The planters are just too adorable! The figures look like they are made out of concrete, however they are made of resin and each have a drainage hole at the bottom. The top of the head is where you would insert the plant. I love the way different succulents or house plants can change up the look of the figures.
]]>The planters are just too adorable! The figures look like they are made out of concrete, however they are made of resin and each have a drainage hole at the bottom. The top of the head is where you would insert the plant. I love the way different succulents or house plants can change up the look of the figures.
Depending on the hairdo, one could mimic the look of an entire family for a good laugh.
Here is an image of the drainage hole on the bottom of the head. I would add a few pebbles at the base before adding soil and the plant. If you like to change things up frequently you could also just add the plant in it's original pot.
A short crop is fun too. I would think you probably would have to cut the plant into shape to retain this form.
All these pots are available from here
]]>Photo via Landscape Magazine
Recently I came across a wonderful DIY project in the British magazine Landscape that I thought was pretty clever. If you use fresh herbs and are looking for a creative way to plant a few herbs close to your kitchen this might be an attractive way to do so.
]]>Photo via Landscape Magazine
Recently I came across a wonderful DIY project in the British magazine Landscape that I thought was pretty clever. If you use fresh herbs and are looking for a creative way to plant a few herbs close to your kitchen this might be an attractive way to do so.
Photo via Landscape Magazine
Old wheels and rustic looking boxes are easy to find at 2nd hand stores, antique markets and can even be ordered via Etsy. The trick to making an interesting herb box is finding unusual shapes with an interesting patina like this vintage bone grinder.
Vintage Bone Grinder via Relics and Rhinestones
Photo via Landscape Magazine
Thyme Seeds via All About Seeds
Thyme loves well drained compost and full sun light. Plant it with herbs that will not be taller, otherwise the plant will stop producing leaves. To keep the plant looking at it's best, shear it down once it is done flowering. This will also ensure new growth to follow. Since Thyme can get woody with age, you might want to replace it with a younger plant in about three to four years.
You can propagate Thyme from cuttings in early summer. Select non flowering shoots and cut just above a set of leaves. Then dip the ends in some growth hormone and right into the soil. Keep moist until roots have established themselves.
Sage Seeds via E Natural Life
Cooks have used sage for centuries. This evergreen shrub loves a dry and sunny location and sone pruning around mid-summer to keep the plant looking nice. Sage is also a great companion herb to alliums, chives, mint or parsley.
To propagate cut soft branches in mid August. Choose non-flowering shoots and trim off the bottom leaves. Dip the ends in growth hormone and plant. Water and feed once a month until the roots are well established.
The Curry plant has a mild and subtle flavor and smells very aromatic. Chop it finely and add it to yogurt, eggs, mild cheeses and fish dishes. The curry plant loves well drained soil and full sun. Protect it from rain and cold winds. The curry plant makes a great companion plant, because insects don;t like the scent and are repelled by it. This herb becomes less productive after three or four years and should be replaced with fresh ones.
Mint via Fresh Organic Body Care
I love mint and have it planted where I can enjoy it's lovely scent every time I brush against it. Mint loves rich, moist soil in a sunny location. I learned the hard way that if you plant mint in the ground it will come up just about everywhere. I highly recommend planting it in pots or you might have a slight invasion on your hands. Watering will keep your plant healthy and thriving.
The easiest way to propagate mint is to divide and replant the roots in spring or autumn. Just plant the roots in fertile soil and keep watered well until you see the first shoots appear.
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When I need a break from working in the studio, I love to head outside into the garden and pick some flowers. It is a relaxing task that requires little effort and yet is so rewarding. In Springtime Freesias bloom everywhere and I have some tips on how you can keep cut Freesias longer in your vase.
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When I need a break from working in the studio, I love to head outside into the garden and pick some flowers. It is a relaxing task that requires little effort and yet is so rewarding. The rosemary bushes are full of tiny purple flowers and I love the scent they emit when you touch them.
Here are some tips to make these beauties last longer in your vase.
Yellow and white freesias are the most fragrant and also have the longest vase life.
Freesias have one of the strongest scents in the world and are commonly used in designer perfumes, bath oils, soaps, and lotions.
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With Solar lights decorating outdoor spaces can add not only light but charm as well. The choices of fixtures is really limitless since solar lights come in all sizes and shapes, from ultra sleek to fun and quirky.
Today I am going to share Solar Lantern that I have incorporated in my own flower bed. These stainless steel bronze colored solar lanterns are by NENRENT and are sold in a pack of two for $29.99 on Amazon. The size of the hanging Solar Light Lantern is 6.8"L x 8.2"W x 8.5"H
The objective for this flower bed was to illuminate the space without adding too many light fixtures.
