Click picture to enlarge What you need: Container grown peony Shovel Compost Mulch Peonies are very long-lived perennials that may take a while to re-establish if transplanted. Try to select a permanent spot where they may flourish for many years. Click picture to enlarge Fall is the best time to plant bareroot peonies, but well-rooted […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Sharp knife 8″ pot Seedling mix Sand or grit Root division is an easy way to propagate some fleshy-rooted perennials. First dig up the plant and wash the roots. Select large roots, about the thickness of a pencil, and cut them off near the crown of the plant. […]
Click picture to enlarge These beauties hail from steamy Southeast Asia so they are best suited for very bright light and humid growing conditions. Certain varieties are grown outdoors in the direct sunlight in Hawaii and Florida. The strap-leafed forms of Vandas and Ascocendas can be grown in the greenhouse with 25 to 50% shade. […]
Click picture to enlarge There are many types of succulents. Almost all do well in sunny, hot locations like windows facing the south or southeast. Growing succulents in a well-ventilated place will help prevent leaf diseases. Click picture to enlarge Succulents and cacti grow best in very well drained soil. Many die from root rot […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: String Stakes Square headed shovel Garden fork Rake Compost Straw When it comes to planting vegetables, wide beds have many advantages over rows. Beds usually increase yields two to four times by devoting more of your precious garden space to crops. You also save in material cost by […]
Click picture to enlarge Houseplants require some basic care to remain healthy and vigorous. Here are a few helpful hints to follow to ensure that your houseplants thrive. Click picture to enlarge Dust covering leaves reduces the plant’s ability to produce its own food. Keep the leaves clean for a healthier, better looking plant. Glossy […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Crocus or Snowdrop bulbs Garden fork Bone meal Use a garden fork to make a series of holes. Take special care to ensure the holes are the right depth and size. It may be necessary to wiggle the garden fork back and forth to make the holes large […]
Click picture to enlarge Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchids are favorites ofmany gardeners. They are beautiful and among the easiest to grow of all orchids. Moth orchids come in a broad range of colors and bloom for up to three months at a time. Their light requirements are modest, much like Paphiopedilums. Avoid placing them in […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Trowel Butter knife Hand fork Hand pruners Bonsai potting mix Pencil or chopstick Bonsai trees that are grown in rocks require a little extra effort to repot. The roots tend to grow into the porous rock making it difficult to remove the tree. Start by cutting the root […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Loppers Pruners Gloves Ribbon Kiwi is a beautiful ornamental vine with delicious fruit. Hardy Actinidia arguta thrive where winter temperatures dip below -30F! The vigorous vines need lots of pruning between mid-December and mid-January. Past mid-February you risk excessive sap bleeding. Expect to remove as much as 70 […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Length of bamboo Bamboo saw or hacksaw Drill and ” bit Clear tubing (inside diameter of ” and outside diameter of 5/8″) Epoxy 60 gph (or less) water pump Shallow ceramic bowl Decorative rocks This soothing and decorative bamboo fountain can be the centerpiece of your home or […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: 6 feet of 2″x4″ lumber 2-4′ 1/2″ diameter wood doweling Wood glue Tape measure Pencil Skilsaw or hand saw Duct tape or masking tape 2-3″ wood screws A drill with a 1/2″ bit The best way to store your tools when they’re not in use is to hang […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Shovel A couple wooden stakes String Line level Rubber mallet Stones of varying sizes The first step in building a stone terrace is setting a string line. Use a line level to ensure the string line is level. It’s important that the string is level because it will […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Half whiskey barrel 5’x5′ pond liner Staple gun Utility knife A half whiskey barrel makes a great water gardening container. Before planting in the barrel, it’s a good idea to install a flexible pond liner. This prevents toxins from leaching out of the wood into the water and […]
