So I just bought a small cactus with a flower on it, but the flower looks a bit weird. Is the flower supposed to be attached to it with this clear substance? It looks like the flower was just hot glued on. I just wanted to know if this was unusual or not. By the way, it's called cactus strawflower and it sais that its pilosocereus species if that helps. Thanks
Weird cactus flower?
It's glued on, not natural at all. A lot of suppliers put the flowers on to make the cactus more attractive to buy. Any that ever say strawflower mean that it is a glued on flower.
Besides the glue, the best way to tell is to look at the very bottom of the flower. If it is a natural flower you'll see where the bud grew out of the body of the plant.
Reply:its natural.c++
Friday, November 6, 2009
Anyone order flower online??
I am planning know to order a flower online for my girlfriend, and I chose ftd.com. One thing I am concerned is that they mentioned that they would send the flower using UPS or Fedex... Will they ship the flower in a box or something?? Because it would be really weird if my girlfriend receives the flower in a box, it wouldn't be romantic.. anyone know about this?
Anyone order flower online??
If you order flowers on-line, you are dealing with two completely different businesses. Neither is a florist.
(1) One type of business is an order-transfer agent. We (real florists) call them "Order Gatherers." They take your order and then electronically transmit the order to a real mom%26amp;pop florist for fullfillment and delivery. This is called "Wire Service" and FTD.com does wire service, so do1-800-flowers.com and other numerous numbers of flower-sounding dot-coms. So-called "same-day delivery" uses this mechanism.
(2) Another type of business is called Direct Shipper. They ship unarranged flowers in a box using UPS or Fedex. ProFlowers.com is the best-known example. FTD.com does this Direct Shipping, too. If their website says "This item will be shipped by UPS/Fedex", they are not kidding. The picture is quite misleading because it shows a professionally arranged bouquet; but in reality, your recipeint will get flowers in a box. 1-800-flowers, too, offers Direct Shipping products. Flowers in a box are always cheaper than arranged flowers, however.
Your best option, in our opinion, is to call a local florist direct. This way, you would be sending, not a bunch of flowers in a box, but arranged flowers. In addition, you would save so-called "(Wire) Service Charge" which is around $13 for FTD.
For more info, you can take a look at our article for flower consumers below.
Reply:What about getting her a live plant rather than flowers that will only last a few days...
http://www.parkseed.com/webapp/wcs/store...
http://www.waysidegardens.com/webapp/wcs...
http://www.glasshouseworks.com/
I've ordered plants from these places and been quite pleased with the quality and cost.
Sweet idea.
Reply:1-800-flowers
1800flowers.com
just ordered a "get well" bouquet that arrived just as the picture indicated. view their website before ordering. u will not be disappointed.
Reply:FTD.com does not ship flowers from a central location. They coordinate with a florist contracted with them and will ship from the nearest location to your destination. The flowers are boxed in some way to protect the vase and arrangement. The flowers are not boxed separately unless it's stated in the arrangement description. (Like long stem roses boxed specially in a gift box with ribbon). They know very well that presentation is part of the joy, so don't worry.
Reply:1 800 flowersyahoo finance
Anyone order flower online??
If you order flowers on-line, you are dealing with two completely different businesses. Neither is a florist.
(1) One type of business is an order-transfer agent. We (real florists) call them "Order Gatherers." They take your order and then electronically transmit the order to a real mom%26amp;pop florist for fullfillment and delivery. This is called "Wire Service" and FTD.com does wire service, so do1-800-flowers.com and other numerous numbers of flower-sounding dot-coms. So-called "same-day delivery" uses this mechanism.
(2) Another type of business is called Direct Shipper. They ship unarranged flowers in a box using UPS or Fedex. ProFlowers.com is the best-known example. FTD.com does this Direct Shipping, too. If their website says "This item will be shipped by UPS/Fedex", they are not kidding. The picture is quite misleading because it shows a professionally arranged bouquet; but in reality, your recipeint will get flowers in a box. 1-800-flowers, too, offers Direct Shipping products. Flowers in a box are always cheaper than arranged flowers, however.
Your best option, in our opinion, is to call a local florist direct. This way, you would be sending, not a bunch of flowers in a box, but arranged flowers. In addition, you would save so-called "(Wire) Service Charge" which is around $13 for FTD.
For more info, you can take a look at our article for flower consumers below.
Reply:What about getting her a live plant rather than flowers that will only last a few days...
http://www.parkseed.com/webapp/wcs/store...
http://www.waysidegardens.com/webapp/wcs...
http://www.glasshouseworks.com/
I've ordered plants from these places and been quite pleased with the quality and cost.
