Most Beautiful Gardens

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Best Small Greenhouse's For Those On A Budget

Best Small Greenhouse’s For Those On A Budget

Space Saving

A small greenhouse simply takes up less space than other larger greenhouses which make them the ideal for people that have very limited space in there outdoor area’s. It is very much possible for a small area like a patio or balcony to have a small greenhouse where you can take care of it like a miniature garden. People living in heavily populated areas with small spaces will also have opportunities to set up a them up also if they just think small. Standard small portable greenhouses are approximately the same size as a camping tent so there’s a good idea on how many plants you can fit while saving a ton of space.

Fantastic Portability

Worried about that tree in your backyard that has a weak limb near your greenhouse? 

Thought you you had put it in the ideal location but its not getting the sunlight you had hoped?

No worries.

The portability of a portable greenhouse is something you simply cannot beat. With most greenhouse’s weighing from 10lb – 50lbs moving them can be done with the help of one or two people easily with little effort.

Easy Setup

Setup of a small portable greenhouse is extremely quick many times depending on size can be anywhere from 30 minutes to less then a couple of hours. I can almost guarantee you there easier then anything you will find at IKEA and trust me we all have been there. Were as a normal greenhouse kit can take days on top of  weeks to finish.

Simple Assembly

If you find yourself looking through books and guides on how to build your own greenhouse from scratch and and have a dumb found look on your face like your trying to assemble a nuclear rocket well then portable greenhouse’s my friend are definitely your cup of tea. Especially with the costs associated with a general contractor building you one from start to finish can be in the thousands.

Gardman R687 4-Tier Small Greenhouse

One of the most simple and easy to setup small greenhouse’s we rate this high on our list as a must have for any small space including apartment balconies and small patio’s.  Very compact yet a wide array of room for everything from starting off those seedling’s to full size plants. Excellent for those delicate herbs that just don’t hold well up to harsh conditions.  As with most portable greenhouse’s the zippered door can be rolled all the way up or partially for airflow. The Gardman 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse with over 800 amazing reviews and being a best seller on Amazon is a winner in our opinion.

  OGrow Deluxe Walk-In 3 Tier 6 Shelf Portable Greenhouse

Still considered a small greenhouse this bad boy has plenty of room with the ability to walk-in and move around it has twice the shelf space of the Gardman 4 Tier Mini Greenhouse.  Space can be utilized with the shelving and also plenty of ground space in the middle to either setup pots, plastic garden beds, or even more shelving. There are so many possibilities to be done with this greenhouse. We recommend you have adequate space on your patio or side yard as its on the larger scale.

    Ikea Table Top Greenhouse

One of my all time favorite’s and probably the world’s smallest greenhouse of course don’t hold me to that but you get where I’m coming from.  This greenhouse is built buy Ikea and man did they do a great job not only is it functional but its aesthetically pleasing to the eye. This is perfect on top of any breakfast nook to possibly put your fresh herbs growing inside of it. Just think picking out fresh dill or parsley right out of your kitchen to compliment that morning omelette. Alright I’m off to the kitchen!

  Ogrow Ultra Deluxe Compact Outdoor Seed Starter Greenhouse

One of the most compact greenhouse’s on the market these are designed to be placed directly on the ground. Highly recommended for smaller living quarters and for those looking to maintain only a few plants at a time. This baby takes less then 15 minutes to setup and easily is top on our list for setup.

    Ogrow Deluxe Walk-In 6 Tier 12 Shelf Portable Greenhouse * Editors Choice *

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Transform Your Yard Into a Relaxing Outdoor Sanctuary

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How to Plant and Grow Alliums

One of the most effective ways to ensure continuing color and beauty in your garden after spring-flowering bulbs have faded is to plant alliums. Alliums come in all shapes and sizes and are lots of fun to grow. They fit into almost any garden setting and sometimes are called “ornamental onions”, Alliums do best in full sun with well drained, fertile soil and good moisture. Plant them in September or October. Allium really looks best in the company of other summer bloomers like sweet alyssum, rock cress; bachelor’s buttons, coreopsis, foxglove, daylily, iris, red hot poker, coralberry, barberry, and geranium preteens are just some of the companion plants that look fantastic with alliums. They are excellent for cutting in flower or as seedpods, which you can use for decorations. Alliums have a distasteful flavor for animals, so they won’t eat any part of them but they are attractive to hummingbirds! If you want to grow this beautiful flower in your garden than follow this easy guide how to plant and grow alliums.

