by DianthusMoon

Adding Color with Flowering Shrubs and Trees

Flowering shrubs can add much needed color to our landscapes in both the spring and summer months with their glorious range of blooms. Careful shrub selections as well as proper site preparation are keys to the success of new shrubs or flowering trees in the landscape of your yard. Especially during spring, searching for new trees and shrubs can be overwhelming with so much new stock at the local nurseries. Whatever you choose, take the time to condition the soil and nurture your new plants as they adapt to their new home.

Before you bring your chosen trees and shrubs to your yard, you should analyze the soil, shade, and water drainage conditions in your landscape. This simple step can help you prevent expensive plant replacements later on. After you note the conditions of your yard, determine whether any changes should be made since it is easier to do this before you begin planting than it is to make changes later. Trees and shrubs will take on various appearances depending on the amount of sunlight they receive during the day. A typical plant in full sunshine will usually experience thicker denser growth, with branches full of foliage. Too much shade can cause some varieties of plants to develop a thinner stretched out look. Keep in mind what type of sunlight your tree or shrub of choice requires, your nursery professionals are usually happy to explain what type of sunlight intensity your plant will require.

To plant your shrub or tree start by digging a hole that is about as deep and roughly twice as wide as the root ball of your trees or shrubs. Then carefully remove the plant from the container it came in and loosen the roots very gently before placing the tree or shrub into the hole for planting. Last you should fill in the hole around the plant with a mixture of half compost and half soil. Make sure you do not suffocate the plant by adding too much mulch against the trunk of your shrub or tree. Natural mulch is typically an ideal material to spread around your new plants, and then you will want to water them well every-day for about 2 to 3 weeks after planting. Mulching will help to reduce weed growth, retain moisture in the soil, and will eventually break down to add valuable organic material to the soil. This process will also help your plant become better established.

Shrubs and trees are usually very low maintenance with proper site preparation, and they can last a lifetime once well-established in your yard. Planting your shrubs in the spring months can give them an entire growing season to establish themselves in the yard. However, you will need to nurture your new plants during the hot summer months. Extreme hot or dry weather conditions often stresses newly planted shrubs and trees, so keep an eye on them and water as needed.

Bulbs are the earliest blooming flowers in the garden blooming as early as February or early March. Bulbs can be used in the perennial garden where they can complement other early flowers. Planted in the lawn or beneath deciduous shade trees, bulbs can provide your property with spots of vibrant colors.

Though bulbs prefer sun they can grow beneath the canopy of deciduous trees. In the spring, before the leaves develop, the sun can filter though the tree’s branches. However, while they’ll grow best in the sun, those which are exposed to direct sun during the hottest part of the day are subject to shorter periods of bloom. Bulbs prefer organic well drained soil and will tend to rot if grown in poorly drained soils such as clay. To grow in poorly drained areas amend the soil down to 1 foot. Adding coarse textured organic mulch and compost to the soil will increase its drainage ability and add nutrients to the soil. Another solution is to plant them in raised beds created with well drained soil.

Bulbs, like perennials and annuals, should be deadheaded after they flower. Removing past blooms will prevent the bulbs from forming seed heads. This allows bulbs to put all of their energy into next year’s growth. Wait until the foliage turn brown before you cut the bulb back to the ground. Bulbs receive their energy through their foliage from the sun. This energy is stored below the ground in the bulbs until the following spring.

Wait until the weather is cooler in October and November to plant your bulbs. When you purchase them be sure they are firm rather than soft, bruised or moldy. If you don’t plant them right away be sure to store them in a cool dry place until you do. Generally, bulbs are planted at a depth 3 to 4 times the width of the bulb. Be sure to check when you buy for specific planting instructions. I like to plant bulbs in large massings for clusters of color. Cover the planted bulbs with about 2 or 3 inches of bark mulch to help the soil retain moisture and to reduce the growth of weeds in the garden.

Every few years some bulbs begin to get crowded and need dividing. Bulbs can be dug up after the foliage turns brown and can either be planted immediately or stored in a cool dry place until they’re planted in the fall.

Bulbs can usually be depended on to provide the garden with early spring color. Sometimes, however, bulbs fail to bloom profusely. This can be the result of too much moisture, too much shade or overcrowding. It can also be the result of removing the foliage of the bulbs too soon or improper planting techniques such as planting at the wrong depth.

Bulbs are among the easiest plants to care for in the garden. With some initial work you can provide your garden with early season color year after year. Spring flowering bulbs are a pleasant sight after a long winter and are the best sign of the wonderful things to come.

