Your Garden, Your Heaven

Design your Garden with latest trends

Buying a present for a gardener should be easy. Whether they are a novice or an expert, you’ll find the holidays are the ideal time to give them gifts they will enjoy. When spring rolls around, they’ll have had plenty of time to decide how and where to use the gift you’ve given them.

You won’t have to go far to find the right gift. You probably have a gardeners’ catalog in your mailbox, a garden supply store nearby, and access to the Internet. There are many websites for wonderful selections.

Giving Practical Gifts

Your local hardware store or garden supply should have a good line of practical gifts. For the gardening beginner, gifts such as a shovel or trowel, garden hose or other digging and planting tools are perfect. Perhaps your gardener would like to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. There are certain flowers and plants that will draw them to a garden, and you can most likely get them at your local garden supply. Not too sure about buying plants? How about a gift certificate to a garden supply store?

Baskets Of Gifts

Another great gift idea is a basket full of excellent “stuff” for the gardener. You can purchase one already assembled, or find a basket you like and fill it with some of the many items you will find in a garden shop. A basket with just essentials is a good choice for the beginner. It could include gloves, poison oak/ivy medication, flower seeds, plant food, a rain gauge, a Farmers Almanac, and special hand cream.

Gardening Books Are Nice

Gardening books can be a treasured gift for the gardener on your list. Any bookstore will carry books covering a variety of gardening topics. Choose among specialty garden books, such as wildflower gardens, vegetable gardens, or drought-tolerant gardens. Buy them a book on the subject of perennials and annuals. Which flowers are best suited to their climate? How do you select plants that grow best in their type of soil? These and countless other questions are answered in the many books available on gardening. You’ll find that some of the larger bookstores have whole sections devoted to gardening.

Garden Stones

A garden stone is another perfect gift for gardeners. Garden stones can be found in unusual shapes and colors, or inscribed with famous quotations or poems. Kits are available to make garden stones with a child’s handprint and name added to it. That’s the making of wonderful memories for the child and for the gardener. You can also buy a garden stone and personalize it by putting your favorite gardener’s marriage year, or the year the garden was established. Personalization can turn a plain gift into something unique.

On the more practical side, there are hundreds of gifts to choose from. Hose carts and attractive pots for storing garden hoses out of sight are easy to find. Water sprinklers and fertilizer sprinklers are also good gifts. You can find fun water sprinklers, like one in the shape of a John Deere Tractor.

Fun Gifts

Some gifts add whimsy and fun to a garden. They are easy to find, and make perfect gifts, whatever your gardener’s experience. Gazing balls are available in all sizes and colors, and add a creative dimension to the garden. Holders for the gazing balls come in dozens of various shapes, sizes and materials, too.

Among the most fashionable gifts for gardeners are wind spinners and flags. You can find wind spinners in a variety of colors, such as the patriotic red, white, and blue spinner, or the rainbow spinner. Garden flags are a popular gift because they can be changed to coordinate with the seasons, or more frequently just to create a new look in the garden.

Exotic Gift Ideas

Wanting something a little more unusual? Your gardener might love an exotic plant, such as the amaryllis exotica, a gift of unusual Iris bulbs, or a sago palm. How about a ginkgo tree growing kit, or a Shitake mushroom log?

Statues of animals, gnomes or angels of have regained popularity after many years of being out of favor, and they make great garden gifts. Birdbaths and bird feeders attract birds, a source of joy for most gardeners. You’ll also find delightful hummingbird feeders that will keep these beautiful birds coming all rear round.

Whatever your gardener’s inclinations are, you’ll be able to find the perfect gift..

You go to the supermarket and various bookshops and you will see many different magazines on every subject. For gardeners the magazines to browse through are the gardening ones. How can you tell from the glossy cover, if the gardening magazine in your hand will be worth your buying it?

Well firstly the glossy cover will give you a preview of what to expect in the gardening magazine itself. There will be the titles of certain subjects that are known to attract the attention of new gardeners and other more experienced gardeners.