Location

Before you start planting your alliums you need to find a location where the soil drains well.While alliums aren’t fussy about soil, they will not survive in soggy soil or standing water. Position your alliums where they will receive full sun. Alliums will grow in light shade but tend to develop stronger stems in brighter light.

Planting in soil

Alliums are in the same family as garlic, onions, chives and shallots, which means you plant them from bulbs. Bulbs should be planted deeply, at least twice the depth of the bulb. Dig a hole or trench and on heavy soil, spread 5cm layer compost all over the bottom. Push your bulbs into the compost, leaving a gap of at least three times the bulb width between each bulb and then cover them up, mixing more compost into the soil you replace. After planting firm the ground with your hand, using your feet can trample the crowns.

Planting in pots

You plant alliums in a pot at the same depth as bulbs grown in the ground. This may not always be possible with the largest bulbs but it’s important that a large bulb has at least 4cm of compost beneath it. Push the bulbs deep into the soil and then cover with compost and firm well.Mask the fading leaves by placing the pots behind other containers or just plunge them in the border.

Watering

After planting, water well to settle the soil around the bulbs. Apply water two to three times a week, or any time the soil has completely dried. Stop watering once the leaves has begun to die, and do not resume until the next growing season.

Feeding

You have to feed alliums using a balanced fertilizer once every three weeks after planting. Continue fertilizing for the whole year to ensure the plant has plenty of nutrients. Always apply the fertilizer directly to the surface of the soil.

Care

You will need to spread a thick layer of mulch over the allium bulb before the first frost of winter. Mulch is required to maintain a constant soil temperature during winter, and to reduce the chance of early sprouting which can result in frost damage.

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Common Garden Plants That Are Poisonous to Pets

As an essential member of a household, our pets need massive amounts of care and attention. We all know that our best friends often have a desire for eating strange things. Cats may gravitate toward plastic or wool, and many a dog will chew on whatever it can get its chops around. And then there are plants. In order to prevent poisoning by cut flowers or house plants, avoid placing toxic ones in your home where pets may be able to access them. The good news is that while there are thousands of species of plants and flowers, only a small percentage of plants are truly dangerous and poisonous to your pet. Make sure you know which plants are most deadly to avoid your dog or cat from getting into these poisonous flowers and poisonous plants. When you see symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, difficult breathing, abnormal urine, salivation, weakness, and any other abnormal condition, take your pet to the veterinarian because it may be poisoned.

Hyacinth bulbs

Very poisonous for your puppies and cats. Ingesting enough of some of these poisonous plants can actually kill the little ones or, at the very least, make them very sick. Avoid placing Hyacinth bulbs in your home where pets may be able to access them. For more information visit greensideupblog.com

Lilies

This lovely and fragrant flowers are very dangerous to kitties! Members of the Lilium family are considered to be highly toxic to cats, even when very small portions are ingested or the pollen can rub off easily onto a cat’s fur when they brush past. If they lick just a small amount it can be very dangerous so, if you think your cat has been in contact with lilies, get in touch with your vet as quickly as possible, because they can get kidney failure. More info at dogtrainerscentralflorida.wordpress.com

Oleander

The oleander is a large, lush bush is ubiquitous to Southern California. Unfortunately, all parts can be fatal if ingested and can severely affect cats, dogs, and even horses. All parts contain a highly toxic cardiac glycoside and can cause a number of problems like Colic, diarrhea , sweating, in-coordination, shallow and difficult breathing, muscle tremors, and possibly death from cardiac failure. Find out more at georgeweigel.net

Aloe Vera

Although great for burns, aloe is one most poisonous plants for cats and dogs. Make sure to keep it out of reach for your pets, of you want to grow one in your garden. If your dog or cat suffers from vomiting, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, change in urine color please take your pet immediately to the vet. At gardeningknowhow.com you can get more data about this plant.

