Your Garden, Your Heaven

Design your Garden with latest trends

While roses are the centerpiece of any garden landscape, these special flowers do require some specialized care and the right rose gardening tools will help you to do the job. It is important for all landscapers and rose gardeners to be aware of the special needs of roses, and to take the steps needed to help them thrive. Among the most important gardening tools for the rose gardener to gather are…

Gardening gloves

One of the chief components of any rose plant are the thorns, so a strong pair of gardening gloves is an essential part of any rose gardening kit. It is a good idea to invest in a quality pair of leather gardening gloves, as these will be more protective, and more long lasting.

Shovels

When choosing shovels for the garden, it is important to choose models that are lightweight and easy to work with. Shovels with fiberglass shafts and strong handles work well in the garden. You may also want to invest some extra money into a shovel with a padded handle.

Rakes

Like shovels, rakes are an important part of any gardening project, and it is important to choose quality rakes to get the job done. Look for a strong rake with steel tines for smoothing the garden, and a high quality leaf rake for removing leaves and other debris. It is a good idea to buy both a large rake and a smaller one for getting into those tighter places.

Pruning shears

These are perhaps the most important of all gardening tools, and rose growers will use their pruners on an almost daily basis. There are in fact two different kinds of pruners – the bypass pruner and the anvil pruner. For most types of roses the bypass pruner will work best. This type of pruning shear will not crush the delicate stems of the roses the way an anvil pruner could.

Wheelbarrow

Purchasing a simple wheelbarrow is an important part of gardening. There is simply no substitute for a strong and sturdy wheelbarrow to move things from one part of the garden to another.

Gardening fork

A gardening fork is a must have for the rose gardener. It is important to choose a quality steel gardening fork with a solid padded handle. The gardening fork will make it much easier to loosen and turn the soil.

Watering wand

When choosing a watering wand, it is important to look for one with brass fittings. These brass wands will last much longer than plastic, and that long life will more than make up for the higher initial cost. It is also a good idea to choose a wand with a shut off valve. You will find this valve very convenient when working in the garden.

Kneeling pads

Working in the garden means spending lots of time kneeling, and it is important to have a quality kneeling pad to make the work more comfortable. There are several different sizes and varieties of kneeling pads, including kneeling blocks with attached handles. It is important to shop carefully and to choose a kneeling pad that works for you.

While at first, gardening seems extremely easy, you will quickly learn once you get started that it is a little more involved than it looks. The reason for this is that most people only see the end result of a nicely groomed garden, completely missing out on the time and hard work that went into shaping it into immaculate condition.

Gardening requires many different tasks, and very importantly, different tools in order to complete these tasks. Just like cars and trucks have their tools for tuning and fixing them up, so do gardens. A mechanic might look at the plethora of tools available for a gardener’s use and have no idea what most of them do, and if you are just entering into the hobby of gardening, the same probably goes for you also.

Before you can start gardening you need tools. When you go to shop for them take your time making decisions. You want your tools to last a long time and feel comfortable to you when you use them. The difference between good tools could be the difference between back pain and dodgy knees. Your physical health is important, so keep this in mind while tool shopping.

You want to buy tools that will allow you to keep a good posture, and which are also practical. Meaning they are easy to keep clean – oh yes, keeping your tools clean is important. Proper care of your tools means protecting an important investment, which if handled properly will outlive you!

Manual Tools

Before you make a purchase, try out the tool in your grip. Make sure it does not feel too uncomfortable or too heavy in your hand. If the handle feels too small, this is nothing to be concerned about. You can always alter this by wrapping padding material around it.

But you have to consider more than just comfort when deciding on the proper gardening tools. The type of material the tool is made from is also important. Material such as aluminum, plastic and carbon fiber are used in making light weight tools; however, the best choice is stainless steel. Stainless steel gardening tools are dependable and dig into the soil very easily.

Don’t forget to buy a good pair of pruners too. A good pair of pruners should allow for an easy cutting action, especially important if you think you may come up against thick branches. And don’t forget to buy a wheel barrow. The two-wheeled variety works best because their overall design allows for easy steering.