To have a well kept garden is a joy. To watch your garden spring up almost magically is a wonderful feeling. Gardening services provide many different services that will keep your garden maintained without any hassle for you. Gardening doesn’t get much better than this.

A quick look at the table of contents shows what the magazines are actually offering you. You can find the standard articles on gardens and how their owners achieved that particular look. There may be articles that give expert advice on how to cultivate a new type of flower, vegetable or even a fruit hybrid.

For the new gardener there will be tips and mini projects in the gardening magazine on how to make their dream garden. They can also find articles dealing with matters like mulching and making your own compost. A new gardener can be inspired by the fantastic photographs depicting beautiful gardens. Articles pertaining to the picture in the gardening magazine will describe in detail what was done to the garden to achieve that look.

You can also look up ways to grow your plants in different garden forms. These articles may describe indoor gardening or show you how to plan a Japanese garden. You could also receive gardening tips from experts in the gardening trade. They in turn will introduce you via the gardening magazine to suppliers who have the expertise and knowledge to help you transform your humdrum, plain looking garden into a masterpiece.

In addition to these articles of interest you will find many advertisements in the gardening magazine. The will range from seed distributors to gardening equipment dealers. You may even find nurseries that will sell you seedlings and quality transplants.

There is sure to be a page or two that is devoted exclusively to future gardening magazine subscribers. You will be advised how much your subscription rate will be and how often you can receive your magazine. You may even be offered a chance to subscribe to a year’s worth of gardening magazines. In addition you could be offered a preview of what is in store for the gardening magazine next month. What a tantalizing thought.

As you can see the glossy cover to the gardening magazine is there to invite you into buying the magazine. Looking inside the magazine will let you know if this is indeed the right magazine to start you on your exciting new journey through the many different faces of gardening.

Becoming a botanist usually requires getting a Ph.D. in horticulture or in botany, and there are many options for botany school across the country. Become a botanist to research or teach withhelpful advice from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardens. Expert: Yolanda Vanveen Contact: www.vanveenbulbs.com Bio: Yolanda Vanveen is a third-generation flower grower and sustainable gardener who lives in Kalama, Wash. Filmmaker: Daron Stetner

There are as many ways to structure a garden as there are different types of gardens themselves.  One form of gardening that is becoming more popular is raised bed gardening.  Raised bed gardening consists of planting in elevated beds of soil, whether in large planter boxes, or even bigger areas you construct yourself.  Raised bed gardening has many advantages, and a few disadvantages as well.  A review of the pros and cons can be helpful in deciding if raised bed gardening is for you.

Pros:

If you have poor soil, raised bed gardens allow you to prepare your own rich mix of soil above ground for growing your plants. Raised beds are easier to access because you don’t have to bend over as much, thus reducing fatigue and injury to the knees and back. Raised beds are also ideal for elderly or disabled gardeners who are unable to reach down to the ground.  Raised bed gardens can be constructed at almost any height to meet the gardener’s needs Plants are easy to keep organized.  For example, you can plant tomatoes in one elevated section and peppers in another. Dead leaves and other garden debris will be confined to their own area, helping you maintain a tidier look in your yard. Raised garden beds allow you to prepare special beds of soil tailored to various plants.  For example, plants that need a highly acidic soil can be grouped in one area, and you can prepare the soil to the right pH specifically for their needs. In heavy rains, there is less chance of soil erosion. Rabbits, moles, and other garden pests are less likely to be able to access your plants. Raised bed gardens are ideal for longer rooted crops that need several inches to a foot of good quality soil.  For example, carrots will do quite well in raised bed gardens. Raised bed gardening is a great option if you have very little space.  Raised beds can even be constructed on a small deck or patio area for growing a collection of herbs, vegetables, or flowers.

