Caring For Your Plant Bulbs

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Bulbs are generally among the easiest of all plants to care for, and this hardiness makes bulbs one of the most popular among all kinds of gardeners.  Even though bulbs are easy to care for, however, it is still important to care for them properly to ensure you will have a garden full of dahlias, lilies, daffodils, tulips and other bulbs. 

One great thing about bulbs is the colors they come in.  Bulb plants come in a wide variety of colors, and a flower bed full of bulbs can be one of the most colorful parts of any garden.

As with any type of plant, it is important that your bed full of bulbs receive plenty of water, plenty of sunlight, proper fertilization and a good quality soil.  Providing these basic elements is the best way to get your bulbs off to the best start.

When it comes to watering bulbs, it is important to remember that all bulbs need regular watering during their growth and blooming period.  For most bulbs, the active growth period begins shortly after they go into the ground, and it continues until the foliage on the plant has died back.  The die back generally occurs after the flowering has stopped, or in the autumn of the year. 

If there is not enough rainfall available, the gardener should be sure to supplement the water with deep watering, deep enough to reach the root zone, as the roots will be growing underneath the bulb.  In addition, providing a good layer of mulch will assist the roots in retaining their all important moisture content.  It is important to note here, however, that the bearded iris should never be mulched, since mulching it will cause it to rot.

Proper fertilization is also very important to successfully growing bulbs.  The fertilizer should be applied at the time the bulb is planted, in the bottom of the hole, and covered with a thin layer of soil.  The bulb should never be placed directly on top of the fertilizer.  In addition, the bulbs should be fed with a high nitrogen content fertilizer at the start of the growing season.  Providing this extra feeding will help the bulbs to produce more attractive flowers.

After the bulbs have completed their blooming cycle, they will have used up a great deal of their nutrient content.  For the bulb to do well the following season it is important for those nutrients to be replenished.  There are two steps gardeners should take to ensure that their bulbs will bloom well the next year.

The first step is to be certain that the foliage is left on the plant, even if the foliage looks poor, until the foliage has yellowed and pulls off easily.  That is because the leaves will continue to make food for the plant as long as they are green, and this food will help the plant bloom better the next year.

The second step is to provide a good quality fertilizer right after the flowers have begun to fade away.  It is important to fertilize with a bulb food which is high in phosphorus and potassium, as this will help the plant thrive the next year.

In order to be their most effective, the phosphorus and potassium in the bulb food must be able to reach the root zone, and for this reason the fertilizer should be placed as close as possible to the roots.  For a planting that has already been established, the fertilizer should be stretched slightly into the soil to help it move deeper, and the feeding should be followed by a deep watering.

There's a lot to understand about Caring For Your Bulbs. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.

Easy Does It With Robotic Lawn Mower

Everything is automated nowadays. Seems like every manufacturer’s aim in innovating a product is to make it all faster and simpler. Washing and cleaning has been automated since long ago. Now here comes robotic lawn mower. You thought that mowing the lawns was a breeze after those industrial machines came out right? Well, those became obsolete with the entry of these intelligent robotic lawn mowers.

Imagine mowing the lawn right there under the cool shade of your front porch. All you need is to push the button on the remote, look at the robotic lawn mower, and make sure it is right where the grass is thick.

The robotic lawn mower effectively mows lawn of regular size, within its average run time of 1.5 hours. But it depends on the power of the mower, of course. The bigger it is, the longer the run time it will have. It is equipped with a rechargeable battery to power up the blades. The downside though is that the battery needed recharging for 24 hours. Well, that’s an entire day. If your lawn were so big, like an acre big, you’d have to purchase an extra battery for you to be able to mow the entire area in a day.

For the robotic lawn mower to be within the area, you would have to setup a perimeter wire. It’s a special kind of wire that comes with the robot mower. Some wires can be planted underground. This sounds to be a taxing job, but you can do it in less than an hour if you have a relatively small yard. The wires be detected by the robotic lawn mower and then would turn the other way. You wouldn’t want it straying away towards your neighbor’s lawn, would you? With this perimeter fence, you can protect your flowerbeds and garden. Run the wire around it and the robotic lawn mower would leave it alone.

Slopes up to 20 degrees should be tolerable for the robotic lawn mower. Protruding tree roots should not be a problem either. With its robotic blades, the lawn mower would run around the perimeter wires first and proceed to the middle area, moving in a V pattern. This means that the robotic lawn mower might cover a certain area multiple times while missing a certain part several times over. Looking on the bright side, you’re not the one getting tired anyway.

