http://www.yaddo.org/garden/home.asp
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Yaddo Gardens
We visited the Yaddo gardens in Saratoga Springs - beautiful!
http://www.yaddo.org/garden/home.asp
http://www.yaddo.org/garden/home.asp
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Environmentally Safe Methods of Pest Control
Environmentally Safe Methods of Pest Control
By: Gail Metcalf
Nobody wants pests in their gardens and flowerbeds. They can eat on vegetables or strip flowers off the stems. Treating the pests has to be done in a way that won't harm plants or humans, yet will protect our precious vegetables and flowers. We know we must be good to the environment and we can't just spray every chemical we can't even pronounce. So we must look at natural pest control solutions.
If we want to spend all of our time in the garden, physically removing the pests is the best natural way to get pests under control. Either picking the bugs and insects off of the plants or creating barriers at the base or over the whole area or filling in holes where pests are entering the area. The problem is, they seem to always find another way in. If snails are eating at plants, they can generally be found where it is damp and hiding under rocks and bricks near foliage that is strap like.
Using other organisms to get rid of your pest is biological warfare. Many insects have natural enemies that will take care of the problem for you. Ladybugs, dragonflies and green lacewings love to help with your pest problem of aphids and other pests. They are also enjoyable to observe in the garden and do not harm any of your plants or food. Best of all, when the pests (their food supply) are gone, they will leave too, looking for more food somewhere else. Water can be used to attract dragonflies. Bacterial insecticides like b. Thuringienis work well on caterpillars.
A good home remedy pest control for green aphids and mites is to mix one tablespoon of liquid soap and 1 cup of vegetable oil together. Use one teaspoon of this solution in one cup of water to spray on the aphids and mites.
In all but the worst cases, organic pest control can be used to control the environment in a safe manner. Chemicals should only be used as a last resort when you just can't keep up with the pests. When you decide to go with chemical sprays, you should work first with the least toxic and progress from there as needed. The least toxic controls use horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, and dehydrating dusts. Read all directions and make sure that the pest you are trying to control is listed on the label for the product you use.
Article Source:
Gail Metcalf provides pest control information on her Home Improvement website.
By: Gail Metcalf
Nobody wants pests in their gardens and flowerbeds. They can eat on vegetables or strip flowers off the stems. Treating the pests has to be done in a way that won't harm plants or humans, yet will protect our precious vegetables and flowers. We know we must be good to the environment and we can't just spray every chemical we can't even pronounce. So we must look at natural pest control solutions.
If we want to spend all of our time in the garden, physically removing the pests is the best natural way to get pests under control. Either picking the bugs and insects off of the plants or creating barriers at the base or over the whole area or filling in holes where pests are entering the area. The problem is, they seem to always find another way in. If snails are eating at plants, they can generally be found where it is damp and hiding under rocks and bricks near foliage that is strap like.
Using other organisms to get rid of your pest is biological warfare. Many insects have natural enemies that will take care of the problem for you. Ladybugs, dragonflies and green lacewings love to help with your pest problem of aphids and other pests. They are also enjoyable to observe in the garden and do not harm any of your plants or food. Best of all, when the pests (their food supply) are gone, they will leave too, looking for more food somewhere else. Water can be used to attract dragonflies. Bacterial insecticides like b. Thuringienis work well on caterpillars.
A good home remedy pest control for green aphids and mites is to mix one tablespoon of liquid soap and 1 cup of vegetable oil together. Use one teaspoon of this solution in one cup of water to spray on the aphids and mites.
In all but the worst cases, organic pest control can be used to control the environment in a safe manner. Chemicals should only be used as a last resort when you just can't keep up with the pests. When you decide to go with chemical sprays, you should work first with the least toxic and progress from there as needed. The least toxic controls use horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, and dehydrating dusts. Read all directions and make sure that the pest you are trying to control is listed on the label for the product you use.
Article Source:
Gail Metcalf provides pest control information on her Home Improvement website.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Gardening Gifts For All Occasions
Gardening Gifts For All Occasions
by Nicky Pilkington
There is nothing nicer than receiving a gift relating to one's passion. If your loved one's passion is gardening, then show your thoughtfulness by giving a gift that will be truly appreciated.
There are so many great gardening gifts that the only constraint is your own budget.
