Your Guide to a Successful and Beautiful Garden

Gardening continues to top list after list of most popular pastimes, and it is easy to understand why. Producing a beautiful garden provides a sense of pride and accomplishment that few hobbies can rival, and gardening can be a relaxing, yet challenging pastime.

Whether you already have a certified green thumb, or you are just beginning to explore the rich world of gardening, we hope you will find this information useful and interesting.


An introduction to bulb flowers

Just about every flower gardener will work with bulb plants at one time or another. Bulbs are loved by gardeners for the ease with which they grow, their hardiness and the fact that they can bloom again and again for many consecutive seasons without the need to replant. With all these advantages, it is no wonder that bulb plants are so popular among both new and experienced gardeners.

Choosing the right bulbs, however, is one thing that many beginning gardeners have trouble with. After you develop and eye and feel for finding the best bulbs, however, you will be able to spot them from across the garden center.

When choosing bulbs for your garden, it is important to choose the firmest and largest bulbs. The size of the bulb is important, since large bulbs are more likely to provide many blooms. The firmness of the bulb is a good indication of its health, and bulbs that are soft or mushy are unlikely to bloom. Bulbs are particularly susceptible to water damage. It is important to choose a bulb that is not to soft, but it is also important to look for cracks or scars. Bulbs with cracks or scars may have become too dry to bloom. Likewise, any bulbs that have begun to spout roots should be avoided, as they are unlikely to bloom properly once planted.

How bulbs are planted in the garden is important as well. Most bulbs are best planted in the fall, most commonly in early to mid October. The goal is to get the bulbs into the ground six weeks before the ground begins to freeze, so obviously the best time to plant will vary from location to location.

Bulbs should be planted in a well prepared soil, and the depth they should be planted will be determined by the type of bulb. For example, crocus bulbs are generally planted four inches deep, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs six inches deep and tulip bulbs at a depth of eight inches.

A simple gardening tool called a bulb planter is great for achieving a more uniform look to the blooming garden. Bulb planters can be used to easily prepare perfect looking rows of flowers. Those gardneres who prefer a more wild and freewheeling look, on the other hand, often dig a single hole and plant several bulbs in it. This approach can lead to spectacular, if somewhat unpredictable, patterns once the bulbs begin to bloom.

It is important to use a small amount of fertilizer at the bottom of each hole you dig when planting bulbs. The fertilizer should then be topped with a thin layer of soil, and the bulb carefully placed on top of the soil. It is important not to place the bulb directly on top of the fertilizer, as doing so could damage the bulb. Bulbs are always planted with the pointed end stick up and the flat, rooted side lying on top of the layer of soil. After the bulbs are in place, the rest of the hole should be filled with soil and the garden should be given a thorough watering.

Even though bulbs are among the hardiest of garden plants, there are a few important things to remember. One important technique to become familiar with is deadheading. The term deadheading should already be familiar to those gardeners who work with perennials. Deadheading is simply removing spent blooms in order to encourage more blossoms to develop. This process is important with bulb plants as well. When working with bulbs, however, it is important not to remove the leaves from the plants until the leaves have begun turning brown.

Taking care of the bulbs over the winter is important as well. In warmer climates, many bulbs can remain in the ground over winter. It is important, however, to remove tender bulbs such as dahlias, even in warmer climates. These bulbs should be stored over the winter in a cool, dry location.

Bulbs are wonderful plants for any gardener, from the newest to the most experienced. Their combination of hardiness, color and beauty make them hard to beat for any flower enthusiast.


Popular types of bulb flowers

Bulbs are among the most attractive, and easiest to care for, flowers in the garden. A bulb garden in full bloom can be a wonderful, attractive sight for any gardener.

Another great thing about bulbs is the sheer variety in which they come. There are bulb plants to satisfy virtually any taste, and bulb plants come in a staggering variety of colors, sizes, shapes and textures.

Even within bulb families, there is quite a bit of variety. The humble tulip, for instance, boasts a variety of different shaped blooms, from the traditional bell shaped to a number of more exotic varieties. With all these varieties to choose from, finding just the right bulbs for your garden can be difficult. We are, therefore, providing this guide to popular bulb flowers, including their optimum growing conditions.


Crocus
Bulb Type: Corm
Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade
Water: Regular watering during growth and bloom periods

Dahlia
Bulb Type: Tuberous Root
Sunlight: Full sun; partial shade in hot climates
Water: Regular watering during growth and bloom periods

Galanthus (Snowdrop)
Bulb Type: True Bulb
Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade
Water: Regular watering during growth and bloom periods

Gladiolus
Bulb Type: Corm
Sunlight: Full sun
Water: Regular watering during growth and bloom periods

Hererocallis (Daylily)
Bulb Type: Tuberous Root
Sunlight: Full sun or light shade
Water: Regular watering during growing season

Hyacinthus (Dutch Hyacinth)
Bulb Type: True Bulb
Sunlight: Full sun
Water: Regular watering during growth and bloom periods

Iris
Bulb Type: Rhizome
Sunlight: Full sun or light shade
Water: Regular watering during growing season

Lilium (Asiatic and Oriental Hybrid Lilies)
Bulb Type: True Bulb
Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade
Water: Regular watering is required. The root zone must never be allowed to dry out.

Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)
Bulb Type: True Bulb
Sunlight: Full sun or light shade
Water: Regular watering during growth and bloom periods

Narcissus (Daffodil, Narcissus)
Bulb Type: True Bulb
Sunlight: Full sun
Water: Regular watering during growth and bloom periods

Tulipa (Tulip)
Bulb Type: True Bulb
Sunlight: Full sun
Water: Regular watering during growth and bloom periods

No matter what types of bulb flowers you choose to plant, if you follow the instructions carefully and give them the growing conditions they need to thrive, you will be rewarded with many seasons of beautiful blooms from these spectacular plants.



How to divide bulbs properly

One of the features of bulbs that make them so attractive is the ability for the gardener to divide their bulb plants to produce new growth, share with friends, or just plant in different areas of the landscape.

In addition, many bulb flowers become overgrown, and reducing the growth through dividing bulbs is the best way to get things back under control. It is generally easy to tell when a planting of bulbs needs to be divided. One sure sign is when a previously well blooming planting of bulbs has begun to provide only sparse blooms. Most times the culprit is overcrowding, and the solution is to divide those bulbs. Properly dividing the bulbs will reduce the overcrowding and allow the remaining bulbs to bloom for vibrantly.

The techniques used to divide bulbs depend on the exact type of bulb to be divided. There are actually five different types of bulb flowers - true bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes and tuberous roots. The techniques for dividing each type of bulb vary, so it is important to know which type you are working with. Any good gardening guide will tell you which type of bulb you have, and that information is usually provided when you buy the bulbs as well.

True bulbs
To divide a true bulb, you should begin by carefully separating the original bulb from the smaller bulb growing at its base. When dividing lily bulbs, you should be careful to first remove the outer scales from the basal plate. After the outer scales are removed, the ends of the bulb should be dipped in a rooting hormone, and the bulb should be planted immediately.

Corms
Corms are not true bulbs, and they renew their growth each season through the production of a new corm, and sometimes also small cormels growing on top of the original corm. To divide corms, the gardener should simply separate the healthy new corms, as well as any cormels, from the original corms.

Tubers
As tubers mature, they increase both their size and the number of growing points. However, most tubers do not form distinct increases. Therefore, to divide tubers, a large tuber should be cut into two or more sections, being sure that each section contains at least one growing point.

Rhizomes
The new growth on rhizomes is produced from growth points located at their sides. Rhizomes are divided by breaking the sections apart at the natural divisions between them, being sure that each of the new divisions has at least one growth point on it.

Tuberous roots
A tuberous root will contain several growing points. Some, like daylilies, form separate and distinct plants, which can simply be pulled apart. This type of sectioning is generally done in fall or summer while the plant is still in its growth stage. Other tuberous root plants, such as dahlias, are more difficult to separate. In order to separate more difficult plants like dahlias, you will need to cut the clumps apart so that each root has a growth bud from which to start. With these types of plants, it is best to separate them in early spring, before planting.



Popular bulbs for the home gardener

Gardening with bulbs has many advantages for the gardener. For one thing, most bulb plants are inexpensive, and bulbs are durable out of the ground and hardy in the ground. Shopping for the right bulbs is also easy; simply choosing firm, healthy looking bulbs, and avoiding those that are cracked, dry or soft is a good way to choose the best bulbs for your garden.

There are so many types of bulbs, however, that it can be difficult to find the right ones for your garden. This article presents a brief overview of some of the most popular flower bulbs.
Gladiolus
Gladiolas are among the most popular of all bulb plants, and their distinctive sword shaped leaves and funnel shaped flowers are instantly recognizable to gardeners and non gardeners alike. This striking appearance has made gladiolas a favorite bulb with many gardeners, and they make a fine centerpiece to any garden due to their large size and attractive appearance. The large summer flowering gladiolas can range in height from three feet to a huge six feet, and their variety of colors makes them great for any garden.


Gladiolas are best planted in the spring, but only after the soil has warmed. Gladiolas typically bloom between 65 and 100 days after planting. Many gardeners plant new gladiola bulbs at one or two week intervals over a four to six week period in order to enjoy continuous blooms. Each gladiola bulb should be planted four times as deep as the bulb is wide, for instance a one inch wide bulb would be planted four inches deep. The spacing of gladiolas should be between four to six inches.

Gladiolas do best in full sunlight and they should be watered regularly during their blooming and growth phase. In much of the country, gladiola bulbs can be left in the ground over the winter months, but many gardeners choose to dig them up and store them during the winter. If you decide to take this approach, it is best to dig them after the leaves have turned yellow. The bulbs should be placed in a single layer and stored in a cool, dry and dark place to dry for two or three weeks. After the bulbs have dried sufficiently they should be stored in nylon stockings or onion sacks and kept in a cool and well ventilated place.

Hemerocallis
Hemerocallis is the scientific name for the daylily, and it is one of the most well known types of bulb plants on the market. Gardeners love the hardy and trouble free nature of the daylily, and their arching and sword shaped leaves provide a striking addition to any garden. Daylily hybrids can grow as tall as six feet and bloom in the spring and summer months. The daylily produces flowers ranging in size from three to eight inches, and they are available in a wide variety of colors. The daylily gets its name from the fact that each of its flowers lasts only a single day, but its buds open on successive days, and this enhances the beauty of the plant.

The daylily is actually a tuberous root variety of bulb, and they are best planted during fall or early spring. Daylilies should be planted between ½ inch and 1 inch deep and space between 2 to 2½ inches apart in the garden. As with other varieties of bulbs, it is important to water daylilies on a regular basis during their growing season.


A guide to popular bulbs

Flowering bulbs are among the most popular of all ornamental plants, and they have enjoyed striking popularity for many years. Bulbs are renowned for their hardiness, color and variety, and there are enough types of bulbs to please even the most discriminating gardener.

With so many bulbs to choose from, it can be difficult to choose the right ones, so we present here a quick rundown of some of the most popular varieties of bulbs for the garden.

Crocus
Crocus bulbs typically bloom in early spring or in late winter, and they feature tubular shaped flowers ranging in size from 1½" to 3" long. Crocuses come in a rainbow of colors, and they are a staple of many gardens. Other types of crocus, such as the saffron crocus, bloom instead in the fall, and the flowers can rise from the bare ground weeks, or even only days, after the bulbs are planted. It is important for crocus bulbs to be planted as soon as they become available in the fall. The best way to plant crocus bulbs is two to three inches deep, with a spacing of three or four inches between bulbs. Crocus bulbs should be planted in good quality soil with good drainage, and they should be provided with full sun or partial shade and watered regularly during their growing and blooming seasons.

Dahlia
Dahlias bloom from summer through fall, and they also come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. The size of dahlia flowers can range from two to twelve inches, and the height of the plants themselves can vary from just under a foot to more than seven feet for certain stake varieties. It is best to plant dahlias after the last frost of the spring, and the roots should be set between four and six inches deep. Tall dahlia varieties should be spaced four or five feet apart, while shorter ones can be spaced from one to one and a half feet apart.

Dahlias should have access to full sun, but in areas where the summers are very hot they may benefit from partial shade as well. It is important to observe a regular watering schedule during the bloom and growth cycles of the dahlia.

Dahlia bulbs can be left in the ground if the winter temperatures do not go below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but most gardeners prefer instead to dig the dahlia bulbs up at the end of each growing season. To do this, you should wait until the foliage has yellowed, then cut the stalks back to approximately four inches. The clumps of the roots should be permitted to dry in the sun a few hours, then placed in boxes in a single layer and covered up with either sawdust or dry sand. The bulbs should be stored in a cool dry place over the winter and replanted the following spring.

Galanthus Nivalis
The galanthus is more commonly known as the snowdrop, and it is one of the first plants to bloom at the end of the winter. These plants are typically six to eight inches in height, and they feature one bell shaped flower on each side of the stalk. Snowdrops are best suited for colder climates, and the bulbs are best planted in the autumn of the year. The bulbs should be planted from three to four inches deep and about three inches apart. Snowdrops typically do best in full sun or partial shade, and they like regular watering during their blooming and growing cycles.


Understanding bulb flowers

Bulbs are among the most interesting, most beautiful and easiest to grow of all flower varieties. Tulip bulbs were once so prized in Holland that it led to one of the best known financial bubbles in history, and even today, tulips are a leading export from that part of the world.

Even though bulbs are not quite so highly prized today as they were in 17th century Holland, they are still loved for their scents, their colors and their shapes, and gardeners love the fact that most bulbs are hardy and easy to grow.

Many of the most popular varieties of flowers are actually grown from bulbs, including tulips, crocuses, daffodils, irises, lilies, daylilies, dahlias and snowdrops.

One thing all bulb based plants have in common is that they grow from structures located under the ground. These underground structures provide the nutrients and energy the plants need to grow.

Even though bulb based plants are collectively known as "bulbs', there are actually five distinct types of bulb plants - the true bulb, the corm, the tuber, the rhizome and the tuberous root. This article will provide examples of each type.


