PLANTING PANSIES


If you're wanting to add some spectacular color to your garden, have a read of this informative article 
on Pansies by lee Dobbins. I think you'll enjoy it. 

How

 To Plant Pansies - When And Where To Plant Pansies For Best Results

By Lee Dobbins

When it comes to garden flowers, pansies are the hands-down favorite of many gardeners because they have such a beautiful variety of colors and also are quite easy to plant and maintain. In fact, pansies are one of the few flowers that will withstand very cold temperatures and can overwinter in your garden to produce beautiful blooms early the next spring.

How To Plant

It's not hard to learn how to plant pansies, in fact they don't have any special requirements and can be planted the same as other plants. You want to start with a good healthy plant that has vibrant deep green leaves and is not leggy. Be sure that the root ball is well formed but not too compacted.

To plant your pansies, simply dig a hole in your garden that is a bit larger than the container the pansy comes in. Gently remove the pansy from the container and loosen up the root ball with your fingers. Place the pansy in the hole and fill in with dirt. You want to be sure to water your pansies after planning and add in some time release fertilizer. Be sure to fertilize your plants monthly thereafter.

Where To Plant Pansies

Like most other garden flowers, pansies have some specific requirements as to their placement. They need to get at least 4 hours of sun a day and need to be planted in well-drained soil. You don't want to plant them in an area that gets full sun because, unlike most flowers, pansies really won't do well especially if it is really hot and the full sun is blaring down on them.

Pansies will grow equally well in containers as they will planted right in your garden soil. They are a favorite plant to have in window boxes and do well in any type of planter as long as it drains properly.

When To Plant

Since pansies can survive the harsh winter, you want to plant them during the end of summer. That way they will bloom well into the fall, go dormant for the winter, and then bloom again in early spring. You want to make sure that the soil temperature is between 45 and 65° for best results. If the soil is too hot, your pansies may not grow well and if it is too cold they probably won't grow it all. In either case, you want it be sure to plant them well ahead of the first frost so that they are able to establish a root system to help them survive throughout the winter.

Learning how to plant pansies, where to plant pansies and when to plant pansies is not that difficult, but it is critical to follow these few simple rules if you want to have lush vibrant plants.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

For an excellent range of Pansies and other attractive flowering plants go to 

GARDEN LIGHTING

GARDEN LIGHTING

Here is an article about different types of lighting for your garden, which I think you will find interesting.

Garden Lighting - 10 Great Ways to Illuminate Your Garden

By Titus Turner

For many people, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate amidst the 

beauty of plants and landscape of their garden is the ultimate

 bliss. But, without attractive garden lighting, you cannot capture that bliss. Lights arranged creatively and at the right spots make your garden a heavenly place to be after dusk.

Your garden gets grace through illumination. However, the trick is to use the right kind of lighting to transform your landscape into a dramatic place with dancing silhouettes and beautiful scenery. Things like glass oil lanterns add a dash of glitter to your garden during the day and make it shine radiantly during the night. The benefit of landscape lights is that it gives the pool, fountains, plants, and pathways a subtle glow, along with a shadowy charm.

Benefits

Garden lighting is one of the most important elements of your garden. And it not only enhances the beauty of your favorite place, but also makes it safer. A properly lit garden is easier to walk by, as you can clearly make out the pathways, steps, patios, and other elements of the garden during night. It also adds to the security of your home; thieves would not usually dare to enter a home that has a glowing garden. To make garden lighting absolute safe, you must use lights that are certified for outdoors use. This means that they are weather proof.

Ways To Light Up Your Garden

* Floodlighting involves a broad and bright light beam that illuminates a larger area. Although it is bright, it creates striking silhouettes that make your garden look inviting.
* Spotlighting is not used that commonly. Whenever used, it is used to light big plants, trees, large sculptures, and other architecture in the garden.
* Uplighting is a popular way to light up the garden trees, walls, and various statues.
* Downlighting is an imitation of natural light. The lightings are fixed overhead with the light falling directly from above.
* Moonlighting is used to render a dramatic effect to the garden. It is done by fixing lighting high above so that when the light falls, it produces a moonlit effect.
* Shadowing is a type of garden lighting that creates the most magical effect on a garden. It needs surfaces like lawns or walls or strong plants to place the fixtures.
* Accent lighting is done through small fixtures. They are fixed near the ground. They illuminate the garden in a subtle manner and are mostly used to decorate various garden spots.
* Spread lighting involves the use of wide beam angles. They illuminate big features of the garden such as the lawn, fountain area, flowerbeds, borders, patios, and others. Such lighting makes evening or night walks in the garden a pleasure.
* Cross lighting technique is used to highlight particular elements of a garden such as urn, statue, bonsai, archway, and others.
* Silhouette garden lighting outlines the trees, archways, and other elements creating a spectacular view.

