Learn About Gardens

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Most Japanese gardens require little maintenance because the components that are used are things like gravel, pebbles, stones, wood, water and occasional, carefully-chosen and well-positioned shrubs or small trees.

The Garden Design

It is important to create a sense of tranquillity and if possible provide areas for contemplation in the garden. The design should be kept quite simple and uncluttered, focusing on outline, shape and contrasting textures, the use of plants is restrained, resulting in a garden that satisfies the senses but requires minimum aftercare or maintenance.

Creating Focal Points

Features like rocks and stones have an important role in many Japanese gardens. They can be set in an area covered with fine pebbles, which are an ideal labour-saving ground cover. When wet, they change colour and catch the light beautifully.

Pick some special stones of varying size, colour and character, and arrange asymmetrically in one or two areas in uneven numbers. Traditionally, the pebbles are raked into variations of parallel lines and snaking spirals centralised on the main rock features. Gravel can be substituted for pebbles as a cheaper option. You can inset a walkway of large paving slabs or sawn tree-trunk pieces in the gravel.

Minimalist Planting Methods

In an authentic Japanese stone garden, the only plants might be mounds of green moss providing a softening contrast with the stones and rocks, but other types of Japanese-inspired garden include a few more plants, chosen for their interesting form or grace. These can be planted in between the pebbles or in large containers. Mosses thrive in moist conditions out of direct sun, but if they cannot be encouraged to grow, try moss like plants as an alternative, such as Sagina Subulata, S. Procumbens, or, in mild areas, the ground-hugging carpeter Soleirolia Soleirii.

Water Feature

Water, the essence of life, should always be present in a real Japanese garden, normally it would be fresh running water, but for the low maintenance approach even a simple bowl filled with water would be calming in a garden and offers birds the opportunity to drink. A bubble fountain washing over pebbles or a running stream effect would be an ideal feature.

Traditional Japanese Ornaments

In far eastern philosophy, the traditional garden features have their own significance within the strict rules and special meanings of the garden design. Bamboo wind chimes create soothing sounds, while a rounded lantern and a linear bridge are pretty, and useful for introducing contrasting shapes. You could introduce different ornaments to suit your own taste and garden size.

Try some of the low maintenance tips above and see if you can create your own slice of Japan, but without giving up your free time!

Could your home do with a little more garden landscaping? Probably so, and that is a good thing. In fact you should be very excited about it because there is nothing more fun than garden landscaping, it will get your imagination working overtime and you will have a ball planting and rearranging your plants and flowers.

By layering your garden landscaping beds you will be able to add a whole other level of beauty to your landscaping design. Your yard is the first thing that people will see when they come to your house and giving a grand tour that includes a fabulous garden is always fun and exciting. You will be the talk of the neighborhood, and for all the right reasons this time, when you do some really good garden landscaping.

Layering your garden landscaping design is easy to do. You need to know the flowers that you are going to plant first however. The choices that you make as far as the flowers and other plants will affect just how your garden landscaping is laid out. For example you do not want to have the taller plants in front of the shorter ones. This is obvious but you should still make a rough sketch of where you want things laud out for your garden landscaping before you begin. This will help you to keep thins as simple as possible. Your garden landscaping will go a lot faster this way and you will run into fewer problems as you go.

When layering you should have about three layers. Your back row should face north, if it can, and the back row should have the tallest plants and as the rows descend so should the heights of the plants and flowers. The trick of this kind of garden landscaping is that oftentimes the plants we buy are baby plants. So you will need to talk to those working at your local gardening store about how large the plants will grow to be. This is key to successful garden landscaping. If the front or middle row of your garden landscaping design is going to grow much higher than the last row, then you will have to do some rearranging.

The layering affect of your garden landscaping design will add depth and make your garden much more interesting to look at. This is what will make your garden landscaping a success.

I am interested in creating a Japanese garden in my backyard, but I have really no idea where to start. I need some plans on where to begin or ideas on where I can go to find ideas on where to start and what to include. Links to pictures or anything would be great. Even sites that I could buy some of the statues and lanterns from would be great as well. Anyone with any ideas please don’t hesitate to chime in.
Thanks.

At the minute i have a little porch out the front and french doors leading out to the garden, which is fenced with a lowish fence, the gate is next to the little porch. Outside the porch and french doors there are small white stones but weeds have grown through them, the rest of the garden is dull looking grass!
This is my new house and i want to change it from the previous owners. I also dislike the white stones.
All ideas welcome

How to create your own wildflower garden
Michael Mushak, of Tuliptree Site Design, gives ideas on how to create your own wildflower garden.
Read more on seattlepi.com

If you are looking for a fun family weekend project, I would suggest trying container gardening.  This is something the entire family will enjoy doing together because it appeals to all ages.  It’s an easy, fun and inexpensive way for the family to spend some quality time together. And you will continue to enjoy watching your garden grow and flourish, knowing that you each took part in developing your family garden.