Having a beautiful garden is one of the surest ways to surround your home with a fundamental element of luxury. But if you want to have a gorgeous garden and you’re faced with a short growing season like we have in Calgary, you have to work a bit smarter than you do in say, California. With this in mind, here a few tips to help bring out the best in your yard.

The Quicker the Better

The growing season in Calgary is relatively short, amounting to about 170 frost free days a year. So whatever you plant, make sure it gets to the point quickly. Fast growing plants are the way to go if you want to be surrounded by greenery and flowers this summer.

As Beautiful as the Day is Long

Fortunately, Calgary gardens have a distinct advantage when it comes to the growing season. Though there may not be many days for growing, those days are long. In the summer, the sun shines from 5 am to 10 pm with dusk stretching as far as midnight. In fact, at the height of summer, it never really gets dark for long. While we’re on the topic, Calgary is actually one of the sunniest places in the county with an annual average of 2400 hours of brilliant sunshine.

Everything’s Coming up Roses

It’s easy to have a rose garden if you stick to wild roses. Hardy and abundant, the prairie rose makes a great border that blooms early and provides colour all season with very little help from you.

Rock On

Rock gardens are a go in Calgary. Use local rocks for the best effect – they look better and cost you nothing. Did I also mention they look better? Fortunately, most of the plants that grow in a traditional alpine rock garden will also do nicely in Calgary. Visit the Reader Rock Garden for a supreme example of how beautiful this type of garden can be.

Turn Your Face to the Sun

Before you plant a thing in the ground, turn your attention to the sky. Figuring out where the sun is going to hit your little patch of paradise and from which direction, should be the first thing you consider when planning your garden. A north facing yard will call for shade tolerant plants, while a south or southwest facing yard will soak up the rays. If you want vegetables, plant them in the sunny spot. You’ll also want to look for elevations and slopes when you are making your site selection while avoiding depressions and low areas that allow water to pool.

Everyone Knows it’s Windy

The first thing you need to know about the prairies is that they’re flat. For gardeners, this means that unless you intervene, there will always be days when there’s nothing to stop the wind from whipping itself into a frenzy and making your garden shiver with wind chill. Nothing that is, unless you create a windbreak, which you definitely should do. Windbreaks stop the wind from lowering the temperature on the property which is good for the garden, good for your house and good for you. Fences are the quickest way to enjoy the benefits of a windbreak and open fences (picket style) will always do better than solid fences which just seem to make the wind angrier.

Satisfy Thy Soul in Drought

Though you can stand outside everyday watering your lawn to make it green, hopefully you have better things to do with your time. Besides, it’s always wise to accept things for what they are and Calgary’s climate is dry. Choose drought tolerant grasses and ground cover. Save money on your water bill. Be at peace.

A Snowball’s Chance

Your garden, your yard and your view don’t only exist from frost to frost. Give your garden and your family the full benefit of the seasons by making this space a fun and beautiful place all year round. Plant trees and bushes that will not only survive the winter but will add colour and interest. There’s nothing nicer than red berries contrasted with white snow in February. Evergreens and conifers are another classic choice. Pay attention to shapes and silhouettes when you are planning your winter garden. There’s also nothing more deliciously defiant than hanging out in the hot tub when the thermometer has dipped well below zero. Saunas, out door fireplaces and heated spas all make the cold months a bit warmer and open up a whole world of possibilities when it comes to winter parties. If you have children (or even if you don’t) you might also want to consider allowing space for a backyard rink. Forget the tarps and the flooding if you want to go this route. There are some great portable skating rinks on the market right now that just need to be unrolled and filled up for a season of ice skating fun times.

And finally, if you’re really serious about turning the yard around your Calgary home into an abundant wonderland, there are some great books that deal specifically with gardens in our climate zone and plants that do well here. The Calgary Horticultural Society is also a fantastic resource for local green thumbs.

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Image taken on 2010-05-15 18:35:10 by Chris Devers.

Daylilies are quite possibly the perfect plant. It is easy to see why they have become one of the most popular flowering perennials.  They are very hardy and quite easy to grow.  They can grow in different soil, sunlight, and water conditions, are rarely bothered by pests, and are generally disease resistant.  What’s more, daylilies come in many different colors, sizes and types — there are over 40,000 different registered varieties and hundred of new varieties are added to the registry each year.

Every garden, whether big or small, can include daylilies in the landscape plan and design. The can be planted singly as specimen plants and are also excellent when planted in masses, or in mixed border arrangements.  They work well to deter erosion and can help establish banks or in areas where erosion is a problem.  When interspersed with other plants, daylilies can help to cover the yellowing foliage of the other plants and early spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips.

