(Via Plant Care)

Posted by admin to Landscaping, Lawn Care, Lighting on 2008-03-20, 05:20:49

For many “Spring” arrives in different ways. For some it’s the time change, others it’s the Azaleas starting to bloom… for me I’m just weird, I know it’s “Spring” from TV commercials.


In the just the past week I’ve seen or heard the audio rumbling through our home commercials for Lowe’s and Home Depot. But the one that always gets my attention is the Miracle Gro commercials. The reason why that piques my interest comes from some obscure fact that sticks in my brain.

A few years ago it was report that “Miracle Gro” spent 1 million per week during the season to promote their products. That season starts during the “Spring.” Do they make the best potting soil, media or dirt? You’ll have to decide, but there must be money in it. The Miracle Gro fertilizer commercial has not come across the radar yet but will soon I’m sure.

Spring is also in the air because of the weeds starting to grow. That means the “Round-Up” commercials with homeowners spraying have started. You’ll soon see them. The problem I have with the commercial is not the use of “round-up” it’s been a great product I use. However, you should always play it safe with some safety eyewear and gloves. Kill the weeds but keep the chemicals off and away from your body. That goes for the Spectrcide commercials and products also. But having someone applying these products in a Hazmat suit would not sell them as well.

It’s safe to say you probably won’t see many commercials on landscape rocks, outdoor landscape lighting for safety purposes or outdoor wireless speakers for your backyard landscape on TV. So next time you’re at the local garden center looking at the flowers, dirt and chemicals give them a look also - since Spring is here - cuz the TV told us so!

(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 Plant Care)

Posted by admin to Gardening, Landscaping, Lighting, Patio, Plants - General on 2007-11-22, 05:06:00

A patio with no life of attraction can easily have a makeover in a few hours and turned into a colorful living garden...