So, gear up to light your garden. And yes, remember to use solar lights. They are the latest trend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Titus_Turner

A good range of garden lights can be found at 

http://www.exterior-accents.com/  or 

 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=garden+lighting

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/GardenThings

Twitter:            https://twitter.com/#!/gardenswings

CACTUS

Here's an interesting little article I came across as an introduction to the

 world of cacti. I hope you 'll enjoy it.

Cactus - Information & Facts

         By David J R

Cacti are desert plants native to the Americas. This article is mainly about their care, facts, propagation and common cacti varieties. So, lets proceed with   the article.

Care

If you can manage a few things, it is easy to care for the cacti.

Sun

Plant them in bright direct sunlight. Seedlings and very young plants should be kept in partial shade.

Water

As they are a desert plant, the watering should be very infrequent. Water them once or twice in a month. Cacti planted in lawns/gardens can be watered more frequently than those in containers.

Fungus

Excessive watering can cause fungi on your cacti. Water them sparingly in winters especially. If your cactus has fungus on it, you should remove the infected part to control the spread.

Propagation

Propagation is a process to start new plants from the existing ones. Cacti can be propagated by means of stem cutting, seed germination and division. Remember all varieties can not be propagated by division or cutting.

Common Varieties

Following are some of the common varieties of these plants.

Hedgehog Cactus

Barrel Cactus

Saguaro Cactus

Prickly Pear

Organ Pipe Cactus

Horse Crippler

Pincushion Cacti

Thanksgiving Cactus

Easter Cactus

Christmas Cactus

Interesting Facts about Cacti

Saguaro cactus is the tallest cactus plant that can grow up to 20 m high.

All cacti are native to the Americas.

All cacti are succulents. They store water to use it later.

Native Americans used the barrel cactus as a pot.

There are over 2000 species of cactus.

Some cactus spines can be about 15 cm long.

Gila woodpeckers nest inside the stem of the saguaro cactus.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_J_R

For a great range of cactus plants visit http://www.directgardening.com/index_cj.htm

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Raised Vegetable Garden Beds

RAISED VEGETABLE GARDEN BEDS - THE WAY TO GO

By Maxina D Williams

Raised garden beds are a relatively new concept and what a revelation to those of us who find gardening at ground level, particularly getting upright again, such a chore! They are a boon not only for the elderly but also for those who are disabled or affected by arthritis. However, these are only some of the great benefits of this innovation.

As these garden beds are elevated, not only do they have better drainage than the traditional garden but the soil will warm up quicker in the spring and stay warmer longer into autumn, thus providing a longer growing season, most beneficial in colder climates. They also enable you to plant earlier in the season, for better germination.

Raised garden beds are ideally suited to growing vegetables because they will be free draining and easily accessible for inspecting and maintaining your plants. Being able to harvest your vegetable crop from a manageable height is a joy as well, particularly if you are confined to a wheel chair.

An added bonus is being able to walk completely around your garden bed and being able to easily reach all your plants. Constant walking through a ground level garden can have the effect of seriously compacting the soil, thus affecting adequate drainage. Having two or more raised beds arranged in a pattern of about a metre (three feet) apart will allow you to have easy access and the paths between can be paved or gravelled to enhance the appearance of your garden. This will also allow easy access for your wheel barrow or a wheel chair.

Where to locate your raised beds can be very important. Ideally, the beds should be placed in a sun trap where they will have at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day.