What drew me to these lights is the bronze design and especially the large light bulb. I wanted lights that ones charged can brighten up this small flower bed in a way that I only need two lights. Ones charged the lights stay on for about 8 hours and emit a warm glow that is truly lovely. According to the manufacturer the luminous flux is 10 lumens and all I can say about that is that they do lighten up the flower beds nicely.
The lantern is suspended from a shepherd hook that gets pushed easily into the soil. The large light bulb looks interesting during the day time and really spreads the light illuminating the space at night time.
The solar panel is located at the top of the lantern and has an automatic light sensor function which turns the light automatically on at night and off during day. When hanging the lanterns it is important to make sure that the solar panel can get enough sunlight to fully charge.
Last night when I took this photo it had just rained and I am happy to see that the lights are water resistant and still functioned even after a downpour.
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Looking to create a more interesting entryway? Or make your patio a little more welcoming? Choosing various shapes and sizes of planters as a focal point looks interesting and can guide your visitors through any home or garden space.
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Looking to create a more interesting entryway? Or make your patio a little more welcoming? Choosing various shapes and sizes of planters as a focal point looks interesting and can guide your visitors through any home or garden space.
By creating a cohesive grouping the plant display becomes something that anyone will enjoy looking at. Plants in a room purify the air and can boost your mood.
Before choosing your plants consider how well you can care for them. If you have little time ask the nursery staff for succulents or plants that require less water. Also, consider the placement of the pots. Some plants require full sun and others do better in the shade. By asking for help at the garden center you can quickly choose the right plant for the appropriate space.
Once you get tired of the look you can either move the planters to a different location or simply plant different plants in them. It's an easy way to decorate and show off your style!
Crescent Garden Daniel Bowl Planter Weathered Stone Planter
Pair the Daniel Bowl with cactus varieties for a minimalist presentation or with dwarf shrubs for a green but low-maintenance, year-round option. I love the look of the bowl. By using various shapes and sizes the entire plant grouping looks so much more interesting.
Crescent Garden Daniel Bowl Planter
Radishes are one of the nutritious root vegetables featured in both raw salads as well as in main recipes. They have great nutritional value and are super easy to grow, which makes them a favorite with first-time veggie gardeners.
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Radishes are one of the nutritious root vegetables featured in both raw salads as well as in main recipes. They have great nutritional value and are super easy to grow, which makes them a favorite with first-time veggie gardeners.
PLANT TYPE: Annual
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Raphanus sativus
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, deep sandy loam
pH RANGE: 6.0 - 7.0
MOISTURE/WATERING: Moist but not saturated
MATURITY IN DAYS: 25 - 35
KNOWN PESTS: Flea beetles
KNOWN DISEASES: N/A
Radishes do not like the summer heat and are best planted right before spring after there is no more frost. The seeds do best in loose soil that allows good ball development. They can be harvested and eaten in as little as 3 weeks after planting.
Radishes also make great companions plants when paired with beets, carrots, spinach, and parsnips. Radishes grow well with cucumbers and beans. It's said that summer planting near leaf lettuce makes the radishes more tender. Do not plant radishes near cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kohlrabi or turnips.
Ones you start growing the basic varieties try your hand at some more uncommon varieties. Below is an old French variety that is sold via Amazon.
I regularly plant radishes in my garden. I love Avocado Toast and add Radishes whenever I have some on hand. Try it, you won't regret it!
Luckily there are many birds in my garden again. For a while I could have sworn there was a decline in chirping noises, but since I added more birdbaths and feeders my feathered friends have returned and are causing a racket!
]]>Luckily there are many birds in my garden again. For a while I could have sworn there was a decline in chirping noises, but since I added more birdbaths and feeders my feathered friends have returned and are causing a racket!
Yesterday it rained, but today as soon as the sun was peeking out from behind some lazy moving clouds, I spotted a little group of birds first among the roses and then between the old Camellia shrubs. Why all the commotion?
Could it be an example of the much-cited swarm of conformists? One feathered friend told the rest: "Hey there are tons of aphids to be had among the roses!" - and they all followed?
Although I don't see much pushing and shoving, these little ones seem to share as they look for little treats and nesting materials. I love watching the finches and sparrows in particular since they either come in pairs or groups.
As if guided by a magic hand, each species agrees to its turn at a bush, the feeder or at the birdbath.
Time after time two or three will take a shower at the birdbath and dry themselves on a nearby branch, making room for the next group.
I have never experienced rude behavior or pushing and shoving. Rather, one only inquires about the location by chirping and lots of head movements and then line up for a spot at the public bathhouse. This seems to repeat until everyone had their turn and happily flies off again.
One can learn a great deal from the animals in one's garden. Above all serenity and efficiency. Or have you ever seen a bee or a butterfly fly frantically from flower to flower in search of nectar?
No, each blossom is visited one by one, and baskets are filled in due time. Always relaxed and with great efficiency, chores are accomplished and may I say even enjoyed!
