Self Watering Violet Pots

Posted on: 02 May, 2005

Author: Linda Paquette

Violets and African violets grow in just about any type of flowerpot they’re put in, but usually when someone talks about violet pots, they’re talking about the two part ceramic pots, especially made for the African violet. Although violet pots are a bit more expensive than standard flowerpots, they are well worth the added few cents. The main reason for failure in growing African violets is over-watering. When you use African violet pots for your plants, they have a steady supply of moisture without becoming saturated. Also referred to as “self-watering pots”, violet pots are two-piece sets consisting of a...

Violet Pots

Posted on: 02 May, 2005

Author: Linda Paquette

Pot size is important for your African violets because they grow best when their roots fill the pot! Although pot-bound means disaster to many plants, to the African violet it’s synonymous with comfort! A three-inch pot is ample room for small African violets. A good rule of thumb for repotting is to change pots when the plant overflows its pots or, in other words, when the foliage rosette spills over the edges. Although African violets are easy-growing plants and apt to “bloom where they are planted”, special violet pots come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors and sizes...

How to Transplant Irises

Posted on: 02 May, 2005

Author: LeAnn R. Ralph

One spring many years ago, an older friend of mine dug up an iris bed at her home. They were bearded irises -- a lovely shade of lilac purple -- and she moved some of them to a different location. The... One spring many years ago, an older friend of mine dug up an iris bed at her home. They were bearded irises -- a lovely shade of lilac purple -- and she moved some of them to a different location. The irises had already started to grow and were about four inches high. She didn't know what to do...

The Language and Meaning of Flowers

Posted on: 29 April, 2005

Author: Garry Gamber

Flowers and bouquets of flowers have a meaning of their own. Most of us know that a dozen red roses means, “Be mine.” But did you know, for example, that a primrose means, “I can’t live without you,” ... Flowers and bouquets of flowers have a meaning of their own. Most of us know that a dozen red roses means, “Be mine.” But did you know, for example, that a primrose means, “I can’t live without you,” or that a purple hyacinth means, “Please forgive me,” or that a pink carnation means, “I’ll never forget you,” or that a gladiolus...

Grow Your Own SIMPLE Tea Garden

Posted on: 29 April, 2005

Materials Needed1 decorative clay or metal planter1 package of clay pellets (approx. 30 pellets)3 packets of organic tea leaves seeds (YOUR CHOICE) Grow-rich or nutrient-rich potting soil (ASK YOUR NURSERY FOR THE BEST RECOMMENDATION FOR YOUR AREA) Directions1. Spread the clay pellets evenly along bottom of planter. These will absorb water and promote healthy root development of the tea plants. 2. Moisten potting soil in a large plastic bag and then spread mix over clay pellets in planter, leaving 1/2 inch at top of planter. 3. Sprinkle seeds on soil, leaving about 2 or so inches between different varieties. 4....

Discover Container Gardening with Tomatoes

Posted on: 29 April, 2005

Author: Cyndi Roberts

You don't think you have a green thumb?That's OK--you don't really need one!Just a little knowledge and info to get youstarted!! Those of us who live in rural areas have a decided advantage over city... You don't think you have a green thumb?That's OK--you don't really need one!Just a little knowledge and info to get youstarted!! Those of us who live in rural areas have a decided advantage over city and apartmentdwellers. We can nearly always find roomfor a vegetable garden even if it's a smallone! But even if you don't have an acre or two ofland to play with,...

Outdoor Patio Heaters

Posted on: 28 April, 2005

Author: Ross MacIver

Almost everybody enjoys spending time outdoors, and that's why most houses have an outdoor terrace or patio. People living in northern climates, however, can only use their patio during the pleasant summer weather. If you wish to extend your patio season, outdoor patio heaters can be used to enjoy your patio or terrace in the early spring and late fall as well as during the summer. An outdoor patio heater is perfect for people who like to entertain outside. It can make the difference between being able to relax and being uncomfortable. Your guests will appreciate being able to enjoy...

The Perfect Garden Sundial

Posted on: 18 April, 2005

Author: Graham McClung

The chances are very good if you can make one yourself, or get one custom made for your location. But both thesealternatives will take either time or money. The reason for this is that apart from adj... The chances are very good if you can make one yourself, or get one custom made for your location. But both thesealternatives will take either time or money. The reason for this is that apart from adjustmentsfor time zones and daylight saving , covered in anotherarticle, there are three things that must be done. Compensating for the Earth's Path Around the Sun If...

The Sundial - Garden Ornament or Exotic Timepiece?

Posted on: 18 April, 2005

Author: Graham McClung

Most of us regard a sundial as an attractive ornament fora park or garden. Their effectiveness as time keepers ishighly variable That's unfortunate, because it is not at all difficult to ensure that your garden sundial will be an accurate timepiece, provided, of course that the sun is shining. But that will be covered in another article. For now, let's see what a sundial is, and what it is capable of. Sundial History We forget in this modern age that accurate, affordablewatches and clocks have been around for much less than 200 years. Before then, sundials were one of the...

The Home Garden

Posted on: 17 April, 2005

Author: Charles French

The garden should be near the house and away from trees. If it's some distance away from the house, it will not be as well looked after, nor will most use be made of vegetables grown. Vegetables near trees cannot get full sunshine; even more important, tree roots will rob them of water and fertilizer they need to do their best. If you can, move the garden spot every 10 years or so to help keep down diseases. Proper rotation and use of disease-resistant varieties will help, but sooner or later the old garden spot becomes so full of various...