The True Bulb
The true bulb is in reality an underground stem base containing an embryonic plant. The embryonic plant contained within the steam base already contains the leaves, stems and flower buds, all ready to burst forth once optimal growing conditions are provided. This setup allows the plant to lie dormant during adverse conditions, and thus to survive droughts and other environmental challenges.
The embryonic plant contained within the stem base is surrounded by scales (modified leaves that overlap in a manner reminiscent of reptile or fish scales). At the bottom of the bulb is a basal plate; this basal plate holds the scales together and produces the roots of the plant.
Examples of true bulbs are such popular flower varieties as daffodils, tulips and lilies. True bulb varieties of plants are susceptible to dryness and must be handled carefully. When properly cared for, however, individual bulbs can live for many years without being planted.
The Corm
A corm, like a true bulb, also contains a stem base, but the tissue of the base is solid, and it lacks the scales seen in true bulbs. The roots grow from a basal plate which is located at the bottom of the corm, and the growth point is located at the top of the corm.

Popular types of corms include gladiolas and crocus. Each corm lasts for a single season, and as the corm shrinks away after blooming, a new corm forms on top of it. In addition, small increases, called cormels, are produced around the base of the corm's basal plate.

The Tuber
Like corm and true bulbs, a tuber is actually an underground stem base. Unlike corms and a true bulbs, however, the tuber does not contain a basal plate. Instead, the roots of the tuber grow from both the base and from the sides. A tuber will have multiple growth points spread out over its top surface.

The Rhizome
The rhizome is actually a thickened stem that grows either partly or completely underneath the ground. The largest growth point on a rhizome is located at one end, and additional growth points are located along the sides. The most well known rhizome is the bearded iris.


Tuberous Roots
Unlike other types of bulbs, which are actually specially adapted stems, the tuberous root is not a true root. Instead, fibrous roots designed to absorb nutrients and water grow from the sides and the tip of the tuberous root. Most tuberous roots grow in a cluster, and swollen tuberous parts radiate out from a centralized point. The growth points of a tuberous root are found on the bases of the old stems and not on the roots themselves. Dahlias and daylilies are the best known examples of tuberous roots.



The most well known bulbs - daffodils and tulips

Bulbs are among the most popular of all flowering plants for the garden. Bulbs have long been renowned for their beauty, their hardiness and their variety. This article provides a small sampling of the many types of bulb plants available to the average gardener.


Muscari Armeniacum
The muscari, or grape hyacinth, is one of the most popular of all bulb varieties, and it has been for many years. The grape hyacinth features narrow, grassy leaves that appear in the fall and can survive through the cold and snow of winter. The leaves of the grape hyacinth are small, urn shaped and blue in color, and they grow on attractive eight inch tall spikes. The flowers on the grape hyacinth bloom in the spring of the year, and these bulbs should be planted in the fall in order to bloom the spring. The bulbs of the grape hyacinth should be planted two inches deep and three inches apart for best results. The grape hyacinth prefers full sun or light shade, and it benefits from regular watering during its growth and bloom cycles.

Daffodil
The daffodil may be the most easily recognizable of all bulb plants, and it rewards its gardener with a generous display of beautiful blooms. Besides the traditional white and yellow varieties, daffodils also come in shades of orange, apricot, pink and cream. Daffodil bulbs should be planted twice as deep as they are tall, and they should be spaced between six and eight inches apart. Daffodils benefit from full sun and regular watering during their growth and bloom periods.


Tulip
Tulips may just be the most well known and easily recognized of all bulb plants. Indeed, in the minds of many tulips are synonymous with bulb plants. The tulip has long been prized for its beauty, and tulips continue to be one of the most popular types of flowers among casual gardeners and professional growers alike.

In addition, tulips are among the most hybridized of all flowers, with hybrids available in a staggering array of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Some of the most popular tulip hybrids include pastels, spotted tulips, bicolor tulips and tricolor tulips. There are also hybrids in the brightest hues, and even a variety that is almost black in color. The tulip comes in a variety of shapes as well. In addition to the classic egg shaped bloom, there are varieties with blossoms resembling the shapes of peonies and lilies.

The blooming season for most varieties of tulips runs from mid to late spring. Most tulips need a period of extended cold in order to look and bloom their best. Feeding with a high quality, nitrogen rich fertilizer will encourage multiple blooming. The fertilizer should be applied before the first bloom for best results.

In mild climates, it is best to refrigerate tulip bulbs for six weeks before they are planted. While it is possible for tulip bulbs to remain in the ground, most gardeners treat them as annuals and replant them each year. Doing so is often the best way to get the best blooms year after year.

Tulips like full sun, and they benefit from a regular watering schedule during their growing and blooming periods. It is best to plant tulip bulbs in the fall, and tulip bulbs should be planted three times as deep as the bulb is wide. Therefore, a 2" wide bulb would be planted 6" deep. It is important to leave sufficient space between the planted bulbs as well, from four to eight inches depending on the size of the bulb.


Gardening with bulbs

Bulbs are among the most popular of all flowering plants, due to their hardiness, low price and beauty. It is hard to beat the color variety of a garden bed full of bulbs, and planting bulbs that bloom in different seasons can guarantee a season full of beautiful flowers.

This article focuses on a few of the most popular varieties of bulbs. Some of the most popular bulb varieties available to the home gardener include:

Hyacinths (Dutch Hyacinth)
The Dutch hyacinth is one of the most instantly recognizable, and most popular, of all the varieties of bulb plants. The Dutch hyacinth blooms in the spring and features the well known foot high spires with their small bell shaped and very fragrant flowers. Hyacinths come in a wide varieties of colors, including red, pink, buff, white, blue and purple. The Dutch hyacinth grows best in colder areas, and it can last from year to year. In these cold water climates, the hyacinth is best planted in September of October.

IN areas where the weather is milder, hyacinth bulbs will not last from one year to the next. In these more temperate areas, hyacinths are best treated as an annual and replanted each year, preferably in October, November or December. It is best to plant hyacinth bulbs four to five inches deep, and to space them from four to five inches apart as well. Hyacinths grow best in full sunlight, and they benefit from regular watering, especially during their blooming and growth periods.

Iris
The most frequently seen variety of irises are the bearded varieties. Bearded irises are striking plants, and they appear in a dazzling array of colors and combinations of colors. Irises appear in a variety of sizes as well, with very small varieties and very large ones as well.

Irises should be planted in July or August in cold climates and in September or October in warmer areas. Irises are actually rhizomes, and they should be spaced from one to two feet apart, with the tops placed right below the surface of the soil. Irises grow best in full sunlight or light shade, and they benefit from a regular watering schedule during their growing season.

Lilium
The lillium is the scientific name given to the Asiatic and oriental hybrid lily, and they are very popular bulb plants. These Asiatic lilies bloom early in the summer, and they range in height from a mere six inches to a towering 4½ feet. These lilies feature blossoms ranging in size from four to six inches and in colors like white, yellow, orange, pink and red.

Oriental lilies bloom later in the year, usually in midsummer or early autumn. Oriental lilies have stems from two to ix feet in height, and they feature large and fragrant flowers up to nine inches in length. These beautiful flowers feature pink and white petals with stripes and speckles, and they provide a striking addition to any garden.

Lilly bulbs should be planted as quickly as possible after they are bought, since these particular bulbs do not keep well. If it is necessary to delay planting, the bulbs should be stored in a cool place. It is important to examine the bulbs carefully before they are planted, and any shriveled bulbs should be placed in peat moss or moist sand until they have recovered.

Asiatic and oriental lily bulbs are best planted spaced about a foot apart. Smaller bulbs should be covered with a layer of soil two to three inches thick, which medium sized bulbs need a layer of three to four inches and large bulbs should be covered with four to six inches of soil.

The most commonly seen problem encountered when growing bulbs is a viral infection, and unfortunately that infection is incurable. The best way to avoid infection is to buy only the healthiest bulbs from the best sources. Any lilies showing mottled or very stunted leaves should be destroyed.

Lilies tend to do best in full sun or partial shade, and like other bulbs they benefit from regular watering during their growth and blooming phases.


Buying and planting bulbs the right way

There are many varieties of flowering plants, but few offer all the advantages of bulb plants. For starters, bulbs are generally inexpensive to buy, and they can be purchased through the mail or over the internet, since they are durable and easy to ship.

Bulbs are also beautiful, and some of the most beloved flowers in the garden, such as hyacinths, daffodils and of course tulips, are bulb plants. In addition, many bulbs can remain in the ground through the winter and bloom the next year.


Even though bulbs are among the hardiest of all plants, it is important to exercise caution when planting them, and to buy only the best and most healthy bulbs. By choosing the healthiest bulbs, it will be easy to create a beautiful and healthy garden year after year.

When shopping for bulbs, it is important to look for the firmest, plumpest bulbs you can find. A good, high quality bulb will seem surprisingly heavy for its size. It is important to avoid bulbs that are too soft, since softness is often a sign of bulb rot. In addition, bulbs that are very light in weight, or that appear shriveled or cracked, should be rejected. These bulbs may have lost too much of their moisture to bloom in the garden.

The best blooms are generally provided by the largest bulbs. For instance, the largest daffodil bulbs will generally provide the biggest daffodils, and the biggest tulip bulbs will produce the largest tulips. Since bulbs bloom again and again, however, a most cost effective approach for the patient gardener is to buy small bulbs and allow them to grow over time. Each bloom will be larger than the last, and letting your own small bulbs grow can be a real treat for the gardener.

After you have bought the best bulbs you can find, it is important to exercise care when planting them. In order to thrive and grow, bulbs should be provided with a good well drained flower bed. If you have a poor draining soil, you may want to plant them on a slope or used a raised bed for better drainage.

Many people like to prepare an entire bed only for bulbs, while others prefer to intersperse their bulbs with other kinds of plants. Either approach can be great, but it is important to do the planting properly. To plant an entire bed of bulbs, you should first remove weeds and other vegetation from the bed. You should then spread between one and three inches of organic matter over the soil, then put down a small amount of a high quality fertilizer. When using fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the package. After you have tilled and raked the soil, it is time to plant the bulbs.

Most bulbs should be planted three times as deep as the bulb is wide, so the average two inch wide bulb should be planted to a depth of about six inches. In sandy soils or hot climates, the bulbs should be planted a little bit deeper, while in heavy soil they should be planted a bit shallower. While it is fine to space bulbs close together, the more closely spaced the bulbs the more need there will be to divide them in a few years.

Using a bulb planter is a great idea when planting bulbs. If you do not have a bulb planter handy, you can use a garden trowel to dig the holes. Each hole should be dug a few inches deeper than needed, and a tablespoon of fertilizer should be placed in the base of each hole. The fertilizer should then be covered with a thin layer of soil, on top of which the bulb should be placed. The rest of the hole should then be filled with soil.

After planting the bulbs, you should be sure to water the bed thoroughly in order to get them off to a good start. Proper moisture at the start will allow them to establish a healthy root system.


Caring for your bulbs properly

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.



Liles for the garden

Liles are one of the most striking and beautiful plants in the garden, and most gardeners will work with these beautiful plants at least once or twice in their lives. Lilies can add beauty and drama to any garden, and they are very popular flowers for indoor display as well. Lilies are popular in many contexts, from giving a beautiful contrast to a winter rock garden, to providing a beautiful accent to surrounding shrubs and trees.

No matter how the lily is displayed, and whether it is enjoyed indoors or out, there are some important things to know about these wonderful plants. This article focuses on some of the most frequently asked questions about choosing, planting, caring for and enjoying lilies.

When should I plant my lilies?
The best time to plant lilies is in either the spring or fall of the year. Regardless of the time of year, however, it is important to get the bulbs in the ground as soon as possible after purchasing them. Unlike many other types of bulbs, lily bulbs do not store well.

What is the difference between a daylily and a garden lily?
The plant known to gardeners as the garden lily is grown from a bulb, but the plant known as the daylily actually grows from a corm. In addition, the daylily contains many leaves that grow from the corm, but the garden lily contains only one shoot that contains leaves. That shoot grows directly from the bulb.

How deep should lily bulbs be planted?
The general rule of thumb for many types of bulbs, including lily bulbs, is to plant them three times as deep as the bulbs are wide. For instance, a two inch wide lily bulb would be planted to a depth of six inches In addition, lilies should be planted in groups for the best effect when they bloom. It is a good idea to dig a hole to the proper depth, then plant several bulbs together in that hole.


How do I propagate lilies?
Garden lilies are best propagated through breaking off a few of their scales in the spring or fall and planting them approximately one inch deep. Daylilies can be propagated by dividing the corms and planting them. In addition, some lilies will produce bulbils, which may appear to be black or dark green seeds. These bulbils are found at the point at which the lily leaf meets the stem. Even though these bulbils are not really seeds, they can be planted, and they will emerge within two or three years of planting.

Should I cut back my lily after it has finished blooming?
After the lily has bloomed, it is best to remove only the stem itself. That is because garden lilies will continue to feed off their foliage, and lilies that are left to die off naturally tend to grow better the next year. On the other hand, daylilies usually bloom for longer periods of time. The blooming season of daylilies can be extended if the gardener deadheads the blooms and cuts back the stems. After the blooming season is over, the foliage on the daylily should be allowed to die back naturally.

Can Easter lilies be planted outside?
Many people are interested in planting their Easter lilies outside, and it is fine to attempt that. The main problem with Easter lilies is that they do not bloom naturally at Easter time. Easter lilies are actually forced to bloom at that time of year by the florist. This forced blooming can make it harder for the lily to grow properly once it is transplanted.

If you plan to transplant your Easter lily after you have enjoyed it outside, the following steps will help increase your chances of its survival.
ü Plant the lily in a sunny spot using well drained soil
ü Use a good, high quality planting mix
ü Plant the bulbs three inches under the surface of the soil and also place an additional three inches of soil on the top
ü Allow enough space for the lily to spread its roots
ü Water the newly transplanted lily thoroughly


Enhance your garden with fall bulbs

The coming of autumn does not have to mean hanging up your garden shears and garden gloves for the year. The fall of the year is actually the time when many of the most popular bulbs bloom, and planting fall bulbs can provide your garden with much needed color almost until the moment the first snow falls.

The fall of the year is also one of the most pleasant times to work in your garden, since the heat of summer has passed. Many gardeners love spending the late summer and autumn days working in their garden.

In addition, fall bulbs are a great investment for the home gardener. After all, the great thing about bulbs is that they are able to remain in the ground, ready to spring forth when their optimal growing conditions are met. Even when they are not growing and blooming, the bulbs are still there, readying themselves for the next season.

