Three Easy Garden Designs You Can Create
By admin | October 22, 2008
Garden No. 1: The Japanese garden.
Creating a Japanese garden is an interesting project because the Japanese garden design depends on symbolism as much as it depends on plant elements.
What is most important for a Japanese garden design is a prevailing notion of simplicity. There are a number of elements that make up a Japanese garden. These gardens often include water, a lantern, an island and a bridge.
A successful Japanese garden will inspire peace and contemplation. To enhance the atmosphere you may like to add a special place for you to sit, and contemplate.
Garden No. 2: The water garden.
Water gardens or aquatic gardens are especially popular because water has always been associated with serenity and peace. Water features in your garden can create a truly atmospheric place.
Water features are normally made up of three features: a pool, aquatic plants (submerged, like the water lily or floating, like the water hyacinth) and fish. Other decorative pieces, such as rocks, can be added and you can even build fountains and waterfalls for extra effect.
Garden No. 3: The English garden.
What is called an “English garden” refers to a style of “informal landscape gardening” that was popular, as the name reflects, in England over the last couple of centuries. There’s a lot of information available on the Internet to tell you what goes into an English garden. Some of the most popular items include a water feature and a sundial.
Whatever style of garden you wish to create please note: plan first. Things that are important to know before you start digging and planting include knowing what types of plants suit your climate. When your plants will flower is also important to know so that you don’t end up with a dull winter full of dormant plants. Water supply is probably the most important things to think about before your start. Speak to an expert about how to build a suitable irrigation system that will keep your plants well fed and keep your workload to a minimum.
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.creative-garden-design.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Tags: container gardening, gardening, landscaping, landscaping ideas, organic gardening, water gardensDetails of Water Landscapes
By admin | August 5, 2008
Adding water falls or ponds to your landscape is a great way to make your yard stand head and shoulders above the rest. This has been a common way of giving landscapes a unique look for many years.
If you are looking into adding water falls or ponds to your yard, there are a couple of things that you will need to keep in mind. Even though these features are great additions to any yard, if they are not set up right you will only end up causing yourself more headaches in the end.
The first thing that you will need to do is find out which part of your yard you are going to be landscaping. Remember, after you install your water falls and ponds, you will not be able to move them; at least not easily. This means that you will want to examine your entire yard, and make sure that you are building your water features exactly where you want.
After you have found a place to add these features, you will then want to look into the actual design. This can be the most fun, but difficult step involved in the entire process. You will need to pick out a design that suits your yard. This means that if you have a smaller landscape, that you will want to pick a waterfall and pond set up that meets these needs. On the other hand, if you have a large yard, you will want to add something that does not get lost in the mix.
After the design process you will then need to make sure that you find somebody that is qualified to build, and/or set everything up. This can be easily done by finding a landscaper in your area that specializes in water features. If you are feeling brave, you may want to decide to take on the task yourself. Just remember to do all of your homework before you do this. It may sound even enough to set up water falls and ponds, but after you get into the project you may find out differently.
Also, one thing that many people forget when they are thinking about setting up water features is the maintenance that goes along with them. For every water fall and pond that you have, you will also need to be able to care for them. This entails making sure that they are cleaned out every so often. Also, if your pond is going to have fish in it you will need to learn how to properly care for them.
Overall, adding water falls and ponds to your landscape is a great way to achieve a unique look. Any owner that wants to update their yard should look into this option.
For more home landscaping designs, visit easylandscapingideas.com. You can find alot of information on a variety of topics related to transforming your yard into your dream landscape.
Tags: design, designs, Garden, landscaping, ponds, water falls landscapesUnderstand Your Soil Healthy Soil Grows Healthy Plants
By admin | August 2, 2008
A basic understanding of soils allows the gardener to work with natural processes to enhance plant root growth and overall vigor.
Soil is an amazingly complex, living ecosystem requiring a balance of organic, inorganic, living and nonliving components. Recent soil science research has demonstrated that the most productive soils are loaded with a variety of microbial life; beneficial fungi, bacteria, yeasts and other microorganisms work to decompose organic matter into humus. Humus directly influences both the assimilation of nutrients and plant resistance to disease, insects, drought and other stresses.
Physically, soil should be composed of fifty percent solids and twenty five percent each of liquid and air, with an organic matter content of three to five percent. This side of Iowa, the “ideal” soil is seldom found in the native habitat. In many regions of the country, we are required to amend the soil to provide the optimal growth environment.
The various fine-particle clays and silts of benefit greatly from the addition of organic matter. Alkaline clays (high pH) should also be amended with gypsum. The addition of organic matter to sandy and gravely soils is also beneficial, increasing water retention and providing essential nutrients. Initial expense for organic matter and other amendments pays for the continued beauty and health of the planting.
New lawn installations should start with basic soil considerations; physical and chemical soil analyses may be desired. Marginal soil conditions in existing lawns can be improved with cultural programs designed for the specific site. Regular aeration, vertical mowing, top dressing with compost or rich soil, proper fertility management and applications of foliar and soil biostimulants are all proven techniques for rejuvenating a poor lawn.
A properly balanced soil will support deep, extensive root systems, allowing plants to assimilate all available food and moisture. The result is a thick turf which resists drought, weeds and disease.
For basic physical soil analysis, use a soil probe or large, strong knife to cut samples at least six inches deep. Examine for thatch layer thickness, particle size and distribution, compaction and topsoil depth. A minimum of six inches of properly balanced soil is required to grow a healthy lawn. A thatch layer thicker than one-half inch will act like a sponge to limit the penetration of water and nutrients to the root system.
If necessary, consult with a qualified landscape professional for help with soil testing. Basic chemical soil tests (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and pH) can be handled through the county extension service. For very thorough soil analysis with written interpretation and recommendations, contact Integrated Fertility Management at (800) 332-3179.
What occurs below ground, unseen, largely determines what we see above ground. The knowledge of basic soil conditions is essential to proper cultural decisions and practices. Again, healthy soil grows healthy plants.
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Tags: garden soil, gardening, landscape design, landscaping, planting