Outdoor Planters

For those who love the beauty of gardens and flowers but have limited space and even those who have the space and not enough time Outdoor Planters may be just the ticket.


Windowboxes, deck and patio planters open up all sorts of possibilities, inviting us to show our creativity and experimenting with new kinds of species and plant combinations.

There are so many interesting planters to choose from and the styles range from simple to exotic, classical to modern, and the materials can be ceramic, terra cotta, plastic, concrete, glass, wood and metal.



Selecting the container that suits your space or personality is the easy part, the challenge is deciding what to plant. I love composing new looks each spring with interesting foliage, unusual blooms and color combinations.

Signs of Cold Weather Damage

Beware of some of the damage that may have been caused by the harsh winter months.


On flowering plants such as Star and Saucer Magnolias, the flowers will turn brown to black and wilt.

Branches may have snapped and should be pruned.

Plants that have suffered ice and snow damage may reveal small snaps or cracks in the branch tissue.

With the extended unseasonable weather there has been a delay in the growth and development of our lawns and landscape.

For example, lawns in our area are just beginning to show the signs by turning green and many of the plants and trees have not fully flowered.

Most plants are resilient and will return to normal growth within a few weeks. Some damaged branches even have enough food reserves to leaf out and flower, but once the food is used, individual limbs will die.

The good news is that with proper tender loving care and some fertilizer plants can begin to re-grow.

Bonsai

Bonsai Guide

Bonsai is an art form that stems from ancient, oriental culture, originating in China and developed by the Japanese. In the 13th century, the Japanese collected and potted wild trees that had been dwarfed by nature. These naturally formed miniatures were some of the first bonsai.

Bonsai is an art that originated in China more than 1,000 years ago. The Japanese started collecting and growing trees around the 13th century. Some of the different varities that are commonly used for bonsai are wisteria, pine, oak, maple, beech, boxwood and azalea.

The bonsai are dwarfed by pruning roots and branches. Their shapes are controlled by wiring the trunk and branches. The wires must be removed before the bark becomes scarred.

The Bonsai plant's development is in the eye of each owner's own imagination.

When choosing a plant consider the following points:

- Look for a plant with many branches.
- Plants with a wide trunk at the bottom.
- Small leaves.
- Try and find a plant with branches all the way to the bottom of the trunk.
- Healthy plants.

The pot should be shallow for smaller plants and deeper for those plants that have a larger trunk. Remember to choose a pot with sufficient drainage so that the roots do not get water logged.

To increase the mass of branches, prune the tree continuously.

You can decorate the top of the pot with moss or pebbles and continue to prune and shape the newest edition to your collection of plants.

Seedlings

For the seasoned gardener and for the adventurous novice gardener starting your garden from seed can be quite rewarding.

Some of the advantages of starting your plants from seed are:

FUN
Getting the jump start for enjoying an earlier crop.
Variety of plants.
Cost
Healthly stronger plants.

There are a few choices on how to start your seedlings. You can purchase different type of pots or even make your own paper pots. One of my favorite places to look for interesting and innovative planting tips and tools is Gardners Supply Company.

http://www.gardeners.com/Seedstarting/default/StandardCatalog.Seedstarting_Dept.cat

"How to Guide" to getting started:

Supplies:

Pots or trays
Sterilized potting soil
Choose your seeds

It's Time To Plant the Seeds:

Fill the container with soil, sow the seeds into the container by making a depression with your finger and then covering lightly with soil, add water transfer the container to a spot where it is exposed to the sun. Remember to water the seedlings regularly and expose them to sunlight and warmth and rotating the seedling containers for even sunlight exposure.

Now, wait for the seeds to germinate. Seeds develop at different intervals. The seeds will germinate if you can maintain an even soil temperature of 80 to 85 degrees. Another tip is to cover your seed containers with plastic wrap to maintain moisture or a small portable greenhouse could also be used.

The first change that is noticable are the first set of leaves and then the second set will emerge shortly after. Continue to turn rotate the containers daily and water regularly.

The seedlings may also need to have some additional nutrients so choose a plant fertilizer and dilute it to half the strenght using a spray bottle for delivery.

