Questions to consider when designing your dream garden

1. What is the main use for your yard? Relax, play area or both.

2. Will you BBQ and have large groups of people over?

3. Will you be keeping some of the trees and plants you already have?

4. What do you want gone from the yard?

5. What do you really want to have? Any specific plants that are your favorite, or maybe a water feature. 6. Do you go away often on weekends? The plants you choose need to be hardy drought tolerant.

7. Do you want to tuck in a quiet place to sit down?

8. Can you tackle some of the work by yourself in stages? Making a long-term plan is budget friendly and easy.

9. Do you want to include a fence, path, walkway or deck? These are the first things to add to the main structure of a new garden. Soil and plants can be added gradually.

10. Do you want or need an area of lawn for children to play? How much?

11. Do you have a problem with too much moisture? You can choose to plant bog plants in low wet areas.

12. Is there an ugly fence, wall, shed or gas meter you want to hide?

13. Have you chosen a style? Does it go with the style home you have.

14. Do you want and need to add some shade in an open windy area? Plan ahead and include plants to provide some shade. You may want to build a pergola or covered patio for vines like grapes and wisteria to grow up. Whatever style of garden retreat you choose first consider some of these questions before starting.

Theme gardens

When it's time to get gardening in spring you can choose a style that fits the problems or challenges you might have in your yard. It may be a slope or a high fence, even a wall blocking sunlight. There might be open grass if your yard backs onto a ravine or field. These can be used to design a specific kind of garden. It could be used for a meadow style with native plants, bulbs, trees and shrubs. Choose spring bulbs planted in among the wildflowers for a open prairie meadow garden.

 

Cool shade from walls, large trees and fences provide a place for a retreat garden with bench seating or tables with chairs. Include a birdbath or water feature to attract wildlife. Birds and butterflies will visit if the spot is sheltered. Add a patio, deck or benches to sit and enjoy the outdoors.

 

 

Another theme could be a birth in the family. Plant trees or flowers as a memorial to remember a loved one who has passed away. Perhaps you are planning an outdoor wedding in your yard. You can design ahead to plant flowers in a specific color scheme. Craft lovers grow theme gardens filled with cut flowers and everlasting varieties to use fresh or dried. Nature lovers grow plants to attract bees, butterflies and birds.

Are Deer eating your garden?

Everyone has pests who visit their garden and eat their fill on flowers, fruits and vegetables. Deer can damage quite a bit as they may bring family and friends to clean you out in a matter of days. The solution is to plant what they don't like to eat. Many of the popular bulbs that deer hate are poisonous to them as well as for domestic pets so be careful if you have dogs.

 

Bulbs like allium, canna lily, scilla and daffodil are deer, rabbit and squirrel proof. Herbs like Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender, Chives and Mint are deer proof. Hardy perennials like Black-eye-susan, Asilbe, Coral bells, Ferns, Phlox, Coneflower, Sedum and Yucca are all deer proof. Make note of the shrubs and flowers the deer do eat. The ones they hate are poisonous in general so beware and place them in the farthest areas or in the back of large borders where children and pets won't be able to pick or chew on them.

 

Plants that deer won’t eat

Bulbs

Ornamental onions (alliums)

Canna lilies

Daffodil

Fritillaria

Puschkinia

Scilla

Snowdrops

Groundcovers

Catmint                                    Pulmonaria

Lamium                                    Sedum

Epimedium                               Snow in Summer

Juniper                                     Sweet Woodruff

Lady’s Mantle                          Violets

Lily-of-the-valley                      Wild ginger

Moss                                        Wild strawberry

Herbs

Artemisia                                  Hyssop

Borage                                     Lavender

Chamomile                               Mint

Chives                                      Lemon Balm

Comfrey                                   Rosemary

Feverfew                                  Sage

Thyme

Poisonous plants

 

 