Croton

Croton is a catching plant distinguished by its showy foliage in shades of green, orange, red, bronze, pink, yellow and purple.All parts of the plant are toxic, however, and may harm dogs that chew on the leaves, stems or blooms.Ingestion is usually not deadly but some dogs may suffer a rash or painful skin irritation when the skin comes in contact with a croton plant. If you want get more data about this and other poisonous plants visit statebystategardening.com

Milkweed

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Gorgeous Climbing Vines to Plant in Your Garden

There is something magical about a climbing vine in a garden. Vines seem to have a mind of their own and go completely wild with just a little bit of love.A vine in the narrowest sense is the grapevine, but more generally it can refer to any plant with a growth habit of trailing or scan dent, that is to say climbing, stems or runners.How refreshing it is to sit under an arbor on a hot summer morning under a canopy of leafy vines! The climbers can hide unwelcome features, cover bare walls and fences, and lend an air of wildness to even the most staid landscape And if these vines produce gorgeous, fragrant flowers or delicious grapes as well as cooling shade, well, all the better. Best of all most vines are easy to grow whether they’re flowering or foliage-focused, perennial or annual, grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. We chose six climbing vines to introduce to you. In order to successfully use vines and other climbers, you must first understand the best growing condition for each particular type of plant.

Sweet Pea Vine

Sweet Pea Vine is a perennial which Thomas Jefferson grew, enjoyed, and called ‘everlasting pea’ in his day. The small blossoms of the perennial Sweet Pea vine or Lathyrus latifolus actually look like dozens of tiny orchids (about 1 inch in diameter). But unlike orchids, they are ready to face the elements of your balcony or terrace. Use perennial sweet pea to add color all summer long to small spaces. This easy-growing vine grows only six feet tall and produces pink or white flowers throughout the summer, although unlike the annual sweet pea varieties, its blooms are unscented.

Wisteria

Wisteria produces impressive amounts of blooms in lilac, white, blue, and lavender-pink in early summer. Better yet, it needs only moderate water and tolerates alkaline soil. Newly planted wisterias seldom bloom right away. Usually they take several years to settle in and begin flowering. Seed grown may take even longer.You may have to add chelated iron if the plants develops chlorosis, a condition where the leaves turn yellow but the veins stay green. Needs frequent pruning to train into shape, but not much fertilizer. Visit hrt.msu.edu to find out about this beautiful vine.

Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vine is a perfect plant for attracting hummingbirds and bringing color to hot, dry spots. Add a summertime burst of orange, red, or yellow to structures with beautiful trumpet vine.Because it is such a vigorous grower and can become invasive, it is best planted in a large container beside the trellis or arbor. It is tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and of heat and cold. Needs moderate water in summer. Find out more at hgtvgardens.com and grow one in your garden.

Coral honeysuckle

Coral honeysuckle is a good pick for smaller-space another great pick gardens. This easy-care vine doesn’t grow quite as large as trumpet vine and his tube-shaped flowers appear in summer in shades of red, orange, and yellow. From mid-June through September, its trumpet-shaped blossoms can perfume your entire garden. Coral honeysuckle will twine around anything in its path, scaling a 10- to 15-foot trellis in a single season, and attract hummingbirds and butterflies as well. Learn more about this perennial at jacksonville.com.

Clematis

Clematis is a very vigorous vine which doesn’t just grow tall ,it also grows wide, ensuring full coverage. Few vines offer the versatility of climbing clematis. Choose from varieties that bloom in spring or fall or anytime in between. Clematis blooms in virtually every color, and this plant can tolerate most soil and sun conditions. Be careful to check how much space you have as some clematis need space, but others will grow happily on a terrace in a pot. At woollygreen.com you can get all you need to know about growing and caring for clematis.

Black-Eye Susan

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Dreamy Deck Design Ideas

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Dreamy Deck Design Ideas

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Choosing The Best Plants for Your Terrarium

If you want to create an indoor garden, but don’t have enough space in the apartment to grow plants or you need a hobby for you or your children, than we have the solution. Why don’t you make terrarium? Terrarium indoor gardens will not only add beauty to your small home space, but also require minimal space and maintenance. You can grow a variety of plants in a terrarium and place them in living room, dining area, or wherever you want. Almost any type of houseplant can be used for your terrarium. Generally you want them to be hardy and small. Slow growing plants are also desirable so the terrarium doesn’t quickly outgrow itself. Terrariums need indirect light Place a terrarium near a window that faces north, northeast, or position it under fluorescent lights. To build a terrarium all you need is a glass container, and a plant which you want to grow. To help you with your choice of plants we selected six of them.