Sweet idea.
Reply:1-800-flowers
1800flowers.com
just ordered a "get well" bouquet that arrived just as the picture indicated. view their website before ordering. u will not be disappointed.
Reply:FTD.com does not ship flowers from a central location. They coordinate with a florist contracted with them and will ship from the nearest location to your destination. The flowers are boxed in some way to protect the vase and arrangement. The flowers are not boxed separately unless it's stated in the arrangement description. (Like long stem roses boxed specially in a gift box with ribbon). They know very well that presentation is part of the joy, so don't worry.
Reply:1 800 flowersyahoo finance
I want to throw down flower seeds so that my entire lawn will be completely blanketed in flowers. Suggestions?
The problem is, it seems like most flower seeds have to be planted at least 1/2 an inch or more in the soil. Forget that! I just want to have buckets full of seeds that I can just THROW all over my yard, so that soon after, my neighbors will see my yard vomiting a tremendous carpet of flowers. I mean I want every bald inch of my front yard covered in flowers (mixed or not, whatever).
So, would I do this in early spring, or would I do it in the fall, and --%26gt; what flower seeds could I use? I'll use bags and bags of flower seeds on my yard, as long as I can just throw them down (no digging, tilling, planting, etc). Just tell me what and when. I wish I could do it now (it's almost autumn as of 'now'), that would be great. If I can, let me know.
ZONE 6.
I want to throw down flower seeds so that my entire lawn will be completely blanketed in flowers. Suggestions?
You're not gonna like this, but it's true. You have to kill the grass first. Honest. BUT. on the plus side, this is a good time to do it. Perfect really. Buy concentrated Round Up and mix as directed. Follow the instructions. Buy a sprayer if you have a good size lawn.
Next, just throw pounds of seeds on your ex-lawn. Do it in Winter. Rake them down in a bit if you can, just to keep the birds from eating it.
That's it.
Reply:Get two mixes, one featuring a lot of members of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) to broadcast in the sunny parts of your lawn and another one with a lot of members of the rose family (Rosaceae) to broadcast in the shady parts. I'd broadcast the mixes in the late fall and expect to see some plants coming up the following spring, especially the roseaceae ones, with the asteraceae flowers following in late spring and through the summer. The trick to getting a "carpet of flowers" from broadcasting is to put out a lot of seed. Only a fraction of the seed will wind up planted in the right condititions to germinate each year. If you get native plants, especially perennials, though you can expect some of the seeds that don't come up next year to come up in subsequent years since native plants have a percentage of their seeds that can stay dormant for several years and still be viable. One thing you can do to increase the chance of flower seed coming up after you broadcast it, is to walk all over the lawn after you've sewn the seed, especially if you get (or make) some aerating soles for your shoes. The foot traffic will make some of the seed come in contact with the soil deep enough to germinate. Another thing you can do after broadcasting is to power rake the yard at a very shallow depth which will also plant some of the seed at the right depth. Disturbing the lawn each fall with power raking or even just regular raking with a stiff tined rake will disturb the soil and plant new groups of seed at the right depth. If you doubt this, just go out in "the wild" and look for places where there are a lot of flowers. Chances are, that area recieved some type of disturbance prior to the seeds' germinating. Some typical disturbances are fire, grazing (accompanied by all the hoof traffic) by wild and/or domestic animals, digging from burrowing animals, etc. I would recommend getting wildflower seed mixes from a source (where the seed's host plants were grown) located as close to your home as possible so that the plants will be adapted to your local climate.
Reply:Clarkia, yarrow, tidytips, batchelor buttons, are one off the top of my head would work in z 6.
Many of the plants who like their seeds trown around are annuals, so you need to consider what the rest of the year will be like.
Is the grass still growing? What kind of grass is it. Some grasses will do well with wildflowers and not smother them out or out compete them. I like sheep fescue and red fescue. Both stay about 6" tall and need little care.
Since you'r ein z6 you probably have a "Wild Ones" chapter somewhere. They are focused on using native plants for landscaping.
After scattering the seed it would be helpful to spread a thin layer of mulch or compost. Like 1/8".
Startig in fall is usually best.
Beware of "weeds" in the socalled wildflower mixes. Some will take over and cause you no wnd of pesty maintainace.
Gallardia. Allysum (a weed often), Echinacea, evening primrose, ...
Reply:sounds good but what about all those weeds that will be mixed in?
