can be used as containers, and you can cover the wire net with peat moss in order to create a hanging container for plants. There are people who have also employed abandoned bathtubs!

Basically you can draw on almost anything to be utilized as a planter in container gardening. However, you need to address the requirements of plants, which make this container, their dwelling place. Every container should be fitted with drainage holes.

In addition, you should find out how deep the roots of a specific plant tend to grow, as well as the manner in which they grow and select a most suitable container. For instance, the roots of a strawberry plant do not go very deep and they do not require big containers, but since their roots tend to spread out, they require a wide container.

Ensure your container can suitably handle the problem of expanding ice-covered soil in case you reside in cold clime. If you are considering planting a sizeable, heavy flower, in a container to be set outdoors, ensure the container is heavily built so that it is not turned over by a strong breeze.

Also give due consideration to the materials used and the colors displayed in a container, and what they so indicate. Now, darkly shaded containers take in considerable heat and this may result in the soil becoming parched. It is preferable that you grow plants in containers with pale colors, or else keenly observe the water needs of any plant kept in a darkly colored container.

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Flower Gardening Ideas – Let Your Dreams Blossom

Weekend Gardener — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:44:47 +0000

Flower gardeners everywhere are on the constant lookout for fresh and modern ideas to beautify their gardens even more. Some of the common examples of flower gardening ideas that find a mention in the talks among the gardening enthusiasts are like new methods of flower arrangements to add aesthetic value to the homeâs dÃ©cor, the newest flower container that has hit the market or the new kind of organic fertilizer that can be prepared at home to achieve optimum results.

Many popular gardening ideas are often a result of unintentional experimentation by either an over-enthusiastic amateur gardener or an over-confident gardening veteran. Ideas like beneficial pairing of different flower types, a breathtaking colorful display of a specific combination of perennials and annuals, a modified flower container, a particular potting mix etc. are all a result of an accidental stumble upon them. However, a basic research and analysis effort is usually there before the stumbling happens.

It is often said that the more one shares, the more one learns. To give practical applicability to that notion, several forums have cropped up on the cyberspace for the ever-interested flower gardening enthusiasts. Here, they can indulge in constructive discussions on their own unique flower gardening ideas (though there are quite a few of them who keep their ideas to themselves) and gain from every ones expertise.

One of the most common searches regarding flower gardening ideas on the internet is about tips to take care of special types of flowers and how to fulfill their natural needs while not compromising on the environmental concerns. It is often noted that several people dig up information about other gardeners experiences in relation to how the flower was planted, where was it planted, what all minerals and nutrients were employed, how much water and sunlight was made available, whether or not the flower was complemented with another variety to enhance its growth and several other pertinent issues to learn more and more flower gardening ideas.

Another frequently discussed topic on many gardening forums is the best conditions and time of the year to plant specific flowers or consider moving them. Flower gardening experts and amateurs alike are both very particular about the climatic requirements before they plant a flower, however, it often happens that even after they followed every instruction to the letter, what turns up in their garden eventually is not what they were expecting. This can get very frustrating and hence such forums provide a great platform to learn from others experiences, both bad and good. After all why should one invent a wheel all over again!

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Flower Gardening–8 Important Tips Concerning Flower Gardening!

Weekend Gardener — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:46:36 +0000

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever!” This proverb must have been invented, keeping flower gardens in mind! True, flower gardening is tough work; yet, it is a well-loved activity that has been in existence for ages!

Think of all the benefits flower gardening can provide! Your yard is a riot of colors, and the intoxicating fragrances from your flowers waft into your entire living space! Not only can you “see” beauty, but you can also “smell” it! You have therefore created a wonderful getaway to escape all your worries–the result is a peaceful state of mind!

The physical activity provides you with plenty of fresh air and exercise, resulting in good health. Also, the value of your property increases because of the magnificent landscape!

There are some considerations to be kept in mind regarding flower gardening–

(1) You could follow the example set by others before you–plan your garden on paper first. This has been attempted by novice and expert alike, and has proved successful. Many have even gone so far as to maintain a gardening notebook, where they have kept track of the flowering plants in their alloted spaces in their gardens, and how they reacted to different conditions and seasons.

(2) Which area have you allocated for flower gardening, if it is outdoors? Outdoor could mean the front yard or back yard. Are you going in for container gardening? Then plan out where they are to be placed–both outdoors and indoors.

(3) Regarding the flowers themselves, you will have to do some investigation first, that is, can they survive and thrive in the environmental setting that you create for them. Wherever they grow, every plant needs a healthy medium. It is your responsibility to promise that to all of your plants!