Succulent and Cacti Terrarium

Cacti and succulents plants need minimal water, fertilizer, and light for their growth. These are special plants, their thick fleshy leaves, roots or stems are able to store water. That means these plants do very well in just about any environment, including DIY succulent terrariums. Cacti and succulents are almost impossible to destroy, and their beauty makes for gorgeous interior displays in a sunny spot in the home.For them to grow in a terrarium, it’s best to use an open container that will retain less humidity and you should also add some sand to the potting mix to mimic the plants’ native environment.

Orchid Terrarium

It is a joy to watch orchids thrive and bloom. However, many orchids can be delicate and temperamental. They produce their blossoms in only the most precise atmosphere. Depending on where you live and the resources you have available, this atmosphere can be difficult to create. One way to make it easier to control the environment is to grow orchids behind glass. Terrariums allow you to maintain consistency in the growing environment. You can monitor and control humidity, light, temperature and air flow very easily. Jewel orchids and miniature Angraecum species and hybrids are all orchids that would do well in a terrarium. They are appropriately sized and can handle humidity well.

Starfish Plant Terrarium

Some pebbles, horticultural charcoal, potting soil and your starfish plant like Cryptanthus bivittatus, is all that you need to make your unique terrarium. The strap like leaves of the starfish plant nearly glow with iridescent stripes, which range from red to maroon, white, and deep green, the plant also has tiny flowers. The leaf colours of starfish plant change with the intensity of light, and its slow-growing nature, it reaches only about 6 inches at maturity which makes it well-suited for a terrarium.

Hypoestes Terrarium

Also known as the polka dot plant, Hypoestes has colorful pink, red, and silver splashed leaves. This plant grows quickly in the correct lighting conditions and new growth should be pinched off , encouraging stems to branch out creating a fuller, bushier plant.Place your terrarium in medium to bright indirect light.Keep soil evenly moist but do not allow to dry out or stand in water. If you see wilted and dry leaves it means the plant has not receiving enough water and yellow leaves indicate the soil is too soggy. To make unique terrarium , put some Silver-nerved Fittonia, China Doll, Hypoestes, airplants, pebbles and rocks, and a butterfly.

Baby’s Tears Terrarium

Also called Angel’s Tears, this plant is made up of tiny leaves that look great in a small scale. It grows abundantly which can be a problem in an outdoor garden, but it does well contain in a terrarium. Place your terrarium in bright indirect light, but out of direct sunlight and keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy, with high humidity.Direct sunlight will burn the edges of the leaves and too much water will turn the leaves yellow. This fast growing plant can be invasive, though frequent pruning with scissors will keep it contained.

Golden Clubmoss Terrarium

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Choosing The Best Plants for Your Terrarium

If you want to create an indoor garden, but don’t have enough space in the apartment to grow plants or you need a hobby for you or your children, than we have the solution. Why don’t you make terrarium? Terrarium indoor gardens will not only add beauty to your small home space, but also require minimal space and maintenance. You can grow a variety of plants in a terrarium and place them in living room, dining area, or wherever you want. Almost any type of houseplant can be used for your terrarium. Generally you want them to be hardy and small. Slow growing plants are also desirable so the terrarium doesn’t quickly outgrow itself. Terrariums need indirect light Place a terrarium near a window that faces north, northeast, or position it under fluorescent lights. To build a terrarium all you need is a glass container, and a plant which you want to grow. To help you with your choice of plants we selected six of them.

Succulent and Cacti Terrarium

Cacti and succulents plants need minimal water, fertilizer, and light for their growth. These are special plants, their thick fleshy leaves, roots or stems are able to store water. That means these plants do very well in just about any environment, including DIY succulent terrariums. Cacti and succulents are almost impossible to destroy, and their beauty makes for gorgeous interior displays in a sunny spot in the home.For them to grow in a terrarium, it’s best to use an open container that will retain less humidity and you should also add some sand to the potting mix to mimic the plants’ native environment.

Orchid Terrarium

It is a joy to watch orchids thrive and bloom. However, many orchids can be delicate and temperamental. They produce their blossoms in only the most precise atmosphere. Depending on where you live and the resources you have available, this atmosphere can be difficult to create. One way to make it easier to control the environment is to grow orchids behind glass. Terrariums allow you to maintain consistency in the growing environment. You can monitor and control humidity, light, temperature and air flow very easily. Jewel orchids and miniature Angraecum species and hybrids are all orchids that would do well in a terrarium. They are appropriately sized and can handle humidity well.