Reply:and what will your neighbors have to say when your yard looks like a wild meadow?... they'll say it's inhabited by rats and snakes, that's what.... and they'll complain to the city and they'll make you mow it..... actually, it's a nice idea, but realistically, it's not gonna happen..............sorry..... for a couple of years, the area will look like a weed patch and not your desired carpet of flowers.....
Reply:About the only flower seeds you can throw out are wildflowers. Check out this company and read there tutorial:
http://www.americanmeadows.com/?gclid=CI...visual arts
So, would I do this in early spring, or would I do it in the fall, and --%26gt; what flower seeds could I use? I'll use bags and bags of flower seeds on my yard, as long as I can just throw them down (no digging, tilling, planting, etc). Just tell me what and when. I wish I could do it now (it's almost autumn as of 'now'), that would be great. If I can, let me know.
ZONE 6.
I want to throw down flower seeds so that my entire lawn will be completely blanketed in flowers. Suggestions?
You're not gonna like this, but it's true. You have to kill the grass first. Honest. BUT. on the plus side, this is a good time to do it. Perfect really. Buy concentrated Round Up and mix as directed. Follow the instructions. Buy a sprayer if you have a good size lawn.
Next, just throw pounds of seeds on your ex-lawn. Do it in Winter. Rake them down in a bit if you can, just to keep the birds from eating it.
That's it.
Reply:Get two mixes, one featuring a lot of members of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) to broadcast in the sunny parts of your lawn and another one with a lot of members of the rose family (Rosaceae) to broadcast in the shady parts. I'd broadcast the mixes in the late fall and expect to see some plants coming up the following spring, especially the roseaceae ones, with the asteraceae flowers following in late spring and through the summer. The trick to getting a "carpet of flowers" from broadcasting is to put out a lot of seed. Only a fraction of the seed will wind up planted in the right condititions to germinate each year. If you get native plants, especially perennials, though you can expect some of the seeds that don't come up next year to come up in subsequent years since native plants have a percentage of their seeds that can stay dormant for several years and still be viable. One thing you can do to increase the chance of flower seed coming up after you broadcast it, is to walk all over the lawn after you've sewn the seed, especially if you get (or make) some aerating soles for your shoes. The foot traffic will make some of the seed come in contact with the soil deep enough to germinate. Another thing you can do after broadcasting is to power rake the yard at a very shallow depth which will also plant some of the seed at the right depth. Disturbing the lawn each fall with power raking or even just regular raking with a stiff tined rake will disturb the soil and plant new groups of seed at the right depth. If you doubt this, just go out in "the wild" and look for places where there are a lot of flowers. Chances are, that area recieved some type of disturbance prior to the seeds' germinating. Some typical disturbances are fire, grazing (accompanied by all the hoof traffic) by wild and/or domestic animals, digging from burrowing animals, etc. I would recommend getting wildflower seed mixes from a source (where the seed's host plants were grown) located as close to your home as possible so that the plants will be adapted to your local climate.
Reply:Clarkia, yarrow, tidytips, batchelor buttons, are one off the top of my head would work in z 6.
Many of the plants who like their seeds trown around are annuals, so you need to consider what the rest of the year will be like.
Is the grass still growing? What kind of grass is it. Some grasses will do well with wildflowers and not smother them out or out compete them. I like sheep fescue and red fescue. Both stay about 6" tall and need little care.
Since you'r ein z6 you probably have a "Wild Ones" chapter somewhere. They are focused on using native plants for landscaping.
After scattering the seed it would be helpful to spread a thin layer of mulch or compost. Like 1/8".
Startig in fall is usually best.
Beware of "weeds" in the socalled wildflower mixes. Some will take over and cause you no wnd of pesty maintainace.
Gallardia. Allysum (a weed often), Echinacea, evening primrose, ...
Reply:sounds good but what about all those weeds that will be mixed in?
Reply:and what will your neighbors have to say when your yard looks like a wild meadow?... they'll say it's inhabited by rats and snakes, that's what.... and they'll complain to the city and they'll make you mow it..... actually, it's a nice idea, but realistically, it's not gonna happen..............sorry..... for a couple of years, the area will look like a weed patch and not your desired carpet of flowers.....
Reply:About the only flower seeds you can throw out are wildflowers. Check out this company and read there tutorial:
http://www.americanmeadows.com/?gclid=CI...visual arts
I already have a flower bed in my yard and want to plant flowers. What do I do?