If you have pets or small children you need to be aware of the plants that may be a danger to have in your garden or indoors as houseplants. Common poisonous plants like Aloe, Ivy, African violets, Chrysanthemum, and Poinsettia are potential problems if chewed on by pets and toddlers. Be careful to do some research on the plants before you buy. Even outside shrubs, trees and perennials can be a danger. Some of the common plants for outside in gardens to beware of are Ferns, Petunia, Begonia, Boxwood, Daffodil, Maple tree, Poppies, Yew. You may not be an expert in plant identity so look up or ask others if they can help. If you plan on planting some shrubs and trees you should decide where and what you want to plant and ask at the nursery or garden center before you buy. Sometimes you may receive plants for gifts and think nothing of it, but they also could be a danger if not placed out of reach. BEGONIA: Leaves and sap are very toxic so beware. Also be warned to keep African violets up high where children and pets can't pick and eat the flowers or foliage.

 

Common House Plants that are Poisonous

PLANT NAME            PART THAT IS POISONOUS

Aloe Vera                                     juice in stems
Amaryllis                                     bulb
Azalea                                          all parts
Bird of Paradise                           seeds
Caladium(Angels Trumpet)        all parts
Crown of Thorns                         sap       
Cyclamen                                    bulb
Croton                                         all parts
Chrysanthemum                         leaves and stems
Dieffenbachia                             all parts
English Ivy                                 leaves
Jeruselem Cherry                       fruit and leaves
Kalanchoe                                  leaves and stems
Poinsettia                                   leaves, stems, sap
Philodendron                              leaves
Swiss Cheese Plant                    leaves    

Children in the garden

Including children in the garden will help teach them to love nature and be involved in sharing a fun activity. No matter what age they can learn to be helpful when assigned simple chores like watering plants and tending a small area of the garden of their own. Start out teaching them some basic seed planting or how to identify weeds. If they grow it by themselves they are more likely to eat it. Buy each child some gloves, small tools and 1 or 2 kinds of seeds to try. You can help them plant a few seeds in a coffee cup so they can place them in a window and watch them grow. Children seven years and older can start their own garden journal to keep track of when they planted and how their seeds are doing.

 

Most easy plant seeds like sunflower or beans can be started in mid May right outside in the garden. Most children are very excited and curious about plants and ask lots of questions. Try to teach them a few names of popular plants and herbs. Let them help harvest the beans and peas. This keeps them interested. They also tend to want flowering plants right away so pick a few at a nursery to plant. It's a good way to give them something to see and care for while they wait for the seeds to mature. Provide a nearby water source so children can fill a watering can to help. Fill planter boxes with soil ahead of time. Use barrels for children for their own garden. They are able to stand with easy reach from all sides. Teach them how to make compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste. If you keep a bucket under your sink they will learn to fill it with banana or apple peels instead tossing them in the trash. Choose seeds that are large like beans or cucumber. Pits like peach or plum can be planted but do take some time to grow. Recycle old shoes or boots for a plant container. They can choose to plant a salad garden. Maybe plant a few herbs to teach them how you use them to cook with. If some plants start to set seeds show children how to collect a few to dry and save for future gardens.

 

Container gardens

 

 

Designs for a small deck, porch or balcony can still provide enough space to grow a few pots, boxes or a half barrel with flowers or herbs. Leave some room for seating to enjoy your plants. A sunny spot will need a piece of lattice or umbrella to provide some shade. Otherwise you will be watering your plants 3 times a day. Pots can be hung from hooks or on walls. Hanging pots, boxes and containers on the railing will save space. You can grow vines up a trellis if it's anchored in a large planter.

 

Be sure to start with good soil and don't forget fertilizer. Time release pellets can be added to pots to keep plants healthy as you water. Choose plants that do well in the type of light you have in your space. Lining containers with moss can absorb water and help them from drying out. Another option is a dish garden for succulents, cactus and small alpine plants. They are very drought tolerant so you don't have to water as much and most of them stay small. This allows you to move them easily when it's time to  winterize. Large pots or planter boxes need to be lined with foam, then can be easily covered for winter. The herbs like lavender and mint do well in planters and are very hardy. Try small varieties of hosta or sedum in large pots.