Cons:

Any tilling you need to do in your raised beds will probably have to be done by hand.  It’s difficult to use tractors or rotary tillers in a raised bed garden. The initial up front cost of constructing raised bed gardens is more expensive than simply tilling a traditional garden into your soil.  Raised bed gardening kits can be purchased online that make the construction process faster and easier. The edges of a raised bed garden must be well reinforced during the initial construction, or they may begin to break down over time, creating and ongoing maintenance issue. If you live in a very dry climate, raised bed gardens will dry out faster and require more frequent watering.  On the other hand, if you live in a very moist climate, plants in raised beds are less susceptible to root rot from over watering. Raised bed gardens are not suitable to vining or sprawling plants such as pumpkins, squash, watermelons, or various climbing plants such as morning glory, clematis, or trumpet vine. The materials used for constructing raised bed gardens should be carefully considered.  Treated lumber or railroad ties soaked in creosote should not be used.  These chemicals will leak out into the soil over time, poisoning and killing your plants.

Putting in raised bed gardens can be a big investment in time and money, but it will also pay you back in better plants, more gardening room, and easier access to your gardening areas.  A careful evaluation of all the pros and cons will help you make the right decision for you and your yard.  Whatever your decision, careful planning is always the key to successful results in the garden.

The type of merchandise and the quantity of gardening supplies a person will need will depend on the size and type of their garden as well as their budget. For most backyards, gardening supplies consist of some fertilizer and pesticides along with the seeds or starter plants and a few necessary tools. For the experienced gardeners there will be a few additional items in their bag of tricks. A decent pair of gloves for instance along with some bug repellant and something with which to scrape the mud from their shoes before going back into the house.

Depending on what they are planting, a few wooden stakes, a small hammer and some string to mark their rows may be part of the gardening supplies arsenal along with a watering can or a hose long enough to reach from the outside faucet to the garden. The hose can be used for watering the new plants as well as rinsing the dirt of the hands once the planting is complete.

There are numerous places from which to buy gardening supplies, the most obvious is a garden store, but the quality of the merchandise available at most of them may place their price of the gardening supplies outside of the available budget. Many large discount stores also offer supplies at a reduce price but having them last longer than a year or two is questionable.

Some Supplies For Comfort Are Not Necessary

Working under a tight budget may make choosing the gardening supplies based on their need rather than making the job easier. For example, knee pads may protect the knees if the gardener kneels down on some rocks, but they are not necessary to having a good garden. Simply being careful when kneeling down can keep the knees protected from harm.

A decent pair of gardening gloves can be found for just a few dollars while some others may cost $20 or more. Consider how often they are going to be used when making the decision and only pay as much for the gardening supplies as they will be worth. If buying gloves just to keep the hands clean, cheaper ones will serve the purpose just as well.

Before heading to the store to buy gardening supplies, look through a few magazines or catalogs to see what is available and how they can help with the task at hand. When arriving at the store stick to the list of gardening supplies put together at home and make the return on the garden’s investment pay for itself during the season.

Thinking about a new garden design in Phoenix anytime soon? This article will provide you with 5 very important garden design tips that you know by heart. Study them well! The success of your garden depends on how well you’ll be able to incorporate this information. Whether you’re designing a garden for crops or beauty, the following information will be beneficial to you.

5 Essential Gardening Tips That Every Gardener in Phoenix, Arizona Should Know

1. Moisture is important to a plant’s health. Water helps carry the nutrients all of the plant’s structure. Additionally, water lends a hand to controlling the plant’s temperature, which, as you will discover, is also vital to the health of your plants – especially in the desert!

2. Plants don’t need air – they need particular gases from air. Most people believe that plants are dependent on oxygen just like other living things. However, plants create more oxygen than they need. In fact, plants supply two-thirds of the world’s oxygen!

3. Plants don’t need soil alone – they need specific nutrients that the soil in which they grow should be loaded. Vegetation won’t grow in just any type of soil. To guarantee optimal growth and development of plants, the soil in which they’re planted should be rich with calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, sulfur and phosphorous.

4. Plants are extra sensitive to heat. As mentioned earlier, the proper type of temperature is essential for a plant’s good health. Too warm or too cold a temperature will restrict plant growth and bring about poor foliage. The wrong temperature will also affect the plant’s durability against its environment.

5. Plants are more reliant on light than any other living thing on Earth. By “light” we mean the amount of sunlight a plant receives. Light is necessary for photosynthesis, a fundamental process necessary to plant survival. Plants should get adequate, if not ideal, amounts of sunlight each day.