(4) You have to consider how much of space you can afford to allot to your flowers. Just like humans, some plants do not mind crowds, while others prefer their own private space!

What you need to keep in mind before beginning flower gardening is that there is going to be heavy competition among the plants for resources and nutrition. Keep the flowers at a distance of three to five feet from the boundary or fence. And do not plant them anywhere near, or at the bases of bushes or trees, since the bigger plants will grab all the nutrients and leave little for the smaller ones!

(5) The next thing to consider is, soil. The quality of the soil should be such that it can support the presence of essential nutrients, and allow healthy growth of plants. The plants should be able to get adequate amount of nutrition from the soil. A soil test should reveal its quality.

Should the soil quality not be up to standard, you will need to add things that will improve the quality of the plant medium. These additions are called “amendments”. Fertilizers are also an option. Peat moss aids in retention of water as well as drainage of excess water. But again, you cannot go on modifying and modifying the soil–everything has a limit!

(6) Plants cannot prepare food without adequate light. So check out if the area allocated for your garden will get sufficient sunlight. Even here, you will need to differentiate–while some plants relish direct sunlight, there are others that flourish in the shade. Some plants neither require too much of light nor too much of shade.

On an average, there should be enough sunlight for six hours in the day (some places manage to even receive 12 hours). Plants suitable for all light conditions and shade, are available for flower gardening.

(7) Flowering plants grow everywhere and manage to survive in all kinds of habitats. Over a period of time, they get adapted to their respective dwelling places and the surrounding ecosystem. The same conditions have to be created in your garden if you plan to grow them for yourself. Those plants that are tolerant of harsh conditions find warmth intolerable. Tropical plants, on the other hand, cannot survive in the cold northern climate; they have to be brought indoors whenever conditions become unfavorable.

(8) Now that you have researched all conditions and backgrounds, see what plants are suitable for your garden. The flowers should adjust to the conditions you can provide them, and not the other way round!

There are plenty of plants to choose from for your flower gardening. So do not hunger for those exotic ones that cannot grow in your garden! Since you are a first-timer, go in for simple stuff like violets, petunias, marigolds, etc.

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Flower Gardening Pictures- 9 Important Points For The Shutterbug

Weekend Gardener — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:45:50 +0000

If you should ever observe a range of photographs, you would notice that the most frequently photographed object is the simple “flower”! The reasons for capturing flowers on camera and presenting them as flower gardening pictures for public viewing, are varied.

It is hard for anyone to fathom how nature has managed to come up with such a myriad variety of colors! Fortunately, flowers are able to survive in all sorts of habitats, so beauty is to be seen everywhere! Not to forget the intoxicating perfumes that waft into the surrounding atmosphere because of their presence! Thus, flower gardening pictures have become a favorite topic for photographers all over the world.

Some aspects of flower gardening pictures are presented here–

(1) Every photographer realizes that the “flower” is a prized work of art produced by nature that is appreciated the world over, especially by avid gardeners. So these flower gardening pictures find their way into web sites dedicated to gardening, books on gardening, gardening magazines, guides and encyclopedias dedicated to gardening.

(2) There is no need to go in for highly advanced technological gadgets to snap photographs of flower gardens! Whatever camera is used, simple or expensive, good focusing will ensure a good picture. Experts believe that the photograph with its background is already present; only the “clicking” of the camera is required. So there is competition among the professionals to trap these “blooming beauties” forever in the form of pictures!

(3) The major aim is to inspire a viewer to go in for flower gardening! If the right interest can be created via these photographs, more and more people will realize the potential in creating a garden full of flowers.

(4) It is not necessary for the photographer to concentrate on a single flower. The idea is to impress the viewer with the beauty presented in the picture. So, the camera’s focus can be directed towards individual flowers; flowers in the foreground or background along with solid structures, or vice versa; small areas; or large expanses–depending on the purpose for which the photograph is being snapped.

(5) The time of the day is also related to the purpose behind the picture. It could be daytime or evening time. The focus could be on sunny areas in the garden or the shady parts.

(6) Additionally, it is entirely up to the photographer whether he/she wishes to present the entire picture, or just a bit of it and leave the viewer to fill in the gaps. Creativity can always find an outlet in different ways! What is important to realize is that flower gardening pictures represent reality in all its significence, they are not just mere copies!