To get started, make a list of the things you will need to start your container garden. They should include: containers, plants, dirt and some small gardening tools.  Now you need to choose the area were you will put your garden. This is one of the great things about this alternative way to garden; you can have a very small area and still grow whatever you like. A small balcony, a window box or a front porch can all be transformed into a beautiful and useful area. You may want to grow flowers, vegetables, herbs or a mix of all. If you are including children, you may want to look up some plants or take them to the garden center and let them choose their very own plants. Children will enjoy being included in the entire process, including the care of the garden once it is in place.

So with your list and some ideas in place, it’s time to load up the family and head to a home and garden center.  You can start with seeds or small plants. There should be instructions on each that will tell you how large the plants will get and the ideal conditions they will grow in. You may want to find an experienced worker and explain to them that you are starting a container garden; they can be a font of information. They can also help you with decisions such as types of soil and fertilizers and information about the plants you choose.

Once you have all of the materials needed for your container garden, the real fun begins. Even big kids like to play in the dirt!  You should place the containers in the areas you think you would like them. Then just plant the seeds or the plants and enjoy watching your garden grow.  Soon you will have grown beautiful plants. You can now make fresh salads or a bright floral bouquet to add nature and beauty anywhere.

Most people who try container gardening get hooked right away. Once you see how easy the whole process is and how the whole family enjoys it, you will probably be expanding your garden every year. You really don’t need acres of land and farm equipment to enjoy gardening.  Just a little time and imagination and you can grow your ideas anywhere.

I hopefully have inspired you to try container gardening as a family project. In this day and age when family time is so rare and budgets are low, we all need ideas that will keep our families close and connected.  So enjoy!

If there is one thing that Great Britain is renowned all over the world for, it is “exquisite gardens”! The English are helped by the fact that the climate is perfect for any type of garden and they possess vast knowledge about gardening passed on from generation to generation over the centuries. History reveals that during the Victorian era, people took great pride in their magnificent greenhouses where they grew horticultural plants (cultivars) that were not even native to England. Therefore, anyone with a little bit of love for gardening, should give precedence to using UK garden supplies!

A survey reveals that at least 83% of citizens in the UK have their own gardens. Additionally, there are a great number of arboretums and abbey gardens all over the country. There is keen interest exhibited in every kind of gardening – aquaculture, indoor gardening, botanical gardens, horticulture, tea gardens, and so much more! Many of them are famous tourist spots.

Stores selling gardening supplies in the UK have to keep themselves well stocked at all times to meet the constant demands of customers within the country as well as from outside the country! After all, the best way to develop a similarly beautiful garden is to order UK garden supplies!

Now, you do not have to travel all the way to UK to order these supplies! What is the Internet for? So many sites are dedicated to UK garden supplies! In fact, the comprehensive information presented on these sites may even tempt you to go personally to the UK and have a first-hand look at everything!

All the gardening experiences that the English have amassed over centuries are there for you to browse through. Many sites can offer a world of advice about various species of plants, instructions on how to grow and care for them, and information about UK garden supplies. There are also do-it-yourself kits for those who wish to recapture the magic of the Victorian Age. Of course, the result is not exactly similar; it is more modernistic in nature.

Still other sites offer a more detailed way of searching for just the right kind of UK garden supplies. The supplies are matched to type of plant, type of soil required, color of the flowers, seasons, and a million other characteristics! For a professional gardener, it’s like a dream come true!

Then there are the link farms for UK sites, which act as sources of information about businesses and web sites in the UK, plus UK garden supplies.

Who knows, all this knowledge about English gardens and UK garden supplies may leave you with a longing to relocate there! After all, who would not like to be surrounded by so much of beauty!

I never dreamed that I would have a job that I loved as much as I love my job as a wedding planner. Many days I cannot believe that I am getting paid to something that I love so much. I enjoy my job so much for two main reasons. First, I enjoy it because I genuinely love helping people. Second, I love being a wedding planner because I love weddings and I love seeing people enter into lifelong covenant relationships. I enjoy helping to plan great themes and all the details to make a wedding day extra special. I have been suggesting a Japanese garden theme to some clients lately.

I have been fascinated with all things Japanese and remotely Japanese looking for the last several years, and so I think that is why I try to incorporate a Japanese garden theme into weddings as often as possible lately. Most of my clients are a little surprised by the idea, but a few have actually decided to go with a Japanese garden theme for their wedding and reception.

The great thing about a Japanese garden theme is that it is colorful and beautiful while allowing for great flexibility and uniqueness. I cannot stand seeing people choose a theme for their wedding and reception that has been done so many times before. So I love aiding people in coming up with unique themes that fit them perfectly. With a Japanese garden theme, there really is room to tailor the theme to many different styles, seasons, and degrees of formality for weddings and receptions. I can help a couple plan a Japanese garden themed brunch or a black tie evening affair.