The flower bed is just filled up with dirt, weeds, and pebbles. First I need to clean it out I guess but do I use the dirt that's already in there or do put soil down? If you want to know, I live in Southern Arizona where it's always dry and hot and I want to plant perennial flowers. I'm new to gardening and want to know how prepare the flower bed, what type of soil I need (if necessary) and any tips on types of flowers to plant. Thanks alot!
I already have a flower bed in my yard and want to plant flowers. What do I do?
Yes clean the bed and decide on the look you are going for. You can actually get quite a lush look from native plants in your area. You are also Lucky enough to live where you can have great plants such as phormium and succulents galore.
Secondly if you want to use some things that would require more water, add an irrigation system and, a good soil mix (soil, compost, and organics). You can also just add this is pockets as well. Add textures with ornaments as well as different types of stone.
Grasses can provide movement and softness.
Evergreen can provide statue like presence as well as privacy, and formality.
Succulents can provide architectural elements.
xeric perennials can add color for years to come.
annual materials can add splashes of color that that transform the mood of the garden with each season.
Herbs, most require less water and fertilization, they also add refreshing scents and flavors to your space and cooking.
This site has a great plant list
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/xer...
hope this helps
Reply:Being a beginner in anything starts with learning .......below are some links to help guide you........the other way to find information in your area is check the gardens in your neighborhood and go to your local nursery or garden center....they will keep the types of flowers best suited for your area . Don't be afraid to ask questions.......people just love when they have the answer.
Good Luck !
Arizona Wild Flowers
Wildflower Pictures And Photos
http://www.delange.org/ArizWFlowers/Wf.h...
Arid-Southwestern Gardening Information
http://ag.arizona.edu/gardening/news/art...
Fall flower power
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.22.2006
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/15...
You may be hesitant to replace summer bloomers such as periwinkle, zinnia, verbena and portulaca that are still flowering. But if you wait too late into October to replace them, there won't be enough time to get cool-season flowers up and growing vigorously before cold weather arrives in December.
**************************************...
Maricopa County Extension Service
Gardening in Arizona
Dedicated to the unique aspect of gardening in Arizona.
http://www.donitaworld.com/States/Arizon...
Arizona Daily Star
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/9367
Reply:Have a look around your neighbourhood to see what others have done and grown and don't be afraid to ask questions for the name of plants that appeal to you.
Reply:you can also try hgtv.com. They have everything you need to plant a garden in your area. From preparing soil, what plants, %26amp; care tips.makeup tips
I already have a flower bed in my yard and want to plant flowers. What do I do?
Yes clean the bed and decide on the look you are going for. You can actually get quite a lush look from native plants in your area. You are also Lucky enough to live where you can have great plants such as phormium and succulents galore.
Secondly if you want to use some things that would require more water, add an irrigation system and, a good soil mix (soil, compost, and organics). You can also just add this is pockets as well. Add textures with ornaments as well as different types of stone.
Grasses can provide movement and softness.
Evergreen can provide statue like presence as well as privacy, and formality.
Succulents can provide architectural elements.
xeric perennials can add color for years to come.
annual materials can add splashes of color that that transform the mood of the garden with each season.
Herbs, most require less water and fertilization, they also add refreshing scents and flavors to your space and cooking.
This site has a great plant list
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/xer...
hope this helps
Reply:Being a beginner in anything starts with learning .......below are some links to help guide you........the other way to find information in your area is check the gardens in your neighborhood and go to your local nursery or garden center....they will keep the types of flowers best suited for your area . Don't be afraid to ask questions.......people just love when they have the answer.
Good Luck !
Arizona Wild Flowers
Wildflower Pictures And Photos
http://www.delange.org/ArizWFlowers/Wf.h...
Arid-Southwestern Gardening Information
http://ag.arizona.edu/gardening/news/art...
Fall flower power
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.22.2006
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/15...
You may be hesitant to replace summer bloomers such as periwinkle, zinnia, verbena and portulaca that are still flowering. But if you wait too late into October to replace them, there won't be enough time to get cool-season flowers up and growing vigorously before cold weather arrives in December.
**************************************...
Maricopa County Extension Service
Gardening in Arizona
Dedicated to the unique aspect of gardening in Arizona.
http://www.donitaworld.com/States/Arizon...
Arizona Daily Star
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/9367
Reply:Have a look around your neighbourhood to see what others have done and grown and don't be afraid to ask questions for the name of plants that appeal to you.