Interchangeable Tools

Many gardeners find interchangeable tools work best for them because of the flexibility they provide in performing many different jobs. They also provide the option of being used as hand tools (without the handle) greatly varying the amount of gardening tools you have at your disposal.

Power Tools

For more ambitious gardening projects, you may find yourself in need of power tools. Power tools are great if you have a large hedge to cut or a large lawn. Power tools come in two different varieties: gasoline powered and electrical. In addition, some electrical tools might be cordless. Which you decide to buy (if you decide to buy electrical) will depend upon the layout of your yard.

Forks, spades, rakes, trowels, and hoes should all make up your arsenal of gardening tools, as well as a seed sower, leaf blower and weed puller. Just like a garage, it is easy to load your gardening shed with a huge variety of tools. However, be smart in your shopping. Only buy what you need, so that you don’t have drawers of tools laying around unused.

Simplicity has always been the basis of good design, and adding a garden fountain is no exception. Besides, good garden design is nearly as easy as it is simple! It’s when you complicate things that issues arise. You have only a few things to worry with when planning to add a garden fountain to landscape your home. They are: 1) A source of electricity 2) The placement area; and 3) How to create a harmonious landscape around your new water feature. Creative solving of these basic problems will beautify your home and greatly improve its beauty and value. Penciled plans are simple to prepare, easy to repair and worth their weight in gold when it’s time to install new the new planters, statuary, and green material around your water fountain.

The first things you need are several large sheets of graph paper with five or ten lines to the inch and plenty of plain tracing paper the same overall size, plus a pencil, ruler and eraser. Tape-measure your lot and draw its outline on the graph paper, making a special note where you want to install the outdoor fountain. Use a one-inch square of the graph to equal 10 square feet of your property. This places the usual 50 by 150-foot lot on the graph paper as a five by 15-inch rectangle. If your graph paper is too short for the entire plot plan use cellophane tape and stick two sections together, as needed. Then measure the house and its relationship to the fountain and the edges of your property. Transfer these dimensions to the graph paper, together with the size and location of the garage, driveway, walks and other permanent installations. It’s also a good idea to mark the location of large trees, garden planters, statuary, or shrubs which are now growing.

Next take the plot plan outside and carefully survey the area surrounding your home. Perhaps you can see a large telephone pole beyond the back property line. Mark it on the graph paper. Indicate all neighboring houses, large trees, statues, or other obstructions in your line of sight. Mark this survey of your view from both sides, the front and rear of your home Mark down everything you can see and indicate its approximate distance from your house. Now comes the fun part. Cover the plot plan with tracing paper and you’re ready to go to work; adding the outdoor water fountain to your landscaping on the lot with everything you would like to have and enjoy. But just a minute! Before you charge madly off in all directions at once, take a breath and visualize your yard. Think of those things you like best (fountains? statuary? cast stone planters?) and mark them for easy reference. It’s these notes, these ideas, that will springboard you to action in the proper direction when the truck pulls up and the fountain is delivered.

With the notes you can return to your tracing paper and locate the essential factors of your garden plan: A place for the electrical connection, a garden bench, or the surrounding plants in their garden planting containers, etc. Then, sidewalks to the front and back doors. Perhaps a protected area for the children’s play area. A dog kennel? If you plan to enjoy outdoor entertaining, now is the time to decide on how much paved or bricked area would be needed to surround the barbecue.

Placing your garden fountain is common sense. If you’re on a firm, level surface, no problem. However the ground is earth, or lawn, you’ll need to do a little preparation. Dig down about two inches, to firm ground. Then add a few inches of packed sand or pea gravel. Use a level, and you’re all set. This will reduce or eliminate the effect of any natural leveling.

Keep in mind, of course, the view from various parts of the yard, protection from prevailing winds and use of existing trees. You don’t want your fountain hidden from view, nor do you want the water flow to fly around the yard if you place it in a windy area. Large water features are no longer only for the wealthy. The landscaping planning phase is the perfect chance to plan the location of your fountain. Properly chosen, a water fountain can be the centerpiece of a masterful garden design.

The sounds of the water from your garden feature and the effect it can have on you is an experience not to be missed. Pump up the volume with the sound of splashing water. For instance listen to the sound of running bath water and to the constant dripping of a tap – which can be annoying to say the least. However, if we change the word dripping to trickling and replace the word running with flowing then that is another kettle of fish (excuse the pun if you have a pond.