The cost of the robotic lawn mower doesn’t seem to be an issue. It actually costs less than those heavy-duty regular lawn mowers. Given that, if and when you feel that your old trusty lawn mower needs back up or even a replacement, trying the robotic lawn mower might be a good idea.

Robotic lawn mowers sure catch attention. Well, you can always ask your neighbor or pay a kid to trim your lawn, but one way or another, you would have to do it yourself sometimes. And with the robotic lawn mower just waiting for orders at your backyard, lawn mowing would be almost effortless.

Caring For The Indoor Bonsai Tree

The indoor Bonsai Tree is a beautiful addition to any home or office, and once you learn how to care for these unique trees, they are a great hobby.
Indoor Bonsai Trees are actually a miniature replica of a natural outdoor tree. The cultivation of the indoor Bonsai Tree first began in China and Japan centuries ago, but today growing the Bonsai Tree has become a popular hobby in many parts of the world.
One of the best aspects of the indoor Bonsai Tree is that it only becomes more beautiful with time with the right care. The indoor Bonsai Tree must receive enough sunlight without being exposed to temperatures that are too high or too low. If you live in a fairly mild climate you may want to place your tree on a patio or porch when temperatures permit.

If you live in a climate that reaches extreme temperatures, you may have to place your indoor Bonsai Tree in a room that receives plenty of light, but not right next to the window.
Watering your indoor Bonsai Tree is another important element to properly caring for it. Your tree should be watered when the soil begins to appear dry, and it is very important that you never let the soil get too dry.
Using the proper soil for the type of indoor Bonsai Tree that you have is also an essential element to caring for your tree. Always ensure that you have the right soil when planting or replanting your tree.

The correct use of liquid fertilizer may also determine how healthy your indoor Bonsai Tree will be. To guarantee that you are using the right fertilizer and applying it correctly, seek advice for the type of tree that you have.
For the indoor Bonsai Tree to grow properly, it is extremely important that you trim it at the appropriate times. Tropical and sub tropical indoor bonsai trees have to be trimmed throughout the year. Not only do the branches need to be trimmed but also the roots. Nevertheless, as different plants grow at diverse rates, you will have to assess your tree’s growth and change the trimming accordingly.
With proper care, your indoor Bonsai Tree can grow to be beautiful and healthy. Once you get the hang of caring for your Bonsai Tree, you may even want to add several more to your collection.

7 Natural Stone Pebble Projects For Every Home

Natural stone pebbles are becoming extremely popular in homes because of their wide range of colors and uses. Here are a few ideas for use in your own home.

Japanese Gardens

Japanese Gardens and known for their peacefulness and tranquillity. This style of garden uses specific plants as well as rocks and water to create this effect. Often these gardens are small in scale and are incorporated into an overall garden design rather than being the whole garden.

Decorative Pots

Placing some pebbles around the top of a potted plant can make indoor plants more attractive. Consider what part of the potted plant you want to make the focus. You can use a decorative ceramic pot as well. Decide whether you want matching or contrasting colors in the pot and the pebbles you choose. The pebbles and chosen pot should help focus your eye on the plant you have chosen.

Vases

Pebbles are also very effective used in the bottom of vases. Glass vases in particular look superb with some colored natural stone in the bottom. The pebble base also helps hold the arranged flowers in place. Decorative vases make great table decorations for dinner parties.

Paths and Drives

Paths and drives become very low maintenance when covered with a topping of small natural stone pebbles. The pebble size you choose needs to take into account how the path or drive will be used. Heavy car traffic or foot traffic areas need smaller stones as they are more comfortable underfoot and better for cars to drive over. Gravel drives and paths should have retaining edging to hold the stones in place. Drives and paths need to be topped up with extra stone occasionally. They are very durable and much nicer looking than a plain old concrete driveway.

Water Features

It seems now that everyone wants a garden water feature. They can be very small or quite large and bold but always add an element of tranquillity to any garden. When planning a water feature you can incorporate natural stone in a variety of ways. Larger stones around the edge of the feature can add character. Pebbles can also be used to cover the base of the water feature and to cover up any cords or pumps that are used to power it. Before choosing your stone remember to wet a sample as this is how it will look in your water feature.