Reply:you can also try hgtv.com. They have everything you need to plant a garden in your area. From preparing soil, what plants, %26amp; care tips.makeup tips
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Effect of flower colour on antioxidative activity?
currently i'm carry out a project on Antioxidative and radical-scavenging activities of plant extracts in different flower's colour varieties. i would like to know is there any relationship between flower colour (white, red, orange, etc) and their antioxidant capacity?
is yes, what type of flower colour will show higher antioxidative activity, and which one show lowest?
by the way, can i have some scientific literatures about the effect of flower coloour on antioxidative activity..
thank you.
Effect of flower colour on antioxidative activity?
idk.....sorrybooks authors
is yes, what type of flower colour will show higher antioxidative activity, and which one show lowest?
by the way, can i have some scientific literatures about the effect of flower coloour on antioxidative activity..
thank you.
Effect of flower colour on antioxidative activity?
idk.....sorrybooks authors
Flower centerpieces?
Does anyone know how to make the paper flower centerpieces seen on the 'Engaged and Underage' episode where the bride worked with her mother at the scrapbook store? I know it involved folding scrapbook papers and cutting rounded shapes, but i cant find any directions anywhere
Flower centerpieces?
While I am not exactly sure what flower arrangement you are speaking of, I have seen some really adorable arrangements made with the QuicKutz brands die cutting system. The flowers cut with their Revolution Machine are PERFECT for centerpeices and gifts. Check out their website for more ideas www.quickutz.com Hope this helps!
Reply:Put oragami flowers into your search and there are many sites will come up for you to check out. Also look to the right side and you should see this:
Oragami Cranes
Chinese Origami
Make Origami Things
Origami for Beginners
Basic Origami
Free Origami Designs
Steps to Make a Paper Rose
Ways to Fold Notes
Expand Your Search
Origami
Origami Folding Instructions
Easy Origami
Origami Flowers
Easy Origami Diagrams
Simple Origami
Money Origami
I think you will find what you are looking for here. note that the word is spelled two different ways.make up
Flower centerpieces?
While I am not exactly sure what flower arrangement you are speaking of, I have seen some really adorable arrangements made with the QuicKutz brands die cutting system. The flowers cut with their Revolution Machine are PERFECT for centerpeices and gifts. Check out their website for more ideas www.quickutz.com Hope this helps!
Reply:Put oragami flowers into your search and there are many sites will come up for you to check out. Also look to the right side and you should see this:
Oragami Cranes
Chinese Origami
Make Origami Things
Origami for Beginners
Basic Origami
Free Origami Designs
Steps to Make a Paper Rose
Ways to Fold Notes
Expand Your Search
Origami
Origami Folding Instructions
Easy Origami
Origami Flowers
Easy Origami Diagrams
Simple Origami
Money Origami
I think you will find what you are looking for here. note that the word is spelled two different ways.make up
I already have a flower bed in my yard and want to plant flowers. What do I do?
The flower bed is just filled up with dirt, weeds, and little pcs of rock. First I need to clean it out I guess but do I use the dirt that's already in there or do put soil down? If you want to know, I live in Charlotte, NC (Zone 7). I want to plant perennial flowers. I'm new to gardening and want to know how prepare the flower bed, what type of soil I need (if necessary) and any tips on types of flowers to plant. Thanks alot!
I already have a flower bed in my yard and want to plant flowers. What do I do?
Start by amending the soil.
Soil by analogy: As we require food to support us so do plants. Our digestive system works to break down dinner to supply the basic units that will become us structurally, and provide energy, so soil acts to feed plants. Soil requires a steady supply of organic mater to support the worms and micro-organisms, which digest the organics into available plant nutrients. Then just as we take vitamins to complement our diet we can give plants trace minerals and other supplements but these are no substitute for the staple of organic matter to feed the plants. Balance and moderation are key.
You can do a visual soil survey by digging a small hole. First look at the hole and take some soil in hand. Check your soil's texture by picking up a handful and squeeze gently: If it feels sticky and stays in a tight mass, your soil is likely too high in clay. If it feels harsh or gritty and won't hold any shape or crumbles it is likely too high in sand. If it feels smooth or floury and won't hold any shape, it's likely too high in silt. If it molds into your hand yet crumbles apart when squeezed, it has the perfect texture. It is loam.
If it formed a sticky ball try to squeeze it upward to form a ribbon. Measure the length of the ribbon. Now wet the soil in your palm til muddy. Rub the soil against your palm with your other fingertips. Is it smooth, gritty or both?