If your budget is small, go for things like gloves, kneepads or even a shady hat. A pretty pot (or a watering-can) filled with a small bag of potting mix, a packet of bulbs, some gloves and a small trowel or other tool will be received with delight by most gardeners. There are many hand tools at hardware stores that are reasonably priced.
If you feel that is too ordinary, how about a subscription to a gardening magazine? A tiny bit more expensive perhaps, but it will give twelve full months of delight. A book on gardening is another idea, but make sure your recipient does not already havethe one you choose. Books are often heavily discounted at Christmas time, so you may get a bargain.
On the other hand, a pot that contains a flowering plant is usually a welcomed gift. Be sure to choose a plant that is suited to your climate. Sometimes plants are sent from tropical to temperate zones and kept in artificial conditions in the store. These plants will not do well once taken from their environment. Shrub roses are hardy and attractive and grow in many climates. Tulips do best in the cooler climate.
If your budget is strong, a more expensive tool may be appropriate. A pull-trolley is easier to use than a wheelbarrow and, like some electric tools, is still not terribly expensive. Small electric tools such as whipper-snippers can retail for as little as $20.00. Or if your friend has a hose but not a hose reel, then that would be a more useful gift that he would truly appreciate.
Automatic lawn mowers, electric cultivators, hedge trimmers and brush cutters are in the more expensive price range and you are the only one who can decide whether that is an appropriate gift. However, when the recipient realizes you have given a gift that complements his passion, expensive or not, it will certainly become the best gift your friend has ever received.
Article source: Article Base
For more articles, please visit Gardening News!
by Nicky Pilkington
There is nothing nicer than receiving a gift relating to one's passion. If your loved one's passion is gardening, then show your thoughtfulness by giving a gift that will be truly appreciated.
There are so many great gardening gifts that the only constraint is your own budget.
If your budget is small, go for things like gloves, kneepads or even a shady hat. A pretty pot (or a watering-can) filled with a small bag of potting mix, a packet of bulbs, some gloves and a small trowel or other tool will be received with delight by most gardeners. There are many hand tools at hardware stores that are reasonably priced.
If you feel that is too ordinary, how about a subscription to a gardening magazine? A tiny bit more expensive perhaps, but it will give twelve full months of delight. A book on gardening is another idea, but make sure your recipient does not already havethe one you choose. Books are often heavily discounted at Christmas time, so you may get a bargain.
On the other hand, a pot that contains a flowering plant is usually a welcomed gift. Be sure to choose a plant that is suited to your climate. Sometimes plants are sent from tropical to temperate zones and kept in artificial conditions in the store. These plants will not do well once taken from their environment. Shrub roses are hardy and attractive and grow in many climates. Tulips do best in the cooler climate.
If your budget is strong, a more expensive tool may be appropriate. A pull-trolley is easier to use than a wheelbarrow and, like some electric tools, is still not terribly expensive. Small electric tools such as whipper-snippers can retail for as little as $20.00. Or if your friend has a hose but not a hose reel, then that would be a more useful gift that he would truly appreciate.
Automatic lawn mowers, electric cultivators, hedge trimmers and brush cutters are in the more expensive price range and you are the only one who can decide whether that is an appropriate gift. However, when the recipient realizes you have given a gift that complements his passion, expensive or not, it will certainly become the best gift your friend has ever received.
Article source: Article Base
For more articles, please visit Gardening News!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Clean Slate
We have a beautiful clean slate to start from with our new garden. Since the front area also has no grass, we can define the edges of the new bed.
Sunday the railroad ties were removed from whatever the old bed had. Now we just need some warmer dry weather to work the soil!
Sunday the railroad ties were removed from whatever the old bed had. Now we just need some warmer dry weather to work the soil!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Hydroponic Gardening - The Pros and the Cons
Hydroponic Gardening - The Pros and the Cons
By: Tony Buel
When it comes to some of the problems we are facing in the world with regards to food production, hydroponic gardening offers some promising solutions. In the poorer countries where the terrain or climate is inhospitable to agriculture, hydroponics offers a means of growing healthy foods easily. Also, in those areas where the soil has lost its nutrients or fertile land is hard to come by, hydroponics can produce healthy foods using minimum space and resources.
As with all things though, it is not all good news. There are many pros and cons any grower should weigh before deciding to commit to hydroponic gardening.