Ponds

The same rule applies with ponds to wet your sample and check the colour of the stone. Natural stone is normally dusty when collected and when the dust comes off the real color is revealed. Ponds look great with built-up edging. You can use a variety of materials including feature rocks, wood, metal and many others. You can also mix and match various sized stones for a more natural look.

Pebbles as Mulch

Mulching is something more gardeners are doing in the garden. Basically it involves adding a layer of material over the top of your soil to aid with water retention. This means less watering which saves time and also water supplies. Not everyone has an endless supply of water or the enthusiasm to maintain lawns and pebbles are a great alternative, particularly in naturally dry areas.

Weeding in garden beds is greatly reduced. It is quite easy to pull the few weeds that attempt to grow among the pebbles. As the plants mature and fill up the planting spaces there is less room for weeds to find a place to grow.

To stop the grass from coming up through the pebble mulch paths we have found that a heavy layer of newspaper and then a layer of plastic or weed mat on top works very well. The newspapers and the plastic help to retain moisture, another important reason for mulching. On top of this plastic the pebbles that were recently in the planting holes are spread in a thick layer. Larger flat rocks are used as edging.

Garden design planning

Good garden design starts with thinking before digging.

Garden design takes time. It's too late to plan your garden when you are standing in the nursery eyeing every new plant that  tempts you. Spend some time looking at your garden site, either during the off season, when you can really view it  objectively or during the growing season, when your successes and failures make themselves known.

Once you have an idea of how you are going to use your garden, come back to reality and take an objective look at the site  before you come up with your garden design. This is of utmost importance in determining which plants and trees you use to  achieve the desired effect.

Monitor it during different times of the day and year:

1. How many hours of sun does the site receive?
2. What times of day is it sunny?
3. Does sun exposure change with the seasons? Do trees allow sun in the spring and shade during summer?
4. How is the soil, as far as pH and texture?
5. Are there structures or large trees that will affect plant growth and selection?
6. Are there structures nearby that you would like to camouflage?
7. What plants are already growing there?

You know what you want to use your garden for, what you are working with and what resources you can devote to it. Now, what  do you want it to look like?

Formal or informal? Wild?
Should it complement your house?
Do you want it to flow with the natural landscape?
Do you favor soft pastels or bold tropicals?

All these things might seem overwhelming, but you'll be saving yourself a lot of time and a considerable amount of money if  you take this advice and you'll find that each step gets easier and more fun. Plant selection should be one of the last  things you consider, or you may be overwhelmed trying to create a garden design to accommodate the dozens (or hundreds or  even thousands) of plants you crave.

Know your planting zone

Before you buy that first plant, you have to know what your planting zone is.  Without that knowledge, you can end up  ordering all sorts of wonderful looking plants and shrubs only to find that they are not suitable for your planting zone and  they will die. You will have spent time and money needlessly.  If you're buying by catalog or online, every plant and seed  catalog or online merchant should show a planting zone map and each plant depicted should have an indication of the zones in  which that particular plant (or tree, etc.) will thrive.  You can also contact your local garden clubs or your county's  Agriculture Extension Bureau with your questions regarding the suitability and care of plants for your particular area.  This  knowledge is of critical importance, particularly if you have moved from one zone to another.  Not only will you save money,  but you will avoid countless hours of frustrating work in your garden.

Keep in mind what your garden will be used for and when. This is important in your plant consideration. If you plan to  entertain a lot and don't want to spend all summer on chores, look for lower maintenance plants that don't require constant  deadheading and staking to look good and, if you are planting for small children, choose plants that will bloom at their eye  level, with interesting textures and scents and non-poisonous flowers and seeds.

Make a list of the plants you like and group them by color, texture and form - the garden design triumvirate. Also chart  them by season of bloom and/or interest. Consider both flowers and foliage. There are more and more plants being bred with  colorful foliage that will provide interest in the garden all season.

Be sure to include some large anchor plants that will look good all year. These are usually shrubs and often evergreens. Most small to average gardens can only accommodate 1 or 2 trees or shrubs, but they are important for providing the good bones of the garden and  you want to choose wisely at the beginning. Trees and shrubs can be very difficult and heavy to move around.


Planting bulbs for added beauty

A wonderful way to use bulbs effectively is to naturalize daffodils in a wooded area or group them for colorful accent  around evergreen shrubs.  High quality Dutch flower bulbs can be ordered online from reputable catalogers and merchants who will advise you as to what's appropriate for your zone.