If a water garden feature is to prove its worth to the eye and ears then choose your garden ornamentation with these two factors in mind – pretty to look at and nice to listen to.

Fountains and waterfalls are most favourable among gardeners. Before engaging in the structure of water garden features as such then you need to remember – these type of features actually oxygenate and freshen the water with the constant ongoing movements. If you have fish in the pool of your fountain/waterfall then they will love the lively waters – but water plants like lilies and lotus may suffer because of this. Plants as such prefer stillness and may well be hampered in flourishing in action packed waters.

Careful thought and planning behind your water garden feature will make your venture a whole lot easier. If you want a bit of both worlds (fish and plants) then you can. Your water garden feature can still be home to aquatic life but instead of floating water plants on top of the water why not landscape surrounding areas with pretty shrubs – this can be very affective as well as cost effective because what ever plants you you use will not have to be of a specific plant type.

Another suggestion is to erect a mini replica of your feature to the side of the larger garden fixture with no pump action and have floating plants there. Water movements are very important to give off an effect which is relaxing to listen too and attractive to look at. Circulating swirls are fabulous water moves.

Water garden features and accessory tips can be found from the best friend you could ever have at your side when taking on the task to build or erect a water fountain – and that is a manual. It is a wise decision to have yourself a DIY book with you at all times when undertaking jobs as such. Water garden suppliers will have all the information you need. Garden centres offer complete do it yourself kits.

Gardening books will tell you all you kneed to know like that there are two basic pump types – the submersible pump and surface pump. The surface pump is usually enclosed in a container alongside the pool where a polythene tube is used feed the fountain or water fall. To undertake this installation is far less complicated than you could imagine.

If you choose the alternative method – then the water garden submersible pump is a lot simpler. Plumbing is reduced to a minimum. Submersible pumps are not visible to the eye. This type of pump can not be seen due to its location submerged under water so therefore no sound.

In other words out of sight out of mind – I don`t think so – not with the injection of beauty it creates.

Before going ahead with any plans on your water garden be sure to double check on all the safety measures. We all know the dangers that lurk where ponds and children are concerned but if all the standards of safety are adhered to then there should be no problem. Whatever precautions have been taken just remember that young children should not be left unattended or unsupervised around water at any time.

Ponds make a beautiful water garden feature just like the flowing fountain. Water gardens are a pleasurable experience to become involved with and also beautiful as eye candy to a lot of nature`s creatures. If tastefully designed – these garden ornamentations can create an atmosphere where a deep sense of tranquillity fills the air just by sound alone.

Depending on the individuals own personal preference you can have water features that are specially designed to give you a tropical world or an imitation of a mini Niagara Falls display. The options are endless as to what can go into your garden. Before putting into force any plans make sure to measure the space to be used – a cluttered water garden can spoil the beauty of it all.

Once you have made your mind up on what water feature it is you are having then it is time to choose the right accessories to enhance the dish so as to speak. Flowers- shrubs and lilies for the pond along with the fish have to be carefully thought through to make your mission complete and your dream come true of having a wonderful garden.

Water features are a unique way of putting a finishing touch to a well maintained garden thus upsetting the neighbours leaving them green with envy.

Architects when drawing up plans for local landscape projects will nearly always include a water feature. If DIY is your forte and you are going to take on the task your self in designing your own water garden then have a handy man at your side in the way of a do it yourself manual. Books and videos illustrate in great detail how to do the job right. Fabulous ideas for your creation can also be found from these. A master of any trade always uses the right tools – so make sure you have everything you need before starting the work.

Maintaining a water garden is important especially ponds which need cleaning on a regular basis especially if home to fish.

When installing your fountain or pond you must remember all the other bits and bobs that you may already have located in certain areas of the garden. Things like access in and out of your garden shed or where the seating area is going to be for your patio table and chairs should not be hampered. Do not cut corners in trying to save the pennies because this can cost you dearly if the right tools are not used.

Remember water features attract creatures.