Here is some information about a popular desert plant that will make a great addition to the area around your garden design in Phoenix.

The Mexican Bird of Paradise, also called the Red Bird of Paradise or Caesalpinia Mexicana, is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial. They are relatively drought resistant, easy to find, cheap to buy and provide lovely color during different points of the year.

The Mexican Bird of Paradise is an evergreen shrub that enjoys full sun and has bright yellow flowers with orange and red centers that grow out of long, thin stalks. Their leaves are fern-like and grow very quickly.

If you are still unsure about what will work in your garden design and landscaping in Phoenix, there are plenty of online resources that can help you. For instance, many local landscaping companies have expertise in garden design and plants that thrive in the area. Hiring a professional garden design and landscaping company in Phoenix, Arizona might just be your best bet. They can work with you to pick out the best plants that fit your taste, lifestyle and budget – and they can even help you maintain it!

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.

Summer is on the way, it will be here before you know it.  One of the greatest things you can do with your kids is to plant a garden, but you must beware or you may be buying new kids bedding.  Be prepared to have some dirty kids.  Be on the watch for your kids bedding, because it may be in danger.  Most parents understand that kids are fascinated by digging in the dirt.  Your kids will have to take their baths before going to their rooms to play. 

This can be a delightfully happy time for both the parents and the children.  Of course, like most things in this world gardening can be complicated.  What kind of a garden do you want to plant?  There are vegetable, herb or flower gardens, or maybe you will make a combination of one or more of these choices.  If you do not have enough room to make a garden or your landlord won’t permit you to dig up the ground, you can still have your garden in pots, consider planting cherry tomatoes and basil in pots.  Another way is to participle in a local farm co-op. Participants receive fresh vegetables in exchange for volunteering for a few hours on the farm each month.  Whatever you choose, you do need a plan.  It doesn’t matter where you live, you can have a garden that will be valuable to your family, and the best part is that your children will have a great time learning and playing in the dirt.  If you are a serious gardener, you will want to check the pH of the ground.   The pH scale goes from 0 (very acid) to 14 (very alkaline), with 7 being neutral.  Most soils in home landscapes are going to range from 6.0 to 7.5.  Extreme pH levels are fairly unusual, but can still be found.  If you do a search on line you can find pH meters for as little as twenty dollars.  Keep in mind that you can use this year after year.  If you ask when you buy your seeds, most places will be helpful giving you the information you will need to be successful.  This is something that you can teach your children.  Not all plants like the same kind of ground and temperatures.  Kids will be fascinated and pick up a lot of information rapidly.  Children are proud of themselves when they learn new things. 

Depending on where you live, you should plant different vegetables at different times.  For instance in Wisconsin, or other colder states like Minnesota, Michigan or northern Iowa you will want to plant things such as radishes and peas early because they grow better when the nights are still a little on the cool side.  This means you would want to plant these things around the middle to the end of May.  By the time these vegetables are being harvested, it will be time to plant your tomatoes, onions, lettuce and so on.    

Your children will be excited to see the plants as they sprout.  Teach them that they must water and pull the weeds so your plants can grow up and be strong enough to produce the crop you will harvest in the later summer or fall.  Kids are excited to see the fruit starting to develop from a flower.  This is a great time to explain about pollination and how important bees are to us.  There are lessons all the way to the final stage which is when your vegetables are mature and ready to harvest.  Think of the fun your kids will have while learning the lesson that nature has to teach us about our food.  There are lessons to learn about from soil treatment to pollination and finally harvesting the crop.  What a wonderful way for kids to learn where their food comes from.

If you have a friend or relative that is an avid gardener, there is no more thoughtful gift than a garden gift basket for a holiday, birthday or anniversary present. At first, you may seem overwhelmed when shopping in your garden center or on the internet. There are a few things to consider when trying to find just the right “flavor” for your garden gift basket to give to the people who love to play in the dirt, so t speak.

