(Via Idaho Gardener)

Posted by admin to Journal entries on 2008-02-06, 07:27:15

You know you are welcome to take it or leave it when it comes to trends. Your garden should be your garden. Make it a place YOU LOVE TO BE! If you are gardening to impress, you are wasting your time. That said, let me rattle off the Garden Media Group’s 2008 Trends Report or ……….drumroll, please……………

WHAT’S IN AND WHAT’S OUT

Gardening for the greater good vs. Gardening for self gratification (already I have issues with this)
Eco-chic gardening vs. chemically needy gardens
Buying local vs. big eco (carbon) footprint
Water in the garden vs wasting water
Smart n’ Easy gardens vs high maintenance gardens
Corresponding color combos vs. complementary color combos
(think monochromatic schemes vs hurdy gurdy, i.e., red-orange-pink instead of red and yellow (screaming)
Curvatious gardens vs. square gardens (hmmmmm, more on this later, again, you know me, I have issues)
Well-lit gardens vs. in-the-dark gardens (’cept for Timm who likes to roam around in his garden in the dark in the summer so rock on)
Gardening for the birds and bees vs reckless gardening

I am going to go ruminate on this a while. While I am adding to my homework/to do list for 2008. Let me know what you think about these trends.

Post from: Idaho Gardener

2008 Trends

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 07:01:00

Pinks and carnations have been popular since Roman times when slaves wove their blooms into garlands for festivals. Today there is a wide selection of Dianthus (pinks and carnations) available to the modern gardener and few would be without these elegant and delightful garden perennials. This article takes a look at these flowers, the most popular species, how to cultivate and propagate them and some of the problems you may encounter.

(Via Plant Care)

Posted by admin to House Plants Care, Indoor Color, Lighting on 2008-02-06, 06:54:40

I’ve spoke of the benefits of house plants before, that is reducing indoor air pollution among other things. During the winter you pretty much are restricted to indoor plants.

All too often we end up thinking of houseplants are a decorator item and not the true living items they are.

Plants can be a substitute for art or furniture used often for design reasons. The problem is when used this way they usually do not do as well. They are much like all the political candidates. They look and sound good but something is missing from the overall package.

With politicians they talk a good game full of grand plans but don’t give much in HOW they can deliver. With indoor house plants it usually comes down to light as the short coming. You may flip on some lights and point some florescent bulbs at your plants and in general think the room has good lighting, but to a Croton calling that dark corner home – it is another matter.

Light is almost always the the factor that limits success with indoor plants. Overhangs, trees and window treatments can cut the available light dramatically.

For example a Croton until good bright light will produce colorful of gold, yellow, red and orange foliage that is a show stopper. Move the plant 2 – 3 feet away from the light source and the colors fade away.

All is not lost! Bright indirect light are conditions that colorful African violets enjoy. All it takes is matching up lighting conditions with the right plants.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 06:52:18

Once you are caring for orchids, how much illumination do you require? That is the first query all pleased new owners of orchids plant ask. The reply is always unvarying: "That depends.

(Via Snappy's Gardens Blog)

Posted by admin to Sweet peas on 2008-02-06, 00:24:00

A quick morning post after my first night shift. Pictured is a Sweetpea plant sat on the small table by the backdoor. I want to grow a few plants up a wigwam shape, or maybe some netting on the fence. I love the floral power of sweet peas, and will use them as cut flowers.I have 12 pots with between one to four plants growing up mini poles. They outgrew the cold frame and are just sat on the table.
When they flower they will have colour and scent. They need regular picking to make them flower even more.