Cool Climate Bananas or Cold Hardy Bananas are grown for their foliage. Banana species and banana relatives that will handle the cooler temperatures are generally not suitable for fruit production. However some will fruit with a little care. Frost will…
Gaillardia are widely known as ‘Blanket Flowers’, they get this name from the colorful flowers that remind us of the bright patterned blankets made by Native Americans. Most species are regarded as hardy from UDSA zones 3 to 10. With…
Growing plants in containers is certainly not new, however with modern living focused on apartments and with gardens in courtyards and on balconies container gardening is really a practical solution to an old problem. Often seen as a solution for…
With so many different types of fertilizers available for garden plants, the choice can be a little confusing. Each type is made for particular plant growth needs. Many gardeners use a number of different fertilizers during the year. An all-purpose…
We would all like to have the vase of rose flowers last as long as possible, so if you are trying to find the perfect way to make those roses last longer in the vase, we have the answer. Making…
Although many trees do not look like they need to be pruned, you will find that with proper pruning care, these long term garden assets will be protected from damage. Shrubs and hedges benefit from regular trimming to maintain an…
One of the easiest of all bulbs to grow in pots and containers are Daffodils, we show you how to do it. Why not add a little ‘mobile color’ to the spring garden by growing daffodils in containers. We often…
Garden pond designs can include many features including waterfalls, built in fountains, stepping stones and overhanging plants. And for extra interest fish or ‘Koi’ can also be added to even a small backyard pond. Garden ponds are a great idea…
Deadheading roses is common practice and is easy. The same method applies to Knockout Roses as well as Bush, Climbing and Standard types. Why Deadhead Roses Their are a few reasons to prune back the dead flower heads on roses.…
An essential addition to flower beds and vegetable gardens, mulch saves time, water and you can spend less time weeding. The right mulch will also help improve soil structure and plant growth. So lets’ get mulching. What is the best…
Azalea mollis, knap hill, ghent and Azalea ‘Klondyke’ are all deciduous azalea hybrids. Loved for the attractive showy flowers that appear in spring Deciduous Azaleas or Azalea mollis are perhaps an under used garden plant. In cool to temperate climates…
Ground Cover plants for shade and part shade are a useful addition to any garden. Plants that grow well in shade often have to compete with the roots of trees and poor soil conditions as well as low light and…
Bourbon Roses with their large flowers are naturally occurring hybrid originating from hedges or Reunion Island, formally known as the Isle of Bourbon. Grown for the fragrance as well as the large double and ruffled flowers they range in colour…
Let’s face it, Deer will eat just about any plant if they are hungry enough. They can also be a problem for the gardener, as if they don’t eat it, they will trample on it. However some plants are more…
All rhizomatous iris and true bulb types require dividing eventually to ensure strong growth as well as allowing the plants to multiply. Division of bearded iris plants and Siberian iris rhizomes or bulbs is not a difficult task for any…
A waterfall in your own backyard sounds like a great feature, and with it flowing into a pretty pond we are starting to get a really nice landscaping picture. But can you actually build a pond and a waterfall? Yes…
If you are looking for a feature for your backyard, why not choose a fountain. A DIY fountain project is achievable and can be fairly cheap as well. We look at some ideas as well as show you how to…
Used widely for composting, worm farms also produce vermicast and liquid waste which is a great source of fertilizer. Worm farms can easily be set up in the home garden and are a great way to get rid of kitchen…
It does not need to be summer to enjoy an evening or even a lunch on the patio, the concept of outdoor living is not new, its just that we have modernised it. A Japanese style patio table, may or…
It certainly does not need to be summer to enjoy cooking outdoors, especially in the warmer states. With pergolas, enclosed patios and even tropical style huts all you need is the with equipment and the right place to put it…
If you are looking for ideas for plants for growing in hanging baskets, then you are in for a very wide choice. Although you will be limited by the size of the basket itself you can grow a wide range…
Greenhouses, hothouses and shade house structures are all an important part of the home garden for enthusiastic gardeners. They come as completed structures, in kit form or you could go for a DIY construction, lot os simple plans are available.…
Ornaments in the garden can look great, and you can use a range of materials as well as design styles. Choosing the right ornament for the garden depends on your personal taste, however we have a few ideas to help…
Gardening books have provided gardeners around the world with a wealth of information for many years. Although online resources aim at providing information and advice, the detail ans specifics that are explained in books make them a worthwhile investment for…
Many gardeners will wear ordinary cloths into the garden, however specially designed gardening clothes do have a few advantages. Being tougher, resistant to tearing, protective and easy to wash are all essential elements to look for in garden clothes. The…
Call it what you will patio or outdoor furniture brings relaxation to outdoor living. Relaxing after a busy day, or entertaining friends you can create a wonderful relaxing deck or outdoor eating area with the right selection of chairs, tables…
Solar fountain kits and solar powered pond and fountain pumps are now a viable alternative to conventional electric powered fountain pumps and are readily available for sale from Online suppliers. Solar powered fountain pumps and kits may be adapted to…
Used widely as a means of supporting plants as well as a method of providing a screen Garden trellis will allow some privacy in the garden. Found in arbors as a screen and Japanese Garden design, both antique and modern…
Even in the warmest climates outdoor living areas can get a little chilly at night. A well designed fire pit could just be the right idea to maximise the time you can spend in an alfresco dining area, patio or…
The great thing about making conpost is that its free, and is the best way to add organic matter to the soil. Compost improves soil health and therefore plant health. Making compost is also great for the environment, it reduces…