At some point when the seedlings have grown to a nice size they will either need to be replanted in a larger pot which can be planted directly into the ground once the fear of frost is gone. If you live in an area that will still have the possibility of frost make sure to be prepare to cover your plants to protect them from the frost.

REMEMBER WATER WARMTH AND LIGHT are your seedlings Friends!!!!

Bulbs

Although it to late to plant some bulbs we will begin to see the beauty of those that were planted in the fall. The temperature should be around 60 degrees or lower during the daylight hours. Some of my favorites that I have planted along the sidewalk border are: crocus, tulips, and daffodils. Daffodils are a good choice if you have problems with squirrels or chipmunks because they do not like the taste of daffodils.

This is an idea for the Fall.

Countdown to Spring

In the Mid-Atlantic states we should hopefully have seen or soon will be seeing the last of the “winter” weather. I have included a few of the early spring shrubs to my landscape.

Rhododendrons and azaleas – Available in many colors and sizes. The soil needs to be well-drained and light shade is preferred.

Lilac – Has one of the most beautiful fragrances, light and sweet with purple flowers. Lilac’s prefer full sun.

Weigela – Have cute pink and white flowers and have a weeping willow effect.

Some other spring blooming shrubs are dwarf forthergilla, quince, forsythia, mountain laurel (something like a rhododendron. Remember when you are choosing your plants that you consider soil and light.

Perennial Gardens

After moving into my new home a few years ago and planting annuals each year I began to look for an easier approach to having beautiful flowers each year. The first issue is the expense of purchasing annuals every year and then the rush to plant them earlier enough so they would not burn in the heat of the summer sun.
I watched one of my friends tend to her perennial garden and realized that hers was a much better way. So I began my quest of replacing annual plants with perennials. Here are some of the tips that I have discovered.

Choose your Garden location and check on the conditions of the direction and amount of sun, wind, and soil type and water drainage.

Make a sketch of the area and prepare a list of perennials or go to your local greenhouse and see the varieties from which to make your selection suited for your local conditions.



Take a look at Spring Hill Nursaries catalog to view some of the species of plants.

Now you can dig in and prepare your newly selected garden area to plant.

Soil needs to be loose and workable with a small shovel or trowel to place the plants in the desired place.

Also make sure to read the plant tags for height and blooming times so that there will be something blooming all season and nothing is hidden by a larger plant.

(Perennials will multiply so make sure to leave room for growth.)

After planting the soil should be topped with 2-4 inches of mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Now sit back and wait for the beauty that you have created to bloom and mature.

Vegtable Garden Fun

Now that March is upon us it is time to start thinking about our outside gardens. The first garden that will be prepared is my vegetable garden. I miss the fresh produce that I retrieve from my backyard garden. I typically grow cucumbers, peppers, zucchini and my favorite tomatoes.

Well first, we need to decide do we start our plants from seed or buy our seedlings from a local distributor. Seeds can be started in plastic trays or peat pots approximately 3-4 inches deep. I like to use Miracle Grow Potting Mix because it has the right consistency and already contains fertilizer. Next, fill the containers with soil and once filled make a depression in the center of the container approximately ¼ inch deep. Place 2-3 seeds in the depression and cover with potting mix gently water and cover with a clear plastic wrap and keep warm until they germinate. Once the seedlings emerge remove the plastic wrap and place them in full sunlight or directly under fluorescent lights. To prepare the seedlings for their trip to the garden and reduce shock. Place the seedlings in a shaded protected area to help acclimate them to the outside climate, making sure that they are returned inside either at night.

Next the first step is the in the garden is the soil preparation. The soil should not be prepared if it is too wet or too dry. An example would be if you pick up some of the soil in your hand and are able to make a ball that does not crumble it is still not the right time to turn the soil over either by hand or with a rototiller. Make sure the soil drains well and is free of rocks and debris. Rake the area to be planted.

Routine soil testing can help with difficult soils. For information on soil testing, you can contact Pennsylvania Agricultural Analytical Services at 814-863-0841.

Be sure to check the frost free date in your area.