Starfish Plant Terrarium

Some pebbles, horticultural charcoal, potting soil and your starfish plant like Cryptanthus bivittatus, is all that you need to make your unique terrarium. The strap like leaves of the starfish plant nearly glow with iridescent stripes, which range from red to maroon, white, and deep green, the plant also has tiny flowers. The leaf colours of starfish plant change with the intensity of light, and its slow-growing nature, it reaches only about 6 inches at maturity which makes it well-suited for a terrarium.

Hypoestes Terrarium

Also known as the polka dot plant, Hypoestes has colorful pink, red, and silver splashed leaves. This plant grows quickly in the correct lighting conditions and new growth should be pinched off , encouraging stems to branch out creating a fuller, bushier plant.Place your terrarium in medium to bright indirect light.Keep soil evenly moist but do not allow to dry out or stand in water. If you see wilted and dry leaves it means the plant has not receiving enough water and yellow leaves indicate the soil is too soggy. To make unique terrarium , put some Silver-nerved Fittonia, China Doll, Hypoestes, airplants, pebbles and rocks, and a butterfly.

Baby’s Tears Terrarium

Also called Angel’s Tears, this plant is made up of tiny leaves that look great in a small scale. It grows abundantly which can be a problem in an outdoor garden, but it does well contain in a terrarium. Place your terrarium in bright indirect light, but out of direct sunlight and keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy, with high humidity.Direct sunlight will burn the edges of the leaves and too much water will turn the leaves yellow. This fast growing plant can be invasive, though frequent pruning with scissors will keep it contained.

Golden Clubmoss Terrarium

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Throwing a Perfect Garden Party Tips and Tricks

There is something special, inviting and wonderfully therapeutic about parties. Spring is officially here and it’s about time to turn your entertaining philosophy to outdoor gatherings that celebrate blooming flowers and the wonderful weather. What better way to embrace the season’s bounty that by hosting a garden party, complete with loads of colorful vegetables and refreshing citrus cocktail. For a truly standout garden party, a little thought about decoration and atmosphere goes a long way. For example, flickering candles will add extra shimmer and sparkle. Lead your guests to the party by creating a pathway with classic lanterns to light the way. Scatter a few petals in between the lanterns for a pretty finishing touch.Whether you prefer pop or classical, a little background music will add to the mood. Lawn games are an excellent icebreaker at a party. To help you throw a perfect garden party follow this easy to do tips and tricks , but don’t forget having a party is all about having fun and enjoying the time spend with your family and friends.

Decorations

Creative decoration ideas and make your garden party unforgettable.Balloons make a great day-to-night garden party decoration. Use a limited palette and opt for out-sized, round balloons to give a grown-up, designer look.

Lights

Brightly colored paper lanterns and tea lights in jam jars will totally transform your evening garden party. Lighting is key to making everyone look good and feel sexy at your party.Make the most of every hour in the garden with fairy lights suitable for outdoor use.

Table

Set the scene of your next gathering with contemporary table settings that welcome guests with eye-catching centerpieces and elegant place settings. You can’t go wrong with a crisp white set. Team with pretty place mats in a soft shade, to add subtle color to the table.

Food

To hold garden party, the table should be provided with various menus. Create an edible centerpiece that recalls a vegetable patch filled with a rainbow of bite-size crudites. Serve up the nibbles on nice plates and decorate with herbs or fruit, then dot them among homemade dishes.

Refreshing Drinks

Keep refreshing drinks within easy reach of your guests by creating a focal point for pre- or after-dinner drinks with a dedicated serving table for glasses and nibbles. Spruce the glasses a little by wrapping them with brightly colored crepe paper and securing around the middle with contrasting ribbon.