 

How To Plant a Tree

 

 

1. First you need to choose what kind of tree and where you want it. Choose the right size for the location and be sure it will fit the spot when it's full grown. Begin by digging a hole just a bit bigger than the root ball. Loosen the soil 12in around. This will allow plenty of room for the roots to become established.

 

 

2. Place the tree in the center adding a few shovel full of soil. This is the time to add some compost. Press the soil down gently and step back to make sure the tree is straight. Adjust it if needed. If the roots have a burlap bag with wire or twine cut it, loosen and remove. Try not to disturb any of the roots. Continue to fill in the soil using your foot to firm it as you go. This will prevent air pockets that will cause the tree to shift and tilt sideways. Only pile the soil to the top of the root ball. With any leftover soil build a moat or well around the base of the tree to hold water. Pour a bucket of water in the well at least twice a week until it's established. Spring, late summer or early fall are ideal times to plant trees. Bark mulch can be added at base to help hold moisture and control weeds. If the site is out in an open windy area you should place a stake or two to tie the tree and stabilize it. Use soft flexible ties to attach it and remove after two years. 

Common Fungal Plant Diseases

 

The most vulnerable plants to these fungal problems are all in the Rose Family but most fruit bearing trees need care and attention to avoid infections.

Fungal diseases: POWDERY MILDEW invades the tissues of leaves with white patches of soft mold. Leaves will fall off and spread the fungal disease to other plants. BOTRYTIS infects leaves and stems with thick gray mold turning them yellow and drop. Stems may rot at ground level.

 

CORAL SPOT: This is a plant pathogen that causes blisters and cankers on broadleaf trees. It appears on wood and leaves with wilt in summer. Spots are pinkish in color. Prune out diseased branches right away.

SILVER LEAF: This is fungal and attacks plants in the rose family like cherry and plum trees. Whole branches die. Prune off infected area or it spreads and the whole tree dies. APPLY LIME SULPHUR TO PREVENT THESE DISEASES.

 

Bacterial infections like fire blight turns leaves brown and they drop off. First signs of trouble are black edges on foliage or shriveled stems and leaves. This attacks plants like crab apple, ash, hawthorn, Quince and cottoneaster. Many different blight effect vegetables  like squash and cucumber so be aware and look for signs and symptoms of diseases. The fungus lives in the soil and spreads with dried shriveled leaves and soft rotted stems. Using rotation of crops will help eliminate the problem. Some are early in the season with rains or dampness and others occur late in a hot summer. Most can be sprayed with all purpose fungicides.

 

Organic Gardening

GO ORGANIC 

The safest method of fertilizing, keeping weeds and bugs under control is to go organic. Infestations of Japanese beetles or earwigs can be very frustrating. Luring them into traps is far better for your garden than buying harmful sprays.

1. Buy only safe pesticides, fungicides and fertilizer. Of course you can make some of these yourself. Read the package you buy to be sure it's safe for fruits and vegetables so the bees and other beneficial bugs will not be killed by poisonous sprays. Make your own insecticidal soaps by fermenting garlic in a jar of water then strain and add some dish soap. Bugs hate the smell. Keep applying weekly or after rain.

2. Only purchase domestic class sprays as a last resort. Commercial grade pesticides are too strong for home gardens. Traps can also be set in areas where you notice a problem. Buy varieties of seeds to grow plants that are much more hardy and resistant. Also try planting the flowers that attract predator bugs. They eat the pests so you won't need to spray as much.

3. Use good cleanup habits by never leaving piles of debris on the garden; they promote fungal disease problems. Moving crops around or rotating veggies each year will help deter diseases. Get in the habit of checking for bugs and other concerns weekly. You can control them if caught early. Many crawling pests like snails and slugs don't like sharp or very rough surfaces like crushed egg shells or sandpaper. Lay some under a spot with a slug problem.