When planting fall bulbs, one of the most important considerations is finding a suitable location for them. Even though bulbs are very hardy, specific bulbs have their own requirements, and those special requirements must be met in order for the bulbs to thrive and show their best blooms. The soil is probably the most important consideration. Bulbs always do best in a well drained soil, and when bulbs fall to grow it is usually because they have rotted due to overly wet soil.

Most bulb varieties grow best in full sunlight, and it is also important to properly prepare the planting bed. Many experienced gardeners prefer to excavate the area to a depth of between 12 and 15 inches, and then lay down a layer of well aged manure or compost. After this layer is put down, the bulbs are spaced properly, then covered with either the original soil or with a good quality compost or potting soil.

While this method is a great way to plant bulbs, it is also a very time consuming one. If you are looking for a less item consuming method of planting fall bulbs, you can use a bulb planter to make three to four inch wide holes. To use a bulb planter, you simply use a twisting motion. After the proper depth has been reached, the bulb planter is removed and the bulb can be planted. Even though bulb planters are a real time saver for most gardeners, they do not perform well where the soil is rocky.

The most popular types of bulbs to plant in the fall season are tulips, daffodils and crocus. In addition to these well known varieties, however, there are a number of other choices as well, including hyacinths, iris and alliums. These types of bulbs are easy to grow and they bloom beautifully. The chionodoxa is another popular fall bulb, and even though its earliest blooms are only a few inches in height, as it matures its blooms become ever larger. In addition, chionodoxa are resistant to deer, so they are favored by gardeners whose gardens are often visited by these creatures.


Gardening with bulbs

Bulbs have been among the most popular types of flowers for many, many years. Tulip bulbs were once so popular in Holland that a single bulb was worth more than an entire herd of cows, and Tulip mania as it was popularly called, is widely seen to be the first example of a market bubble.

Even if bulbs are not quite so popular these days, bulbs are still among the most popular, beautiful and useful of all plants for the home gardener. Bulbs are renowned for their hardiness and for their ability to rebloom season after season. In addition, most bulb flowers are very easy to grow and very inexpensive to buy. With all these advantages, it is easy to see why bulbs are so popular with all kinds of gardeners.

Another advantage of bulbs is that it is usually easy to choose the healthiest bulbs. The best way to choose healthy bulbs is to choose the firmest, largest bulbs you can find. Firm bulbs are generally very healthy bulbs, and large bulbs typically produce the largest and best blooming flowers.

Unhealthy bulbs are generally very easy to spot as well. Bulbs that are very light, cracked or soft should be avoided. Many bulbs are susceptible to rot, and a soft bulb may be showing signs of rot. In addition, a lightweight or shriveled looking bulb may be unable to bloom. A good, healthy bulb will be surprisingly heavy for its size, so it is important to handle the bulbs to choose the best ones.

Most types of bulbs should be planted in the fall of the year, but it is important to get planting instructions when you buy your bulbs. Some bulbs bloom in the fall of the year, and they are usually planted in the springtime instead.

When planting bulbs in the fall, they should be planted around early to mid October. The goal is to have the bulbs in the ground around six weeks prior to the time the ground starts to freeze. This means that the optimum time for planting bulbs will vary according to your own location.

It is important to plant bulbs in a soil that has been properly prepared. The depth the bulbs should be planted will vary from variety to variety, so again it is important to get planting instructions if you are unfamiliar with the needs of the bulb. For instance, crocus bulbs should be planted four inches deep, while daffodils and hyacinths need to be planted to a depth of six inches. Tulips should be planted even deeper, to a depth of about eight inches.

One great tool to have on hand when working with bulbs is the bulb planter. A bulb planter is a great way to dig consistent size holes when planting a row of bulbs, and a bulb planter is also a great way to keep your rows uniform.

Gardeners who want a more wild and natural look to their bulb garden often prefer to dig a trench to the appropriate depth and simply lay the bulbs in. This approach can provide a unique, if somewhat unpredictable, look when the bulbs begin to emerge.

When you plant your bulbs, it is a good idea to lay a small amount of fertilizer in the bottom of each hole, then cover that fertilizer with a layer of soil. The fertilizer provides much needed nutrients for the bulb to start its growth, but it is important that the bulb not make direct contact with the fertilizer, since this could potentially cause the bulb to be burned.

Bulbs should always be planted with the pointed end sticking up and the flat side pointing down, directly on top of the layer of soil covering the fertilizer. After the bulbs have been planted, they should be covered with more soil and provided with a good, thorough watering.


Controlling common problems with annuals

Annuals are among the most varied, most beautiful and most colorful flowers on the market. The sheer variety of annuals, the many colors, shapes and textures they come in, has made them a favorite among gardeners for many years.

With so many different annuals on the market, their ability to resist common plant diseases and insect infestations can vary quite a bit. While some types of annuals are virtually impervious to disease and insects, others require much more care to remain trouble free. When choosing varieties of annuals, it is always best to choose disease and insect resistant varieties when ever you can. Doing so will allow you to use less pesticides, and they will generally be less trouble in the long run as well.

It is also a good idea to choose annuals that are best suited for your climate. Some varieties of annuals are very drought resistant, while others require lots of moisture to look their best. Knowing the requirements of each variety, and tailoring the plants you buy to local conditions, is the best way to grow a successful garden. The staff at your local nursery or garden center can help you choose the hardiest varieties of annuals for your garden.

It is also important to look for signs of disease or insect infestation every time you work in the garden. For instance, as you are pulling weeds, look at the plants. Are the stems intact, or are they showing signs of cracks or other damage? Is the foliage leafy, green and free of holes and spots? Catching problems early is the best way to cure them.

When watering annuals, it is best to avoid overhead watering if you can. That is because splashing a lot of water on the foliage of plants can encourage a variety of diseases. Most plant diseases love moisture, and standing water on plants is a great way for existing diseases to spread throughout the garden, or for a new infection to take hold.

A combination of drip irrigation and soaker hoses is usually the best choice for watering the garden. These methods allow for greater control over the amount of water each plant receives, and they generally allow for deeper, more thorough, watering as well. No matter which method you use, however, it is generally best to water in the morning, since this allows the plants to dry before the hottest part of the day.


When working with annuals in the garden, it is important to be on the lookout for signs of insect problems. The most common insects that trouble annuals include spider mites, aphids, caterpillars and white flies. Any possible infestation should be attacked at the first sign of trouble. The best way to control any outbreak, be it insects or disease, is to control it early before it has the opportunity to spread.

There are a number of products on the market to treat problems with insects and disease. Of course, no treatment regimen can be effective until the problem is identified, so if you are unsure what is causing the problem be sure to consult with a more experienced gardener. In addition, it is important to always follow the package instructions of any insect or disease control product you use, to dispose of unused products properly, and to wear protection gear like gloves and masks when applying the product.


The best annuals for hot climates

One of the most critical considerations for a successful garden is choosing the types of plants that will grow the best in your particular environment. Matching the plants to the climate in which they will be grown is the best way to ensure your garden will thrive.

Those who live in hot, dry climates often think that they will be unable to enjoy a lush garden without constant watering and attention. Fortunately, however, there are a great many annuals that love just such a climate. The list below is a sample of annuals that can take the heat.
Annuals best suited for hot and dry climates
While all types of annuals and other plants require regular watering and close attention as they become established, the annuals listed below are much more able to tolerate consistently dry conditions once they have established their root system.
· African Daisy (Dimorphotheca)
· Annual Vinca (Cataranthus roseus)
· Calliopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
· Cosmos (Cosmos species)
· Creeping Zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens)
· Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria)
· Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella)
· Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)
· Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia hirta)
· Gold Medallion (Melampoddium paludosum)
· Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
· Snow-on-the-Mountain (Euphorbia marginata)
· Spider Flower (Cleome hasslerana)
· Verbena (Verbena species)
· Zinnia (Zinnia species)

Heat seeking varieties of annuals
The annuals is the list below are generally able to tolerate very hot conditions, but they do usually require additional moisture.
· Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomerata)
· Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
· Cockscomb (Celosia argentea)
· Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)
· Dahlia (Dahlia species and hybrids)
· Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula)
· Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana species)
· Four o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa)
· Hyacinth Bean Vine (Dolichos lablab)
· Joseph's Coat (Amaranthustricolor)
· Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
· Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)
· Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
· Moon Vine (Ipomoea alba)
· Morning Glory (Ipomoea species)
· Salvia (Salvia species)
· Silk Flower (Abelmoschus manihot)
· Starflower (Pentas lanceolata)
· Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
A combination of the varieties of annuals listed above can be great choices for those people living in hot, dry climates. These heat and drought tolerant annuals provide a wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes and textures, enough to meet the needs of any gardener.


Gardening in a hot, dry climate can provide a great many challenges, particularly when water use restrictions make providing supplemental moisture impossible. Matching the types of flowers you plant to the climate in which they will be growing is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy garden and a healthy environment.


Starting your annuals the right way

Annuals are among the most popular of all flowering plants, loved by gardeners around the world for their color, hardiness, variety and beauty. Since annuals must be planted afresh every year, however, it is important to start them properly in order to have a fresh vibrant garden.

What sets annuals apart from other varieties of plants like perennials and bulbs is that annuals complete their entire life cycle within a single season. That means they sprout from seed, grow, bloom, then die to ground all within one growing season.

Most types of annuals can be successfully started from seeds, and many experienced gardeners prefer to grow their plants from seed. Growing from seed provides a greater degree of control, and a lower costs as well. Most types of annuals can be successfully seeded directly in prepared seed beds. That approach allows the annuals to be started indoors and then transplanted outdoors at a later date.

For those who prefer not to grow their annuals directly from seed, they can also be purchased as ready to plant transplants. This approach allows the gardener to see the results of his or her efforts more quickly, and it can also allow the gardener to choose the healthiest, most robust plants.

Most annual varieties, whether they are purchased on the internet or directly from a garden center, will include some sort of instruction sheet detailing the recommended care, the best time to plant, the best planting depth and the recommended plant spacing. If this information is not provided, it is important to ask about these things.

Some annuals that are recommended for planting in late winter or early spring can be planted instead in late fall where the weather is warmer. In addition, most annuals planted outdoors should be thinned out to their recommended spacing once they have developed their first true leaves.

If annual seeds are to be started indoors for transplantation at a later date, it is important that the seedlings have access to a light source for at least 16 hours every day. Seedlings that do not get sufficient light will be spindly and weak, and they may be unable to survive the rigors of the great outdoors.

Most summer annuals should be seeded indoors from six to eight weeks before the first frost. When planting seeds, it is important to carefully follow the directions on the label. Seeds should always be started in a sterile seed starting mixture, and the seeding flats you use should provide proper drainage.

It is important to wait until all risk of frost has passed before planting tender varieties of annuals. The reason for this is that even if tender annuals are able to survive the lower temperatures, they will not grow well until the soil is warm.

Winter annuals, on the other hand, should be planted a minimum of six weeks prior to the date the first frost usually occurs. This time is needed to give the roots sufficient time to develop before winter sets in.


Planting annuals for the best results

Annuals are among the most popular varieties of flowers for both beginning and experienced gardeners. Annuals are known for their hardiness, their ease of growing and of course their bright and vibrant colors.

In addition, annuals are easy to start directly from seed, keeping planting costs to a minimum. Most types of annuals can be started right from seed by using seed boxes. The seeds should be started inside, and it is important to provide them with plenty of light and well drained soil as the seedlings are establishing themselves. After the seedlings have gotten a good start indoors, they are then replanted outside in the garden.

For those who do not want to grow their annuals from seed, seedlings can be bought directly and transplanted immediately. This approach is generally more expensive, but it provides a quicker time between planting your flowers and enjoying them.

Whether you start your annuals from seed or buy read made transplants, annuals should be planted to a depth at which the tops of the roots are just below the surface of the soil. If buying seedlings, it is important to be sure that all fiber, paper, plastic pots and other packing material are removed before the seedlings are planted. If peat pots are used for transplantation, the top edge of the pots should be removed before they are planted. This wail help prevent the pot from pulling precious water away from the roots.

If the seedlings have any buds or flowers on them, they should be pinched off when the seedlings are planted. This will promote greater branching and help the plant grow stronger. After the seedlings have been transplanted, the plants should be given a good watering. It is particularly important to provide lots of water in the first few weeks, since the plants are still developing their root structure during this time. It is essential to provide adequate moisture to get the plants off to a good start. Even after planting, most annuals require from 1 to 1½ inches of water every week to thrive. Even more water may be needed in very hot climates or during heat waves in cooler climates.

Sufficient watering is a good way to encourage the deep root system that annuals need in order to thrive. By watering deeply and thoroughly the gardener can encourage this deep root growth. The best methods for achieving this deep and thorough watering are soaker hoses and drip irrigation. In addition, these methods of watering avoid water splashes on the foliage, which can serve as pathways to fungal infections.

Proper mulching is important for annuals to grow properly as well. Prior to planting, the flower bed should be mulched with a two to three inch layer of pine straw or pine bark. Mulching serves to conserve the moisture contained in the soil and to reduce the growth of weeds. A good layer of mulch will shade the seeds of weeds and prevent them from sprouting. Mulch provides a natural form of weed control and thereby eliminates the need for hand weeding or harsh chemicals to control the growth of weeds.

Fertilization needs vary between varieties of annuals, so it is important to determine the needs of the varieties you purchase. Some varieties of annuals require more fertilization during their growing season, while others do not.



Using annuals in your garden

Annual plants are one of the most popular types of plants for every gardener. Annuals have many advantages for the home gardener, including hardiness, low cost and some of the best blossoms around. Annuals come in every color of the rainbow, and in a variety of sizes and shapes as well. A properly planted garden of annuals is a breathtaking sight indeed.

What separates annuals from other types of plants and flowers is that they grow from seed, blossom, set seed and die to ground, all within one growing season. While some other types of flowers are treated as annuals and replaced each year, all true annuals share this important distinction.

Annuals are further divided into several categories - hardy, half-hardy and tender - according to their tolerance for cold temperatures. Pansies are a good example of hardy annuals, and they thrive in cool and even cold conditions. Hardy annuals are usually planted in the fall for color throughout the colder months. Most varieties of hardy annuals begin to decline in the spring, and die when the heat of summer begins to arrive.

Half hardy annuals, on the other hand, can tolerate a light frost but not a hard one, and they are generally planted early in springtime to provide color throughout the spring and early summer. Half hardy annuals, like dianthus, generally start their decline in the heat of the summer, but they can bloom again the autumn.