(7) Since these photographs are meant for public viewing, novice gardeners as well as expert gardeners can use them as references. There are pictures of all types of healthy flowers, container gardening arrangements, various designs related to gardens, complete gardens, and so on.

(8) The idea is to get the viewer’s creative juices flowing! It can lead to more people deciding to take up the hobby of gardening. It can inspire gardeners to try out similar ideas as presented in the photographs, or even improve upon them. They can indicate what a garden will ultimately look like after it is finished.

(9) One need not be a professional photographer to capture flowers on camera! A dedicated gardener can create his/her own flower gardening pictures too. It would help to maintain a journal of photographs, indicating “what it was like before” and “what it is like now”. Photographs have to be taken regularly–the actual plot meant for the garden, growing seasons, final display. Written notes below each picture will serve as records for the future. Thus, the next garden is sure to be an improved, and much better version of the earlier one!

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Flower Gardening Supplies- 14 “Essentials” Of Flower Gardening Supplies!

Weekend Gardener — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:45:11 +0000

Flowers signify a joy of life, and people just cannnot get enough of them! They are not concerned whether the space for a flower garden is small or big, whether they stay in an apartment in a tall building or in a house with a large yard–they just want to fit in the flowers somehow, for they enhance the beauty of a place and give out a wonderful fragrance! And of course, flower gardening supplies will also follow since the plants need some help to grow properly!

You can plan and design a garden all by yourself, but it cannot be grown all by yourself! It makes no difference that you have been gifted with a green thumb or have great knowledge about botany–without flower gardening supplies, the flower garden of your dreams cannot be created!

What should a gardener know about flower gardening supplies?

(1) A seasoned veteran will have no problems listing out what he/she actually needs, but a novice may not find it so easy. Some amount of research work is called for. The World Web can give entire botanical lessons–it has so much of information! What flowers will grow well, what they need, gardening supplies, etc., can all be found on the Net.

(2) Any number of magazines and books containing useful tips and hints, attractive pictures and gardening supplies (general and specific) are also available. Supplies for the flower garden can also be ordered through them.

(3) There are gardening supply stores everywhere, at least one in each town and city. The staff are ready to provide the customer with valuable advice as well as all the materials needed to create a flower garden, ranging from seed and fertilizers to hoes and containers.

(4) If stores are a problem, there is the Internet. Web sites are ever ready to suppy information about flower gardening supplies (even odd ones). These supplies can be purchased online too. Just to give a few examples, there are electronically-controlled flower containers that can be programmed beforehand to release water at regular intervals (these are very handy for forgetful people), and upmarket flower baskets.

But any gardener actually needs to purchase the basic supplies before going in for anything else, extravagant or otherwise.

(5) The soil has to be dug before anything can be planted; so, shovels and spades are the first things that come to mind. The size of the tools should match the size of the person! They should feel comfortable enough to handle, or else gardening will turn out to be a very painful activity!

While the spade with a narrow and long blade is useful for flower beds, larger jobs can be handled comfortably with a rounded shovel.

(6) Soil can be tough. A garden fork can break up soil clods easily. Even plants that are near retirement stage can be removed with the fork!

(7) Another useful tool is the stiff soil rake. When a new flower bed is being prepared, it aids in leveling the soil as well as getting rid of small stones.

(8) Every plant requires water, only the quantity may differ from species to species. A water hose of good quality is a must for all gardens. A hose that is recommended is the one with brass fittings measuring 4- to 6-ply in thickness.

(9) Another useful tool among flower gardening supplies is the watering wand, which works very well on the plants themselves, plus seedlings and container gardens. It produces a gentle spray of water instead of a pressure-filled stream.

(10) Weeds are the best friends of any garden! But they cannot be allowed to stay, and have to be removed with a weeding knife. The knife helps to make the soil around the roots loose enough for the whole plant to be uprooted easily.

(11) Pruning shears are also a part of flower gardening supplies. They are meant for light work such as removing dead flowers, cutting back perennial plants and pruning shrubs. Heavier work like cutting off thick branches is handled by lopping pruners, which have longer handles with bigger blades.

(12) Trees shed their leaves during the fall–big rakes which resemble fans are helpful in removing these leaves. The leaves can be added to the compost pile for manure.

(13) If necessary, a garden cart or wheelbarrow can also be purchased.

(14) Apart from the above, flower gardening supplies which come in handy are–a watering can, a pair of cotton gloves, a hand trowel, a hand-held hoe, shears meant for clipping grass, a lawn mower, tape measure (can measure 100 feet), sturdy scissors for gardening purposes only and a hat.