1” gritty ribbon is sandy loam
1” smooth ribbon is silty loam
1” both is loam
1-2” gritty ribbon is sandy clay loam
1-2” smooth ribbon is silty clay loam
1-2” both is clay loam
GT 2” gritty ribbon is sandy clay
GT 2” smooth ribbon is silty clay
GT 2” both is clay
Amounts and Specifications: To make a significant change in your garden soil, an amendment must equal at least one-third of the volume of the soil you are amending.
For clay soils: the goal is to improve soil aggregation, increase porosity and permeability, and improve aeration and drainage. For example, to amend a garden to a depth of 1 foot, you need to add one-third of a foot (4 inches) of material.
*3 to 6 inches of organic material dug in 9 to 18 inches
*Perlite or pumice 5-25% of amendment
*Coarse sand 5-25% of amendment
For sandy soils: the goal is to increase the soil's ability to hold moisture and store nutrients.
*4 to 8 inches of organic material dug in 12 to 24 inches
*Vermiculite 5-25% of amendment
For both soils:
*Fertilizer - the type and amount of fertilizer to use CAN be determined by a soil test. Fertilizer comes in various forms (pellets, powder, liquid) and many nutrient ratios. If you add all the organics suggested above you can suppose a balanced organic like Whitney Farm rose and flower food 4-6-2 will be enough.
Design pointers for making garden pictures
Don't create fruit salad -- Without a focal point, there is nothing upon which your eye can rest. I suggest taking a black-and-white photo of the garden, because this lets you see form instead of color. It will be easier then to discover where you need to include an important feature. Take pictures as if from the house and towards favorite views. No favorites, then with an eye to creating a vista within your garden.
Use a strong evergreen element for year-round interest -- Outside the family room window, try copper or colorful clay pots to represent the "evergreen" element, and the seasonal plantings around them become "moments of glory." Evergreens can include ground covers like Acaena inermis, conifers that never reach 3 feet tall, or a trellis displaying a winter clematis as backdrop. Try an evergreen rhododendron, with hydrangea and seasonal bulbs like tulips, then allium and calla lilies.
Think in threes -- Each plant combination should use these three attributes: vertical, round and spiky. The contrast adds interest to even the smallest garden. Vertical can be the tall Daffodil arising from a bed of Wall Rock Cress with the daffodils orange center matched to the mounding primroses color. The tall waving lines of Feather Reed grass 'Overdam, with Heuchera 'Pewter Vail', and the round solidity of Bergenia.
Play to your strengths -- Choose plants with which you enjoy working. Intermingle plants with scented foliage to ambush you with their presence while simply weeding among them. Choose a play of color that reminds you of a favorite place. Cool blues to greens or flamboyant golds and oranges, vary the shape but stick with a color. Yucca 'Gold Sword' with Coleus 'Pineapple Queen' or Hakone grass with Hosta 'Sun Power'.
Be as organic as possible -- Lots of compost and thoughtful choice and placement are keys to organic gardening. "This is your chance to protect a small part of our planet."
Imagine looking out at the winter garden. Remember, the entire mood changes with the season. As the large vine maple (Acer circinatum) outside the window unfurls its leaves, the room takes on a decidedly spring green feel, while autumn turns the room warm with tones of orange and red.
Questions to ask yourself
Is a particular style of garden desired? Formal, informal, scented, night flowering for evening use, cottage style for growing herbs or vegetables as well as flowers?
What time of day is your garden most used, and by whom?
Will it be used year round or on summer weekends only?
How much time and energy will be available for maintenance?
Is there a particular view or landscape feature you like?
Is it visible from the house while seated?
Is it visible from a possible bench site in the garden?
Do you like what your windows frame?
To choose the right plant for the right place visit your local gardens. Lucky you to live in a state with such a choice of botanical gardens. The North Carolina Botanical Garden is one of the finest in the country and they have lists of plants. The Garden Club of North Carolina %26amp; the botanical garden cosponsor North Carolina Wildflower of the Year program as well as sponsoring many garden talks. It is well over an hours drive from you but would be worth the trip.
http://www.ncbg.unc.edu/
But you have three much closer to visit; Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden http://www.dsbg.org/index.php
UNC-Charlotte Botanical Garden,
and Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary
248 Ridgewood Avenue (off Selwyn Avenue)
Charlotte, NC 28209-1632
704-331-0664
Reply:you know seeds? ok well you put them in the ground.... yay!
Reply:First you have to do is take the weeds out then level the dirt to your liking. You don't need to take out the little rocks, you can even put them on top of the dirt to be part of the garden itself. You don't even need to put a new top soil you can use the existing dirt.
Second, you go about and pick the flowers you like. At zone 7 you have a lot of choices for perennials. Check its instructions if it fits your garden location.