Now the fun begins! Choose the layout of your garden making sure that the plants will receive the best sunlight. Make sure to place your plants 12 inches apart in the row. Some plants like tomatoes will need to be staked, these plants will require additional space.

Now to transplant either your homegrown or purchased plants. Make sure to transplant in late afternoon or on a cool, cloudy day to prevent the leaves from being scorched. Using a small trowel or shovel, make a hole large enough to place the new plant with the soil intact. Once the plant is put in place firm the soil around the roots and stem of the plant and then gently water the seedlings.
While the weather becomes warmer and the days grow longer we still need to continue to care for our gardens. Make sure to water on a regular basis during periods without rainfall and once the plants produce fruit additional watering will help the fruit to flourish. Keeping the garden free from weeds is an important task. One way to help accomplish this is to mulch between the rows of plants, this will also help to keep the ground moist.

Finally, what we have all waited patiently to harvest our crop and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

African Violet's

African violet’s are one of my favorites, they are delicate and beautiful. If you are new to African violet’s you can purchase one at a local store but keep these tips in mind.

1. Make sure the leaves are green and healthy.
2. Look for one with some buds that have not opened.

Once you return home with your new prize, make sure to put it into a new pot. I actually prefer plastic pots with separate saucers.

Or

If you have a friend that has a collection you can always get a leaf or two from them and start you own collection. Here’s how.

You will need the following supplies to start your new project, a glass jar, wax paper and string or rubberband.

Use a knife to cut a leaf from the existing plant, make sure to cut the leaf from the bottom of the plant and that it looks healthy and green.

Take a piece of wax paper and cover the top of the jar and bring it down over the sides. Take a piece of string or rubber band to secure the wax paper on the jar in place.

Make two holes in the waxed paper, one large enough for a leaf stem the second hole three to four times that size. Place the leaf in the smaller hole.

Use the larger hole to put the room temperature water in the jar. Fill the a little more than ¾ full.

Place your cuttings in or next to a window which gets sun from the east or north. If a window is not available you can always use a grow light with an automatic time to simulate the sun cycle.


Remember: if your plant doesn't flower, it's not getting enough light. If the leaves start to get brown edges or brown spots on them, it's getting too much light.

The Perfect Lawn

Lawn care can be an obsession with some and an art for others. It is also an escape from work and other concerns. Something that most of us don't realize is that it also an investment that can garner a higher selling price.

With all of the new home that are popping up in the Montgomery County Area and with so many inexperienced first time home owners lawn care is a new trial and error learning experience. So we can start with the fundamentals of lawn care and gardening (weeding, feeding, seeding, watering, etc).

Lets start out with feeding your new investment. One of the products that I use is the Scotts® Turf Builder® Systems which help the beginner work your way to a thicker, greener healthy lawn.

One of the tips that my father has used when cutting his lawn is to Mow the Grass Tall. Set the mower on one of the higher settings. This helps to promote deeper root growth.

The biggest hurdles that most homeowners will face are the pesky weeds and insects that choke and destroy the root systems that we are so feverishly trying to maintain.

Some additional areas to investigate are:

• Aeration and Dethatching
• Edging and Trimming

Decide what Tools you need for your Garden

What tools do gardeners really need, it is difficult for someone that is just beginning to Play in the Dirt. Tools are a long term investment and can be very expensive so I’ve compiled a list to start the new gardener. Garden tools need to be chosen with comfort, price as well as their functionality.

If you are working outside with your Lawn these are a few possibilites:

Lawnmower
Edger (for the perfect edge along driveways or sidewalks)
Leaf rake for leaves

Shovel
Trowel
Garden rake or Hoe for planting (vegtables or leveling dirt or mulch)

Hand shears for pruning (trees and shrubs)

Watering Hose with a spray nozzle or a watering can

You may also need containers to move things around some possibilities area garden cart or wheelbarrow, buckets, garbage cans.

Gardens

Playing in the dirt can be fun and relaxing. Gardens are an important part of our homes they can show our individuality as well as our creativity and how we interact with nature.

We can create our own works of art which will grow and change, they can be inside our homes or in the backyard.