4. Bottle and plastic tub traps filled with beer or a sugar yeast mixture work too. Simply dig a small hole to sink a margarine tub in the soil next to the plant that is being attacked, place half a cup of beer or yeast mixture in the tub and check daily. Bugs like crawling earwigs, pillbugs, slugs and snails will fall in and die. The smell lures them in but they can't get out. Protective collars made from recycled plastic  tubs help keep pests and birds from eating seedlings. The best fertilizers are made from fish emulsion, composted vegetation and well rotted animal manure. Triple mix has all these combined if you want to purchase ready made to add to pots and gardens.

PLANTS  TO  LURE  BENEFICIAL  PREDATORS

 Amaranthus- will attract ground beetles

Anise, Celery, and Dandelion- lure beneficial wasps 

Camomile, Chervil, and Clover- Attract Hoverflies, wasps, and other predators 

Goldenrod- attracts praying mantis, hoverflies, and many other predators

Ivy, Mint, and Hyssop- attracts many beneficial wasps and predators 

Also useful plants like sunflowers, tansy, yarrow, marigold, and milkweed to help bring in plenty of ladybugs and lacewings. All these plants will help deter and reduce the harmful pests that feed on your vegetables and flowering plants.

 

 

Tips for easy gardening

General tips

 

1. Keep a journal to record information about planting seeds, any problems or concerns or which plants need to be moved or divided. It also allows you to write down successes or failures. It will help you keep track of what you buy like seeds and keep to a budget. You might want to have a wish list of what you want to buy next year.

2. Edible plants are easy to add to any space in a garden, even if it gets part sun. If the spot gets 4 or 5 hours of sun you can plant beans, carrots, lettuce, peas, radish, swiss chard, raspberries or gooseberries. All of them are worth a try.

3. Recycle old mini blinds to use as plant markers. Use a light color. First cut and remove all the cord, separate all the slats and wash in soapy water to clean. Each slat can be cut in 6-7 inch pieces with scissors and trim one end to a point. This allows you to stick your plant label into pots or soil easily. Use permanent marker to write name and color etc. on the slat.

4. When you change the water in your fish tank don't dump out. Use it to water houseplants or outdoor gardens.

5. Save used lint and dryer sheets to line the bottom of pots or seed trays. They absorb water and keep pots moist longer. Dryer sheets will also keep soil from washing through the bottom holes of large pots every time you water.

6. If you don't have any trees for collecting fall leaves, ask your neighbors or friends to save a few bags. Stockpile them next to your compost pile to be layered with kitchen scraps.

7. Plant flowers like purple coneflower, Shasta daisy, sunflower to attract the good bugs. They will visit your site and eat the harmful pests.

8. Large soda bottles and margarine tubs make good collars for seedlings in spring. The birds can't damage or eat them and you can wash and save them for yearly use by storing them in a shed until needed.

9. An old ironing board is useful to use as a potting table. It's foldable and portable so can be moved and stored easily. You can make the height adjustable so you can sit or stand. Place a plastic tablecloth or old shower curtain on it to make cleanup easy.

10. Save plastic containers that salad greens come in to start seeds in. They make ideal mini greenhouses with lids included.

11. A piece of floral foam placed in the bottom of large pots and planter boxes will help hold moisture just where the roots need it most. You won't have to water the soil so often.

12. To kill ants mix equal parts borax and icing sugar and spread near anthills. They will take it back to the nest to eat and it kills them.

Basic tips for starting seeds indoors

 

 

Cleaning is a must when preparing pots or trays to grow some seeds indoors. If using recycled ones give them a rinse in soapy water first. If using new you can skip this step. Also be sure that they have drainage holes. For recycled plastic containers you can drill holes in the bottom.