First, the pros. In comparison to traditional farming, hydroponic growing can be more productive in two ways. For one, hydroponic gardening saves space. Plants can be placed much more closely together than in traditional fields because of the way nutrients are provided to them. As many as four times as many plants can be grown in same amount of space using hydroponic techniques! Secondly, hydroponics minimizes many of the problems associated with traditional farming which means less sickly, damaged, or wasted crops.
Because hydroponic growers customize their own nutrients mixes, it takes the guess work out of figuring out which field has the best soil and proper nutrition for which crop. The nutrient mix is the right one for the particular plant, in the right ratios, every time. Also, soil based diseases are virtually eliminated because there is no soil. These two factors alone make hydroponics an extremely efficient method for producing food.
Benefits accrue to the environment as well. The water consumption in hydroponic growing is significantly less than traditional methods. In many cases, hydroponic crops use just one tenth of the water! Also, the water that is used is used more effectively. For example weeds cannot come in and steal part of the crop's water supply. And because the crops are in a controlled environment and not in a field, there is no pesticide run-off water to contaminate the surrounding ground.
The benefits are not without their costs however. The expense of hydroponic growing is an area where improvements need to be made. The nutrient mixtures and growing mediums used can be expensive.
Hydroponic growing also requires an increase in energy consumption. Much hydroponic growing happens in greenhouses, where significant amounts of electricity are used in order to give the hydroponic plants all the light they need.
While research is happening to try and bring the costs down (such as in the field of aquaponics), hydroponics can be financially prohibitive for those areas where it is most needed.
Research in the field of hydroponics is filled with promise and much research needs to be done. Many of the problems are being addressed however, and many farmers and amateur gardeners are eagerly awaiting new developments in this promising field.
Hydroponic Systems can be a fun and productive new way of gardening for you. We have tips and resources to get you started fast!
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
More articles can be found at Gardening News
By: Tony Buel
When it comes to some of the problems we are facing in the world with regards to food production, hydroponic gardening offers some promising solutions. In the poorer countries where the terrain or climate is inhospitable to agriculture, hydroponics offers a means of growing healthy foods easily. Also, in those areas where the soil has lost its nutrients or fertile land is hard to come by, hydroponics can produce healthy foods using minimum space and resources.
As with all things though, it is not all good news. There are many pros and cons any grower should weigh before deciding to commit to hydroponic gardening.
First, the pros. In comparison to traditional farming, hydroponic growing can be more productive in two ways. For one, hydroponic gardening saves space. Plants can be placed much more closely together than in traditional fields because of the way nutrients are provided to them. As many as four times as many plants can be grown in same amount of space using hydroponic techniques! Secondly, hydroponics minimizes many of the problems associated with traditional farming which means less sickly, damaged, or wasted crops.
Because hydroponic growers customize their own nutrients mixes, it takes the guess work out of figuring out which field has the best soil and proper nutrition for which crop. The nutrient mix is the right one for the particular plant, in the right ratios, every time. Also, soil based diseases are virtually eliminated because there is no soil. These two factors alone make hydroponics an extremely efficient method for producing food.
Benefits accrue to the environment as well. The water consumption in hydroponic growing is significantly less than traditional methods. In many cases, hydroponic crops use just one tenth of the water! Also, the water that is used is used more effectively. For example weeds cannot come in and steal part of the crop's water supply. And because the crops are in a controlled environment and not in a field, there is no pesticide run-off water to contaminate the surrounding ground.
The benefits are not without their costs however. The expense of hydroponic growing is an area where improvements need to be made. The nutrient mixtures and growing mediums used can be expensive.
Hydroponic growing also requires an increase in energy consumption. Much hydroponic growing happens in greenhouses, where significant amounts of electricity are used in order to give the hydroponic plants all the light they need.
While research is happening to try and bring the costs down (such as in the field of aquaponics), hydroponics can be financially prohibitive for those areas where it is most needed.
Research in the field of hydroponics is filled with promise and much research needs to be done. Many of the problems are being addressed however, and many farmers and amateur gardeners are eagerly awaiting new developments in this promising field.
Hydroponic Systems can be a fun and productive new way of gardening for you. We have tips and resources to get you started fast!