Being able to have complete control over the quality of your soil is a real bonus with a raised garden bed. The soil content should consist of a mixture of fertile,crumbly soil enhanced with lots of compost and cow manure. As most vegetable crops love rich fertile soil I always add generous amounts of pelletised chicken poo as well. All of the ingredients should be well dug over in expectation of a bumper crop.
Another thing to be considered when growing vegetables in a raised garden bed is companion planting. Companion vegetables and herbs will help control insects and help improve your soil quality. For example, carrots (which I like to grow from seed as you are less likely to have problems with misshapen product), parsley and onions are beneficial for growing with tomatoes.

Something else to be aware of is resisting the urge to overcrowd your seeds. Concentrating too many plants in a given area will harm their growth. You should also rotate your vegetable crop each year to discourage nasty pathogens and pests.
Studies have shown that elevated garden beds can yield up to twice as many vegetables as traditional beds so this is the way to go if you are serious about growing your very own fresh vegies.

Maxina Williams loves anything to do with gardening and outdoor living.

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Article source: http://www.gardenswings-n-things.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maxina_D_Williams

Visit  http://www.exterior-accents.com for a range of Raised Garden Beds (US)

Or    http://www.gardenexpress.com.au (Aust.)

GARDEN HEDGES

The Benefits of Adding a Garden Hedge

By Roger Eavis

When you are looking to make an investment 

in to your home, one strong possibility is 

found with an investment in to hedging plants. 

When you add hedging plants to your 

residence you're creating several advantages for 

you and your family to enjoy. Additionally, the 

huge selection of hedging plants available provide 

you with many options to help accent your home 

and make it more alluring to potential buyers 
when you are interested in selling.

While considering hedging plants, most find themselves asking why they ought to incorporate hedge into their house environment. Its vital that you find out the many benefits of the hedging plants in order to answer this question.

When you're looking in to the benefits of creating a garden hedge, the first advantage is found with the security you set up with your garden hedge. Security is often a main worry for any home owner and with the addition of a garden hedge you can increase your family's and home's safety. The growth and development of a tall hedge in the backyard creates a wall which hinders the casing abilities of passerby's. In addition, the walled creation of a full garden hedge represents a border that can't be quickly scaled like a fence or brick wall can, further helping in your home's security. The garden hedge represents one of the best deterrents for criminals interested in invading houses in your area.

While safety is often the basic reason which an individual will invest in a garden hedge, another advantage which is found with hedging plants relates to the development of privacy. The same border which is developed to prevent criminals from viewing your house even creates a wall of privacy from the strolling pedestrians, driving public and nosy neighbors. This enables a homeowner to take pleasure in the outdoor experience by opening their doors and windows to nature without a worry of people invading their private home environment. Even a lower hedge in the front yard helps to define a barrier that encourages the un-welcomed public to stay outside your home environment.

Another nice advantage which can be found with a garden hedge is found with the generation of the wind barrier that is created. Wind is a common ailment to the outdoor life which spoils pleasant weather and destroys any outdoor design. The thick and bushy nature of hedging plants assists to create a barrier for your home, developing a peaceful outdoor environment which is not burdened by wind. All of these benefits help the owner in seeing why a garden hedge will aid their home life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Eavis

For a complete range of suitable hedge plants visit  http://www.directgardening.com/index_cj.htm in the US and 

http://www.gardenexpress.com.au in Australia.

GARDEN ACCESSORIES

Spruce Up Your Garden With The Best Outdoor Garden Accessories

By James C. Brent

Any backyard or garden serves as a perfect place for families and 

friends to come together and spend some enjoyable time. In 

connection to this, equipping it with outdoor garden accessories 

will make it more fit for any type of social event.

The checklist of these garden decors could be endless. Generally, it may include outdoor fountains, ponds, outdoor garden statues, and even some outdoor art. It could also involve some outdoor furniture like barbeque grills, fire pits, heaters and outdoor lightings.

Before you start with your garden beautification projects, first you need to have a plan in mind so as to avoid overspending. Beginner and veteran gardeners who are working on a tight budget can start with planting of easy growing plants which can later on be enhanced with any piece of cheap garden décor like an old garden statue.

If you have a large garden area, you can place bigger decorations like garden fountains, bird houses and bird baths. Pieces of furniture like dining and picnic tables and chairs are a good addition too especially if you love entertaining a lot of people in your yard.