If our aquatic friends like toads – frogs and newts are not to your liking then consider plant pots around the garden over flowing with cascading fragrant flowers then leave the kitchen tap running – just a suggestion so you don`t miss out on a water garden feature.

The image of a cottage as opposed to a house is most complimentary. When one thinks of a cottage, the image is of comfort, beauty and serenity. A cottage design garden is all of those things and more. A garden can make a dramatic difference in any property and a cottage garden design could make a dramatic difference in the atmosphere and appearance of any property. A cottage garden design might first bring images of a very tidy garden, but a cottage garden design is more than just a very neatly kept garden space.

The cottage design garden is not limited to the cultivated areas around a small cottage. A cottage garden design could be established around many different types of structures and there could be this type of design that is not established around any kind of structure.

A cottage design garden can be defined by the structure and the plants in the garden rather than the structure around which it is established. The name cottage garden design refers to a particular style of garden. This garden style has been used for thousands of years, and this type of garden is still currently used.

A Cottage Garden Design Has A Fruitful History

A cottage garden design developed during the time when international trade became possible, and people started to find a vast variety of plants from different places. Some of these plants grew better than others, and some of these plants lasted longer than others. They had many choices that they never had before.

Simple gardeners first used these plants that looked great and had stamina in their gardens. The new and different plants that looked great soon became popular in the gardens of the people who had more beautiful homes and estates.

Some people still have this type of garden in their homes, but these gardens must be carefully tended. The plants are beautiful and not the easiest to cultivate. A busy person does not have hours to work in the garden. In the modern day, people are so busy that they do not have a great deal of extra time. They spend long days on the job and do not have a great deal of time after working hours to spend in their garden.

They want to have a garden but one that is easy to tend. Many people do not have the means to employ experts to take of their gardens. People do not often cultivate cottage garden designs because they tend to use plants that are easier to care for and are native to their own area.

Wherever you look it seems that people are going green. They may try and drive using electric cars, or use natural methods of fertilizer or compost. There are even gardeners who use only organic products and tools in their garden. These organic gardeners will need gardening supplies that are a little different from that of your ordinary gardener. Basically they will need an organic gardening supply to continue with their gardening efforts.

As an organic gardener you will of course need a shovel, a spade and a spading fork to dig the soil in your garden and prepare it for planting. Then to take out the weeds and the rocks that are littering your new bed you need a hoe, a scuffle hoe with its forward pointing blade that you scuffle in front of you as you weed your garden, and cut the weeds at the surface. A pry bar is very good item even for organic gardeners to use in their organic gardening supply. With a pry bar you can dig up those rocks and boulders that sometimes seem to litter the surface of your garden.

There is always some pruning to be done in the garden. Rose bushes need to be cut back, especially if you want lots of big, beautiful flowers. A pair of good quality gardening shears or even a lopping shears can cut those large prickly rose stems cleanly without causing any disease causing breaks.

These however are the conventional gardening supplies that any gardener can use. For an organic gardener there are a few different items that need to be added to their organic gardening supply. Whereas the normal gardener has the choice of using chemical enhanced fertilizers the organic gardener can use bat guano or even worm castings.

With these organic fertilizers all that is needed is a couple of applications per month. Worm castings are the tunnels that are created as worms move through the soil. This movement not only breaks and loosens the soil, it also adds fertilizing nutrients to the soil. Organic fertilizers like these help to increase the growth and health of plants within your garden. Therefore they are an essential organic gardening supply item.

Gardening is said to be like painting. The gardener’s canvas is the ground and the paint brushes are the tools that gardeners use. Whether you are a conventional gardener or an organic gardener many of the tools that you will use are the same. However the organic gardener has special items in their organic gardening supply. These items change the looks, taste and smell of the plants that benefit from them.

Organic gardening is 100% all natural and great for the environment. Why don’t you switch to organic gardening and see the difference it makes to your life!

Purpose

The first step in planning a garden is probably determining what kind of garden you would like to have. Gardens range in style and purpose so it is important to have a clear idea of the kind of garden you are trying to grow. Some main types of residential gardens include: flower gardens, vegetable gardens, zen gardens, herb gardens and formal gardens. Some of these are best suited to specific climates and locations. In order to make a good decision about the kind of garden you want to have it is important to know a few things about the space your garden is going to be taking up and the weather conditions that may help or hinder your garden’s growth.