So if you are looking for a great theme for your wedding or for a party of any kind, then think about choosing a Japanese garden theme. Do a little research and get some ideas of what is available in your area. See what kinds of foods, invitations and flowers you like that might go with a Japanese garden theme. Talk to a wedding planner or to any friends with a sense of style and planning to gather even more ideas. You might be surprised at what a perfect theme a Japanese garden is for many occasions. Especially if you are someone that likes to learn about and honor the traditions and customs of other cultures, a Japanese garden theme is something you should investigate carefully.

by Louanne Baelde

Rock gardens are not only created as a beautiful display for bulbs and flowers, but are increasingly growing to be a way of life. As numerous varieties of plants become favorites for the front and backyard, more gardeners undoubtedly become acquainted with the rock gardens.

What exactly is a rock garden? Quite simply, it is a sloping pile of ground with rocks. Many gardeners have magnificent spring-time beauties of sprays of color that peek from behind and beside orange or black and sometimes grey stones or rocks.

Many home gardeners select bulbs to plant in their new creations of rock and rolling hills of flowers. Quite a few have brief spring blooms that go dormant during the very hot and dry summer.

Alpine condition climates that bring the cold and the wind tend to favor perennial ground cover plants that can hug around the rocks so that they can protect themselves. If they were to be tall, they would freeze and die. These types of perennial plants do great in sandy and rocky soil.

Most of the time, gardeners choose a sunny spot that will allow partial shade from the rocks for the plants that need just a little more shadowing. Also, several types of bulbs do wonderfully in rock gardens because of the quick drainage.

Usually, rock garden soil is made up of gravel, sand, grit and organic material like peat moss. Natural looking mulch helps to keep lower leaves and plants from rotting from too much moisture. The mulch also helps to keep the mud off of the flower blooms.

Rock gardens are most often raised, as to allow proper drainage and bring the eyes closer to the picturesque displays. Crocuses and hyacinths do amazingly well in the springtime in these types of gardens and look charming as they spread between the cracks of different flat stones.

Arranging small paths between the rock gardens can add a wonderful twist to a somewhat boring square garden and planting the bulbs in clumps and drifts of color can be breathtaking.

Rock gardens can create mountainous displays of beauty to what could have been small unnoticed spaces. Many home gardeners do not have the advantage of lots of space. By creating swirls of blossoms between different sizes of rocks and stones, an outstanding dream of sloping beautiful gardens, flourish into a richness of natural beauty.

When you do your gardening, you always end up with some leaves and weeds, dead plants and probably some grass clippings. Most people see this as rubbish and send it off to the landfill. Not only is this a waste of one of nature’s fertilizers but it takes time and money to get rid of this garden ‘rubbish’. So, what alternative is there? Well, a gardening tip to consider is do what nature would do and use all this garden ‘rubbish’ to provide nutrients for your garden. Following are the gardening tips to help you convert this garden ‘rubbish’ to compost.

The first thing to know is that organic waste is considered better for your garden than any chemical fertilizer on the market. Nature has a decomposition process that promotes proper chemical change resulting in excellent nutritional benefits to the plants in the garden.

Of course, the question is, “Where shall I put this pile of smelly garden ‘rubbish’”? Gardening tips; your compost heap shouldn’t be smelly and if it is, you need to alter the composition of it to prevent it becoming anaerobic ie too much nitrogen. This requires the heap not being too wet and having enough oxygen. Once you’ve got the balance right, you will find that the decomposition process is actually producing some fertilizer that isn’t a pong to the nose!

So, what does this suitable place for a fertilizer heap look like? Gardening tips; is should be an area that has plenty of width space and not too deep. If it’s too deep, the materials down low in the pile will not be able to get enough of the necessary requirements, and you end up with a smelly heap. Try to choose an area where you can spread out the garden ‘rubbish’. You can, if you’ve got the space, have two heaps side by side. Remember, it’s width not depth that’s important.

What rubbish can you put into the heap to be converted to garden food? Gardening tips; it must be quickly decomposable – that is, able to rot away quickly. Did you know that orange peel takes years to decompose? Therefore, it’s not suitable; nor is meat or diseased plants. However, you can use most other organic material including grass clippings, woody plants, leaves, and vegetable scraps. Using your lawn mower, shred garden ‘rubbish’ to help quick decomposition.

How do you start the composting process? Gardening tips; make the materials as small as possible. Mix up the pile quite frequently to allow oxygen into the heap which will aid the decomposing process. Water periodically, but not too much as this is a sure way to invite anaerobic micro-organisms which will give you a smelly pile.

No matter what, your compost pile will be a little unsightly. Gardening tips; find a place that isn’t easily seen and is also near the garden areas that you will want to fertilize. Be aware of your neighbours; it may be out of sight for you but right in the vision of your neighbor. They really don’t want your compost heap near their entertaining area! Construct a compost pen for your pile, or buy a ready-made compost bin to contain all the decomposing material.

Summary:

Use your garden ‘rubbish’ as garden food and put back nutrients into the soil. Some gardening tips will ensure that you get a good start to making your own fertilizer.