The difference between annuals and perennials
Posted by Stefan on Jun 25, 2009
For the seasoned gardener this may seem an obvious subject, however for the novice the difference still needs to be spelt out.
Annuals
An annual is any plant whose life cycle lasts for only one year. This is from seed to flower and then again to seed. If you are lucky the plant will reseed in the same position it was last year.
Perennials
These plants last for year on year, in the winter they may die back or remain dormant but will return with full aplomb the next year. They can be divided into two main types – herbaceous (plants that die back) and woody (don’t die back but grow larger, for example shrubs and trees).
Gardening tools
Posted by Susan on Jun 24, 2009
There are some tools that the avid gardener can not do without. Everyone has their favourite but here is a list of a few essential items that every gardener should have.
• Spade – More than one spade is always a good idea, choose one that is a good tool for everyday digging and a more heavy duty alternative that can be use for shovelling or lifting plants.
• Fork – As with the spade it is the quality of the item that matters, two piece units can often break and inferior quality items are generally not worth the money.
• Hand trowel and fork – For the delicate weeding and planting these should always be kept close at hand.
• Pruners/shears – Ones with blades that can be sharpened or interchangeable blades are the best as blunt pruners can be difficult to use.
• Hoe – A good quality sharp hoe is a key component in your tool kit. There are backwards and forwards operating hoes, it is a personal choice which to choose.
• Rake – imagine trying to clear up leaves or rubbish without a rake?
• Watering can – An essential item that you can never do without.
Soil Types
Posted by Susan on Jun 22, 2009
If you are a seasoned gardener you may already know how important the type of soil you have in your garden is, and how this type and its pH value can affect the type of plants you want to grow.
Soil pH is a measure of the soils acidity or alkalinity. Most plants differ in their requirements regarding the pH of the soil. As a general rule pH 7 or neutral should support most plants however some prefer slightly acidic conditions and others slightly alkaline.
It is important to test your soil using a do-it-yourself tester kit before you start as this may have an impact on your choice of plants.
As a footnote, many plants foliage or flowers can change colour in relation to pH level of the soil.
A quick note about roses
Posted by Stefan on Jun 22, 2009
The quintessential garden plant is the rose. Roses should feature in every garden and contrary to popular belief they are not difficult to grow.
Roses love a sunny location, so before you plant make sure you position them appropriately. They also don’t like to compete with other plants that take excess nutrients from them. Annuals and perennials are ok but trees and large bushes are not. Avoid planting in windy locations, the petals of most roses are quit delicate and the wind can cause the flowers to dry out quickly. A good idea is to choose a rose that is quit hardy – the older varieties tend to be the best.
Small garden ideas
Posted by Jamie on Jun 12, 2009
If you live in a terraced house and only have a small space to try to create a garden you should not worry. There are many designs that can be incorporated into a small space, so if you need inspiration a few ideas are discussed below:
• Raised beds are a great way to divide your garden up into sections. They are also easier to weed and although they require a little more construction than standard ground level beds they are much easier to look after when they are built.
• A herb bed is always a great idea, or if you are feeling a little more adventurous a kitchen garden will provide you with home grown veg throughout the summer.
• Try to have some sort of sitting area so you can relax on hot summer days, you can get prefabricated stone circles quite cheaply from garden centres. They can provide a centre point for your garden and you can incorporate planting round it once it is laid.
• If you are on a budget, perennial plants will flower year after year so you will not have to go to the garden centre every year to buy new bedding plants.
The start of summer and lawn care
Posted by Stefan on Jun 11, 2009
The month of June is one of the best times of the year to enjoy your garden. The sun is shining (usually) and most of your flowers will either be in bloom or will be just about to flower.
The most important job that you will have undoubtedly already started throughout the summer is mowing the lawn. One of the most difficult things to grow is a perfect lawn. Dandelions and other weeds will see your lawn as an ideal place to take residence. A few tips for a perfect lawn are listed below:
• You should remove weeds using a selective weedkiller (not killing the grass).
• Try aerating the lawn using a fork or an aerating tool.
• Mow the grass every two weeks or so. Try mowing in different directions each time you mow to prevent the grass blades from growing a particular curved direction.
• Don’t cut your grass when it is wet (electric or petrol).
• Use a lawn roller occasionally to achieve flatness.
• If possible mow in the morning after the dew has dried.
• Keep you mower well maintained and make sure it has a sharp blade.
• Feed your lawn about 4 times a year using a lawn feed product (The first after the last frost).
• Water your lawn regularly during dry periods to ensure the grass stays in perfect condition.
Related Items:
| Adjustable Beds at great prices. |
| Excess Baggage at Trans Global Express |
| Garden of Life at great prices. |
| childrens beds here |
| We offer spread betting tips |