Atmosphere

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Best Shade Loving Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden

If your garden has a limited exposure to sunlight, don’t assume that you won’t be able to grow vegetables. While it is true that all vegetables do require a certain amount of sunlight in order to grow and thrive, some vegetables need significantly less sunlight than others. Gardeners who have shady yards can grow shade loving vegetables with no problems. Generally, leafy vegetables are your best bet if you are gardening in a shady area. Vegetables to grow in your shade garden include all types of lettuces, cabbages, spinach and endive. Although they are not as shade tolerant as the leafy types of vegetables, such as lettuce, root vegetables are your second best bet when growing vegetables in a shady garden. Potatoes , beets, turnips and carrots are root vegetables that you can grow in you garden. Here are some shade loving vegetables that you may consider growing this year…

Lettuce

Lettuce is perfect for shadier gardens because the shade protects it from the sun’s heat, preventing it from bolting as quickly. Lettuce needs rich, fertile soil that holds moisture, so work in plenty of well-rotted organic matter in advance.If you want to learn more about growing lettuce the most common or garden of salad visit express.co.uk

Peas and beans

Beans and peas are relatively easy to grow, making them a good choice for a first-time gardener or a new garden plot Growing these crops in partial shade, getting a good harvest will take longer. Try bush and dwarf varieties rather than pole varieties. Visit veggievillegardening.blogspot.com to find out more about this veggies.

Kale

Include kale as one of the vegetables you grow in your garden if you want to receive the fantastic health benefits provided by the cruciferous vegetable family You’ll notice only a small reduction in growth if comparing kale grown in partial shade with kale grown in full sun. More info about this healthy vegetable at bcliving.ca

Cabbage

The cabbage, or brassica, family is huge, and includes everything from the familiar red, white or green varieties with tightly packed leaves, to cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts .Give cabbage plenty of moisture and be sure to feed it through the season,a compost tea every two weeks will do the job. More about growing cabbage at harvesttotable.com

Thriving vegetable patch with broccoli, cabbage and peas.

Culinary herbs

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Beautiful Succulents - Cactus Gardens

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Six Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Outdoor entertaining is one of the great joys of spring and summer. But this is also the season for mosquitoes, fleas and other itch-inducing insects to come out in full force, leaving your skin covered in bites and your fingers frantically scratching away, desperate for a little relief. In place of spray and pesticides, try a cluster of mosquito-repelling potted plants. Grouped together near a seating area on your deck or patio, they make a pretty and lush addition to your outdoor landscape while also protecting you and your family and friends. Commercial bug repellents are full of nasty chemicals like DEET, so since you do your best to keep pesticides off your veggies and diet, use this mosquito repellent plants , for a healthy way of life.

Geranium

Geranium is a bug repelling plant,that will cascade over its pot and add a delicate floral scent to your garden , backyard or patio.These sun-loving beauties will supply constant color when other flowers are petering out for the season .Geraniums will grow in any soil as long as it is not waterlogged.The flowers have five petals and are colored white, pink, purple or blue, often with distinctive veining. Be careful though, this plant is poisonous to for dogs and cats.

This exquisite Ivy geranium cascades downward gracefully with clusters of showy blossoms.

Basil

Basil is one of the few herbs that give off a scent without the leaves having to be crushed or physically disturbed. There are many varieties of basil, but the ones with the most mosquito-repelling powers include cinnamon basil and lemon basil. Take some basil leaves and rub them on your skin, the oils will deter any nearby mosquito from bugging you while you work.

Citronella grass

Citronella grass is perennial which has a mosquito-repelling abilities, and is also quite an attractive ornamental grass This tropical perennial, can grow up to six feet tall. Handling citronella can cause skin irritations or allergic reactions when the grass blades are broken, so make sure you wear gloves. Plant it along walk ways and seating areas to allow its strong fragrance to deter mosquitoes. Many natural insect repellents found on the market contain citronella oil, which of course is derived from a natural plant source—citronella grass.

Lavender

Mosquitoes and many other insects don’t like the smell of lavender.Lavender is easy to grow, evergreen shrub that produces masses of beautifully scented flowers above green or silvery-grey foliage This trait makes lavender a welcome addition to any garden.Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant thrives in a sunny border, container, herb or gravel gardens.

Ageratum

Also known as Floss flowers, Ageratum emits a smell which mosquitoes find particularly offensive. Ageratum is a low-lying annual ornamental plant and is easily recognized by its blue flowers, although there are varieties with pink, white and violet blooms. This plant will thrive in full or partial sun and does not require rich soil. It is often displayed in rock gardens where low-lying plants are favored.