Tender annuals, on the other hand, cannot tolerate any freezing temperatures at all. Tender annuals, such as zinnias, impatiens and vincas, should not be planted until any danger of frost is gone.

Annuals are most often used as landscape plants, and the colors and varieties of annuals make them ideal for use in the landscape. It is important to remember that most annuals need full sunlight for at least four to six hours every day in order to produce the best blooms. There are, however, shade tolerant varieties of annuals, such as impatiens, coleus and begonias, and they can be used in parts of the landscape that receive less sunlight.


When selecting planting locations for annuals, it is best to avoid areas where water pools after heavy rain. Pooling water can drown the roots of many annuals. It is also important to avoid planting annuals in areas that are close to trees or large shrubs, since the root structures of these large plants can compete for moisture and leave your annuals without sufficient water.

It is also important to prepare the planting bed properly to get the most from your annuals. The planting bed should be deeply spaded and dug between six and ten inches deep. Clay heavy soils should be amended prior to planting by mixing in at least two inches of humus, leaf mold, compost or small pea gravel. These improvements will help the soil drain well and provide additional aeration as well.

It is important as well to test the soil properly before planting annuals. Most varieties of annuals thrive in soil pH from 5.8 to 6.5, but more alkaline soils will need to be amended prior to planting.

Gardening with annuals
Annuals are among the most popular of all flowering plants, and it is hard to beat annuals for low cost, beautiful blooms and ease of planting. All most annuals need in order to thrive is proper water, sufficient sunlight and a good well balanced soil.
Let's take a quick look at each of these important elements for growing a spectacular bed of annuals.
Soil
Most types of annuals will do best in when given a well drained soil containing a moderate amount of humus. If you start a compost bin at home, you can provide your own high quality humus, or you can buy prepared humus from your favorite garden store. If your soil is very dry or contains a lot of clay it can be supplemented with manure or high quality compost.

Sunlight
Most varieties of annuals need to have at least six hours of full sunlight per day. Many types of annuals, such as argeratum, browallia, coleus, fuschia, dianthus, pansy, and impatiens, do well in partial shade or in filtered sunlight, but few if any annuals will thrive in complete shade. It is important to take these sunlight needs into account when planning your flower bed.

pH Level
Most annuals tolerate a pH range from 6 to 7.4. Soil that is too acidic to fit this range can be amended with lime, while soil that is too alkaline can be amended with aluminum sulfate.

Water
The watering needs of annuals vary according to variety, and it is important to provide water in accordance with the needs of each plant.

Choosing the best plants
Finding the best plants is very important, and it is important for the gardener to determine whether to grow the annuals from seed or buy transplants. When purchasing ready to plant stock from a nursery or garden enter, it is important to choose the plants carefully. It is important to buy only deep green, healthy looking plants. Most varieties of annuals do their best if they are transplanted before they have fully bloomed. It is also important to provide the plants with shade and water if they cannot be planted immediately.

Planting times
Most annuals should not be planted until all danger of frost has past. Most varieties should be planted in warm soil, while hardy and half hardy varieties can be planted while the evenings are still cool.

Planting annuals
The best time to plant most annuals is during the late afternoon. In most cases you will want to water the plants and the soil in the bed before the annuals are planted. When transplanting the seedlings, it is important not to disturb the roots. The hole in which the seedlings are planted should be dug slightly larger than the root ball, and the plant should be planted at the same level it had been in the transplant container. After the plant has been put into place, the soil should be carefully arranged around the roots and watered thoroughly after planting. It is important to keep the plant moist until the roots have established themselves.



Popular varieties of annuals for the home garden

Annuals are among the most popular types of plants, and they are attractive to all levels of gardeners, from the first time gardener to the most experienced. Annuals certainly have much to recommend them, including beautiful blooms, bright vibrant colors, low cost and hardiness.

What sets annuals apart from other types of flowers is that they complete their entire life cycle in a single growing season. That means they grow from seed, bloom, set seed and die all within a single season. This of course means that annuals must be planted anew every year, but the gardener is rewarded for his or her hard work by a garden full of beautiful blossoms.

This article focuses on some of the most popular varieties of annuals for the home garden.

Pansies
Pansies do their best when they are planted in an area that receives full sunlight. Pansies should also be planted in tight masses, and they are often used as border or bedding plants. Pansies prefer a rich and well drained soil, and it is a good idea for the gardener to cultivate the area around the plants.

Primroses
Primroses are not true annuals, but they are treated as such by gardeners. Primroses are actually perennials, but most gardeners grow them as annuals and replant them every year. Primroses do their best in a well drained soil. Some types of primroses prefer full sunlight, while others prefer to have partial shade. The staff at your local garden center can advise you on which varieties do best in full sun and which ones prefer the shade.

Impatiens
Impatiens are one of the most popular varieties of annuals, and their tolerance for shade makes them a perfect choice for almost any area of the garden. Impatiens do best in either shade or filtered sunlight, and they like a quick draining soil containing plenty of organic material. If you are planting impatiens from nursery packs, it is important to loosen the root ball carefully and to place each plant in a rich potting soil, being sure not to cover the crown of the plant.

Impatiens should be watered well after they are planted. After that initial watering, however, the gardener should wait until the first two inches of the soil has dried out before rewatering. In addition, no fertilizer should be given until the plants have begun to grow.

Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the most popular of the sun loving annuals. These plants are easy to care for, and they provide dependable blooms when provided with good care. Marigolds need a well drained soil in order to do well.

The color varieties of marigolds is one of their best known features. The colors of marigolds range from white, yellow, orange and red, in addition to all possible combinations of the four. The height of marigolds varies as well, from a few inches to a few feet.

In addition to their beauty, many gardeners believe that marigolds are able to repel common garden pests, and they are often planted new vegetable gardens for this reason.

Verbenas
Verbenas are also annuals that love the sun. In addition, verbenas need hot weather in order to thrive, so they should be planted in the warmest parts of the garden, and the ones that get the most sunlight.

The Madagascar periwinkle
Madagascar periwinkles look somewhat like impatiens, and they are often used as fillers in very sunny parts of a bed of impatiens. These periwinkles bloom through the summer and into the fall season, and they come in a variety of pink and white shades.


Using annuals in your garden

Annuals are among the most beautiful, vibrant and colorful of all flowers, and they are very popular with both new and experienced gardeners. The sheer variety of annuals, their awesome range of color and their hardiness makes annuals hard to beat.

It is important to know exactly what makes an annual an annual. In order to be a true annual, a plant must complete its whole life cycle in a single year. This means the seeds sprout, the flowers bloom, the plant sets seed and the plant dies, all within the same year.

Some plants which are used as annuals are not true annuals. Some tender perennials are treated as annuals and replanted each year, especially in colder climates. While these plants could regenerate in warmer climates, in colder areas they are unable to regenerate and are therefore used as annuals instead.

The other side of that coin is annuals that act like perennials. Some annuals drop so much seed in the autumn that those seeds remain active over the winter and bloom the next year. That does not mean that they are perennials, simply that the seeds they set have taken root and bloomed the next year. Some of the most common perennial mimicking annuals are snapdragons, petunias and amaranth.

There are a number of ways to start annuals, including starting them directly from seed, buying seedlings, and buying older plants ready to transplant. Some annuals can be purchased in what are called cell packs, either in flats or as individual pots. Any time you buy plants to transplant, it is important to plant them as quickly as possible. If it is not possible to plant them immediately, they should be stored in a shaded area and watered when necessary. It is also important to water the bedding area in order to moisten the soil well before planting the transplants.

When working with annuals it is important not to plant them too early. Most types of annuals like the soil to be warm and the temperatures to be stable before planting. To prepare the plant properly, the seedlings should be lifted gently from their packs by pushing on the bottom of the container. It is important that the seedling and surrounding soil come out in one piece.

If the roots of the plant appear to be compacted, they can be loosened up by gently breaking the root ball apart or cutting the sides with a knife. Loosening the soil in this manner will encourage better and deeper rooting after the seedlings have been planted.

Annuals should be planted in the garden to the same depth they were in the cell packs. After they have been set in place, the soil should be gently tamped down around the seedling and the area should be watered deeply. This should be followed by an application of a high quality fertilizer that is high in phosphorus content. The fertilizer can be applied at a concentration of two tablespoons of fertilizer per gallon of water.

All these steps will help get your annual garden off to the best possible start. Then, in no time at all you will find yourself enjoying a stunning garden of annuals.


Using perennials in your garden

Perennials are favored by many gardeners, not only for their ability to bloom for several seasons, but for the wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes they come in as well.

Whereas annuals must be planted anew every season, perennials can be left in the ground to bloom for several seasons. This makes gardening with perennials less costly and means that the perennial garden can be easier to maintain.

In addition, most perennials are very easy to work with, and the demands they place on their gardeners are usually quite low. Sufficient water, good soil and abundant sunshine are all most perennials need to provide beautiful blooms all season longs.

There are several important considerations with perennials, however, given the nature of their growth. Since perennials remain in the ground year after year instead of being started fresh every season, they are more prone to disease and insect infestation than shorter lived annual plants. This means that the gardener must be on the lookout for any signs of disease or unwanted insects, since an unnoticed infection can quickly spread through the entire garden.

The best way to avoid disease and other problems in the perennial garden is to make sure the plants are as healthy and robust as they can be. Healthier plants are naturally able to withstand disease and insects better than weaker ones, and an infection that would kill a weaker plant will be fought off by one in better condition.

In addition, the gardener should be ready to immediately combat any diseases or infections that are found. Keeping a supply of common fungicides and insecticides on hand is a good insurance policy when trouble strikes. Perennials should regularly be inspected for signs of problems, such as wilting leaves, spots or holes in the leaves. These can all be warning signs of problems with disease or insects.


It is a good idea to get in the habit of checking for such problems every time the garden is weeded, watered or otherwise tended to. When watering perennials, it is generally best to water them deeply once a week instead of spraying them with a hose more often. It is important not to encourage standing water on the leaves, as this can leave the plants vulnerable to fungal infections and other problems. It is also important not to water the plants during the heat of the day, since watering then could cause tender foliage and flowers to suffer burns.

Watering deeply and less often is almost always preferable to watering more often and more shallowly. Investing in a good soaker hose or drip irrigation system is a great idea for any perennial grower.

Since the key advantage of working with perennials is their ability to come back year after year, it is important to care for the plants properly after the current growing season has ended. Most perennials should be pruned once a year, but it is important to pay attention to the specific requirements of each variety. While some perennials benefit from a radical pruning in the winter, others need less pruning. It is important to understand the exact requirements of your particular plants.


Using perennials in your garden

When it comes to flowers for the garden, annuals and perennials are the two largest families. Plants designated as annuals are those that grow from seed, blossom, set seed and die within a single season. Perennials, on the other hand, have the ability to return to life season after season. That means that after the bed is established, you may not need to replant for a number of years.

The actual life span of each perennial will vary from variety to variety, but in order to be classed as a perennial a plant must be able to come back for at least two seasons.

Perennials are available in a seemingly endless amount of colors, sizes, shapes and textures, and there are perennials available to please just about any gardener. In addition, the ability to plant the perennials only once and have them come back year after year makes them a favorite with all kinds of gardeners.

In addition, perennials are suitable for virtually any location, and most varieties grow well in a variety of climates and soil types. Some perennials, such as aster, phlox, geraniums and peonies, are valued mostly for their beautiful flowers, while other varieties of perennials are more highly prized for their lush foliage.

The longevity of different types of perennials varies, and some types of perennials can last for decades. Each type of perennial will list the average lifespan of the plant, so it is important to check the longevity rating when buying perennials.

If you are looking for a perennial that enjoys a legendary longevity, you may want to look into peonies. Many plantings of peonies have been known to last from one generation to the next.

Many gardeners like to plant a combination of annuals, perennials and bulbs, and this can be a great way to provide a wonderful variety of color in the garden, while cutting back on the work the gardener must do. Many gardeners like to use perennials in parts of the garden that are difficult to plant, or using perennials as landscape plants. This can be a great strategy, and many people are finding that perennials are wonderful, beautiful plants.

Many gardeners like to accent their front yard, flagpole, mailbox or other small areas with plantings of perennials, and these plants are great for small spaces like those. In addition, the wide variety of colors perennials come in mean they can be used to accent just about any type of home décor.

Perennials can even make a great addition to a vegetable garden, particularly to provide a colorful border or to edge the planting beds. In addition, perennials can be used with shrubs and other larger plants in order to provide a beautiful splash of color and beauty in an otherwise plain landscape.


Proper care of perennials in the garden

Perennials have much to recommend them, including of course their famed ability to regenerate year after year. After all, while the longevity of perennials varies from variety to variety, some, especially peonies, have been known to last for decades.

Even though not all perennials are so long lived, in order to be called a perennial a plant must have the ability to come back for at least two consecutive years. This longevity makes perennials a great choice for gardeners.

Even though perennials are generally very hardy, it is still important to get them off to the right start, and to provide them with the care they need to grow and thrive.

Choosing the most healthy perennials is the first step. Most perennials are purchased in either four inch containers or one gallon containers, depending on the size and quantity purchased. In addition, some mail order and internet sources of perennials ship their plants as bare root plants. Wherever you buy them, however, it is important to care for them properly, both before, during and after they are planted. Doing so is the best way to ensure a garden full of beautiful plants year after year.

Most types of perennials like soil that is rich in organic matter. Therefore, it is important to have your soil analyzed, and amended if necessary, before using it for your perennial bed. Soils that do not contain sufficient nutrients should be enriched with compost, aged manure or other organic materials.

Even though it is best to provide most perennials with a rich organic soil, a surprising number of perennials are able to live well in poorer quality soils. Even though they can grow in poor soil, however, they will provide better blooms if the soil is enriched.

Sunlight is also important to perennials, with many varieties doing very well in full sunlight, while other varieties do better in partial shade or filtered sunlight, especially in a hot climate. It is important to consider the need for sunlight when planning your perennial garden.

The needs for water also differ among varieties of perennials. While some perennials prefer large amounts of water, other varieties can get along with little water. In addition, most varieties of perennials do best with an annual feeding. This annual feeding can consist of either working the organic materials in the regular soil in the spring or fall or by using a good quality fertilizer. When using fertilizer, it is best to fertilize in the springtime.