In the absence of holidays, your garden can look remarkable with garden clocks and sundials. Outdoor wall clocks appear in sundry forms and patterns. You can even find ones with a built-in thermometer. This clock type not only drops your time guessing habit but also gives you the correct temperature of the day. If you want to go a little ancient in telling time position a sundial on the spot of your garden that receives sufficient sunlight.

Come Halloween or Christmas, you can have a change of your outdoor garden accessories. You can enhance your garden according to the holiday theme by including some outdoor yard lights for use during dusk. Hang some colorful ornaments too on tree branches that add delight in the eyes of the young and old.

Once holidays have passed you can go back to recreating your garden into a quiet place to relax and get rid of stress. You can put back the ideal decorations that you enjoy most either because of the childhood memories they remind you of or the simple thought of their givers. If you want your family members and friends to share something personal, let them place in your garden the most wanted garden accessories as well.

Other yard decorations that can bring to life the wonderful memories or happy vacations spent with your loved ones are sculptures, water fountains, or wind chimes. Decors like attractive planters can remind your daughter's first gardening attempts. A handmade bird house, on the other hand, could be a wonderful memorabilia of your son's enjoyment from playing with the birds resting in your garden.

Working in your garden with great outdoor garden accessories adds more life and energy to it. Sticking to your budget and being wise on spending on items in your garden that bring happiness to your family is the key to making your garden reformation a success.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_C._Brent

For an extensive range of garden accessories in the US visit  http://www.exterior-accents.com
In Australia visit http://www.gardenexpress.com.au

GARDENING TOOLS

Here's a guide to to the kinds of tools you'll find helpful in your garden.

All About Gardening Tools

By Peter Finch

God made rainy days, so gardeners could get the housework done - Gardening can

 be that addictive and more so if you have the right tools! Selecting the right 

gardening tools is also important when taking up a gardening project. Opt for tools 

that are neither too heavy nor too light. Heavy equipments are difficult to use and 

quite tiresome while lighter ones are poorly made. Good gardening tools have 

handles made of high quality wood like ash.

Here are some popular gardening tools -

- Garden rake helps to soothe the soil after it is tilled. This tool is helpful in finishing work when making planting beds or a new lawn.

- Cultivators help in cutting the hard compacted soil. Some of them have broader edges while others have narrow ones. These are useful in making the annual beds for vegetable gardens.

- Edger is another gardening tool that helps the flower gardens and shrubs maintain their shape. Gardens lose their crisp lines over time when grass intrudes in the garden. Using the edger will prevent grass roots taking a firm hold in planting beds.

- Pitchfork is a tool used for aerating compacted soil and preparing garden beds. They are also used for dividing grasses and also to spread mulch in spring.

- Reel Mowers are used to cut grass. They give a cleaner cut as compared to other tools. They do not use gas and hence there is no pollution with reel mowers. These are great for small lawns. It is a lightweight and easy to use tool.

- Hand Pruners are gardening tools used for cutting branches. They give cleaner and precise cuts. They have bypass blades that help in cutting the branches neatly.

- Loppers are just like pruners but are provided with long handles and the ability to cut branches of around 2 inches thickness.

- Compact Pruning Saw is a tool useful for cutting branches. It is small enough to fit into the middle of a shrub to cut the branch.

Gardening tools are essential for maintaining your garden but it is not really necessary to spend a lot on buying garden tools. You need not have all the latest tools to give your garden that perfect look. You can just buy some basic tools to start with. With minimum tools, you too can make your garden attractive.

One of the basic gardening tools is a spading fork. This helps to dig down the soil and break the ground. This is very essential since at some point or the other you will need to open and improve the soil. Hoe is a gardening tool useful for weeding and cultivating the soil. This is done to allow the penetration of nutrients and water into the soil. For larger digging projects you will also require a round ended shovel.

A watering can is also one of the important gardening tools. It has long nozzles and allows water to flow gently. A good bow rake is essential to level the soil and also for removing large clods of earth or rocks from the soil. Having a pair of garden shears known as clippers are essential for cutting, shaping and removing foliage or branches.

Give your garden that perfect look just by using the right gardening tools without spending money on expensive professional gardeners!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Finch 

For a complete range of gardening tools go to http://www.gardenexpress.com.au (Aust.)  or http://www.amazon.com/  (US)