Posts Tagged ‘Gardening’

Growing Gardens

May 30th, 2009

The Herb Garden

The Herb Garden

 

A few observations:

 

The spring bulbs are all but done, replaced by irises, dames rocket, lily of the valley, aquilegia and bleeding hearts. The old fashioned roses have begun to send out a few brave blossoms to test the waters. It will not be long before the rest of the rose buds follow.

 

I have noticed the irises and lilacs are producing smaller flower heads than in previous years. At first, I thought ours were the only ones blooming on the small side, but travelling the county, I see a good many in the same condition. The same with the aquilegias.  A result of the extreme cold and deep snow of this past winter perhaps? Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted in Container Gardens, Herbs, My Garden, Perennials, Plants, Trees and Shrubs | Comments (1)

Five Common Gardening Errors

March 13th, 2009

Silver Leaf Dogwood planted correct distance from building

Silver Leaf Dogwood planted correct distance from building

 

  • We’ve all seen them – shrubs that grow against a house, twisting the plant into a grotesque monster that hides windows and damages siding. Often, people only consider the mature height of a shrub or tree when the mature width should also be considered. Plant shrubs far enough away from building foundations to allow the shrub to reach its mature width without being crammed against a wall. Not only do the shrubs benefit, but you won’t have to worry about the roots of the shrub damaging drainage tiles buried underground.

 

  • Planting in too shallow a hole. Container grown shrubs should be planted so the top of the soil ball is at the same height as the ground. The soil ball should not stick up above the soil level. That exposes the roots to air causing them to dry out, which leads to a plant that struggles. Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted in Garden Maintenance, HOW TO GARDEN, Trees and Shrubs | Comments (0)

Preparing For the Gardening Season

February 19th, 2009

Enlarging a garden bed

Enlarging a garden bed

Suckers to be trimmed.

Suckers to be trimmed.

Spring is just around the corner! Time to spend a few moments thinking about your gardens and what changes are to be made.

 

Not sure? Here are a few points to help you get started.

 

  • Are there any overgrown shrubs that need to be removed or cut back? For example, that huge juniper in the front of your house that is blocking the windows and overpowering the rest of the plantings.

 

  • Have the perennial borders become cramped? Enlarge them. Even a six inch increase in every direction will help.

 

  • Dividing older perennials is not only good for the plant, it gives you more plants to move to another garden or, give away.

 

  • Look at the trees in your garden. Are there suckers that need to be removed? Doing that while the tree is still dormant, makes it easier to see what needs to be removed. NOTE: don’t trim maples or beeches until the summer.

 

  • Do any of the trees overhang walkways? Can people walk under them without having to duck? No? Then limb up the offending branches.

 

  • How are the walkways? Are there heaved pavers to be replaced? Have the walks become obscured by the plants bordering them? Time to cut those plants back, or remove them.

 

  • Have you been wanting to put in another garden? Stake out the bed now. When the lawn is dry enough to walk on and the soil has thawed, you can begin building your new garden and have it ready in time for the planting season. 

 

  • Has the landscape fabric in your shrub borders lifted? Is it still in good shape? If it’s torn or full of holes, it’s time to lift the cloth and replace it with new fabric.

 

 

Get the bones of the gardens in shape before the season begins, and the rest of your gardening season can be spent doing the fun things.

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Posted in Garden Maintenance, HOW TO GARDEN, Landscaping | Comments (0)

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