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Flower Gardening – The All-Time Popular Hobby

Weekend Gardener — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:46:36 +0000

Flower gardening has always been a rewarding and economical hobby for all levels of gardening enthusiasts. The experience of picking and planting bulbs, flower plants and seeds is considered extremely enjoyable and relaxing by people of all ages. Nothing beats the satisfaction derived out of planting a few seeds into the ground and sprinkling some water on top of it. Gardeners of all levels of expertise, be it the beginners or the seasoned ones, take equal delight in experiencing the vivid colors and sweet fragrances of the flowers that blossom before their noses and eyes.

Internet has made the task of collecting information and seeds necessary for flower gardening quicker and easier. A wide range of bulbs and seeds suitable for any kind of flower garden can be ordered via mail order or seed catalogs available at online stores. Unless you are well aware about your color preferences and the space constraints, the task of picking up the most appropriate seeds for your flower garden can be quite intimidating. Most online retail stores and traditional seed catalogs offer tried and tested combinations of seeds that if planted together can give the perfect aesthetic touch to your flower garden. Such combinations are made keeping specific terrains and space constraints in mind. They also help the gardeners to get rid of hit and trial methods that can get very expensive and time wasting.

Flower types can be broadly classified into three major types based on their life spans. These three divisions are: perennials, annuals and the biennials.

Annuals are widely popular with the beginning gardeners and also with parents and kids who like to pursue flower gardening as a family effort to help them bond well. The annual flower seeds are generally quite easy to handle despite their relatively large size. Few varieties of annuals are: African Daisies, Dahlias and Sunflowers. The best part about annuals is that they germinate very quickly. Therefore, once you have planted them, they may start flowering in a few weeks time.

The biennials flowers life span starts during the autumn season when they start showing the signs of leaves. Their growth continues during the winter season and culminates into blooming, seeding and eventual death in the spring season. Few popular varieties of biennials are hollyhock, Foxglove and Canterbury bells.

The best feature of the third type of flowers called perennials is that they need not be planted again and again every year. Once planted, from the second year on, they bloom by themselves for a few weeks every year. If one were to approach them with a comprehensive flower gardening plan, they can be found blooming for almost all the time of the year. Few famous varieties of perennials are Columbine, Shasta Daisy, and Black-eyed Susan.

Flower gardening is a very satisfying and enjoyable hobby practiced widely all over the world by young and the young at heart. Not only can one beautify the exteriors of the home with it, one can also practice this natural hobby in the interiors also.

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Flower Gardens – 5 Appealing Ideas For Flower Gardens

Weekend Gardener — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:46:34 +0000

To make your garden a beautiful place you will have to follow a few essential gardening tips so that you have a basic idea of what to grow in your garden and how to make it look colorful with a lot of flowering plants in
it to add to its beauty. A garden is like a bouquet which you will have to arrange carefully to get the most
out of it. The space you have will have to be used effectively so that it is shown to advantage.

A few practical ideas and tips on flower gardening to help you to get the best and most effective results from
your gardening efforts:

* To retain moisture around the plants and to prevent weeds from growing mulch is very useful. A good quality
of mulch can add fiber to the soil and prevent moisture from evaporating from around the plants, and from weeds
growing around it in the soil. This is a great help as it reduces the job of pulling out the weeds from the
plants.

*Pinching the head of the dead flower from the plant or dead heading as it is called will help in more flowers
blooming on the plant. This is a very effective method for flowers like roses, verbena and geraniums. If
deheading is done for these plants you will get blooms through out the season.

* Flower fertilizer should be used regularly for flowering plants. You will get a good harvest of blooms
regularly if you use the right kind of fertilizer for the plants. Flowers like blueberries, hydrangeas and
azaleas need a particular type of fertilizer and an acidic soil for good blooms on your plants.

* A useful way to recycle waste materials in the house is composing by which you can make your own fertilizers
and mulch combinations. By composing you invite worms and butterflies into your garden which are very necessary
for the soil and for pollination.

* Put plants that require the same amount of watering and sunlight together so that they get the maximum
benefit from the sun and from water. Some plants need watering regularly where as some need not be watered so
often, so make sure you segregate them and plant them with similar plants.

Water flower gardens frequently
Constant care should be given to flower gardens and they should be watered frequently as per gardening experts. What they need most is water, fertilizer and light to thrive on. The soil around the flower plant should be
dampened on alternate days and should be well watered at least once a week too. It is better to water the
plants in the morning as watering in the evening may cause the plant to rot. You could even check with the
nursery in your locality on the best way to mange your garden and especially flowering plants.