Because there is such a vast selection of types, sizes, and colors, gardeners have many options for using daylilies in the landscape.  And, with their different blooming periods and re-blooming characteristics, with some planning, you can have blooming daylilies in your garden from spring through fall.

When planning your garden design using daylilies, keep the following tips in mind:

Planting in groups of the same variety will give the greatest impact on the landscape design. Brightly colored varieties will make a greater visual statement from a distance. There are many re-blooming daylily varieties available.  By selecting re-blooming types of daylilies, you can extend your season of color. Incorporate varieties of different heights.  By selecting plants of different heights, you can use them in the front, middle, and back of the bed. For more variety, combine different types of daylily blooms. Plant unusual varieties as specimen plants. Some varieties are particularly fragrant.  Be sure to plant those close to a walk-way or where their fragrance will be most appreciated. Mix with other types of plants.  The companion plants can help to accentuate the daylily flowers and foliage and can also be used to provide additional color during the times that daylilies are not blooming.

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Bulb Flowers, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Bulb Flowers.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to Bulb Flowers than you may have first thought.

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.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

A garden of plants and blooms cited by Shakespeare can transcend time
When he was putting pen to paper in 17th-century London, it seems unlikely that William Shakespeare would suspect that four centuries later gardeners would be reading his works and planning their plants based on his references.

Read more on Fort Worth Star-Telegram

I want one that has abundant blooms if possible.

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of gardening with bulbs, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of gardening with bulbs.

The information about gardening with bulbs presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about gardening with bulbs or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

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.

As your knowledge about gardening with bulbs continues to grow, you will begin to see how gardening with bulbs fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

National Women’s Day is celebrated on the 9th of August in South Africa annually. It is a day when women are celebrated for everything they bring to their loved ones’ lives and the rest of society. Women have taken on the world with strength, talent and confidence and fulfil many vital roles in all areas of life. A popular choice of gift to send on this Women’s Day is flowers. A beautiful bouquet composed of her favourite blooms, expertly arranged into a neat and colourful gift is an appropriate and traditional gift for this special day.

The rest of the globe celebrates Women’s Day on the 8th of March but in South Africa the 9th of August has a special significance in terms of the importance of women. National Women’s Day originated in 1994 to commemorate the women’s march on the 9th of August 1956, a moment which was pivotal in shaping the democratic future of South Africa and the freedom of all citizens. The march protested the Apartheid Government’s law that all non-whites must carry an identity document, otherwise known as a “pass”. These identity documents placed limitations on the freedom of movement of non-whites.

Women in South Africa today
Luckily a lot has changed in South Africa since 1956. Besides the abolishment of Apartheid, the country has progressed in terms of gender equality too. Women are employed in highly authoritative jobs and are leaders of industries.

They have excelled in professions previously seen as “male”. Whether a doctor, teacher, scientist, secretary, CEO, sportswoman, mother, daughter – women play a definite and pivotal role in society. Women’s Day is an opportunity for all South Africans to celebrate women and the roles which they play in shaping the country.

Flowers especially for women
Certain types of flowers carry special meanings, which make a perfect addition to any bouquet of Women’s Day flowers. Blooms symbolising what women represent in our lives – strength, kindness, beauty, joy and devotion, make for a very meaningful gift. Some ideas for flowers to send are:

Gladioli, a brightly coloured bloom is symbolic of strength of character. Small rosebuds in any colour are traditional for symbolising purity and loveliness. A pink rose symbolises grace, happiness and gratitude. Sunflowers, with their happy and bright flowers are symbolic of adoration. Bright blooms of a yellow Alstroemeria symbolise wealth, prosperity and fortune.

Sending a flower gift comprised of a variety of flowers with traditional meanings is a thoughtful and memorable gesture for any woman on Women’s Day. A surprise gift will certainly delight any woman who has a special place in your life, whether she is your mother, spouse, girlfriend, sister or friend.

Benefits of buying flowers online
Buying Women’s Day flowers through an online florist offers many benefits for the purchaser. Good online florists should offer Women’s Day flowers in their online catalogues. The websites should be secure and offer safe payment facilities, eradicating the possibility of credit card fraud.

Online florists will generally offer a delivery service. A woman who receives a bouquet in her office, at home or at a restaurant will be touched by the surprise. Good flower and gift delivery services are dependable and focused around providing the freshest cut flowers with punctuality.

Women’s Day is all about celebrating the distinctive characteristics of the women we adore. Sending a surprise gift of Women’s Day flowers is a tasteful and exciting way to express appreciation. Spoil the women in your life on the 9th of August with a beautifully arranged selection of their favourite flowers. Take time to consider everything women contribute to society and our everyday lives and show your gratitude with a surprise delivery of gorgeous flowers.