Well, the bunnies must have decimated the asters too much. I went out the other day and all the remaining stubs turned yellow and died. Strange. All three of them at the same time.
Our house is up for sale, so of course I want the garden to look nice - without spending more money on plants! I moved some gaillarda from the side of the house to where the asters were. They aren't blooming yet, since they are small offshoots of the others. But they probably will soon.
With the heat wave, the garden is looking a little wilty, but hopefully some more rain will come.
New article on 5 medicinal herbs in the garden.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Japanese beetles and new cone flowers
I have posted an article here onJapanese beetles.
I didn't get any of these on the first wave of blooms on my rose bushes this year. I did not use any type of control, either.
I have finally had success with a new cone flower called Razzmatazz. It took 2 years to bloom, but wow - it is so pretty! You can see a picture here.
I didn't get any of these on the first wave of blooms on my rose bushes this year. I did not use any type of control, either.
I have finally had success with a new cone flower called Razzmatazz. It took 2 years to bloom, but wow - it is so pretty! You can see a picture here.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Killer rabbits
I know I am not alone with rabbits in the garden! I have a lovely butterfly garden planted. This year, the bunnies have really gone to town, like I planted them a personal salad bar....
This year, they ate the asters, which was expected. I was too lazy to put chicken wire around them. They also ate my black eyed susans! This was a total surprise. There are only little tiny stems left of those. However, they did not eat one of the black eyed susans that was up against the russian sage. Wonder if there is a reason for that?
The rabbits also are eating my burning bushes! They are unbelievable eating machines!! But gosh, they are so cute. We saw two tiny babies in the yard one day.
I have more articles posted here: Gardening News
This year, they ate the asters, which was expected. I was too lazy to put chicken wire around them. They also ate my black eyed susans! This was a total surprise. There are only little tiny stems left of those. However, they did not eat one of the black eyed susans that was up against the russian sage. Wonder if there is a reason for that?
The rabbits also are eating my burning bushes! They are unbelievable eating machines!! But gosh, they are so cute. We saw two tiny babies in the yard one day.
I have more articles posted here: Gardening News
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Sunflowers and your garden
Have you ever wondered if what you know about Sunflowers And Your Garden is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Sunflowers And Your Garden.
Sunflowers are certainly stars of the gardening world. It is hard to miss the beauty of sunflowers standing tall, either on their own or edging a bed of more traditional flowers. Few who have seen these stunning beauties can deny their stunning beauty and attractiveness.
The family of sunflowers, known scientifically as genus Helianthus, includes both annual and perennial varieties of sunflowers. As their name implies, sunflowers generally prefer full sunlight, so it is important for gardeners to choose the sunniest part of their garden when planting these stunning plants.
It is also important to take the adult size of these plants into account when planting them, and to space them accordingly. Most varieties of sunflowers are quite large, so it is important to space them widely so they will not crowd each other out and compete for nutrients.
Since sunflowers are so large and sturdy, many gardeners like to use them to border vegetable gardens, and a vegetable garden bordered by sunflowers is certainly a beautiful sight.
It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Sunflowers And Your Garden. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.
The blooming period of sunflowers typically extends from late summer to early fall, and the growing requirements for these plants are generally easy to meet. Most varieties of sunflowers require only a well drained, modestly fertile soil in order to thrive. It is generally a good idea to amend the soil with either aged manure or a good quality commercial fertilizer. It is best to sow the sunflower seeds directly where they are intended to grow, since they set seed quickly and start to sprout very fast.
While sunflowers may be easy to grow, their seeds are popular with many unwanted garden visitors, particularly rabbits, squirrels and insects. Due to this popularly with common garden pests, it is best to sow three times as many seeds as are needed. Planting extra seeds will allow the four legged visitors to your garden to eat their fill while still providing a beautiful garden full of sunflowers.
Sunflower seeds are best planted about a foot apart. Sowing the seeds this far apart will allow the adult plants to grow the largest heads. If you plant sunflowers closer together they will develop smaller blooms and may never reach their full potential. If you are growing sunflowers for those monstrous blossoms, it is important to give them plenty of space to grow.
When working with annual varieties of sunflowers, it is important to rotate the planting area. This will keep the soil its healthiest and allow the sunflowers to achieve their best blooms.
There are many places to buy quality sunflower seeds, including the internet, mail order houses and local garden centers. As with any flower seeds, it is important to follow the planting instructions carefully to achieve the best results from these spectacular plants.
This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.
B. Keith Johnson is a contributing author for
Flower Gardens. Visit his other sites for
Product Reviews, Free Website Content and
Free Photo Sharing
Hotlib.com Articles - Huge collection of free articles and free reports
Sunflowers are certainly stars of the gardening world. It is hard to miss the beauty of sunflowers standing tall, either on their own or edging a bed of more traditional flowers. Few who have seen these stunning beauties can deny their stunning beauty and attractiveness.
The family of sunflowers, known scientifically as genus Helianthus, includes both annual and perennial varieties of sunflowers. As their name implies, sunflowers generally prefer full sunlight, so it is important for gardeners to choose the sunniest part of their garden when planting these stunning plants.
It is also important to take the adult size of these plants into account when planting them, and to space them accordingly. Most varieties of sunflowers are quite large, so it is important to space them widely so they will not crowd each other out and compete for nutrients.
Since sunflowers are so large and sturdy, many gardeners like to use them to border vegetable gardens, and a vegetable garden bordered by sunflowers is certainly a beautiful sight.
