garden ideas

Flower Garden Ideas

The natural instinct keeps the garden ideas flowing in. The organic garden ideas follow decorum with the nature, for a healthy environment.

Container Gardening – One of the easiest and most affordable ways to showcase your creative gardening skills is through container gardening. Many attractive gardens are formed in containers of various shapes and sizes. Moreover, container gardening also solves the problem of limited space. It is economical, easy to install and maintain, not a problem while shifting or relocating making container gardening one of the most popular garden ideas.

Water Gardening – A pond full of lilies, a fountain, small cascading stream in a private garden are perfect places for pleasure and peace. If space is not factor, then water gardening is one garden idea to cherish. The small fountains in the middle of the garden, a stream running across the garden have an instant impact on its exquisiteness. This act of sculpting trees and plants are referred to as topiary. Your direct involvement in your green landscape will help in garden ideas to flood automatically.

How do you create flower garden ideas? Take garden tours. There is no substitute for actually seeing gardens in the flesh. Read magazines. These dead-tree monthlies are full of pictures of great gardens. Check out books. If you flip through pages of garden design books, (while you’re in the bookstore) you’re going to see tons of examples of great gardens. I mean that the magazines hire professional photographers and crews to “improve” the look of the garden. Extra flowers are brought in and tucked in to make the garden appear fuller. A bit of garden whimsy is added here – a potted plant is tucked there and suddenly.. The internet is a tough place to find pictures of great looking gardens.

Landscape Designs

Home And Garden Ideas

Landscape designs can be planned out in a variety of different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to design your own. You don’t have to be a professional landscape designer to get the perfect look. Go ahead take a chance and be as creative as you wish with your design, incorporating many ideas into the final product.

With a little planning and alot of creativity your visions of a beautiful landscape can be achieved.

An important factor to great landscape designs is finding something that catches everyone’s attention, which will become the focal point in your design. An important part of your landscape is accessibility and functionality. Keep in mind your intent for the space while you are designing that new look. If the space you are creating is used for a peaceful getaway, then your design should include less space with more soothing features such as plants and flowers.

There are some other excellent places to find even more great ideas. You can also look at other landscaped designs to help you come up with that perfect layout you are searching for. You may want to take pictures of different designs throughout your community and incorporate your favorite looks into one magnificent design. If you are planning on designing and constructing the landscape yourself remember to leave yourself time for creativity.

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flower garden

garden design

Using Garden Decor

For a Complete Garden

For many people, the garden is an extension of the home; a living area to be beautified just as they would want to decorate the interior of their house. Much of the beauty, both in their eyes and those of the passer-by and visitor, comes from the garden layout, the plants and flowers, the trees, the terraces, and the lawns. Such beauty can be brought to life by the birds and butterflies that visit the garden. It can also be further enhanced by the choice and use of garden decor.

Types of Garden Decor

There are many types of garden decor that you can consider when designing or improving your garden. The use of the word ‘decor’ is traditionally used for the decoration of a house interior, incorporating everything from the furniture to the paint on the wall, and the fabrics used for curtains and bedding. There is no reason that a garden, an extension of the home living space, should not also be considered in the same way.

You could argue that all the flowers and plants in a garden are decor; in fact, I would not even argue. You are trying to create a beautiful entity in which you can spend leisure time, and which gives aesthetic pleasure as you look out of your window, relax in the summer sunshine, or arrive home from a concrete jungle on a summer’s evening.

However, for the purposes of this article, we will consider garden decor as the decoration added to the garden plants, shrubs and flowers for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Once that is done, then garden decor falls into a number of popular types or themes, and all are worth considering.

Fountains and Waterfalls

The use of water in a garden with no natural water feature can greatly enhance it. Most people appreciate both the sight and sound of water, and it is definitely an aid to relaxation. I know I am not the only person in the world who finds it relaxing sitting or strolling by water.

Creating The Ideal

Low Maintenance Garden

Some garden styles lend themselves particularly well to low maintenance gardening. They often rely on a visually pleasing use of hard landscaping elements combined with a minimum of well chosen planting.

A minimalist garden

It is possible to create a striking garden using very little at all. The garden elements can be paired down to the absolute minimum and anything fussy, distracting or unnecessary can be excluded from the scheme.

A garden on relies on minimal planting will be the most labour saving of all, but you need to choose carefully. The few plants used must work hard to earn their place there.

Using Space

Form and space are what matter in a minimal design. Anyone embarking on such a totally labour saving design will need an eye for shape and contrast, so that the garden is pleasing to the eye, yet uncluttered.