When buying perennials, it is important to take into account how large the plant will grow at maturity, and therefore to provide enough space for the adult plants to grow. Some perennials can grow to heights in excess of seven or eight feet so it is important to determine how large that tiny seedling will grow when you plant it. Planting the seedlings with the adult dimensions of the plant in mind will save you lots of headaches in the future.

Since perennials come back year after year, it is important to trim and prune them properly during and after each growing season. The process of deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is important to keeping a perennial garden blooming season after season. Removing spent blossoms will encourage more growth and keep the plants at their healthiest.

Trimming and pruning can also make the perennial garden more attractive. It is a good idea to cut back the stems and foliage by a third at the end of each growing season. This trimming will provide for a round of new growth when the new season takes hold.


How to divide perennials

One of the things that makes perennials so attractive to home gardeners is the ability to divide and transplant the perennials. Gardeners can use cuttings made from their perennials in order to create new growth, share their plants with family members and friends, or even to sell excess stock to nurseries, garden centers and flower stores.

There are basically two reasons why gardeners choose to divide their perennials. The first reason is for the improvement of the health of the plants, and to encourage those plants to produce more flowers. In many cases, an older planting of perennials will become overgrown, and this can cause the bloom quantity of those perennials to drop considerably. The other reason gardeners divide perennials, of course, is to create new plantings. Perennials can be divided easily, and these new divisions can be used to create plantings in other parts of the garden, or even in another garden patch.


Even though many perennials can be divided easily, not all can. In generally, division is most feasible on those perennials that grow in clumps, and those that have an expanding root mass. Perennials that grow from single taproot, on the other hand usually cannot be divided. That is because any attempt to divide the taproot can cause the plant to die. Those perennials that grow from a taproot should be increased by using root cuttings or seeds instead of division.

The best time to divide those spring and early summer perennials that can be divided is generally in the fall of the year. Perennials that bloom in the fall or late summer should be divided in the spring instead.

To divide perennials, the ground around the plant should first be gently lessened with a spading fork. The clump should then be sliced with a garden trowel and then divided into four parts. Those four sections should then be broken by hand to create sections four inches by four inches. Those small sections should then immediately be transferred to a previously prepared plant bed.
It is important for the gardener to thoroughly wet the soil a day or two before the division is to take place. Watering thoroughly will make it easier to dig the clump. In addition, it is important to add compost or other organic material to the soil. The organic material should be added to both the original plant and the new divisions. Doing so will give the plant the nutrition it needs and help them to thrive better in their new location. The plants should also be watered thoroughly and fed with a good quality fertilizer once they have been planted.

Popular perennials for the garden

Perennials are one of the most popular types of flowering plants, both for the beginning and experienced gardeners. Gardeners of all types and abilities enjoy the beauty, hardiness and ease of planting of these find plants.

In addition, perennials come in every color of the rainbow, and in all shapes and sizes, making them a great choice for any garden. What makes perennials special, however, is their ability to come back year after year. While the actual life span of a perennial will vary from species to species and planting to planting, some types of perennials have been known to last for decades.

Perennials can be used anywhere in the garden, and anywhere around the home as well. Many varieties of perennials are great as landscape plantings, and their ability to regenerate makes them perfect for areas of the garden that are hard to reach. Using perennials to line a driveway, surround a flagpole or accent a front porch is a great idea for any gardener.

In fact, the hardest part of perennials for many gardeners is choosing the right ones. There are so many different perennials at your local garden center that it can be difficult to choose the right ones. This article attempts to help with that problem, by providing a brief overview of some of the most popular perennials for the home garden, as well as some brief care tips.


Name: Achillea
Common name: Yarrow
Needs: Full sun, moderate water (less watering once fully established)

Name: Anemone
Common name: Japanese Anemone
Needs: Partial shade, regular watering

Name: Aster
Common name: New England Aster
Needs: Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering

Name: Astilbe
Needs: Partial to full shade (some sun OK in cool climates, regular watering

Name: Chrysanthemum
Common name: Shasta Daisy
Needs: Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering

Name: Coreopsis
Common name: Threadleaf Coreopsis
Needs: Full sun, moderate to little watering

Name: Delphinium
Needs: Full sun, regular watering


Name: Echinacea
Common name: Purple Coneflower
Needs: Full sun, moderate watering


Name: Geranium
Common name: Geranium
Needs: Full sun or partial shade. Must have afternoon shade in hot climates. Regular watering

Name: Helleborus
Common name: Lenten Rose
Needs: Full sun in winter; partial to full shade in spring, summer and fall. Regular watering

Name: Nepeta
Common name: Catmint
Needs: Full sun, moderate watering

Name: Paeonia
Common name: Peony
Needs: Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering

Name: Papaver
Common name: Oriental Poppy
Needs: Full sun, regular to moderate watering

Name: Penstemon
Common name: Beard Tongue
Needs: Full sun; light shade in hot climates. Regular watering.

Name: Phlox
Common name: Summer Phlox
Needs: Full sun. Flowers may fade in hot climates. Needs regular watering.

Name: Redbeckia
Common name: Black-Eyed Susan
Needs: Full sun. Regular to moderate watering.

Name: Salvia
Needs: Full sun. Regular watering.

Name: Sedum
Common name: Autumn Joy
Needs: Full sun or partial shade. Moderate to little watering.

Name: Veronica
Needs: Full sun. Regular watering.


The first flowers of spring

One of the most thrilling sights for any gardener, from the newest to the most experienced, is the first spring flowers peeking up through the last snow of winter. Spring flowers have long been seen as a sign of new life, and gardeners certainly enjoy seeing these beautiful harbingers of warmer weather.

Whether it is the tiny, delicate blossoms of the snowdrop, the delicate petals of the econite or the subtle beauty of the Irish reticulate, it is hard to beat the beauty of spring flowers. These first delicate blossoms of spring are a sign that the long days of winter are finally over, and that it is time to look forward to warmer weather. Even the most jaded gardeners continue to be excited by the sight of the earliest blossoms making their way through the last snow of winter.

The well named snowdrop is one of the most beloved, and most popular types of flowers for early spring. These delicate blossoms are breathtaking to behold. The common snowdrop, scientific name Galanthus nivalis, features small, delicate blossoms, while the giant snowdrop, known to scientists as the Galanthus elwesil, features striking large early spring blooms.

The Iris reticulate is another favorite early spring bloom. This bulb is one of the most striking flowers in the world of gardening, and it is highly prized for its beauty. The Iris reticulate originally came from the high mountain areas of Western Asia, and it does well in cold climates. The Iris reticulate does best in a well drained bed containing coarse sand or grit.

When caring for an Iris reticulate, it is important not to over water the plant, since this can cause severe damage to the bulb. This plant comes in a wide variety of colors, ranging from a pale amethyst to a deep, dark purple. In addition, the Iris reticulate has been thoroughly hybridized, and a wide variety of hybrid colors, including solids, speckles, stripes and splotches are available as well.

In addition to these somewhat common early spring blooms, there are rarer varieties as well. One of the rarest of late winter and early spring bulbs is the Adonis vernalis. The Adonis appears to be a delicate plant, but it is able to make its way through the snows of late winter to provide a beautiful bloom in March. The Adonis has a beautiful yellow bloom, and it makes a wonderful companion to any landscape. The Adonis can be used anywhere, but it makes a particularly good addition to a winter rock garden.

No matter which types of late winter or early spring blooming flowers you choose, you will be rewarded with beautiful color in your garden as the last days of winter give way to the first days of spring.


Starting your seeds the right way

When it comes to gardening, gardeners are of two minds. While some gardeners prefer to buy young seedlings and transplant them in the garden, other gardeners prefer the control and the sense of accomplishment that comes with planting flowers and plants directly from seeds.

Planting from seed has a lot to recommend it. For one thing, although transplanting seedlings can provide a good head start for the gardener, it can also introduce problems like disease or insect infestation to an established garden plot.

Planting from seed helps gardeners to avoid these problems. It is not difficult to plant from seed, but it is vital to read and follow the instructions on the seed packet for best results. As with other types of gardening, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. It is also important to protect the seeds and the delicate seedlings as they grow.

Whenever you plant seeds, it is a good idea to use a quality growing tray. It is important to choose the right growing tray, and you can get recommendations from your local nursery or garden center on the best type of tray for your needs. After you have the tray and the seeds in hand, the next step is to fill that growing tray with a high quality seed mixture. This type of product is also called a seed starting mix, and it is similar in consistency to potting soil. Another advantage of the seed starting mix is that it is sterile, and free of diseases and garden pests.

After the growing tray has been prepared, the seeds should then be placed in the seed starting mix. The rule of thumb when planting seeds is to plant them at least twice their own depth. In some cases, such as with very small seeds, you may want to simply dust the seeds with a light coating of seed mix, since if they are buried too deep they may not be able to sprout.

After the seeds have been planted in the tray, they should be labeled, using either sticks printed with a waterproof marker or actual nursery labels. Do not use the seed packets as labels, since they will quickly disintegrate from moisture as the seeds are watered.

Only a misting sprayer should be used to provide water to the newly planted seeds. If you use a hose or watering can, you could inadvertently dislodge the seed medium or uncover the seeds. The growing tray should be covered in order to prevent the moisture from evaporating. A covered tray will also encourage the germination of the seeds.

Another thing that can speed up the germination of newly planted seeds is heat. Heat has been shown to speed up the germination of seeds, and this is a technique used by many successful gardeners. Another favorite technique of gardeners is to use a bell jar to protect delicate seedlings from late frost. If bell jars cannot be found, a regular water bottle with the bottom cut off makes a good replacement.


Fall blooming flowers

To many people, fall is the time of year when the gardening season is drawing to a close, and it is time to close the flower bed and prepare for winter. Even though most gardeners are ready to hang up their garden tools and get ready for the next season, gardeners can continue to enjoy the beauty of the fall season, since there are a number of beautiful flowers blooming all through the autumn of the year.

There are many fall bulbs available to the average gardener, and it is important to choose the right ones. When initially planting the bulbs, it is important to take care to choose the best location within the garden. It is important to choose a location where the delicate fall bulbs will not be overshadowed by larger plants or hidden in with the surrounding ground cover.

One advantage of fall bulbs, however, is that they are hardy. After they have been in the ground a few years, these bulbs will be able to take their rightful place and thrive in any garden setting.

One of the most frequently seen of all fall bulbs is the hardy cyclamens (Cyclamen Hederifolium). These bulbs are able to come back year after year, and they have been known to last for a decade or even more. In addition, the hardy cyclamen produces breathtaking blooms, and it is generally a very undemanding plant.

Other than a good quality soil, sufficient water and ample sunlight, the cyclamen needs little in order to bloom year after year. Each small cyclamen bloom has a soft pink petal that is complimented by an eye of darker pink. These small blooms are tiny version of the larger cyclamen that is often seen at Christmastime. In the home garden, the hardy cyclamen often blooms into November.

Another popular autumn flower is the colchicum. These flowers usually bloom in the middle of September, and they are similar in appearance to crocuses but generally much larger. Most colchicums seen in the garden are hybrids of either C. Autumnale or C. Speciosum. There are some subtle differences between these two common varieties, and their blossoms come in shades of rose and violet. The sizes of colchicums vary from 10 to 12 inches. While these flowers can be used in many settings, they are a particularly beautiful way to accent a rock garden.

Autumn daffodils are another popular fall flower, and they can provide a beautiful touch of color for the garden. It is important to plant fall daffodils in a well drained flower bed and to provide them with plenty of sunlight. It is also important to avoid planting autumn daffodils in areas where moisture pools, as excessive moisture could damage the bulbs. Autumn daffodils often bloom at the same time as the colchicum, and the two can provide a striking color palette.



Working with dahlias

Dahlias are among the most beautiful and most exotic residents of any garden. The large blooms of the dahlia are impossible to ignore, and they stand out in any garden in which they are planted. The sturdy, large blooms of the dahlia are available in a variety of colors, and in sizes ranging from as small as an inch to as large as a foot. In addition, the flowers themselves come in a variety of shapes. Some dahlia blooms are shaped like baseballs, while others curve back on themselves to where they nearly touch their stems.

Dahlias are known as sun loving plants, and they definitely do better with sufficient sunlight. Gardeners recommend providing dahlias with at least a half day of sunlight every day. In addition, dahlias need enough water to thrive, and most varieties require from one to two inches of rain, from either rainfall or artificial watering, every week.

In addition, dahlias need a good rich soil with plenty of organic material, a regular pruning schedule, a good insecticide to protect them from beetles and grasshoppers and possibly staking as the plants grow ever taller. In addition, dahlias should be fed with a quality low nitrogen fertilizer as needed.

Dahlias are actually grown from a tuber, a bulb like structure, and dahlias are actually classified as bulb plants. It is best to plant dahlias near the beginning of June, and those dahlias will usually bloom around October. Dahlias can be planted earlier in the season as well, and those dahlias will provide late summer blossoms. Dahlias should be dug up after the first frost of the year. After being dug up, the dahlias should be divided and stored for the winter. Doing so will allow the gardener to replant the dahlia tuber the following year.

Dahlias come in a great many varieties, but one of the most popular varieties is the David George. The David George variety of dahlia features a bloom of deep red color and medium size. Other popular dahlia varieties include the Bonaventure, featuring large bronze colored flowers, and the Allie Yellow, with features a tiny yellow bloom.

In addition to staples like orchids and roses, dahlias are often seen at flower shows, and many gardeners grow dahlias purely for these competitions. A prize dahlia can certainly be the star of any flower show, due to their striking beauty and large size.



Enhance your garden with sunflowers

Sunflowers are certainly stars of the gardening world. It is hard to miss the beauty of sunflowers standing tall, either on their own or edging a bed of more traditional flowers. Few who have seen these stunning beauties can deny their stunning beauty and attractiveness.

The family of sunflowers, known scientifically as genus Helianthus, includes both annual and perennial varieties of sunflowers. As their name implies, sunflowers generally prefer full sunlight, so it is important for gardeners to choose the sunniest part of their garden when planting these stunning plants.

It is also important to take the adult size of these plants into account when planting them, and to space them accordingly. Most varieties of sunflowers are quite large, so it is important to space them widely so they will not crowd each other out and compete for nutrients.

Since sunflowers are so large and sturdy, many gardeners like to use them to border vegetable gardens, and a vegetable garden bordered by sunflowers is certainly a beautiful sight.