Lastly, as a starter gardener you can check this site and decide for yourself what methods you'll use. (www.squarefootgardening.com). good luck.
Reply:Take care of existing weeds first. Then you can either use the dirt that's there, or go get bags of garden soil (organic if you can) to top dress the soil with. Go to the local nursery for your plants, they can help pick out what you want. When planting, put the tallest growers in the back, shortest in the front. Mulch the beds to keep weeds at a minimum, and water daily until the plants are established and you can cut back. You can jazz it up by mixing in annuals for seasonal colors and variety. If you have a bed close to the house, intersperse cooking herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and whatever else you want for fresh herbs all summer...remove flowers as they appear and at the end of the summer you can dry the rest for fresh dried organic herbs during the winter.
Reply:Clean out the garden of weeds and rocks. Then, dig small holes where you want the flowers and mix regular dirt with some topsoil. Then, put some of the mixture down, put the seed in, and cover it with the rest of the topsoil. If you don't want a seed, just use a pre-done flower. Your local flower shop manager should be able to help you choose which flowers.
Make sure your flower garden is watered regularly stays weed-free!
Reply:You didn't say how large of a bed you had. I would remove as many weeds as possible. Spread several bags of pine bark mulch over the area. Till and mix well with the soil. Wait a week or so and till again to remove any weeds you may have missed. Plant your flowers in the usual way. If you are using potted plants, apply root stimulator at the time of planting (available at your garden center). Carefully and lightly cultivate between plants with a hoe or rake periodically to keep weeds down.make up
I already have a flower bed in my yard and want to plant flowers. What do I do?
Start by amending the soil.
Soil by analogy: As we require food to support us so do plants. Our digestive system works to break down dinner to supply the basic units that will become us structurally, and provide energy, so soil acts to feed plants. Soil requires a steady supply of organic mater to support the worms and micro-organisms, which digest the organics into available plant nutrients. Then just as we take vitamins to complement our diet we can give plants trace minerals and other supplements but these are no substitute for the staple of organic matter to feed the plants. Balance and moderation are key.
You can do a visual soil survey by digging a small hole. First look at the hole and take some soil in hand. Check your soil's texture by picking up a handful and squeeze gently: If it feels sticky and stays in a tight mass, your soil is likely too high in clay. If it feels harsh or gritty and won't hold any shape or crumbles it is likely too high in sand. If it feels smooth or floury and won't hold any shape, it's likely too high in silt. If it molds into your hand yet crumbles apart when squeezed, it has the perfect texture. It is loam.
If it formed a sticky ball try to squeeze it upward to form a ribbon. Measure the length of the ribbon. Now wet the soil in your palm til muddy. Rub the soil against your palm with your other fingertips. Is it smooth, gritty or both?
1” gritty ribbon is sandy loam
1” smooth ribbon is silty loam
1” both is loam
1-2” gritty ribbon is sandy clay loam
1-2” smooth ribbon is silty clay loam
1-2” both is clay loam
GT 2” gritty ribbon is sandy clay
GT 2” smooth ribbon is silty clay
GT 2” both is clay
Amounts and Specifications: To make a significant change in your garden soil, an amendment must equal at least one-third of the volume of the soil you are amending.
For clay soils: the goal is to improve soil aggregation, increase porosity and permeability, and improve aeration and drainage. For example, to amend a garden to a depth of 1 foot, you need to add one-third of a foot (4 inches) of material.
*3 to 6 inches of organic material dug in 9 to 18 inches
*Perlite or pumice 5-25% of amendment
*Coarse sand 5-25% of amendment
For sandy soils: the goal is to increase the soil's ability to hold moisture and store nutrients.
*4 to 8 inches of organic material dug in 12 to 24 inches
*Vermiculite 5-25% of amendment
For both soils:
*Fertilizer - the type and amount of fertilizer to use CAN be determined by a soil test. Fertilizer comes in various forms (pellets, powder, liquid) and many nutrient ratios. If you add all the organics suggested above you can suppose a balanced organic like Whitney Farm rose and flower food 4-6-2 will be enough.
Design pointers for making garden pictures
Don't create fruit salad -- Without a focal point, there is nothing upon which your eye can rest. I suggest taking a black-and-white photo of the garden, because this lets you see form instead of color. It will be easier then to discover where you need to include an important feature. Take pictures as if from the house and towards favorite views. No favorites, then with an eye to creating a vista within your garden.