Marigolds

Marigolds is a easy to grow flower with mosquito-repelling abilities,with ability marigolds repel garden pests to.These flowers are the spendthrifts among annuals, showing a wealth of gold, copper, and brass into our summer and autumn gardens. Marigolds have daisy-like or double, carnation-like flower heads and are produced singly or in clusters.Grow marigolds in your garden or in containers and provide long-lasting cut flowers.The flowers are edible as well, and add color and flavor to salads or can be a gorgeous garnish when you want to dress up a dish. **06**

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Best Backyard Swimming Pools

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Rooting, Planting and Growing Sweet Potatoes

Did you know that sweet potato is not potato at all? This tasty root vegetable is a member of the Ipomoea family, the same genus as the popular flowering climber ‘Morning Glory’. You will certainly notice the family resemblance from their pretty trumpet shaped flowers and vigorous spreading growth habit. Sweet potato contains around one-and-a-half times the vitamin C (and the calories) of the ordinary garden potato. It is widely grown throughout warmer climates and is now gaining popularity as a garden crop, using hardier cultivars in a warm, sheltered position outdoors. It comes in a range of colors from orange to purple, and it’s not just the skins that are colored. The leaves and tips of young shoots can even be cooked as a spinach substitute. If you want to grow this root vegetable in your garden, than follow this guidelines.

Rooting Sweet Potatoes

Unlike normal potatoes, sweet potatoes are grown from ‘slips’. These are the long shoots that have been removed from sweet potato tubers. ‘Slips’ don’t have roots; the roots will grow once the ‘slip’ has been planted. When planting sweet potato slips, it’s important to cover the whole length of the stem, so that it is covered right up to the base of the leaves. Sweet potato plants need to grow in warm, frost free conditions for 3 weeks or more until they are established. Warm, humid conditions will quickly encourage the slips to produce roots. Once they are well grown, and all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise sweet potato plants to outdoor conditions prior to transplanting them. For more info visit onebowlparenting.com

Planting Sweet Potatoes

Before you plant sweet potato slips, you have a little extra work to do. Sweet potatoes need loose, well-drained soil to form large tubers. You don’t want the roots to face resistance when they try to expand within the soil. Loose soil is more critical than almost any other factor when it comes to growing sweet potatoes successfully. Plant your sweet potatoes in full sun on fertile, well-drained soil. They are not particularly fussy but do prefer an acid or neutral soil.You can get more information at acharlottegarden.blogspot.com

Watering Sweet Potatoes

Once all of the slips are in place you need to water them. You’ll need to give them a thorough soaking until all of the surrounding dirt is wet. New plants, like slips, need to be watered every day for the first week and every other day the second week. Sweet potatoes can withstand drought but they’ll produce less, so make sure you water them during the hottest part of the summer.If you want to know more about this topic visit greenishthumb.net

Growing Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have a vigorous growth habit and long sprawling stems. In the greenhouse it may be useful to train the stems onto strings or trellis to keep them tidier. Outdoors you can simply spread the stems out around the plant. Pinch out the growing points of stems that extend beyond 60cm to encourage more lateral stems to develop. Info at discoveringbreadcrumbs.com

Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

In late summer, approximately 12 to 16 weeks after planting them, is the time to start harvesting your sweet potatoes, although they can be left in the ground longer if you prefer larger tubers. Make sure that you lift them before the first frosts though, to avoid the tubers being damaged by the cold. Lift them with a fork taking care not to bruise them. Info at raisedurbangardens.com

Storing Sweet Potatoes

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Guide to Growing Water Lilies

If you have a pond on your property with nothing growing in it except algae, and you like water lilies than this post is definitely for you. Although it used to be the province of grand palaces and public gardens, the water lily is finding its way to the home garden. Water lilies, with their pads, will shield algae from the sun and slow their growth. This mysterious beauty rises from the deep, leaves floating on the surface, exquisite blossoms appearing as if by magic. Water lilies appear delicate, but they are tough as they are beautiful. Water lilies can be grown in a tub on the patio or in ponds of any size. They grow from tubers planted in pots beneath the water and send up stems with rounded leaves and star-shaped blossoms that float on the surface.Here are some basics about growing water lilies.

Selecting Tropical vs. Cold Hardy Water Lilies

Lilies are dependable and easy to plant, a good choice for the beginner. Daytime bloomers, they blossom in the morning and close after sunset, lasting three or four days before sinking beneath the surface. Tropical lilies come in vibrant colors, including blues and purples are showier than their hardy counterparts, but they will not survive winters in cold climates. If you live in a cold climate and you want to grow tropical water lilies, then treat them as annuals and don’t expect them to live more than one growing season.