The blooming period of sunflowers typically extends from late summer to early fall, and the growing requirements for these plants are generally easy to meet. Most varieties of sunflowers require only a well drained, modestly fertile soil in order to thrive. It is generally a good idea to amend the soil with either aged manure or a good quality commercial fertilizer. It is best to sow the sunflower seeds directly where they are intended to grow, since they set seed quickly and start to sprout very fast.

While sunflowers may be easy to grow, their seeds are popular with many unwanted garden visitors, particularly rabbits, squirrels and insects. Due to this popularly with common garden pests, it is best to sow three times as many seeds as are needed. Planting extra seeds will allow the four legged visitors to your garden to eat their fill while still providing a beautiful garden full of sunflowers.


Sunflower seeds are best planted about a foot apart. Sowing the seeds this far apart will allow the adult plants to grow the largest heads. If you plant sunflowers closer together they will develop smaller blooms and may never reach their full potential. If you are growing sunflowers for those monstrous blossoms, it is important to give them plenty of space to grow.

When working with annual varieties of sunflowers, it is important to rotate the planting area. This will keep the soil its healthiest and allow the sunflowers to achieve their best blooms.

There are many places to buy quality sunflower seeds, including the internet, mail order houses and local garden centers. As with any flower seeds, it is important to follow the planting instructions carefully to achieve the best results from these spectacular plants.


Choosing a colorful mix of perennials for the garden

Perennials have always been a favorite among beginning and experienced gardeners alike. The idea of planting once and enjoying season after season of beautiful blooms is certainly appealing, and the sheer variety of colors, shapes, sizes and textures makes perennials difficult to beat.

So whether you already have a green thumb, or you are just getting started, you owe it to yourself to check out the many perennials that can provide vibrant color and long lasting beauty season after season.

Since perennials come in so many different colors, however, it is important to plan your flower be carefully to take advantage of those color combinations. With the right mixture of perennials, you can have a vibrant, colorful garden from the earliest days of spring right through the latest days of fall.

The main goal of a bed of perennials is to provide long lasting color, and a variety of different shapes and textures, year after year and season after season. That is because unlike annuals, perennials do not have to be replanted every year.

Even though perennials have the ability to come back year after year, their actual blooming season is often relatively short, and for that reason it is best to plant a variety of perennials, which bloom at different times. This is the best way to provide a season full of beautiful blooms. The right combination of perennial plants will ensure that something in your garden will always be blooming, and combining colors carefully will help ensure that those blooms will be stunning and beautiful.

Some gardeners prefer to use spring flowering bulbs such as crocus, hyacinth, daffodils and tulips to start the growing season off right. In addition, other plants that bloom at the same time, like rock cress, bluebells, and bleeding hearts can provide a striking contrast in the garden bed.

For late spring color, many people like to add some false indigo, columbine, candytuft, leopard's bane, bellflower, peonies and oriental poppies. These flowers provide some gorgeous blooms in the late spring, and they often last into the summer months as well.

For mid to late summer blooms, try some mountain bluet, yarrow, snow-in-summer, garden lilies, violet sage and stonecrop. These flowers are great replacements for the faded spring and early summer flowers.

The late summer and fall seasons bring perennials like aster, boltonia, blue leadwort, mums, purple coneflower and plantain lily. Other great fall perennials include black eyed susans and goldenrod.

As you can see by the above list, it is possible to use a clever combination of perennials to provide striking color and contrast throughout the entire growing season. There is no wonder that perennials remain so popular with all kinds of gardeners.


Picking the best flowers for your home garden

Choosing the right flowers is one of the most critical decisions when planning a new garden, and combining colors and textures can make any garden a showplace. The many different colors and varieties of flowers for the garden makes finding the colors you like best very easy.


Of course plants should be chosen for their health and hardiness in addition to their beauty. When choosing seedlings for transplantation, it is important to choose only the healthiest, best looking seedlings, and to reject those that show any signs of disease or insect infestation. Choosing only the healthiest plants will make sure your new garden gets off to the right start.

Some problems with seedlings will be apparent even to the beginning gardener. For instance, it is easy to see things like spots on the leaves, holes in the leaves, or wounds in the stems. Other problems, however, are more subtle, and they may easy to miss for the beginning gardener. If you are planning your first garden, you may want to take along a more experienced gardener, or solicit the advice of the nursery staff, to find the best seedlings for your needs.

As you browse around the garden center, be sure to carefully examine the flowers, the leaves, and the foliage of the plants you are considering. Look especially for white and black spots on the flowers, leaves and foliage, as these spots are often signs of a bacterial or fungal infection.

It is also important to be on the lookout for wilted leaves and waterlogged roots, as these can mean the plants will fail to thrive after they are planted. Plants with cut stems or other types of wounds should also be avoided.

Of course, finding the healthiest plants is only part of the battle. The other part is transplanting those seedlings properly, and caring for them once they are in the ground. It is always important to get the transplants into the garden as quickly as possible. When planting seedlings or young plants, the hole you dig should be slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. Making the hole larger will ensure that the plant can be placed into the ground without disturbing the delicate root structure. After the plant is in place, the earth should be gently tamped down, and the plant should be given plenty of water and fertilizer.


When starting a new garden, it is also a good idea to have a good soil analysis done before buying your first plants. A soil analysis will tell you if your soil is of sufficient quality, and help you be sure that it contains the nutrients your plants will need. A soil analysis will also spot common problems, such as soil that is too acidic, too alkaline, too sandy, contains to much clay, etc. There are ways to fix all these problems, but it is important to have a soil analysis done so you know how to correct any problems found.

In addition, understanding the type of soil you have can help you to choose the plants that will do best in that soil. Tailoring the plants you select to the soil you have is a great way to reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals while still enjoying a healthy and robust garden.


Tips for a successful garden

Gardening methods are as varied as the gardeners who use them, and it seems like every gardener has his or her own preferred method of achieving a beautiful garden. Many beginning gardeners find that the best way to learn how to garden is directly from an accomplished garden. One of the best ways to find those master gardeners is to join your local garden club. These clubs can be invaluable for the beginning gardener, as the members are able to swap tips and tricks picked up through years of successful gardening.

The importance of proper watering
One of the keys to a successful garden is to water the plants properly. A weekly deep watering is preferable to a daily spray with the hose, as most plants prefer a thorough but deep watering to a frequent more shallow source of water. One great watering method many gardeners use is a soaker hose. A soaker hose is a great way to make sure the roots of the plant get sufficient water.

Grow your own compost
Another thing many experienced gardeners have picked up is the importance of creating their own compost. Using a compost bin is a great way to recycle household waste and turn it into rich organic soil that will be useful for every plant. Items that can be successfully composted include leaves, kitchen scraps and other organic materials. A home compost bin is a great way to reduce the overflow of landfills while helping your garden grow its best.

Composting can also be a great way to balance the pH level of soil that is too acidic or too alkaline. High quality humus, which is the last step in the compost process, is a great, completely natural way to rebalance the pH of soil that has been damaged due to past neglect or chemical use. In addition, a good quality humus contains important nutrients such as iron, phosphorus and manganese, which are often lacking in commercially available fertilizers.

Cultivation methods
After the flowers have been planted, it is best to avoid further deep cultivation. Digging too deeply or too often in the soil can damage the roots of the plants, disturb valuable microorganisms, dry the soil and bring weeds to the surface. It is best to cultivate deeply when preparing the flower bed, then to leave things in place after the flowers have been planted.

Using color in the garden landscape
The beauty of flowers lies greatly in their bright, vibrant colors, and flowers can be used to enhance any landscape. When choosing flowers for the garden and landscape, it is best to choose colors that highlight and enhance those in the landscape. For instance, combining bright, vibrant colors like reds and oranges with more soothing pastels can provide a striking contrast for any area of the garden.

In addition, it has become increasingly popular to combine the home garden with other landscape elements like ponds and waterfalls. These water elements provide a beautiful retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

Landscaping with flowers can even improve the value of your home. Studies have shown that a well landscaped exterior can enhance the resale value of the home, as well as provide a beautiful treat for the senses.


Pest control for perennials

Perennials are a great choice for any garden, with their great variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Perennials also have another important advantage over other types of flowers. That is, unlike annuals, which must be replanted year after year, perennials, by their very nature, are able to regenerate from year to year. This means you are free to plant once and enjoy many seasons of beautiful blooms.

While the actual longevity of perennials varies from variety to variety, some types, such as peonies, have been known to last for decades once planted.

This longevity, however, can come at a price, and one of those disadvantages is that perennials need more care when it comes to maintenance, weeding and pest control. Unlike the annual garden, which is dug up and restarted each year, perennials remain in the ground over the winter, and this can make them more prone to common garden pests than other types of plants.

One of the best defenses against pests in the perennial garden is a healthy and vigorous selection of plants. The healthier the plants in the garden the better they will be at fighting off common pests and garden infections. Plants that are well cared for and vigorous will be much less susceptible to damage by insects and other pests.

The vigilance of the gardener is another great tool in preventing pest infestations from getting out of control. A good gardener is constantly on the lookout for early signs of problems, such as holes in the leaves, marks or wounds on the stems, and other signs of pest problems.

Having a good guide to common garden pests and diseases is a good idea as well, since it can sometimes be difficult for the untrained eye to tell exactly what the problem is. Diagnosing the problem is the best way to cure it quickly, before it can spread.

Gardeners have a choice when it comes to pest control in their gardens. There are of course a great many chemical pesticides on the market, but there are a number of natural methods as well. Many experienced gardeners prefer to start out with the natural approach first, and move onto chemical methods only when natural attempts have failed.

One great natural pest control approach is to use beneficial insects to control harmful pests. Many garden supply stores sell these beneficial insects, and it is usually easy to seed a garden with these insects and get them to stay and remove harmful pests.

In addition, aphids can often be controlled simply by spraying plants with a very dilute mixture of soapy water, followed by a rinse of clean water. This method often works just as well, and is considerably less expensive, than chemical methods, and it has proven effective even on serious aphid infestations.

Another great way to control pests is to buy pest and disease resistant varieties of plants. Many perennials have been selectively bred to be resistant to common pests and diseases. If these varieties are available it is a good idea to seek them out. Even if they are more costly up front, the money you save on pesticides and other chemicals can make them quite cost effective.


The importance of soil chemistry to the perennial garden

The chemistry of the soil is one of the most critical considerations for any gardener, but it can be particularly vital when it comes to gardening with perennials. That is because, whereas annuals provide a fresh start year after year, gardening with perennials means that the plants stay in the ground, and the chemistry of the soil can greatly affect all types of perennials.

It is difficult to overestimate how important proper soil chemistry is, since the soil provides all the nutrients the plants need to grow and thrive.

Most types of perennials are quite hardy, but it is very important to prepare the flower bed properly. A properly prepared bed is the first step to enjoying a healthy garden full of perennials. As with all plants, it is important for all varieties of perennials to have plenty of healthy soil, enough water and the right amount of sunlight.

One of the most common problems with perennials is that of an uneven growth pattern. There are many types of perennials, and they all have different growth rates. It is normal for different types of perennials to grow faster or more slowly, but if identical varieties of perennials show very different growth patterns within different parts of the garden, soil chemistry may be to blame. Many gardeners assume that the same garden plot will have the same chemistry everywhere, but this is not always the case. Soil chemistry can vary even on the same properly, sometimes even within the same garden plot.


If you suspect that soil chemistry may be to blame for uneven growth patterns, it is important to have a thorough soil analysis done to either confirm your suspicions or rule them out. A good testing lab can quickly point out problems like an uneven pH level, insufficient organic materials in the soil, or insufficient nutrients. The analysis will also give you a good baseline to go from as you improve the soil with various additives.

The pH level of the soil is an important consideration for the perennial garden. Most varieties of perennials will grow quite well in soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0, but some perennials have different requirements. If you do not know which plants will grow best in your soil, be sure to check with your nursery or garden center.

If the pH level is excessively alkaline or excessively acidic, it can be brought back into balance by adding humus. You can easily make your own humus by using a compost bin to break down organic material, or humus can be purchased directly from a garden center or nursery. If the humus is unsuccessful, limestone can be added to make the soil more alkaline, while adding sulfur will help make it more acidic.

After the baseline soil chemistry is known, it will be easier to monitor the quality of the soil going forward. A bed of perennials should be checked for soil chemistry quality anytime a significant change in the quality or number of blooms is noticed. Keeping on top of the quality of your soil, and making changes as needed, is the best way to keep your perennials blooming season after season.


Caring for perennials in the garden

Perennials have long been one of the most popular classifications of flowering plant, and this is likely to continue for some time. There are many advantages to using perennials in the garden, not the least of which is their ability to regenerate year after year. The ability to plant once, and enjoy season after season of beautiful flowers, is one of the things that make perennials so popular with beginning and experienced gardeners alike.


Another great thing about perennials is that they are usually very easy plants to care for and to work with. Most perennials have needs that are quite undemanding, requiring little more than good soil, sufficient water and adequate sunlight. Even so, perennials also have their own issues, and one of the biggest issues is that perennials, due to their nature, are more prone to insect infestation and disease infection than are annuals, which have a much shorter life span. The very fact that perennials remain in the ground season after season means that infection can gain a foothold, even in the off season.

The best way to combat infection is to stop it from starting in the first place, and one of the best ways to accomplish that goal is to buy only the healthiest most vibrant plants. It is important to pay careful attention to the plants you buy at your local nursery, and to reject any that show signs of damage, disease or insect infestation. That is because healthy plants are better able to withstand any pathogens that may exist in the soil. A healthy plant will be able to withstand and fight off an infection that would kill a weaker one.

In addition, many perennials have been bred to be resistant to common diseases and pest infestations, so if these disease resistant varieties are available it is a good idea to seek them out. Perennial growers have spent many years using selective breeding to choose those plants that are best able to withstand commonly seen garden problems.

After the plants are in the ground, it is a good idea to check them often for any signs of problems. The best time to examine your plants is often when you are weeding the plants or watering them. This is a great time to look at the plants for any problems. Note any plants with wilted leaves, holes in the leaves, spots on the leaves or flowers, wounds on the stems or other possible problems. If you notice any problems, be sure to diagnose it accurately, using either a guide book or the eye of a more experienced gardener. Diagnosing the problem accurately is the first step toward curing it.

How you water perennials can have a big impact on their health. Overhead watering encourages water spots to remain on leaves, and these wet spots can be conduits that allow infection to spread from one plant to another. It is best to water deeply, using either drip irrigation or a soaker hose. Not only will this avoid standing water on the flowers and leaves, but it will also allow much needed water to reach the roots.

