Spring Flowering Bulbs
June 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under Flower Gardening
For many people, spring is the best time of the year. This is the time of the year that many plants will start to come to life. You can enjoy this by planting spring flower bulbs in your own backyard. These bulbs get their name because they bloom early in the spring while other plants are still developing.
When choosing spring flower bulbs, you have many types to choose from. Some of the most popular one are hyacinth, tulip, and narcissus. Most of these can be found at your local garden center. It is best to start picking them early in the fall season. Waiting until the last minute to go buy spring flower bulbs will leave you with limited choices.
In order for these bulbs to grow in the spring, they will need to be planted before the ground freezes. The plant will need to develop a strong root system in order to grow properly in the spring and this is why it’s important to plant them before the first frost. Late September or early October would be the best time to start planting them.
They grow well in an area where the soil is well drained. If they are planted in an area where there are standing water, the bulbs will rot. The area must give the bulbs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day too. As for the soil, it should be loose with compost or peat moss added to it. This will help the soil retain its structure and help the plant build a strong root system.
Before you start digging, follow the directions on the package. Each bulb have their own directions and it must be followed or the bulb will not grow properly. As a general rule, most bulbs thrive well in six to eight inches deep of soil. The pointy end of the bulbs should be facing upward. Fill soils in the hole and pack it firmly with your hand.
These spring bulbs doesn’t require much care. Water them one or twice a week and add mulch when the cold set in. If you live in a snowy region, try to clear the snow as much as possible so the bulbs can receive sunlight. If you do this correctly, the bulbs should start to grow in the spring. In not time, your garden will be filled with beautiful flowers.
Planting Roses
June 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under Type Of Flowers
Roses are the most popular type of flowers among gardeners. The fragrance and beauty that roses have are the main reason why many people choose to have them in their garden.
Before you start planting roses, check with the local garden center or florist for the best type of roses to grow in your climate. If this is your first time planting roses, look for disease resistant types of roses because they require little maintenance. Some of these roses are the Altissimo, America, Autumn Sunset, and Collete.
Once you pick the roses you want, the next step is to find a suitable location to grow them. It is recommended to choose an area that is sunlit for at least 6 hours a day. Roses need plenty of sunlight to grow properly.
In addition to the sunlight, choose an area that has plenty of well drained soil. The soil should have a PH level where the acid is around 5.5-7.0. A test kit is available at many garden center.
To get the best result for your roses, the soil should be mixed with compost and other organic materials before planting the roses. These materials will help break down the soil and provide needed nutrients for the roots.
When digging the ground, make sure to leave at least a foot of space around the plant to ensure sufficient amount of circulation. This will also helps prevent leaf diseases for your roses.
Once the plant is in the ground, fill the soil halfway to the top. Begin by watering the plant until the soil is wet. Avoid watering the leaves since wet leaves are prone to diseases. Finish by filling the hole with soil and firmly pad the soil with your hand against the plant. Water the plant again until the soil is soaked. This will remove any air pocket from the soil.
Planting roses is a simple task if you follow the above steps. Roses can be easily damaged and a lot of care has to be taken when planting them. Once they begin to bloom beautiful flowers, you will know you planted them correctly.
Wildflowers in the Garden
June 4, 2009 by admin
Filed under Type Of Flowers, flowers
When it comes to growing flowers in the garden, many people overlook the beauty of what wildflowers can bring. For those who want a simple and colorful garden, you should consider growing wildflowers. Beside their beauty, they are easy to care for and will survive in almost any type of soil. Also, these flowers are self-sufficient, capable of surviving without any pruning, and little or no watering.
Planting and growing wildflowers do not need a lot of attention and care like many other popular garden flowers. However, to have a successful wildflower garden, there are some needed steps to take. First of all, it is recommended to grow native wildflowers that are already adapted to the climate and growing conditions. This will ensure that the wildflowers will grow without any issues. However, there are some wildflowers that can survive virtually in any climate and adapt quickly to the change. A few of the most popular wildflowers are Butterfly Weed, Sunflower, Winecup, California Poppy, and Texas Bluebonnets.
When it comes to planting them, you have the option to grow them from seedlings or buy mature plants. However, there is a disadvantage to growing the plant from the seeds because it can take a long time for it to germinate and mature. Also, the seeds of some species of wildflowers will require pretreatment before it can be planted. If you don’t have any experience growing plants from seed, it may be best to buy mature plants from the local nursery.
If you are planting seeds, mix them in a fine-grade builder’s sand first. Before planting them, make sure the soil is loose first and then begin by spreading the seeds over the area where you want the flowers to grow. After all the seeds are spread over the ground, water them until the soil become wet.
Once the plants begin to flower, you will notice there are all different colors and types. The goal to planting wildflowers in the garden is to mimic how they would look in the wild. Once they mature, little maintenance is needed to care for them, only an occasional watering. However, some plants may require more or less water depending on your climate, so it’s important to follow the directions that comes with the plants or seedlings.