Planting Water Lilies

Plant your water lilies in a container that is wide and shallow. A good size is 12 x 18 inches wide by 6 x 10 inches deep. The tuber, which is similar to the rhizome of an iris, grows horizontally. Containers may or may not have holes. If there are drainage holes, line the pot with burlap to keep the soil in the container. Soil that leaches out can cloud the water in your pond. If your pond has an earthen bottom you don’t have to put the plants in a pot, you can let them root right in the bottom of the pond.

Pruning and Care

Water lilies are virtually care free during the growing season. They do not require routine pruning or fertilization, but pond water should be cared for and kept clear to promote healthy growth. Water lilies must have a minimum of five hours direct sunlight in order to bloom heavily. Water Lilies require a minimum of six inches of water over the soil level in the pot or the pond.

How to Winterize Hardy Water Lilies

Get your water lilies ready for winter by removing all dead and dying foliage. If the pond freezes solid in your climate or is drained for the winter, remove the lily, pot and all. Store the entire pot by keeping it cool and moist in a plastic bag. If you can’t store the whole pot, remove and clean the growing tuber and store it in peat moss.

Taking Care of the Pond Water

To grow lilies in your pond, the water needs to be clean .First remove decaying vegetation. Make sure 60 percent of the pond is shaded by lily pads or other plants. Keep water well-oxygenated with aerators, fountains, or waterfalls. Don’t kill algae with chemical treatments that will hurt plants, fish, and beneficial bacteria that live in the pond.

Pests

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Wild, Weird, Wonderful Orchids Varieties

If you need something alive and beautiful to brighten a home, than orchid has to be your first choice. Fortunately these once exotic and expensive plants are often priced less than a bouquet of fresh flowers. Some orchid flowers bloom for a few hours and others last up to half a year. With over 30,000 species and 100,000 hybrids, it’s no wonder some of nature’s strangest plant specimens are orchids. Although thought of as a tropical plant, they grow on every continent, in every climate, from the Arctic Circle to the Macquarie Islands near Antarctica. The smallest orchid is the size of a dime, while the largest weigh several hundred pounds. The vanilla orchid is the only commercially grown orchid crop. There many different types of orchids—different colors, species and hybrids, miniature and standard-sized, all different genera from different parts of the world. We search the web and found some rare orchids we think deserve the title, browse the photos see if you agree with us

Blue Vanda

One of rarest orchids Blue Vanda is a magnificent and exquisite flower full with charm. Vanda has large, long-lasting and vibrantly colorful blooms with a delightful fragrance. Blue Vanda is one of the only true blue orchids. It will continue to produce the same amazing blooms year after year. Blue Vanda grows without soil , and uses the roots to attach to the trunks and branches of trees. Each plant generally produces between 4 and 6 blooms that last up to 5 weeks.

Calypso bulbosa Orchid

The Calypso bulbosa orchid is one of the most beautiful terrestrial orchids in North America. Known also by the name fairy slipper orchid fact file has a single, showy flower on a single, dainty, purple stem .Each plant has a single, dark green, oval leaf measuring up to 3.5 centimeters long .Both the single leaf and flower stem rise from a shallow corm, with few, short and slender roots. The fairy slipper orchid grows in humus, decaying vegetation covering the forest floor or on top of rotting logs and tree stumps .

Calopogon tuberosus Orchid

Extremely rare, Calopogon orchid is also known as grass pink because of the long, narrow, grass-like leaves . The blossoms are rose-pink to pale. Calopogon comes from the Greek words meaning beautiful beard. The prominent hairs, the beard, on the lip identify it.This delicate, sweet-smelling orchid often springs from peat or sphagnum moss and is easily recognized by the bearded lip petal and solitary, grass-like leaf.

Red Helleborine Orchid

One of the rarest in the world this critically endangered orchid produces up to 12 attractive pink flowers on a long spike. In profile, the flowers are similar in appearance to spiky tulips. One stem is usually produced, which may have a purple tint and a the leaves are dark green in color and are very long and thin.

Dendrophylax or the Ghost Orchid

This leafless orchid haunts the swamps of Florida’s deep south, the only state where it can be found. It is a frequent target of poaching, and generally dies within a year of being taken out of the wild.

Monkey Face Orchid