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
More articles can be found at Gardening News
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
3 Things to Consider when Building a Greenhouse
By Holly Masters
A greenhouse has the potential to provide many benefits for the average flower-lover. However, if they are not built in the appropriate location the results can be detrimental. That said, before you build a greenhouse, it is important to consider all aspects in order to ensure you receive the best results possible.
If you are thinking of building a greenhouse, but are unsure of factors which can affect the outcome, read the information below which will inform you on everything you need to know before you start building. Consider the following factors when determining where you are going to build your greenhouse:
1. Light – Everyone knows that plants need light to grow and sunlight is even more crucial for greenhouses because there are so many different types of plants and flowers requiring light. You do not want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives no sunlight at all however you do not want to build it in an area which receives too much sun either. Not enough can be harmful to the plants and flowers, yet so can too much sun. You will want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives a minimum of 6 full hours of sunlight a day. You may also want to consider planting a tree on either side of your lighthouse which will provide some shade through the day. Overhanging trees are not a good idea and may put your greenhouse in danger due to falling branches.
2. Convenience – You will want to build your greenhouse in a convenient area which can be easily accessed, but is not in an area which may be targeted by high winds. You don’t want to have to walk a mile just to get to your greenhouse because chances are you won’t maintain it as well this way. Other things to consider when building your greenhouse are access to electricity and water. These are important in the successful functioning of your greenhouse.
3. Setting – The actual setting of your greenhouse will greatly affect its overall performance. Many areas throughout the world receive high levels of rain during certain times of the year. This can be detrimental to operation of your greenhouse since too much rain can cause flooding inside. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by building your greenhouse in a high level area that is a great deal higher than most of the other property.
Choosing the location of your greenhouse is the most important factor you will need to consider. Take your time and research all your options before you start building. A greenhouse is a large investment and you want to make sure the money you spend now will be worth it in the future. Holly Masters loves to garden and takes pride in her greenhouse. She has spent much time learning proper http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com/hydroponics.aspx">hydroponics and serves as a contributing writer for http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com – a site that offers information about everything from http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com/storage-sheds.aspx">storage sheds to http://www.yardandgardendecor.com/gazebos.aspx">gazebos.
More articles can be found at Gardening News!
A greenhouse has the potential to provide many benefits for the average flower-lover. However, if they are not built in the appropriate location the results can be detrimental. That said, before you build a greenhouse, it is important to consider all aspects in order to ensure you receive the best results possible.
If you are thinking of building a greenhouse, but are unsure of factors which can affect the outcome, read the information below which will inform you on everything you need to know before you start building. Consider the following factors when determining where you are going to build your greenhouse:
1. Light – Everyone knows that plants need light to grow and sunlight is even more crucial for greenhouses because there are so many different types of plants and flowers requiring light. You do not want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives no sunlight at all however you do not want to build it in an area which receives too much sun either. Not enough can be harmful to the plants and flowers, yet so can too much sun. You will want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives a minimum of 6 full hours of sunlight a day. You may also want to consider planting a tree on either side of your lighthouse which will provide some shade through the day. Overhanging trees are not a good idea and may put your greenhouse in danger due to falling branches.
2. Convenience – You will want to build your greenhouse in a convenient area which can be easily accessed, but is not in an area which may be targeted by high winds. You don’t want to have to walk a mile just to get to your greenhouse because chances are you won’t maintain it as well this way. Other things to consider when building your greenhouse are access to electricity and water. These are important in the successful functioning of your greenhouse.
3. Setting – The actual setting of your greenhouse will greatly affect its overall performance. Many areas throughout the world receive high levels of rain during certain times of the year. This can be detrimental to operation of your greenhouse since too much rain can cause flooding inside. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by building your greenhouse in a high level area that is a great deal higher than most of the other property.
Choosing the location of your greenhouse is the most important factor you will need to consider. Take your time and research all your options before you start building. A greenhouse is a large investment and you want to make sure the money you spend now will be worth it in the future. Holly Masters loves to garden and takes pride in her greenhouse. She has spent much time learning proper http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com/hydroponics.aspx">hydroponics and serves as a contributing writer for http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com – a site that offers information about everything from http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com/storage-sheds.aspx">storage sheds to http://www.yardandgardendecor.com/gazebos.aspx">gazebos.
More articles can be found at Gardening News!
Monday, January 01, 2007
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