Climate

Where you live will greatly influence what you are able to do in your garden. It will probably be almost impossible to grow a tropical garden in Canada and rather silly to grow a cactus garden in a rainforest. You will achieve the most pleasing results in your garden if you make sure to grow elements that are native to your area; easy to grow; or simple to replace. If many of the elements in your garden are fairly uncomplicated, it will leave time to maintain your more precious orchids and roses.

Maintenance

While every gardener had the best intentions, it is important to know how much time is going to be spent maintaining the garden. Annuals must be replanted every year which allows you to recreate a new garden every year. However, the drawback of annual flowers is the need for constant upkeep. Annuals are comparably thirsty plants and need to be well-watered (but not over-watered). Many annuals require “pinching” or “deadheading” for better flowering. For many of us, the value of perennials, which will leave behind seeds that re-grow the next season, can be appreciated for the lack of tending needed.

Soil

Make sure your garden’s soil is healthy. Healthy soil grows stronger plants and attracts fewer pests that might damage your plants. There are some simple ways to test your own soil. Ideal soil for growing veggies in your own garden will crumble easily when you attempt to form a shape from it. If it holds shape to easily, it may be too moist and overworking wet soil can damage the soil structure for several growing seasons, seriously reducing the likelihood of healthy plants. If you soil seems dusty, it is probably too dry for many plants and will most likely be harder to work.

Space

Take a look at the space of your garden. This will help decide what should be planted and where. Think out the logistics of your garden. Where are faucets located in relation to your various plants? Are there any areas where the ground is uneven and unlikely to drain properly? How do sun and shade play across the area? Are there places that are unlikely get sunlight? It may be a good idea to sketch your area. The more time you spend planning your garden the more pleasing your final result will probably be.

Aesthetic

A garden should also have a visual composition. The plants, flowers and/or various statuary pieces should work together in the given space to create something aesthetically pleasing. Think of how your garden looks from different angles and vantages, like from house windows and doors. Great looking garden fountains are available at http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Garden+Fountains.

Color palettes

Pay attention to your color palette. There are many ways to choose the colors of your garden. While there is neither right nor wrong in color selection if you’ve contemplated your palette ahead of time you will have greater control over the final appearance. Some of the most simple color schemes select from either warm or cool tones, while others rely on a single color for a striking monochromatic effect. While for an interesting and dramatic look you might select several analogous colors like shades of red and red violet and then use a complementary color, like golden yellow as an accent. Depending on the kind of garden you are planning you may want a wide variety of colors. Try to create grouped plantings when using many different colors to create a design and visual flow. Many single colored flowers will look dull from a distance.

Composing your garden

Appreciate the space you are using. If your garden is going to be planted along a fence or against a house wall use a vine to add height and shape to your garden. Examine textures and shapes. To keep balance in your garden, make sure to use not just long stemmed flowers but also groundcovers and low plants with a variety of leave sizes and shapes.

Add focal points

By using a fountain, birdbath or other piece of statuary, you can add year round ornamentation as well as a focal point for you garden. If you plan your garden carefully it can be beautiful year-round and not just at the height of the growing season. By using many planters and pieces of statuary in your garden you are have the advantage of complete control over your garden’s shape. Take a look at some garden planter options. A garden consisting of planters can be arranged and rearranged to suit different moods, and different seasons to create something that provides visual interest year round. So if your having trouble deciding on a permanent look, using planters can give you design flexibility. Planters also provide shape and allow for greater control over plant growth.

Tips

When using planters it is still important to think about the heights and textures of every flower and plant and the containers that hold them.

Use ornamental rocks and small pieces of garden statuary to compliment taller planters. Place something tall and with an interesting texture and bright color in the center of your planter and surround it with lower, more simple textures for balance.

A rain garden design is an environmentally positive approach to gardening. Soil and plants have the ability to process chemicals, various wastes like oil and even pet waste. However, the way our cities are design allow the water to drain into a river or some other reservoir, perhaps even untreated. A rain garden design, however, traps water and forces it through the root systems of plants and flowers that essentially filter the toxins out and process them into a non-dangerous state. There are many factors to consider when designing an effective rain garden that will determine its effectiveness at processing waste. One of them is the location of the garden, which is the focus here.