I have found that the store bought soil in bags will need to be sterilized first. If you don't the seedlings may have problems with fungal diseases and wilt and die. Use an old roasting pan or purchase a foil one to use just for soil. Fill it three quarters full with soil and add quarter cup of water just to moisten then cover with foil. Bake on the lowest temperature on your oven (180) for one hour. Let it sit a few days to cool but keep it covered and moist. Now you have your sterile soil to start healthy seeds.

READ THE SEED PACKAGE to see when to start; Do they need to be covered or just sprinkled on top of the soil? Covering the trays with a lid or plastic wrap keeps them moist and warm. Once they sprout uncover and provide a little sun and bright light each day.

Annual seeds don't require any special preparation but the perennial seeds do.

STARTING PERENNIALS from seeds: You must place them in wet paper towel and freeze them first for at least a month or two. It's called stratification. It mimics winter cold and frozen conditions. Be sure to place them in a zipper bag and label with name and date. To start plants this way freeze the seeds in January to March, then begin planting in trays to allow them time to grow. They tend to take longer than annual seeds but are worth a try to save money on how many plants you buy later.

Some larger seeds can be placed on a saucer in water overnight to sprout. Then plant them in soil. Most Perennial seeds tend to grow slowly so you may want to start them indoors in March for planting out in May or June.

Easy to grow Herbs

 

 

If you have a very sunny spot in your garden you can grow some herbs. For the most part they only require well drained soil. Do not plant them where your rain spout drains as they prefer dry feet. A wet shady location will rot their roots. Most will grow in any type of soil and don't need special care. Herbs like Thyme, Parsley, Lavender, Dill, Sage, Mint, Garlic, Chives, and Basil are easy to grow. USES: Most of the herbs are good for cooking and drying. Use fresh in every day meals and dried for tea, flavored oil and vinegar, jelly, in dried wreaths and placing in a cloth bags to hang in a closet to repel moths.

 

GROWING: The perennial herbs that come back every year like Lavender, Sage, Thyme, Mint are all hardy tough plants. They attract butterflies to your garden and at the same time repel the pests who come to feed on your plants. These aromatic plants are also not preferred by many animals like deer, squirrels and rabbits because their leaves contain essential oils that are poisonous to them.

 

CARE: Just cut herbs back in spring to promote new growth. The plants will produce lots of branching and the blooms will form on the new growth. Parsley, basil, Dill can be grown from seeds so you have fresh each year. You can start seeds indoors or pot them to take indoors to enjoy in a sunny window all year round. Some herbs have fragrant flowers. Chives, Sage, and Thyme bloom in spring, Lavender and Mint bloom early summer and Rosemary in late summer. You can add lots of color and scent by growing a few herbs in your flower and vegetable gardens.I grow a large pot of peppermint and place it on the porch to keep ants, spiders and mosquitos away. They hate the smell and I will have fresh peppermint all summer to add to ice tea. One teaspoon of dry herbs is equal to two teaspoon of fresh. Herbs have been used for centuries to treat excess gas or to treat wounds. Mint and dill are good for the stomach while parsley is rich in vitamin C and minerals and can be a gargle for sore throat. Garlic has both antiseptic and antibiotic properties along with many other health benefits. Lavender oil is often used for headache, asthma, depression, insomnia, and insect bites.

 

MEDICINAL: Many of the common herbs are used in teas for a variety of reasons but medicinal herbs have been used to heal, flavor food, repel pests and treat various types of ailments for many hundreds of years. They contain oils that can be infused by simply placing fresh leaves and stems in a pot, cover with water and simmer. Strain the liquid and cool to use as a compress for sore muscles, headaches and stiff joints. Dried Mint, Rosemary and Artimesia can be placed in cloth bags and lay in chest of drawers or hang closets to keep moths and other pests away from wool coats and sweaters. Many herbal oils are ingredients for natural skin creams and bath products. Lavender sachets have been used for years as room fresheners, in perfumes, soaps, candles, bath salts.