Of course, proper care for perennials does not end when the growing season is over. It is important to care for these plants the right way after they have finished blooming. It is important to trim and prune is variety of perennial according to the recommendations for the species. Some perennials need to be radically trimmed back, while other varieties should be trimmed only lightly or not at all. It is important to pay attention to the needs of each variety in your garden.



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Using popular rose varieties in your garden

When many people think of gardening, their thoughts turn first to roses, and there is no wonder. Roses are among the most popular, and certainly most beautiful, types of flowers there are. In addition, roses are a huge part of both the gardening hobby and the professional flower business. There are even rose and flowers shows were master gardeners proudly show off their lovely creations to an awestruck crowd.


Whether your ultimate goal is to take the big prize at the next rose show or just enjoy a few roses in your garden, it is important to get a feel for the many varieties of roses on the market. Roses are among the most varied flowers on the market; they come in virtually every color of the rainbow and in blooms ranging in size from a fraction of an inch to almost a foot in width. This article focuses on a few of the most commonly seen rose varieties.

Pimpinellifolia Roses
Pimpinellifolia roses are renowned for their hardiness, and their attractive foliage and lovely blooms make them a great choice for the beginning rose enthusiast or the experienced gardener. These roses come in pink, red, yellow and white blossoms, and they grow on attractive and very compact bushes.

Boursault Roses
Boursault roses are of the climbing variety, and they are said to be the result of a cross between an early variety of China rose and the R. Pendulina rose. This cross is thought to have occurred during the reign of Napoleon, who was a well known rose enthusiast. The blossoms of this rose are somewhat large, and they grow in either small or large clusters depending on the variety. The blooms come in various shades of pink and red. Many varieties can reblossom later in the season.

Sempervirens Roses
The Sempevirens is similar to the Boursault, in that it is also a climbing rose. The Sempervirens originated in the Mediterranean region of the world, and it has large leaves accented by small white flowers which grow in large clusters. This variety of rose was studied extensively by rose enthusiasts as far back as 1820, and it continues to be one of the most popular varieties of climbing rose on the market today. This variety of rose is seen in various shades of pink and white.

Setigera Roses
The Setigera variety of rose, known to the scientific community as R. setigera, has a reputation for being a hardy and tough plant. That hardiness may be due to the fact that R. setigera comes from the prairie region of the United States, a difficult environment to say the least. The setigera rose has been used in breeding programs to create many very hardy varieties of climbing roses, most notably the crosses with the Noisettes and Gallicas varieties.


Wichuraiana Roses
The Wichuraiana rose, also known as R. wichuraiana, is a frequently seen wide spreading cluster rose. It is used both as a climbing rose and as an attractive ground cover.


Using roses in the landscape

Roses have many uses in the home garden, both as standalone bushes and climbers and as part of an overall landscape of plants and flowers. The newest thinking in landscape gardening is to combine roses with other types of native plants and flowers, and roses certainly lend themselves to a striking place in the garden.

Roses are also wonderful when used to enhance and highlight areas of the home or surrounding landscape. For instance, climbing roses can be trained to grow up and over a trellis or to highlight and enhance a bare wall or garden shed. In addition, a spray of yellow roses growing against a brick or stone home can be a beautiful addition to the landscape.

Landscaping with roses is one of the best ways to add beauty to the home, and even to enhance its value. Before you can landscape effectively with roses, however, it is important to determine just where roses will fit in your landscape, and how best to use them. Landscaping with roses is not difficult, but it is important to plan properly before the first rosebush goes into the ground.

Planning for next spring's garden should begin the winter before the garden is to be planted. Planning early allows you to determine the best location for the roses in the garden, and to research the varieties that are most likely to thrive in your climate.

It is also important to ask yourself what you want to get out of your roses. Roses can be used for many different reasons, from providing an attractive ground cover to providing a dramatic backdrop for a beautiful home.


Planning is also important in order to prevent rose specific problems. There are, for instance, a number of pests and diseases that are specific to roses, and it is important to take steps to prevent those problems before planting your roses. It is also important to ask yourself how much time you have to devote to growing roses, since some varieties are harder to grow than others. If your time is limited, it may be best to stick to hardier, easier to grow varieties.

It is also important to choose roses in colors that will best highlight your home and exterior landscape. For instance, a spray of white roses can be quite striking against a dark colored home, just as red roses can beautifully compliment a white exterior.

It is also important to examine your landscape and determine which roses will work best where. For example, hybrid musk roses grow well even in less than full sun, so they are often used in shady areas. It is important to note, however, that hybrid musk roses do not do as well in colder climates. It is important to take your own climate into account, as well as sun and shade considerations, when planning your rose landscape.


Using fungicides to prevent and treat common plant and flower diseases

Gardening is a wonderful, relaxing hobby for many people, and it continues to top surveys of favorite leisure activities. Most of the time a garden provides a soothing, relaxing environment, and healthy, attractive plants. As with any living thing, however, flowers and plants are prone to a number of diseases and pest infestations. It is important to use commercial fungicides properly to banish disease from your garden.

Simply paying attention to the condition of the plants in your garden may be the best way to keep disease outbreaks at bay. After you have been gardening for awhile, you will develop a feel for what is normal, and that will make it much easier to spot any outbreaks before they spread throughout the garden.

In addition, simply keeping the plants in top condition is a great way to prevent disease. Just as healthier people are better able to fight off infection, so too are healthier plants. The better the condition of your plants, the more they will be able to fight off disease.

Even the healthiest plants, however, sometimes succumb to disease, so it is important to be on the lookout for the first signs of problems so that they can be treated promptly. Symptoms like holes in the leaves, black spots, white spots and wounded stems can be signs of trouble. If you notice any of these conditions, it is important to diagnose and treat the affected plants as quickly as possible. This is because an outbreak of disease, or a pest infestation, can quickly spread throughout the garden.

Many of the most common diseases of flowers and plants are fungal diseases, and these diseases are best treated with a high quality synthetic fungicide. There are a great many fungicides on the market, and we are providing a list of some of the most popular and well known fungicides. If you are unsure of the nature of your plant disease, it is important to seek the help of the staff at your local garden center, or consult with a more experienced gardener.

It is important to note that the fungicide Chlorothalonil slowly dissipates with time, but the other fungicides on this list are systemic. Their systemic nature means that once they are applied to the plant, they are absorbed into the foliage and the root system. A systemic fungicide works to prevent and cure infection from within the plant itself. Because of this property, it is important never to use a systemic fungicide on plants intended for food.

Some of the most commonly used fungicides are:
Chlorothalonil (Daconil) - Chlorothalonil is a multipurpose fungicide with is used to prevent and treat common fungal diseases which affect lawns, fruits, vegetables as well as many ornamental and flowering plants.
Theiophanate-methyl - Thelophanate-methyl is a systemic fungicide that is effective in treating many common plant diseases, including powdery mildew and black spot.
Triadiemefon (Bayleton) - Triadiemefon is a systemic fungicide which is usually used to prevent and treat powdery mildew and rust. It is also effective against some lawn diseases.
Triforine (Funginex) - Triforine is a systemic fungicide used to treat and prevent common fungal diseases such as rust, black spot and powdery mildew. It has also proven effective against some other diseases of both flowering and non-flowering plants.
When working with any chemical, including systemic and non-systemic fungicides, it is vital to follow the direction carefully and to use the minimum effective amount. Pay particular attention to any warnings on the label, and dispose of any unused product carefully. It is important to wear protective clothing, such as a breathing mask, goggles and gloves for protection while applying any fungicide.

Pest control in the perennial garden

One of the many advantages of growing perennials is the ability of these beautiful flowers to return to full bloom season after season. While this ability to bloom repeatedly is one of the things that makes perennials so special, it also introduces a number of important factors into your gardening plan. One of the most important of these is a proper pest control regimen.

While a garden full of annuals starts each season as a blank slate, the perennial garden is essentially a work in progress. The fact that the plants stay in the ground through winter makes things like proper pruning, disease management and pest control very important. If the garden bed is not prepared properly after the current growing season, chances are the quality of the blooms will suffer when the next season rolls around.

One of the most important factors to a successful perennial pest control regimen is the attention and vigilance of the gardener. As the gardener, you are in the best position to notice any changes in the garden, such as spots on the leaves, holes in the leaves, or damage to the stems. Any one of these could indicate a problem such as pest infestation or a disease outbreak.

It is important to nip any such problem in the bud, since a disease outbreak or pest infestation can easily spread to take over an entire garden. Fortunately for the gardener, there are a number of effective methods for controlling both common pests and frequently seen plant diseases.


Some of these methods are chemical in nature, such as insecticides and fungicides, while others are more natural, like using beneficial insects to control harmful ones. While both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, many gardeners prefer to try the natural approach first, both for the health of the garden and the environment.

There is an additional benefit of the natural approach that many gardeners are unaware of. These days, it is very popular to combine a koi pond with a garden, for a soothing, relaxing environment. If you do plan to incorporate some type of fish pond into your garden landscape, it is critical to avoid using any type of insecticide or fungicide near the pond, since it could seep into the water and poison the fish. Fish are extremely sensitive to chemicals in the environment, especially with a closed environment like a pond.

As with any health issue, for people or plants, prevention is the best strategy to disease control and pest control alike. The best defense for the gardener is to grow a garden full of the healthiest, most vigorous plants possible. Whenever possible, varieties of plants bred to be disease or pest resistant should be used. There are a number of perennials that, through selective breeding, are quite resistant to the most common plant diseases, so it is a good idea to seek them out.


Understanding the role of insects in gardening

While many types of insects, birds and animals seen in the home are unwanted intruders, others play a vital role in pollinating plants and moving seeds from one place to another. In fact, without these animal and insect helpers, most plants would be unable to reproduce.

Even though most gardeners understand how important this cycle of pollination and seed disbursal is, few fully understand why it occurs, or how it benefits both the plants and the animals.

The rewards of pollination and seed disbursal to the plants are easy to determine - they get to spread their seeds far and wide, and start new plants in far off locations. The rewards the insects, birds and mammals derive are many as well, and they include:
Ø Nectar - nectar is actually a sugary solution, and therefore it is highly prized by all kinds of animals both for its good taste and for the ample energy it provides. Getting at this nectar is what prompts most pollinating insects, birds and animals to do such a good job. Nature has provided plants with various ways to attract pollinating insects, birds and animals. Many types of flowers store their nectar in special glands called nectaries. These nectar glands are most frequently found in flowers, but they are also sometimes contained in leaves or other parts of the plant as well. Most plants are designed to protect their nectar stores from non-pollinating insects and animals, through the use of special storage locations that only pollinating insects can reach, for instance.
The use of nectar and the plants, insects, birds and animals that depend on it is a fascinating study in co-evolution. The sugar concentrations of many plant nectars have evolved to match the energy requirements of the types of animals, birds and insects that pollinate them. For instance, bees require a 30-35% concentration of sugar in order to make the honey needed by their larvae in the winter. Therefore, bees will not visit flowers whose nectar contains less than 30% sugar. Therefore, the flowers and plants that depend on bees for pollination have evolved high concentrations of sugar in their nectar to attract these pollinators.
Ø Pollen - Pollen is also used by flowers and plants to attract the insects, birds and animals they need. Pollen is eaten by bees, and it is also used to make a substance called bee bread, which is a high protein combination of pollen and nectar. This bee bread is used to feed the larvae, which require a high concentration of protein to grow and thrive. Some plants, such as peonies, poppies and roses, use only pollen as a reward and produce no nectar at all. Other types of plants produce two types of pollen - their normal pollen and a sterile pollen with is attractive to pollinating insects. This evolutionary strategy ensures that the good tasting pollen will be eaten while the reproductive pollen will be spread to other areas by the insects, birds and animals that visit the plant.
Of course, this pollen and nectar does the plants no good if the birds, insects and animals cannot find it, and plants and flowers use their bright colors and strong scents to attract these animals and let them know that pollen, nectar, or both await them.

Some pollinating species rely primarily on their sense of sight, and the bright flowers are used to attract their attention. Other species, particularly nocturnal ones, rely primarily on smell. It is the scent of the flowers that attracts these scent oriented pollinators.


The importance of proper soil chemistry to a healthy garden

Trying to grow healthy, vibrant flowers without proper soil chemistry is definitely a case of putting the cart before the horse. Good soil is the cornerstone of successful gardening, and it is important to make sure that your soil will meet the needs of your plants before the first seed is planted.

While soil chemistry is important no matter what types of plants or flowers you grow, it is particularly critical when it comes to working with bulbs, perennials or other plants that remain in the ground for than one season. The reason is that the chemistry of the soil can change from year to year. Therefore, if a formerly well blooming patch of the garden is looking a bit haggard, the first place to look is at the condition of the soil. Erosion, overuse of pesticides and fertilizers and a number of other factors can impact the quality of the soil, so it is important to test the soil if you suspect a problem.

Of course the soil should be tested anytime a new flower bed is prepared as well. It would be a mistake to assume that the soil chemistry is the same everywhere on your property, since the makeup of different patches of soil can be markedly different, due to past use, chemicals or residue in the ground, etc.

It is a good idea to have a thorough soil analysis done prior to planting a bed of flowers. Most major cities have several laboratories that do soil testing, so be sure to contact such a lab to have the soil analyzed for pH level, and for levels of important plant nutrients. If you are unsure where to get the soil tested, be sure to ask the staff at your local nursery or garden center for a recommendation.

After the present condition of the soil is known, you will be in a much better position to know how to amend the soil and make the changes that are needed. Once you know the pH level, the level of organic material in the soil, the amount of clay, amount of sand, etc., you will be able to choose the right additives to provide your plants with what they need to thrive.

The pH level of the soil can be a particularly critical factor when deciding what types of plants will work best. Most varieties of annuals, perennials and bulbs will grow well in a wide range of soil pH, but some plants have specific needs, and prefer soils that are either very alkaline or very acidic. If your pH range is outside the norm, or if it needs to be amended, there are a number of ways to accomplish this goal. For instance, limestone can be used to make acidic soil more alkaline, while sulfur is often used to make very alkaline soil more acidic. A pH level that is out of balance can also be helped by adding humus. This rich soil can be created at home by using a compost bin, or it can be purchased ready made from a garden center or nursery.