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How to Plant a Flower Garden

Weekend Gardener — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:45:12 +0000

Watch this video for a demonstration of “How to Plant a Flower Garden”. Tocomplete the task, you will need: A soil test A landscaping plan Bulbs, small plants, or seeds Get started with the first step: Test your soil to find out what nutrients it needs. Garden centers often sell do-it-yourself kits, or you can arrange a test through the Cooperative Extension System, a national agricultural network. Find a nearby Extension office on the USDA web site. For the complete guide, go to www.howcast.com Also check out Howcast for other do it yourself videos from carlo_scialla and more videos in the General Flower Gardening category. How can you contribute? Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or apply to the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com

Fall Flower Gardening- 12 “Attractive” Features Of Fall Flower Gardening!

Weekend Gardener — Sun, 09 May 2010 17:45:40 +0000

Autumn is a wonderful season! All the different hues of nature can be witnessed in the trees around! Flowers give out heady fragrances, and there is generally an atmosphere of magic all around! This season is therefore a boon for garden lovers, since there are any number of plants which are created just for fall flower gardening!

Some features of fall flower gardening are listed below–

(1) Why fall flower gardening at all? These magnificent plants give a new look to the landscape around the house. The gardener gets immense pleasure from what he/she has created. And best of all, one is surrounded by intoxicating perfumes!

(2) Fall season stretches to a few months. So when is the best time to begin fall flower gardening? People who live in highly warm climates are lucky! The (annual) flowers can be planted during autumn itself. Additionally, they even grow and bloom in the same season; so the owner can enjoy everything at one and the same time!

Those dwelling in places with colder climates will have to plant the flowers before fall, and wait to enjoy their color and fragrance during the autumn.

(3) In actual fact, there is no standard answer to the above question–it is just a matter of guesswork. Every year, there could be a different time period that seems appropriate for fall flower gardening. All that an avid gardener can do is wait till the opportunity presents itself, and then grab it!

To illustrate with an example, a mild summer may be followed by a period of rainfall. This occurs somewhere towards the end of August. This then would be an ideal time for growing flowers. In other areas, September would seem to be the ideal month for growing flowers.

(4) There is another choice available–an entirely new flower garden can be started just before autumn.

When the summer season comes to an end, local garden centers offer those plants which could not be sold during the spring season, at discounted rates. Unless there are pests on these plants, they can be safely taken home and brought back to good health via container gardening. Once the weather turns cooler, the same plants can be transplanted into the outdoor garden.

(5) Fall flower gardening can include annual plants as well as perennials. Annual flowers are tender and may survive for a briefer period than perennial flowers. Perennial plants are sturdier and able to tolerate early frost–so their flowers can be enjoyed for a lengthier period of time.

(6) With a little research, the gardener can obtain plants that grow late blossoms, but generally before the arrival of the first frost. These flowers are actually planted during the summer; so, it is possible that excess foliage will need to be trimmed during fall season. This is done by pruning or staking. A disadvantage is that pruning leads to late blooming.

(7) Fall flowering garden can include plants that grow vegetables too. Some of them are peppers, cabbage and kales. As a matter of fact, ornamental peppers exhibit wonderfully colored flowers and fruits. Thus, enjoy them and taste them too!

(8) Some popular flowering plants are–perennial asters that blossom every fall, year after year, and pansies; pansies bloom during the fall, winter and spring seasons.

(9) Some exotic and colorful additions to the garden can be attempted if the gardener so desires. These could be–reddish-purple love-lies-bleeding flowers, pinkish-purple mums, and New England asters.

(10) There are other blooms that can really be breathtaking in appearance! They are therefore welcome additions to the flower garden.

Nasturtiums (give out orange and yellow flowers).
Silver king artemisia.
Reddish-purple plumed celosia.
Bronze coleus.
Marigold (give out yellow, gold and orange flowers).

(11) Perennial plants come in a vast range. The gardener can take his pick from among sunflowers, aconite, yellow wax bells, phlox, autumn crocus, tall verbena, golden rod, Russian sage, black-eyed susan or the ragged coneflower.

(12) To enhance the fall flower gardening experience, the gardener can visualize the difference that vines, shrubs and ornamental grasses will create when invited to become part of the already vivid panorama!

flower gardening?

Weekend Gardener — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:15:20 +0000

Cheryl T asked:

The leaves on my morning glories are turning yellow, and then getting brown spots. What is causing this?