This and That for Containers
June 3, 2011
Add some personality to your containers. Mix up leaf color and textures. The greens make a great backdrop for your flowering plants. Combine plants that have the same water and light needs for best performance. And if you are using terra cotta pots, remember to keep them well watered. The faux clay containers hold moisture longer. The lime green pot in the photo is home to a fiber optic grass, purple palace coral bells, purple pentas and a sedum stonecrop ogon.
Healthy Pets and Garden Product Awareness
June 1, 2011
keep'em howling
There are some garden products that may pose health issues for your dog. Forget about using cocoa mulch — it’s a by-product of chocolate. And we all know “no chocolate for dogs!”
Some dogs may have interest in blood and bone meal for obvious reasons. If a dog ingests too much of these products can they cause some serious gastro issues — vomiting, obstructions, diarrhea. Plant fertilizers may contain disulfoton. This chemical can be toxic to pets.
Source: moderndog magazine, spring 2011
Brookland House/Garden Tour Washington DC – June 5
May 20, 2011
Oh the neighborhood is so inviting. Show your support for the Brookland Garden Club! Tour tickets are 10.00 and you can buy them at Petals, Ribbons & Beyond, 3906 12th Street, NW. For more tour information, call 202-636-2048.
If you can’t make the tour, brighten your day and mood with a stroll through the gardens at the Franciscan Monastery . If you have a passion for roses, you won’t be disappointed.
The gardens are well planned; so a visit any time of year would be interesting. Wear walking shoes if you want to explore the shade gardens. There is a fairly steep hill to get to the lower beds.
Peek inside the monastery or hook up with one of their guided tours.
Think Again on the Lawn
May 16, 2011
Generally, May through June are ideal times to fertilize your lawn. This year, give some thought (and do some research) to the lawn products used and where the chemicals eventually end up. Our bodies, fish and wildlife will thank you for caring to be selective.
Goodbye to Rhodo Blooms
May 14, 2011
If your rhodo blooms are done, go ahead and snap off the dead blossoms. I’ve always enjoyed this garden chore. They just snap right off and I feel oh so garden-y.
Difficult to decide if more rewarding to deadhead the rhodos or go after the day lily stalks when they are dry! Lucky if you get to do both — a well designed garden, I’d say.
Dead heading promotes more blooms for coming seasons!
Alexandria, VA Garden Day Sale — May 14th
May 11, 2011
Make notes of what you need — then head over to the lovely Green Springs Gardens to take in the gardens and shop! Oh, a generous assortment of native plants, herbs, perennials, annuals. Plus, lots of garden variety vendors to hawk their wares. Used books sale and baked goodies. Hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,703-642-5173, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA.
Fill Your Garden Wagon
April 11, 2011
April 14, 15 and 16 head over to River Farms in Northern Virginia. Plants, shrubs, garden supplies, art and more at the Annual Spring Garden market hosted by the American Horticultural Society. Call 703-768-5700 or www.ahs.org for more information. While you are there, allow time to visit their gardens and the Estate house.
Not Just Another Pretty Face
April 9, 2011
The landscape industry generally focuses on the sensual aspects of trees and plants. We rarely think about the environmental benefits of plants. Yes, looking at plants can increase positive feelings and reduce fear and anger.
But, another important feature to consider is properly selected and placed plantings:
- Absorb sound waves and can significantly reduce unwanted “noise pollution”
- Trap and filter dust and other pollutants out of rainwater.
- Help remove low levels of chemicals such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from indoor environments.
- Reduce soil erosion, filter pollutants and reduce downstream flooding
Now, that’s what I call a day’s work.
Feel Better, Look Younger
April 4, 2011
Give the outdoor gym a chance this spring. And there are no initiation fees to pay!
- You can burn as many calories in 45 minutes of gardening as in 30 minutes of aerobics.
- Women 50+ who garden at least once a week had higher bone density scans than those who walked, jogged or swam.
- One hour of weeding burns 300 calories.
- A manual push mower burns 500 calories an hour (the same rate as playing tennis).
All Things to Consider
March 31, 2011
When preparing a small garden bed, a container or a large landscaped area, color is just one element to consider. A pleasing landscape is built from optimal soil conditions, growth rate of plants and bloom cycles.
