Sprucing Up For the Holidays

Yes, it's that time of year when folks start having family get-togethers and holiday parties. Now would be a good time to look around the yard and determine what needs sprucing up. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make your yard sparkle. Some people that can afford it will do a total tear out of their flower beds, and replenish them with fresh annuals but it doesn't have to be that way.
Freshen up your plants and trees by trimming out all of the dead foliage, branches or fronds. Remove any plant debris from your plant beds (this also helps to discourage fungus). Spreading fresh mulch around your plants can make a landscape come alive again. Pick up a couple of potted plants to set beside your front door to give the house a festive look without going overboard. Happy planting!

Staghorns and Bananas

Staghorns thrive on potassium. The next time you think about throwing out those overripe bananas (if you're not going to bake banana bread), toss them into the top of your staghorn instead. Also, staghorns do not require a lot of water as they are an "air" plant so a once a week watering should be sufficient.

Rain Rain Rain

All of the rain during the night last night reminded me that I have been wanting to get a rain barrel. What better way to utilize a natural resource and save money on your water bill! Rain water is so pure without all the added chemicals and your plants will love it. You will be amazed at how much water actually collects in a rain barrel. A hose can easily be configured to attach to your barrel for convenient watering in your garden or greenhouse. Rain barrels can be found at many local garden centers and even online. The hidden artist in you can also creatively decorate the outside of the barrel for an instant piece of yard art.

Container Gardening

Over the last several years, the increase in the amount of people living in condominiums and/or apartments has spawned the need for new ideas in container gardening.

If you are feeling creative, and want to give this type of gardening a try, there are several things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the container you choose is large enough for the plant(s) you have chosen. Drainage is very important, so make sure there is at least one drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Secondly, it is a good idea to put something in the bottom of the pot before adding soil to help with the drainage. I use broken clay pieces from previously chipped or cracked clay pots that I then break apart with a hammer.

Make sure to water the soil well before planting and then at least twice again after filling in with soil around the plant. This helps to eliminate any air pockets in the soil. Container plants will have to be watered more often than those in the ground to keep them from drying out.

Typically, when using more than one plant in a pot at the same time, it is best for visual purposes, to have the taller plant in the center of the pot, with lower growing/draping plants around the outside. Additionally, make sure when grouping plants in the same pot that they have the same light, and watering requirements.

There are so many amazing combinations that will look stunning in containers. Some combinations that are all one color are just as appealing to the eye as several different colors. Happy planting!