Gardening and Flowers

Gardening is one of life's pleasures whether you grow flowers, vegetables or herbs; we look forward to the planting season. But whether you are new or seasoned gardener, it's important to remember a few basic things.

If you want to improve your landscaping then start with the basics. Your soil. Is your soil sandy, a rich black or dense with clay? The type of soil you have will determine what kind of plants you will purchase. Of course you can buy rich soil to supplement a soil deficient in nutrients and oxygen. You can also purchase or make your own beneficial mulch. If you are unsure about your soil, ask a local nursery. They can guide you in making the right choice for your garden.

Once you you've determined what type of soil you are dealing with then you can get down to designing your landscape. Step back and have a look at your yard and home. You need to look at several factors: Do you have children who will be playing in the yard? If so then keep that in mind when you are designing. You'll want to a lot a playing space for them that doesn't interfere with your design structure. Look at the color and line structure of your home. You'll want to accent it with greens and flowers. You can take a sterile looking house and transform it to a warm and inviting place. A house is an inanimate object and it's the live plants, flowers and trees gently swaying in the wind that breath life into an otherwise still object.

As you are looking at your home and yard, entertain the idea of combining plants, shrubs and flowers of different sizes, shades, shapes and colors. For example, you may want to plant a dark green border shrub that can be easily squared off with trimming and then plant in front of that a lighter green or variegated green broad leaf plant or a bed of begonias or marigolds. If you can't visualize what you want then I suggest getting some home and garden magazines or pictures of model homes to get an idea. Or you can even drive around the neibourhood to get your ideas. It pays to do your homework.

Another thing to consider when you are planning your garden is combining herbs with your flowers or shrubs. Not only do they have varied colors and shapes that can compliment your garden, you also have the benefit fresh herbs in your kitchen when you need it.

Part of the appeal for gardening is designing it and then making it happen. It is a rewarding and relaxing experience that continues throughout the years as you add to or change your garden as you please.

Enjoy!

Willie Jones

Willie is a freelance writer, researcher, floral designer, and artist. Thanks very much for reading this far. Please come and visit us at: http://www.artinspires.com/for an inspirational poster or two

"Make sure you enroll in the free motivational poster drawing. All winners receive a free framed print."


How to Create a Zen Garden

When you hear the term "Zen Garden" the picture conjured... Read More

Mosquito Farms? Is That What Water Gardens Are?

What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The... Read More

Grey Water- Not Drinking Water- For Your Garden

The average home can reduce their water consumption by around... Read More

A Rose is a Rose?

There are many varied definitions of what each color of... Read More

Pest Control Tips for Maintaining Your Greenhouse

Greenhouses provide a warm, humid atmosphere and are home to... Read More

Teak Adirondack Chairs

Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among... Read More

Winter Gardening Looking Towards Spring

Ok, the title "winter gardening" might be a tad bit... Read More

How To Attract Hummingbirds

Yes! You can attract hummingbirds to your home. Even if... Read More

Bird Baths in Your Yard

HOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEHas summer come in with a bang!Heat waves everywhere.And where... Read More

Flowers That Beautify Your Home and Garden

To help gardeners choose flowers, various systems for rating hardiness... Read More

Hummingbird Nesting Facts

Every spring the United States and Canada are blessed with... Read More

Balcony, Patio, and Courtyard Gardening

People choose balcony, patio, and courtyard gardening for many different... Read More

Organic Hydroponics - Simplified

These days, it's easy to get lost in the wealth... Read More

Brighten Your Path By Installing Decorative Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can add a beautiful quality to any home.... Read More

The Benefits of Using Landscape Software

If you enjoy making your yard as beautiful as it... Read More

Introducting KOI-Cam!

This is a project I've had on the back burner... Read More

The Zoo-Doo Man - Or How to Make the Best Compost in the World!

Is your garden soil great? Does it produce an abundant... Read More

Garden for Birds #3

Well, another week is passing us by.I want to thank... Read More

The Basics Of Pruning

The technique of pruning varies with the type of rose... Read More

Blue Wild Flowers for Your Garden

Planting wild flowers in your garden, or simply scattering wild... Read More

Fountains of Refreshment

When hot, sticky days hit, try to use all your... Read More

Camellias

Camellias Named by Linnaeus in 1735 in honour of... Read More

Decorate Your Outdoor Spaces on a Budget!

Many times when the weather becomes sultry, the only place... Read More

Trust Your Plants - They Know How To Grow!

I've done a lot of container gardening over the years,... Read More

Want to Build a Pond?

A pond, logically, the first question you should ask is... Read More