After you know the baseline content of your flower bed, it will be easier to track chemistry changes from year to year, and to make amendments as needed. The more you know about the quality of your soil, the more confident you can be that the plants you buy will thrive in your home garden.


Preventing disease in your garden

Preventing disease, and controlling any diseases that do occur, is a vital part of building a successful garden. Whether you are a casual weekend gardener or a grower of championship blooms, keeping your garden healthy is important.

Of course the best way to enjoy a healthy garden year after year is to keep your plants as healthy and well cared for as possible. Healthier plants are better able to fight off infections and resist damage by common insects.

Unfortunately, however, there are a number of common plant ailments that are entirely beyond the control of even the best gardener. The common bacterial infection known as fireblight, for instance, can easily penetrate plants if it rains at the right time of year. In order to prevent this infection, the gardener would need to be able to control the weather, and this is one thing that is definitely beyond their control.


In addition, other common plant ailments are difficult to detect at first. For instance, the mosaic virus, which often affects bare root roses, rarely displays any symptoms that would notify the gardener of its presence until it is too late.

In order to protect your garden from disease and keep your plants vigorous and healthy, it is important to follow these important steps:

Ø Keep your plants as healthy and vigorous as possible through providing the recommended amounts of water, fertilizer and sunlight. The staff at your local nursery or garden center can provide you with information on the specific growth needs of each plant you buy.
Ø Buy disease-resistant varieties of plants whenever possible. Seed packets and seedlings at the nursery are labeled to show their resistance to various common plant ailments.
Ø It is important to avoid damaging the roots as you transplant the seedlings. That is because damage to the plant's root system is a major cause of disease and other issues that can prevent plants from reaching their full potential.
Ø When working in the garden, be careful not to injure the plants as you work. It is important to exercise caution when weeding, fertilizing, tilling the soil, etc. Damaged stems and roots are a leading source of bacterial and fungal infections.
Ø If at all possible, avoid working in the garden when the weather is very damp. Dampness can spread disease and fungus, and it is easy for the gardener to unknowingly spread infections among the plants.
Ø If possible, use either a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose when watering plants. These two watering methods help to avoid getting water on the leaves and flowers. Standing water on plants is a leading source of fungal and bacterial infections. Furthermore, standing water makes it easy for infections to spread from one plant to another.
Ø Any disease plants should be removed from the garden immediately. It is important to remove any diseased plants from the garden and replace them with hardier varieties. Doing so is the best way to prevent an infection from spreading.
Ø Any diseased plants should be disposed of immediately with the regular household trash. It is important not to mulch the infected plants, or add them to a compost bin. While many disease causing organisms are destroyed by the heat of decomposition in the compost bin, some are able to survive. It is always best to not take the chance that composted materials could reinfect the garden bed.
Ø Keep your garden clean. A clean garden is less susceptible to infection. It is always a good idea to perform a thorough cleaning after every growing season. This includes removing weeds and dead plant parts, since some plant pathogens are able to survive the cold of winter.


Common plant and flower diseases

Everyone who gardens will sooner or later have to deal with common diseases of plants and flowers. While some gardeners are luckier than others in this regard, everyone, from the smallest casual gardener to the largest commercial growing operation, has had to grapple with this serious issue.

Both flowering and non-flowering plants are prone to a number of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Fungi are able to survive in the soil, independent of the plants, while both bacteria and viruses require a plant host for their survival.

Fungi
Fungi are among the most primitive of all organisms, and they are able to reproduce through the use of spores. These spores can be extremely difficult to kill, and the spores are designed to spread rapidly. Fungi produce spores in large numbers, and some of the spores are able to enter plants through their roots, while other spores attach themselves to the leaves of the plant. A single infected plant can release up to 100 million spores, so it is important to completely eradicate any fungal infection.


Bacteria
Unlike fungi, which can lie dormant for years or even decades in the soil, bacteria need both warmth and water to multiply and grow. Therefore, the majority of bacterial diseases are more of a problem in climates that are both warm and wet. Bacterial infections are easily spread through rain, splashing water, and even unknowingly by gardeners as they move between their plants. Most bacteria enter plants through a natural opening like a flower, or through a wound or cut in a stem or leaf.

Viruses
Viruses are even smaller life forms than bacteria, and they are able to reproduce only from within the cells of the plant or animal they infect. Certain viruses can be transmitted from plant to plant by insects such as aphids, thrips and leafhoppers, while still others can be carried by infected seeds or pollen spores. Like bacteria, viruses often enter plants through cuts or wounds in the stems, leaves or other parts of the plant.

As with all other disease treatment, the first step to effectively treating a viral, bacterial or fungal infection in the garden is to diagnose it properly. Every gardener should keep a book or guide on hand which shows the effects of common plant diseases. This guide will prove invaluable when trying to figure out what is bothering your plants. If you are still stumped for a diagnosis, be sure to seek the assistance of the staff at your local garden center, or the help of a more experienced gardener.

When treating bacterial, fungal and viral infections, the best approach is to try the most natural, least invasive methods first, and to move on only if those natural cures do not produce results. It is always a good idea to keep the use of harsh chemical pesticides and fungicides to a minimum, both for the health of your garden and the health of the wider environment.



Gardening the organic way

More and more people are discovering the joys that come with planting an organic garden. There are many reasons for gardening the organic way, from decreased use of pesticides to lower cost to concerns about the environment. Many gardeners are worried about the overuse of pesticides, and the possible effects it could have on their family members, their pets and their families. Other gardeners are concerned about the possibility of pesticide runoff, and concerned that such runoff could get into the groundwater and cause damage.

Another reason for organic gardening is the recent trend to incorporate fish ponds into the garden landscape. Fish are among the most sensitive creatures when it comes to chemical sensitivity, and even a small amount of chemicals in a closed environment like a pond can be toxic to many ornamental fish. Any homeowner who wishes to incorporate a fish pond into his or her landscape must be very careful about the use of pesticides, insecticides and other chemicals.

While information about organic gardening was once hard to come by, today there is lots of information available, as more and more people take up this special form of gardening. Both food plants and ornamental flowering plants can be grown organically, and many people particularly like the idea of growing and eating their own organic produce.

The basis of a good organic garden lies with the quality of the soil. It is very difficult to grow healthy plants or flowers in poor quality soil. If the soil in your area is not of high quality, it is important to take steps to improve the soil before planting any flowers or plants.

One great way to improve the soil for an organic garden is to lay down a good quality mulch. It is a good idea to mulch the flower bed with three inches of organic material, as this will help to conserve moisture, discourage the growth of weeds and add much needed nutrients to the soil. In addition to these benefits, a good quality mulch also provides a great looking finishing touch to the garden.

If you plan to grow acid loving plants in your organic garden, it is a good idea to put down a thick layer of pine needles in the fall. As these pine needles decompose in the fall and winter months, they add acid to the soil naturally, and eliminate the need for harsh chemicals or other additives. Adding chemicals to the soil can alter their long term chemistry and reduce their ability to grow thriving plants.

Providing a good mulch bed in the organic garden also provides protection from many garden pests, in addition to keeping weeds to a minimum. In addition, a good quality mulch will encourage healthier plants to grow, and healthier plants will be better able to fight off infections without the use of fungicides and herbicides.

Starting a compost pile is a another great way to reduce the amount of household waste your family generates, while producing high quality organic fertilizer for your plants. A simple compost pile is easy to set up, and it produces the rich, high quality soil that help plants thrive.

Choosing flowers for the organic garden

Organic gardening is steadily gaining popularity, and the good news is that virtually every kind of plant and flower can be grown organically. It is important, however, to choose the plants and flowers that are best suited to your own environment. Choosing plants that are suited to the environment in which they grow is one of the best ways to reduce the use of fungicides, pesticides and other chemicals in the garden.

For example, it may be difficult to use organic gardening methods to grow tropical variety of plants and flowers in a cold climate, just as it would be difficult to grow cold climate plants in the tropics. That is why it is best to use the flowers and plants that are best suited for your own environment.

One great way to choose the right plants for an organic garden is to choose native varieties of plants. Choosing native species is a great way to know that the plants you choose will do best where you plant them, without the need to use chemicals.

Using native species of plants does not mean a dull or boring garden. Native species of flowers and plants are available in just about every color of the rainbow, and in a variety of sizes, shapes and textures as well. A beautiful mixture of native plants can produce an organic garden you will be proud to show the world.


After you have chosen the perfect varieties of flowers and plants for your garden, it is important to choose only the healthiest specimens for your garden. That is because choosing unhealthy plants, or those that are infected with disease or infested by insects, could unwittingly introduce these problems into your garden, and make gardening organically that much more difficult.

Choosing the healthiest plants and flowers, on the other hand, will get your organic garden off to the best start, since healthy plants are better able to fight off pests, and to resist bacterial, viral and fungal infections. The healthy plants in your garden will be able to fight off these common ailments without the need for chemicals.

After the plants have been chosen and brought home, they should be transplanted as quickly as possible. It is a good idea to have a good supply of finished compost available when starting an organic garden. Starting a compost bin is a great idea for any organic gardener, since high quality compost often contains nutrients that even the best commercial fertilizers do not. In addition, creating your own compost means less waste going to landfills, and this can produce a healthier environment as well as a healthy garden.

When working a compost mixture in the soil, it is not necessary to go deep. Most plants root only to a depth of about six inches, so working the compost mixture into the first six to eight inches of the soil in the organic flower bed should be sufficient.

When transplanting seedlings from plastic nursery containers, it is important to carefully remove the plant from the container. You should carefully tear away those roots that have grown past the container. Before planting the transplants, be sure that the soil has been adequately prepared with good organic material. Having organic material in the soil not only will provide a great source of nutrition for the young plants, but it will so encourage the growth of beneficial organisms like earthworms. Earthworms can work the soil better than any garden instrument, and they are an integral part of a successful organic garden.

Why you should consider organic gardening

Organic gardening is one of the fastest growing facets of gardening, and more and more people are discovering that it is possible to enjoy a beautiful, thriving garden while still keeping the use of chemicals and pesticides to a minimum.

One reason to avoid the use of chemicals and pesticides is that long term use of such chemicals can deplete the soil and leave it unable to sustain further growth. In many cases beds of perennials suddenly stop blooming for no apparent reason, and the culprit is often found to be the overuse of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

Concern for the health of the gardener's family members, pets and the environment as a whole is another reason many people choose organic gardening methods. Runoff from many commercial pesticides and chemical fertilizer can leach into ground water, damage wells, and cause problems with fish ponds and other parts of the landscape.

In addition, a well planted and well landscaped home interior has been shown to improve the value of the home, and when that garden is an organic one its value is further enhanced. A beautiful organic garden can be a great way to provide a cost effective enhancement to any landscape.

Pest control is one of the places where organic gardening can actually be superior to chemical methods. Instead of using harsh pesticides to get rid of garden pests, it is often better and more effective to use beneficial insects to get rid of harmful ones. Harmful insects are often unable to compete once more beneficial insects have been brought in to the organic garden.

One of the most common pests encountered by gardeners, and one of the biggest reasons they use chemical pesticides, is aphids. These common garden pests can be organically controlled by spraying the infested stems, leaves and buds with a diluted mixture of soapy water, then an application of fresh, clear water. This technique has been used by organic gardeners for many years, and it is effective even against heavy infections of aphids.

Selecting the right plants is also important to success as an organic gardener. Choosing the right fertilizer is an important consideration as well, since there are organic equivalents for just about every type of chemical fertilizer. When choosing plants and fertilizers, be sure to research the best plants and organic fertilizers for your own area. If you have an organic gardening club in your area, you may want to join in order to swap tips about the best types of plants and fertilizers.


One great element of any organic garden landscape is a good ground cover. Planting ground covering plants in areas where grass has a hard time taking hold not only enhances the beauty of your home, but it provides better soil drainage and water retention as well. Many homeowners have discovered the power of using native species as natural ground cover.

Flowering vines are another popular centerpiece of many organic gardens. Flowering vines are great for enhancing the beauty of fences, walls, sheds and other structures, since they can easily be trained to grow along these structures.

These any many other plants and flowers can enhance any organic garden and make it the showcase of the community. Growing an organic garden is a great way to protect your home, your family and even the environment.

Growing the best flowers in town

Every gardener wants to grow the most perfect, most beautiful flowers in town, but that goal is to be elusive. Whether your goal is to win the best bloom award at the big flower show or just to enjoy a garden full of beautiful flowers, there are some steps you can take to make sure your garden is the best it can be.

Pay attention to chemistry
The chemistry of the soil is one of the most critical factors to the success, or lack of success, in the home garden. If the soil in your area is poor, chances are you will be unable to grow those beautiful blooms until the soil has been amended to provide the nutrition the plants need.

One mistake many gardeners make is to assume that the soil chemistry will be the same all over their property. It is important to have each part of your property you plan to use for flower growing tested, especially if the areas are far apart. This can be particularly important if part of your property lies on a downhill slope, or if it has been used for other purposes in the past.

It is also important to take into consideration such things as the slope of the land and the type of soil in your area. A thorough soil analysis will give you a good baseline to go by and a great way to monitor the quality of the land as your garden grows.

Know what your plants require
Chances are you already have some plants in mind for your new garden, and if so it is important to understand what those plants need in order to thrive. While most common varieties of annuals, perennials and bulbs will grow in a wide range of conditions, some other varieties can be a bit more demanding.

If you plan to grow roses in your garden, for instance, it is a good idea to know the pH level of your soil, and amend it if necessary. Most roses are acid loving plants, and therefore they may not grow properly in soil that is very alkaline. The good news is that alkaline soil can often be brought into balance by adding a good quality humus and working it through the soil. If the humus alone is not sufficient, the addition of sulfur to the soil can often help turn the soil more acidic.

Watch the nutrition
The nutrients contained within the soil are also vital to the success of your garden. For instance, if the levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and other organic matter is not high enough, your plants may not get the nutrition they need to grow and bloom. Nutrients can be added to poor soil through the use of humus, or by using a good, high quality organic fertilizer.

You can see why soil chemistry is such an important first step toward growing the perfect garden. Growing the best flowers in town is a worthy goal. Be sure your soil is up to the task.



There is no doubt that gardening can be a relaxing, rewarding and fulfilling hobby for every person. Whether you are a beginning gardener or already have a certified green thumb, there is nothing quite as exciting as seeing the seeds you have so lovingly sown spring forth into beautiful blossoms.

We hope this guide will help you get even more enjoyment from your gardening hobby.