It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Sunflowers And Your Garden. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.
The blooming period of sunflowers typically extends from late summer to early fall, and the growing requirements for these plants are generally easy to meet. Most varieties of sunflowers require only a well drained, modestly fertile soil in order to thrive. It is generally a good idea to amend the soil with either aged manure or a good quality commercial fertilizer. It is best to sow the sunflower seeds directly where they are intended to grow, since they set seed quickly and start to sprout very fast.
While sunflowers may be easy to grow, their seeds are popular with many unwanted garden visitors, particularly rabbits, squirrels and insects. Due to this popularly with common garden pests, it is best to sow three times as many seeds as are needed. Planting extra seeds will allow the four legged visitors to your garden to eat their fill while still providing a beautiful garden full of sunflowers.
Sunflower seeds are best planted about a foot apart. Sowing the seeds this far apart will allow the adult plants to grow the largest heads. If you plant sunflowers closer together they will develop smaller blooms and may never reach their full potential. If you are growing sunflowers for those monstrous blossoms, it is important to give them plenty of space to grow.
When working with annual varieties of sunflowers, it is important to rotate the planting area. This will keep the soil its healthiest and allow the sunflowers to achieve their best blooms.
There are many places to buy quality sunflower seeds, including the internet, mail order houses and local garden centers. As with any flower seeds, it is important to follow the planting instructions carefully to achieve the best results from these spectacular plants.
This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.
B. Keith Johnson is a contributing author for
Flower Gardens. Visit his other sites for
Product Reviews, Free Website Content and
Free Photo Sharing
Hotlib.com Articles - Huge collection of free articles and free reports
Sunday, July 02, 2006
How to divide perennials
Perennials are a favorite type of garden plant for many gardens as they will bloom for several seasons without replanting. Perhaps one of the best qualities of perennials is that you can divide them and make more plants for free! Dividing your perennials periodically is important as it will keep them from getting overcrowded and help insure healthy lush plants.
Many perennials can be divided easily, but this does not hold try for every variety. In general, division is easiest with perennials that grow in clumps or ones with an expanding root mass. Perennials which stem from single taproot typically cannot be divided but can be duplicated by using root cuttings or seeds.
It is important to divide the plant at a time when the plant is most likely to be receptive to this procedure. Fr plants that come up in spring and summer, the best time to divide them is in the fall Perennials that bloom in the fall or late summer should be divided in the spring.
You can divide perennials with a minimum of preparation. If you will be replanting the divisions, you should have already decided on the new area and prepared the soil to accept the new plants. If you are dividing to give the plants to a family member or friend, have an appropriate receptacle handy to put the division in.
Loosen the soil, gently, around the plant clump that you plan to divide. You can use a spading fork to scrape up the dirt and be sure not to damage any parts of the plant. The clump should then be sliced with a garden trowel and divided into four parts. Make sure your trowel is sharp so you get a clean cut, otherwise your plants could become damaged. Break up the four sections by hand into four inche by four inche sections. Plant the small sections immediately.
When you are dividing plants, make sure you thoroughly wet the soil a couple of days before you do the division. This will make it easier to dig up the clump for division. Also, you should add compost or some other organic material to the soil both around the original plant and in the soil where the new divisions will be planted. This will give the plants the nutrition they need and help them to grow strong in their new area of the garden. Once the new plants are in place, make sure you water thoroughly and fertilize appropriately.
Planning your perennial plantings and divisions can help you grow your garden without having to spend extra money. All it takes is a little bit of time and patience and you can have a large full garden on even a small budget!
Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden And Patio where you can get more great gardening and landscaping tips.
Copyright Lee Dobbins - www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com
Many perennials can be divided easily, but this does not hold try for every variety. In general, division is easiest with perennials that grow in clumps or ones with an expanding root mass. Perennials which stem from single taproot typically cannot be divided but can be duplicated by using root cuttings or seeds.
It is important to divide the plant at a time when the plant is most likely to be receptive to this procedure. Fr plants that come up in spring and summer, the best time to divide them is in the fall Perennials that bloom in the fall or late summer should be divided in the spring.
You can divide perennials with a minimum of preparation. If you will be replanting the divisions, you should have already decided on the new area and prepared the soil to accept the new plants. If you are dividing to give the plants to a family member or friend, have an appropriate receptacle handy to put the division in.
Loosen the soil, gently, around the plant clump that you plan to divide. You can use a spading fork to scrape up the dirt and be sure not to damage any parts of the plant. The clump should then be sliced with a garden trowel and divided into four parts. Make sure your trowel is sharp so you get a clean cut, otherwise your plants could become damaged. Break up the four sections by hand into four inche by four inche sections. Plant the small sections immediately.
When you are dividing plants, make sure you thoroughly wet the soil a couple of days before you do the division. This will make it easier to dig up the clump for division. Also, you should add compost or some other organic material to the soil both around the original plant and in the soil where the new divisions will be planted. This will give the plants the nutrition they need and help them to grow strong in their new area of the garden. Once the new plants are in place, make sure you water thoroughly and fertilize appropriately.
Planning your perennial plantings and divisions can help you grow your garden without having to spend extra money. All it takes is a little bit of time and patience and you can have a large full garden on even a small budget!
Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden And Patio where you can get more great gardening and landscaping tips.
Copyright Lee Dobbins - www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com
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