The design will rely on the clever use of space, defined by a few strategically placed features, such as pots, stones, statues or plants, or a bold architectural feature such as a wall.

Simple dramatic juxtapositions can create sufficient interest. For instance, a paved or gravelled area can become a visually please space with the addition of just a few carefully sited large pots containing some architectural plants, or perhaps a raised bed or pool. Pebbles or boulders can be used to add extra texture, and perhaps some flowering annuals will add a splash of summer colour.

Adding Colour

Colour in the form of painted surfaces can also be used for impact in a minimalist garden, perhaps on a large wall or the edges of a raised bed. It can be used to compliment planted gravel or an expanse of paving.

Positioning Plants And Pebbles

A few good plants can go along way if they are carefully positioned to create form in an open space. They need to be dramatic in shape or colour so that they make an impact on the design. Architectural plants such as phormiun, Yucca, bamboo clumps or even small trees all work well, especially when used in isolation. Pebbles are also a good way to introduce additional texture. They work particularly well in areas of paving or with potted plants.

Gravel And Paved Gardens

Gardens that rely heavily on paving or gravel instead of lawn can be virtually maintenance-free. They need to be well planned, however, to avoid them looking oppressive and harsh. The solution is to include a variety of materials to create contrasting shapes and textures, and to compliment this with the planting. Even the simplest of designs can be transformed into a garden full of charm and character.

Designing with hard materials

Different materials can be used effectively to divide a large area into smaller sections, creating interest through changes of texture, and even height if you introduce features such as raised beds. Formal structures usually work best for paving, especially for space bounded by walls. Bricks can be laid in attractive patterns, adding colour and warmth to a design. The small dimensions of bricks will create a satisfying contrast when juxtaposed with large paving slabs. Granite setts, cobbles and brick or clay pavers can also be laid in interesting patterns.

Gravel, which has a softer texture than hard paving, adds another type of contrast. It works with both formal lines and informal designs as it lends itself to curves. There are lots of different gravels available in many colours and grades. Choose one, or several, that will suit your design.

Additional Features

Including other features in paving or gravel gardens adds yet more interest. Ponds or fountains introduce the elements of water. Statues, large containers and even benches all make excellent focal points.

Incorporating Plants

Beds and borders can easily be incorporated into gravel and paved gardens. If you do not want to be bothered with maintaining large planted areas, you can create small filled spaces within the gravel or paving.

Beds can be filled with some low maintenance ground cover plants, but focal plants may also be desirable to draw the eye, especially during the winter. Architectural plants, such as Cordyline Australis (for warmer winters), or yucca Gloriosa (for cooler areas), work well as focal plants. Clipped box (buxus sempervirens) is useful for formal designs. Two or three clips during the growing season are sufficient to keep it in shape. Containers are another option, but they will require daily watering in summer unless you install an automatic watering system.

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garden design

Practical Tips for Garden Design

A common mistake when planning a garden is not deciding on your garden’s design before you begin planting. If your garden is going to be in the shade, make sure that items you include in your garden are able to grow under these conditions. Perhaps the most important thing to do when you begin your garden design is to fence your garden in. Fencing your garden has several advantages. First, it helps to protect your garden from critters who are apt to destroy or damage it. It also helps to set firm boundries for the garden and help you establish where you want to plant. But besides the practical, fenced in gardens can look especially beautiful.

You have several options when creating a garden fence. The best choice is probably vinyl fencing. Consider adding some interesting design elements to your garden. Evergreens work well in a garden because they smell great, have cones and berries and are very versatile. If you carefully design your garden you will have year round beauty. The best tip for garden design is simply to design it. If you take the time to plan out your garden, both in terms of design and when is the ideal time to plant, you will be the envy of your neighborhood soon.

Elements of Contemporary Garden Design

There are many elements of contemporary garden design. Of course, there are more than a few different styles of modern garden design and each individual has a right to express his/her own style in his/her own garden. This makes them useful if you like the stepping stone look for a garden.

Another interesting element that works very well for contemporary gardens is vinyl fences and vinyl products. Vinyl fences are so wonderful for contemporary garden design because they can be built in any form you desire. You don’t have to worry about the beauty of your garden being compromised with vinyl fences because they always stay beautiful and will always enhance your contemporary garden.

There are actually some other elements that are being used in contemporary gardens from garden ornaments to certain types of plants and flowers. Great planning should go into planting a contemporary garden in order to ensure beauty and style. Simply create a plan, buy the plants, plant them, and then nourish your garden as it grows and prospers.