Use a strong evergreen element for year-round interest -- Outside the family room window, try copper or colorful clay pots to represent the "evergreen" element, and the seasonal plantings around them become "moments of glory." Evergreens can include ground covers like Acaena inermis, conifers that never reach 3 feet tall, or a trellis displaying a winter clematis as backdrop. Try an evergreen rhododendron, with hydrangea and seasonal bulbs like tulips, then allium and calla lilies.
Think in threes -- Each plant combination should use these three attributes: vertical, round and spiky. The contrast adds interest to even the smallest garden. Vertical can be the tall Daffodil arising from a bed of Wall Rock Cress with the daffodils orange center matched to the mounding primroses color. The tall waving lines of Feather Reed grass 'Overdam, with Heuchera 'Pewter Vail', and the round solidity of Bergenia.
Play to your strengths -- Choose plants with which you enjoy working. Intermingle plants with scented foliage to ambush you with their presence while simply weeding among them. Choose a play of color that reminds you of a favorite place. Cool blues to greens or flamboyant golds and oranges, vary the shape but stick with a color. Yucca 'Gold Sword' with Coleus 'Pineapple Queen' or Hakone grass with Hosta 'Sun Power'.
Be as organic as possible -- Lots of compost and thoughtful choice and placement are keys to organic gardening. "This is your chance to protect a small part of our planet."
Imagine looking out at the winter garden. Remember, the entire mood changes with the season. As the large vine maple (Acer circinatum) outside the window unfurls its leaves, the room takes on a decidedly spring green feel, while autumn turns the room warm with tones of orange and red.
Questions to ask yourself
Is a particular style of garden desired? Formal, informal, scented, night flowering for evening use, cottage style for growing herbs or vegetables as well as flowers?
What time of day is your garden most used, and by whom?
Will it be used year round or on summer weekends only?
How much time and energy will be available for maintenance?
Is there a particular view or landscape feature you like?
Is it visible from the house while seated?
Is it visible from a possible bench site in the garden?
Do you like what your windows frame?
To choose the right plant for the right place visit your local gardens. Lucky you to live in a state with such a choice of botanical gardens. The North Carolina Botanical Garden is one of the finest in the country and they have lists of plants. The Garden Club of North Carolina %26amp; the botanical garden cosponsor North Carolina Wildflower of the Year program as well as sponsoring many garden talks. It is well over an hours drive from you but would be worth the trip.
http://www.ncbg.unc.edu/
But you have three much closer to visit; Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden http://www.dsbg.org/index.php
UNC-Charlotte Botanical Garden,
and Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary
248 Ridgewood Avenue (off Selwyn Avenue)
Charlotte, NC 28209-1632
704-331-0664
Reply:you know seeds? ok well you put them in the ground.... yay!
Reply:First you have to do is take the weeds out then level the dirt to your liking. You don't need to take out the little rocks, you can even put them on top of the dirt to be part of the garden itself. You don't even need to put a new top soil you can use the existing dirt.
Second, you go about and pick the flowers you like. At zone 7 you have a lot of choices for perennials. Check its instructions if it fits your garden location.
Lastly, as a starter gardener you can check this site and decide for yourself what methods you'll use. (www.squarefootgardening.com). good luck.
Reply:Take care of existing weeds first. Then you can either use the dirt that's there, or go get bags of garden soil (organic if you can) to top dress the soil with. Go to the local nursery for your plants, they can help pick out what you want. When planting, put the tallest growers in the back, shortest in the front. Mulch the beds to keep weeds at a minimum, and water daily until the plants are established and you can cut back. You can jazz it up by mixing in annuals for seasonal colors and variety. If you have a bed close to the house, intersperse cooking herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and whatever else you want for fresh herbs all summer...remove flowers as they appear and at the end of the summer you can dry the rest for fresh dried organic herbs during the winter.
Reply:Clean out the garden of weeds and rocks. Then, dig small holes where you want the flowers and mix regular dirt with some topsoil. Then, put some of the mixture down, put the seed in, and cover it with the rest of the topsoil. If you don't want a seed, just use a pre-done flower. Your local flower shop manager should be able to help you choose which flowers.
Make sure your flower garden is watered regularly stays weed-free!
Reply:You didn't say how large of a bed you had. I would remove as many weeds as possible. Spread several bags of pine bark mulch over the area. Till and mix well with the soil. Wait a week or so and till again to remove any weeds you may have missed. Plant your flowers in the usual way. If you are using potted plants, apply root stimulator at the time of planting (available at your garden center). Carefully and lightly cultivate between plants with a hoe or rake periodically to keep weeds down.make up
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)