Plan ahead when planting bulbs; i.e., for spring flowering you plant in the Fall. Follow directions accompanying your bulbs  regarding depth (usually six inches) and fertilizer (there are special bulb fertilizers that should be put in the planting  holes). An important reminder - again: Know your planting zone before ordering any bulbs. They all look so beautiful in the  catalogs,but what grows well in the midwest, in most instances, will not grow in South Florida! Special tools for planting  bulbs are also available online.  They make digging holdes so much easier than using a simple trowel. Check them out.

Happy planting!

Ethan Allen Furniture

Ethan Allen Furniture is one of the finest brands of furniture available in the entire continent of North America. Ethan Allen furniture is produced by one of the giant furniture company, Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. Te foundation of the company was laid down by Nathan S. Ancell and Theodore Baumritter in the year 1932. But the company took the present name Ethan Allen in the year 1939. Since then the company did not look back. The furniture of the Ethan Allen is very popular in USA and Canada. At present there are 310 Ethan Allen Furniture outlets.

Like any other furniture company, Ethan Allen has variety of furniture to meet the needs of the customer. Variety is not a dearth for Ethan Allen. Here you will find furniture of latest design and style. In the furniture section of living room, you will get 77 types of furniture. Similarly, its dinning room section is rich; it has 99 types of furniture. Bedroom furniture of Ethan Allen is really unparallel. If you wish to furnish your home with Ethan Allen furniture, you can visit local Ethan Allen Furniture store. North Carolina Furniture, Ethan Allen is the largest outlet of Ethan Allen. Other important furniture section of Ethan Allen includes kitchen furniture, children furniture, and general furniture. You can think of Ethan Allen Furniture for your office. It will definitely enhance the beauty of your office. Ethan Allen Tango furniture now reins the market of furniture. If you wish to buy Ethan Allen, first go through the Ethan Allen Catalogue; it will give a fair idea about the price and features of your required furniture. Online Ethan Allen Furniture is the easiest way to get required furniture from the company. If you are unable to buy brand new Ethan Allen Furniture, you can look for used Ethan Allen Home furniture and office furniture.

Chinquapin History

There are two types of chinquapin trees, also called ‘chikapin trees,’ that are available commercially in the United States, the Allegheny chinquapin and the Georgiana chinquapin. The Allegheny chinquapin, ‘Castanea pumila’, is considered a shrub by some; however, some researchers claim that its dwarf size does not justify its reclassification. Many old-timers remember sweet memories from their youth when baskets were filled with the spicy, sweet, nutty flavored chinquapins. These nuts were eaten fresh, roasted or baked into snack confections for any occasion. The nuts from chinquapin trees grow with only one nut to a burr, whereas chestnuts, a close botanical relative, produce two or more nuts per burr. The Allegheny chinquapin, ‘Castanea pumila,’ is widely distributed throughout the Southeastern U.S. and is cold hardy up to Zone 6 and all the way down to Zone 9. The Allegheny chinquapin prefers to grow on a neutral, uphill soil, especially at higher elevations. These nuts are often gathered by local inhabitants and are available at many locations at nearby markets and roadside stands.

The Georgiana chinquapin, ‘Castanea alnifolia,’ is best described as the creeping chinquapin and it readily spreads in shady thickets by means of giant underground stems that produce many shallow roots. These plants are found in huge colonies throughout South Georgia and produce numerous nuts in late summer and early fall with a distinct sweetness and characteristic spicy flavor that remains indelibly bonded within the memory. The plant is easily grown and transplanted, but is more vigorous in a shady location. The burr is about one inch in diameter, producing a brown waxy nut in the center. The Georgian chinquapin ‘Castanea alnifolia’ is cold hardy in zones 8-10, growing about 4 feet in height, slow growing but excelling in poor sandy soils that are well drained.

Luther Burbank reported in his book Trees, Volume 8, that chinquapin trees appeared to be almost immune to the chestnut tree blight of the American chestnut trees that, within a 50 year period of history—beginning in 1912, practically had eliminated the American native chestnut tree. Burbank hybridized thousands of chestnut trees in an effort to renew the American chestnut forests to their former splendor. He noted that any hybrid that had successfully survived the chestnut tree blight to become a viable commercial orchard selection would undoubtedly contain the immune qualities within the chinquapin that had been implanted into the American chinquapin tree genetic makeup.