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garden seeds

Harvesting Garden Seeds

Have you ever wondered how to harvest seeds from your favorite plants?  Harvesting seeds from your plants will guarantee you seeds for years to come.  If the plant produces small seeds you will want to use an old stainless steel strainer with small holes to sift.  Crush the seed pods and shake the strainer to release the small seeds into a paper bag or container.

Label your envelopes or paper bags as you harvest the seeds to reduce confusion, many seeds seem the same.  Make sure your seeds are completely dry before you store them (wet seeds will rot).  Store smaller seeds in an envelope then store them inside a container that is NOT air tight, but will allow enough air to circulate to prevent the seeds from severely drying out.  DO NOT store your seeds wet and always allow ripe seed (still green) pods to dry out sufficiently before packaging.

Growing an Organic Garden

Growing a organic garden isn’t difficult if you have the right tools, but there are some things you’ll need for growing the perfect organic garden.

Seeds

The first thing you’ll need to start growing a organic garden, besides a space laid out for your vegetable patch, is organic gardening seeds. Sure, you can use regular vegetable seeds, but for a real organic garden, you need to start with organic seeds, too. You can find them at a variety of sources, and always make sure that you’re buying certified organic seeds from a certified organic grower. All different types of organic seeds are available, from corn to heirloom tomatoes, so you should be able to find the right varieties you’re looking for very easily.

Tools

Like any hobby, you’ll need to invest in a few tools to help in growing a organic garden.

• Spade or garden shovel. You can use this for planting larger plants, and for spreading mulch, compost, and other nutrients throughout your garden.
• Hoe. Helpful for cultivating between the rows of vegetables in your garden, and for digging out some weeds.
• Pots. You need pots to start seedlings before you can plant them outdoors, but you also need pots for decorative plants throughout your landscaping, like on your patio, porch, or deck.
• Trowel or two. These are very handy for digging smaller holes in the garden, for planting seedlings and such, and for digging up some weeds.
• Hand cultivator. These look like tiny rakes, and they are very helpful for digging out weeds around your vegetables and plants, and aerating the soil around your veggies.
• Bulb planter. Extremely helpful if you’re going to plant a lot of bulbs in the fall or spring, they dig a deep enough hold for every type of bulb you’d like to plant.
• Gardening gloves. Just about every gardener loves a good pair of gardening gloves that protect their hands from dirt, insects, and woody stems.
• A garden cart. These aren’t absolutely necessary, but a small cart you can load with plants, tools, seeds, hoses, and the essentials of gardening are quite handy to cart around your gardening tools, especially if you have an extra-large garden.
• Hoses, nozzles, and sprinklers. These are all necessary watering tools. Once you try a few nozzles, you’ll find the one that’s right for you. Many have adjustable sprays, and watering wands are nice to reach high and out-of-the-way plants.

Fertilizers

There are many organic, natural fertilizers you can use to help in growing a organic garden, and none of them contain chemicals, just rich nutrients for your soil.

• Fish Meal
• Bone Meal
• Dried Manure
• Wood Ashes
• Rock Potash

Many of these fertilizers are available at your local nursery or feed stores, just be sure you know the right amount to use on your organic garden, or you could end up harming your plants. If you use the right equipment, you can be growing a organic garden before you know it, and your plants will be healthier, happier, and far safer for your family to eat.

garden containers

The Idiots Guide

to Garden Containers

Thanks to container gardening, almost anything can be grown anywhere. Planter boxes, plastic storage containers, clay pots, hanging baskets or even plain old plastic jars with lids are some of the containers that are used for gardening.

Container Rules

The container is the most important aspect of container gardening. You need to choose one that has a wide opening and facilitates easy planting, weeding of soil, tilling etc. Try glazed ceramic pots. Avoid using wood that has been treated with chemicals as they can harm the plants.

Where are you growing it ?

The place where you are planning to grow your container garden is equally important. Many people store their containers in a storage shed. But keep in mind that depending on the kind of plant you are growing, your container will need at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight everyday. There are some plants which need more but this is the minimum that is needed. There are sunlight guides available for various plants. For example, in countries with a hot and dry weather, plants need more water. Also, the more you water the plants, faster the fertilizers in the plant get washed away.

Garden Containers, Flower Pots and Planters

There are many reasons for growing plants in garden containers, flower pots and planters. An obvious one is if you are growing exotic plants that can be placed outdoors in summer in a location that suits each plant, and then taken indoors or into a more shaded spot in the fall and winter. Plants grown in garden containers are portable, and to many people this is big advantage. Using containers and flower pots it is possible to plant a whole garden that can be rearranged to suit the flowering patterns of the plants.