First of all, many people interesting in a rain garden design feel the best place to put one is where all the rain collects already. Many landscapes have an area such as this. One side of our yard would always develop into a small pond every time it rained hard. Our yard sloped down to the back of the neighbor’s garage. Many would think that because that’s where all the water is going, that would be the ideal place to grow a rain garden. Unfortunately, this is not the case. This is one of the last places to consider a rain garden design.

The ideal rain garden design needs an area the is exposed to sunshine most of the day. The area in my yard where the little pond would form during rain storms was shaded most of the day. Without the sun, the drying cycle would not be optimal. Direct sun will help to kill pathogens, which is one of the most beneficial functions of the rain garden design. Furthermore, direct sun will promote healthy and robust flower and plant growth.

Secondly, an ideal rain garden design will ensure that there is no structure within ten feet from any structural foundation. Foundations are susceptible to damage from flooding and saturation. So, the location of your rain garden design should be sunny and away from you house, garage or any neighbor’s house and garage.

Finally, the area you choose for your rain garden design should be as flat as possible and should drain well. You want the area to collect rain water, but you also want it to be able to drain quickly. Furthermore, stagnate water in the summertime attracts mosquitoes which isn’t only a bother but can also increase your and your families chances of contracting mosquito born viruses, which is becoming a greater concern these days.

As was mentioned above, location is only one consideration. This article should have gotten you thinking about which location in your yard would be ideal for a rain garden design. You will want to further consider the plant and flower species you choose and how water will be funneled into the garden during rain storms.

Rose Garden

The texture and the fullness of the rose is unlike any other flower, and they come in a wide variety of scents and colors that range from a very bright yellow to a dark deep red. It is curious that such a beautiful flower is also equipped with such a thorny stem. A little of the good and the bad from nature I suppose. Roses originally came from the northern hemisphere, and there are over a hundred species growing in mostly temperate regions. Although the rose as been the flower of choice to express ones love for many years now, it was used originally for medicinal purposes in medieval times.

Rose gardens are not only one of the most beautiful types of flower gardens to have, they are without a doubt the most difficult to grow and maintain. This doesn’t mean one should not give it a try, it just means you should research the subject so you are well prepared. One of the biggest challenges you will run into when doing research on rose garden material is finding the time to continue searching. Many of the articles that you uncover on this subject will be useful, but there will be some that won’t be. It is necessary that you find the best resources available on this subject.

Whether to plant red roses, yellow roses, rose vines, rose bushes, or climbing roses are just a few of the choices you will need to make when planning your rose garden. There are many types of roses to plant in your garden so take your time when considering what kind of flowers you want blooming in your garden.

If it is hard for you to visualize your finished rose garden design by just looking at your layout, there is some very good garden landscape design software available. Much of the garden landscape design software was originally developed for professional landscapers, but since has been modified for the beginner who wants to do-it-themselves. There are many do-it-yourself landscape design software programs available today. Landscape design software lets you see a virtual picture of the rose garden design and enables you to move items around and see the changes you make come to life. Most landscape design software programs offer advice on using and placing the many different types of roses available today in your design. A well designed rose garden will always change with time, and some of the landscape design software available will allow you to view your rose garden as it matures. You can see what it will look like 5 or 10 years from now when the rose bushes and plants have grown and matured.

The leading search engine for finding rose garden related info is Google. Finding rose garden material on the net isn’t arduous; it just takes a little bit of diligence. While one might believe that the greatest means to use for researching thorough info on this topic is the internet, it is vital not to leave out other sources. Keep in mind; you’re not going to find every tidbit of rose garden information educational. To stay current with the newest info, you should think about signing up for an RSS feed on the topic of rose gardens

One of the most famous rose gardens is the White House Rose Garden, and is located in the west wing of the White House. Many Presidential ceremonies and news conferences have taken place here, as well as the wedding of Richard Nixon’s daughter Tricia, to Edward Cox in 1971. First Lady Ellen Louise Wilson the wife of President Woodrow Wilson established the garden in 1913 when she redesigned what was previously known as the colonial gardens.