First you must determine how much you want to spend for the garden gift basket. After you have the dollar amount, walk through the aisles of the garden center to see what items are available. Of course, you could also do an internet search to see what the most popular tools and gadgets are selling. You will be surprised at the range of goods that are available from the inexpensive to the extravagant. Keep in mind that you will want to get quality products that will last so your friend or relative will have years of enjoyment.

If your gardener is a novice you may want to start with the basics, a pruner, a watering can, gardening gloves, or special nozzles for the hose. There are many garden centers that have gift baskets already made up. It could include some gardening tools and seeds revolving around a specific theme like, vegetables or roses or herbs. If you choose to go with the herb theme and want to do it on your own, include some tasty herb seed packets, some small, pretty pots and a journal where notes can be kept.

If you have a gardener with a well used garden rake and tool belt, you can pretty much surmise that they have all of the state-of-the-art tools and have been collecting gardening equipment for years. Here, a simple but thoughtful gift would be a work apron that has be monogrammed or personalized with a funny garden saying. A well seasoned gardener will appreciate the thought you have put into the gift.

To really get the best gift for your gardener you should know the level of their expertise and if they have a theme. For example there are gardeners that only grow roses while there are others that specialize in herb gardening, knowing this will help you pick out the perfect gift. For instance a scarecrow would look dumb in a rose garden whereas a hummingbird feeder is way out of place in a vegetable patch. And be careful with the “cutesy” garden decorations, some people love garden gnomes or stone gargoyles whereas someone with an award winning exotic tropical garden wouldn’t think of having one.

If after you have gone through all these options, level of expertise and if they have a theme or not and you still don’t know what to buy, the answer is simple. Purchase them a gift certificate from your local garden center. Every gardener needs supplies through the year and your gift will help to offset the expense of their garden.

If after considering the gardener’s experience level and theme of their garden you remain stumped, a gardening gift certificate allowing them to select their own gift is a surefire way to please and inspire them as their garden grows through the years.

With a little inspiration you can find the perfect gift basket for your avid gardener. Don’t forget to put a pretty bow on the basket! Here is a natural pesticide that you may want to print on a card and include in the gift basket:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

Every gardener likes to keep the garden as chemical free as they can.

Happy Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

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The best gardeners keep and maintain their gardening tools with great care. One of the least talked about secrets to a fulfilling garden are the tools needed to foster a healthy and beautiful garden. The following are a few tips for keeping your valuable garden tools damage free and working in your garden for many, many years.

Garden Hoses and Hose Reels

The garden hose is one of the most valuable and most used tools in the yard and garden. The serious gardener will own a sturdy and flexible garden hose – one that can be would up after use on a garden hose reel. To prevent cracking, the garden hose should be drained in the fall, wound on the reel and stored inside during the winter.

Shears, Blades and Cutting Tools

Every gardener needs the proper tools to cut and trim plants, bushes and flowers. Plan on thoroughly cleaning your electric cutting tools at least every season, preferably twice per year. All hand held shears and cutting tools should be well lubricated to prevent rust – an element that can be the mortal enemy of garden tools. Store garden equipment on hooks away from direct sunlight and the elements. It may not be necessary to store them inside during the winter, but be certain that they stay dry and away from children when not being used.

Hoes, Shovels and Rakes

These types of tools are bulkier and harder to store than simple hand tools or hoses. After each use, spray each tool with a high pressure hose to remove dirt, then dry them and store them upright onto hooks. Most tools made within the last few years are made of a carbon coating or stainless steel and should not rust easily. A light coat of oil in the fall however will keep these metal tools free from rust for many years.

Tool Shed

Many home improvement stores now sell ready-made sheds for storing manual and electric garden tools. It is a good idea to store all of your tools in the same dry place, and these types of sheds fit the bill perfectly. The most important aspect of the shed is simply keeping it organized. There is nothing worse than opening a shed in the spring, only to have tools falling every which way due to lack of organization and proper planning. Instead, organize tools by size and by function. This simple tip will save you alot of frustration. It will also save you time and money since you won’t be replacing broken tools frequently.

A good collection of garden and yard tools can be an expensive proposition. With a little care and forethought, you should be able to maintain your garden tools for a lifetime of use.