Container Gardening Secrets

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Blueberries from a high-rise balcony? Of course! Strawberries from a windowbox? Why not? Reach outside your kitchen window and pick your own salad? Yep. Thanks to container gardening, it’s all possible, plus much more! Read the story »

Vertical Gardening Secrets

Whether you live on a large farm or a small lot, you’ll get much enjoyment out of having your own vertical vegetable garden. There’s really nothing like fresh-picked vegetables, right from the vine. Gathered early in the morning, juicy and full of nature’s best – mmmm! Makes any produce bought from a grocery store seem downright sub-standard! Read the story »

Planting Design

Planting Design

At first glance you may think this is about landscaping and to a certain extent it is, but planting design is more about the arrangement, the species selection and achieving an overall botanical harmony rather than changing the layout of your lawn. Sounds complicated but in reality it is quite simple. Planting design is all about creating a synergy, if you will, between you and the garden. Gone are the days of going to the local nursery or store and buying a few plants that look cute. Think about it, how often did that impulse plant purchase live? Chances are not too long or they caused the destruction of some other plants you had. It is important and strategic to have a planting design so you can achieve the look and coverage you desire.

You must always remember that you are dealing with a three dimensional area when creating a planting design, so not only are you trying to cover an area but also the depth and width as well. So not only does size play a role but also does how wide the plants will become as well as how thick. And we are talking in the adult or grown stage, not at the purchase stage. You need to factor in growth when choosing your plants plus you need to consider compatibility. Whether you know it or not, many plants are not able to coexist with others and can cause problems later in the age of the garden. A tree that grows too quickly or not quick enough can and will affect the health of your other plants. Some plants are even caustic to others and you should always check the compatibility of all the plants being considered.

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Deer Resistant Plants

Deer Resistant Plants

Having a garden can sometimes be a frustrating endeavor, especially for those of you who have chosen to live away from the big city and bright lights. Gardening in suburbia has its own set of unique problems including plant eating animals, namely deer. Nothing is more frustrating than the anticipation of your rose bush blooming and the next morning finding a decapitated flowerless plant. Yes, lovable Bambi really likes your plants, all of them. And unless you enjoy having to replant your garden every day, you should choose plants which deer do not find irresistible ? no, not cactus. There are beautiful plants and flowers available that those pesky critters won?t eat.

One thing you need to remember, these are deer resistant plants not deer proof and there is a reason why the term ?deer resistant? is used. Deer eat plants, period. Some plants are less tasty than others, but depending upon your current area conditions (drought, deer population, abundance of undeveloped land, and entrapment), even the least appetizing foliage will be eaten. So do not expect these plants to always ward off your antlered friends forever. But as long as there is available water, abundant native foliage and a low deer population, the following plants will remain a part of your garden and landscaping:

Sages (Salvia, Meadow, Russian, Jerusalem)
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