A modestly colored, retiring bird, known often only by its voice, the black-billed cuckoo is the never-tiring friend of the farmer and the gardener. Let it be known immediately that it has only occasionally been known to lay its eggs in other birds' nests as is the dastardly habit of its European relative which has been justly punished by having its simulacrum confined in prisoning clocks. Neither does it repeat its name, but hidden deep in the...more
Almost every single gardener has some type of gardening tools. In fact, it's practically impossible to have a backyard without utilized gardening equipment. What variety of gardening devices you use will obviously depend on the size and extent of your backyard, what you happen to be able to deal with, in the event you desire to spend lots of time within your garden or get done quickly, and finally, how much funds you happen to be willing to...more
The harmonies of spring have changed into the symphonies of early summer. Where the colors predominating on all sides were those of white, cream, yellow, rose pinks, salmon and reds of the roses, we now have the tawny yellows of hemerocallis, deep wine reds, the pure white of shasta daisies, the soft primrose of anthemis and the varying blues of salvias. Here and there proud stalks of gladioli add height and rainbow hues to the borders.Pruning is most important. The shrubs which have finished flowering Must be pruned at once, if this has not already been done. Take out the old canes and remove the spent flower stalks, giving them a chance to grow new wood for next year's flowering. Spireas of all kinds, forsythias, early and late lonicerns, pearl bushes (Exochorda), philadelphus and deutzia are among the most important.Lilacs, the beautiful syringas, need to have only the dead flower heads removed. Syringa persica and the Chinese lilac, which is new (Syringa rothomagensis), have proved to be the best for this section. Vulgaris does not stand the summer heat nor do the French types. So, be safe and plant these Persian and Chinese kinds for beauty and fragrance and long...more
Balcony gardens are more prone to severe conditions as compared to normal gardens as they extend beyond the protect of their building. These balconies are more exposed to severe weather conditions. On heights, biting wind can cause severe damage. Besides, sunlight and winter weather are other factors that cause damage to balcony gardens.Screening...more
The first step in planting is to wet the root-ball of the plant, in case it is dry. If you will not wet it, the plant will not grow. Stand the plant along with its nursery container in a bucket of water for an hour or so, is perhaps is the simplest way to wet the dry root-ball.Set up a layer of compost in the bottom of the tub or pot over the...more
Due to the elevated nature of balconies, they are more exposed to debris and dirt and if not cleaned regularly, become dull, grimy and untidy.Everyday MaintenanceIf you are not in the habit of cleaning your balcony regularly, your plants may wilt or even die. Your balcony needs same attention from you as you give to your indoors. A quick sweep regularly not only keeps your balcony and plants safe from dust and debris, but it also helps you to spot diseased and dead parts of the plant.The best option today available is to vacuum the area. Many varieties of heavy duty electric vacuum cleaners are available in the market now, which are sometimes names as wet and dry vacuums. These vacuums are particularly designed for indoor and outdoor cleaning. These vacuums has the tendency to clean any type of material from floors, carpets, tiles or timbers to garden debris, i.e. dead leaves, twigs to dust and even capable of handling the wet surfaces as well. They suck up the water and clean the flooring. Your vacuum cleaner can be a boon to a conscientious balcony owner.Always keep your containers clean. Wash them and scrub off any accumulated dust and debris or algae from the surface. It is...more
Balcony garden as compared to lawn garden are easy to maintain and look after. The area is confined and limited and floor is usually made of tiles, paved or timber that only need a sweep and wash with clean water to keep its original shape. Plants...more
Selection of soil plays a vital role in the any form of garden. The soil should be rich in contents required for the growth of different plants. Poor, dry soil is not good for the proper growth of the plants. Unlike most of the plants, herbs are not...more
FeedingOnce the plants are planted, the main thing is to be considered is the feeding plants at appropriate times, so they may grow easily. Once plants are established and well rooted, a proper feeding program can be started off. Care should be taken...more
Many plants grow in all types of soil conditions but there are few varieties so sensitive that in unfavorable conditions they become withered and dead.There are certain methods used to measure the soil acidity, i.e. pH meter or soil testing kit. The...more
Garden hose reels are just like any product where you can find one for a cheap price and the quality will not be as good as a nice heavy duty garden hose reel. When buying a garden hose cart or reel you have two options; plastic or...more
Metal garden hose reels are some of the heaviest duty garden hose reels on the market. They are generally made out of either aluminum or steel and can be wall mounted or place on the ground. Some have designs to improve the overall...more