You can fill in the bare patches with new pots or planters, and arrange the colors to suit your preference. Potted plants are totally depended on you for their water and nutrition. First the plants. Pots are restrictive and the size will depend on the requirements of the plants. Cyclamens too prefer more space, and so would be more suited to large pots or planters. Trees prefer large pots, and the larger garden tubs would be more appropriate for the larger varieties.

Bulbs can be grown in planters, about two to three bulb widths apart, though the fall bulbs will need some exposure to the frost since they need a low temperature for a strong root growth.

If you plant them fairly close together in garden containers or planters, you can design a lovely looking garden, or a fine display for a patio. Most annuals are suitable for garden containers, pots and planters, some particularly attractive choices being petunia, tobacco plant (nicotiana) with its wonderful smell, and begonias. Cigar Plants (cuphea) love lots of sun and have unusual flowers. Many people use containers for window ledges and balconies, and if you have decking, then deck rail planters are an attractive means of hanging plants from the handrails. Garden containers, flower pots and planters are an attractive and very practical way of decorating your garden, patio or conservatory, and a little bit of imagination can work wonders.

Indoor Organic Herb Garden

Growing an organic herb garden is a delightful project. Indoor organic herb gardens have the advantage of being year-round, giving a continuous supply of fresh herbs.

Herb Choices

There are many ways to decide which herbs to include in your organic herb garden. Italian Herb Garden ( Plant rosemary, oregano, basil, fennel, and chives ).  Terra cotta containers will make your indoor organic herb garden look authentically old world. Fragrant Herb Garden ( Choose angelica, bergamot, catmint, chamomile, thyme, lavender, lemon balm, mint, and sage ). This organic herb garden is a natural air freshener. Tea Herb Garden, If you enjoy herbal teas, your organic herb garden might focus on appropriate herbs for your tea: catnip, chamomile, lavender, lemon grass, mint, and peppermint.

Containers

Your indoor organic herb garden will not last long with such small thinking. Once your herbs are stabilized and growing well, transplant them into larger containers. If you want a large crop of herbs that is constantly being replenished in your organic herb garden, use 3 to 5 gallon containers.

Container Soil

Indoor organic herb gardens call for building organic soil.

Indoor Lighting

An indoor organic herb garden will need lighting, especially if your room is not sunny. Incandescent lights, even though called “grow lights”, are a poor choice for your indoor organic herb garden. The best choice for lighting your indoor organic herb garden is high intensity discharge lighting, often called HID lights. An indoor organic herb garden can be both useful and beautiful.

Garden the Easy Way With Herb Garden Kits

If you don’t have a green thumb, you probably haven’t even considered growing herbs. After all, they have to be much harder to grow than regular plants, right? Actually, if you start off your herb garden with one of the easy to use herb garden kits, herbs are simple to grow. In fact, if you shop for herb garden kits that contain common herbs like parsley and basil, you may find that herbs are easier to grow than many other plants.

As you shop for herb garden kits, you may notice that some are more expensive than others. However, before you decide that the cheaper kit is a better value, you should take a look at what each kit includes. Some kits contain seeds, seed starting mix or another growing medium, plant labels, clay pots and instructions, while other kits only include seeds, seed starting mix, and inexpensive plastic growing containers. Of course, even the simplest kit can still grow healthy herbs, but you should be aware that all kits are not created equal.

Once you choose the right kit, you will need to look for a place to grow your herbs. Most herb garden kits recommend using a sunny window. However, if the herb kit has a greenhouse top, you may need to position the kit so that it does not receive direct sunlight until the herb seedlings are large enough for you to take the lid off of the kit. This is because the clear plastic lid holds the sun’s heat in, turning the greenhouse into a sauna and cooking the seedlings.

Herb garden kits without a greenhouse lid need more care than those that have a lid, since you will need to keep them from drying out. Of course, seedlings raised in greenhouse herb kits may have a greater risk of developing a condition known as damping off. This is a plant fungus that attacks seedlings and kills them. Once herbs develop this problem, there is no way to save them. Luckily, this condition is not common in the sterile environment of these herb kits.

Finally, once they develop a set of true leaves, don’t forget to repot the seedlings from your herb garden kits. Remember to only handle their leaves, as the stems of these tiny seedlings will be too delicate to hold up to your touch. Once they are in their new pots, be sure to fertilize your new plants regularly to help keep them happy and healthy.