Today’s Garden Ideas

The seasons of spring and summer are in themselves natural bird callers. We sit in our gardens during the milder months listening to the melodious larks of the chattering birds hiding in our trees and shrubs. As the temperatures begin to drop however, these songs get quieter and quieter and turn to mere whispers. Have you ever thought about how to bring the chirping back to your winter gardens? You can. Every area on the planet is home to its own variety of non-migratory birds and if you leave them the right nibbles, you can draw them into your garden, your home. The 3 things you need to provide for them are the basics: food, water, protection. Read the rest of this entry »

Lighting is an effect that you can add to your garden no matter what season it is. With the right placement and planning, the effect of lighting can transform your garden from a landscape design into a haven of paradise. The right lighting can turn your garden into the most magical place in your home and change the entire character of your garden. Paint your garden with light in the winter months, and pick up the mood from the colder temps by bringing everything back to life with light. Read the rest of this entry »

If you are looking for something to cater to your gardening sensitivities, why not take your vacation to hot garden spots. Spots such as the Idaho Botanical Garden are open year round for today’s gardener that may not be able to enjoy the love of gardening in the long Winter Months. Read the rest of this entry »

Fall is the time to start thinking about how to prepare your lawn for the winter before the first frost. The reason you do this is to ensure your grass will grow as planned come the spring time. What you do need to know is that timing is everything here, so check with your Farmer’s Almanac to see when the best time is to prepare your lawn. Fertilizing is the first step you will take, and you will give your lawn one last fertilization before the frost. Your Almanac will help you decide when to expect the first frost, and when will be the best time to do this. What else can you do to prepare your lawn for winter?

As winter approaches, be sure to shorten your lawn more and more the closer winter gets. You want to go through winter with a very short lawn. A well kept lawn will be critical after your first snow fall. Many of us waste time in the winter shoveling snow off our lawn, if your lawn begins short, then you won’t have to worry about this.

Organize any backyard equipment, tools, or toys as fall deepens. Put out door toys away, and give away what your children won’t use next year. Getting rid of broken tools or toys, or those that won’t be good next year will free up an exorbitant amount of room and make your garden shed clutter free.

Use this time to ready your winter garden tools and materials. Have your snow blower tested at the local garage to ensure it is well prepared for the winter ahead. Stock up on ice melt and snow shovels, and keep heavier gardening gloves handy for the winter. Purchasing these items now will be much more affordable than when they are in high demand.

Now is the time to start planning your spring garden. Stock up on seed and bulb catalogues and begin planning your lawn care for the warmer temps. Get your orders in early with your planning and that will be one less thing off your to do list.

Planning and preparation are key elements in any gardening season. In the spring and summer months, we don’t have time for this planning, and our gardens may suffer as a result. Use your Fall and Winter months to plan every meticulous detail and tool so that the only thing you have to worry about come Winter is the gardening task at hand.

But of course, it is the pretty violet flowers that are the piece da resistance for these shrubs If you are looking for things to fill up your winter garden with, you may want to consider the Duranta bush. The Duranta erecta is a fast growing shrub that will reach approximately 20-25 feet. If you like to prune, you can tame the height on the bush, and make it suitable for smaller gardens as well. Read the rest of this entry »

There is nothing like being stuck inside in the cold dreary months of Winter and Fall. If you are a gardener or a garden lover, why not bring the outside in and celebrate your love for gardening through a Zen Garden Party. Plan it to break up the times between the holidays, or just to have some fun socializing before the hectic holiday season. It will give you that extra boost you need to lift your spirits and cater to your outdoor sensitivities at the same time. Read the rest of this entry »

If you happen to be traveling in Italy, no doubt that the Vatican City State will be on your to-do list, particularly if you are a first-timer. While you are there, you can simply not make the trip without touring the gardens of the Vatican. The gardens here are horticultural masterpieces that have literally stood the test of time. Anyone is permitted to visit the gardens, so when you are in the Vatican, take a stroll through this lush land, you will almost think you are in Eden. Read the rest of this entry »

There are many benefits to growing your own garden veggies, but one of them is the cost factor. Outside of the fact that you have homegrown fresh vegetables, you save money. Many gardeners run across the problem of having crops that are too big to consume in a season. The answer to this? Canning. Read the rest of this entry »

If you are considering planting vegetable gardens through the Fall and Winter seasons, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. The advantage of planting vegetables in the cooler temperatures is that the flavor you will end up with is much better and much stronger than those gardens planted in the summer and spring. Vegetables that do well into the fall include tomatoes, peppers, okra, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. But there are a few things you need to undertake before you start planting. Read the rest of this entry »

There are many reasons why we love to garden, but very few people understand the reasons why we SHOULD garden. The simple fact of the matter is that gardening is good for us, and if you are not the type to get out and hit the gym, gardening is an excellent alternative. Not sure you quite buy into that? Read on for yourself…. Read the rest of this entry »