The genus Narcissus encompasses dozens of species, hybrids, varieties and forms. Jonquils, Daffodils, Paperwhites are the most popular varieties of Narcissus.
Amaryllis Growing Tips
Planting Bulb: Plant your amaryllis in light, well-draining potting mix, with the top 1/3 of the bulb sticking up out of the soil.
]]>Amaryllis Growing Tips
Planting Bulb: Plant your amaryllis in light, well-draining potting mix, with the top 1/3 of the bulb sticking up out of the soil. Water: Water the amaryllis whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the bulb sit in wet soil, and avoid pouring water down into the crown of the bulb.
Amaryllis Care After they Bloom
You can coax the bulbs of Amaryllis to produce blooms year after year by following a few simple steps:
1. After blooms are spend snip them off about 1/2 " from the bulb. Leave the leaves.
2. The leaves gather light and through photosynthesize give nutrients to the bulbs for future blooming.
3. Water the plant just like before ensuring that the soil stays moist, but not soggy.
4. Once the leaves do not look too pretty, it's time to move the plant into the garden. I often replant the bulbs the same way they were planted in the pot (shoulders exposed) - slightly above ground so that water can runoff. You can also leave the bulbs in the pot as long as there is good drainage.
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Pruning does not have to be a chore and the task is made easier when the tools are of good quality. Pruning shears, also called hand pruners (in American English), or secateurs, are a type of scissors for use on plants. They are strong enough to prune hard branches of trees and shrubs, sometimes up to two centimeters thick.
]]>Pruning does not have to be a chore and the task is made easier when the tools are of good quality. Pruning shears, also called hand pruners (in American English), or secateurs, are a type of scissors for use on plants. They are strong enough to prune hard branches of trees and shrubs, sometimes up to two centimeters thick.
Green Heart Pruning Shears are made of a special polished carbon steel blade technology, 8 Inch, drop forged aluminum. I have been using my shears for several weeks now and love how easy they cut through thin branches. As a home gardener it is important that the sheers feel comfortable and having an ergonomic grip makes these sheers very appealing. I also like that they can be adjusted to fit my hands.
The company stated that the shears resist rust and recommend cleaning the blade and spring mechanism after each use with a lightly oiled rag. I have been doing that and so far my tool looks very good after repeated use.
Green Heart Pruning Shears are available via Amazon
I love the idea of introducing kids to gardening from an early age. As I was looking for images I came across this super cute garden tool wagon for kids, which is sold via Zulily.
Wagon Garden Tool Set for Kids
#Greenheartpruningshears
]]>I attended a Bonsai class and had a lot of fun learning about these beautiful miniature trees and the art of creating Bonsai. Bonsai are basically small trees or shrubs that are planted in tabletop size containers and pruned into beautiful shapes. The idea is to be in a zen state while shaping your fledgling into the desired shape and to create a visually stunning miniature tree.
Last time I tried my hand at Bonsai it was not very Zen like for me, because the whole thing ended up dying on me and looked nothing like these lovely trees. Thus the class and tons of resources for future reference.
I heard that people who are successful at keeping their first Bonsai alive tend to fall in love with Bonsai and quickly graduate from the run of the mill varieties to blooming bonsai and more exotic varieties.
At Bonsai Boy of New York you can find a section that recommends trees for beginners and Bonsai Trees Under $30
Bonsai Resources:
Web sites General Information:
Bonsai Site and Bonsai Community of Bonsai Nut
Bonsai Boy of New York
Recommended Books:
The Bonsai Workshop (Herb Gustafson) * Practical Bonsai Projects: Create 23 Superb Trees Step-by-Step (Ken Norman) * The Bonsai Art of Kimura (volume I)
Bonsai Nurseries in the Los Angeles Area:
* House of Bonsai 5214 Palo Verde Ave Lakewood, CA 90713 (562) 804-6888
* Chikugo-En (310) 323-4011 18110 S Western Ave Gardena, CA 90248
* Marumiya Bonsai Nursery 16819 So. Normandie Ave. Gardena, California 90247-5435
* Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery 1905 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 Neighborhood: West Los Angeles (310) 473-5444
17230 Roscoe Blvd Northridge, CA
Other ways to experience Bonsai
Take a Bonsai class/workshop
Go to a Bonsai Convention
Join a Bonsai Club
I love going to Target because it seems that everytime I am there I discover something that I just must-have. Haloween merchandise is already on display and there are just so many fun Halloween decorations to choose from. For 2019 with a twist on the usual, Target has introduced Ghoulish Garden Halloween Decor from Hyde & EEK! Boutique™that is just too cute!
]]>Animated Pumpkin with Dancing Vines via Target
Today we are going to bring the outdoor in. Well, not quite but you get the idea once you see these unusual plants that are part of Target's new display for Halloween.
I love going to Target because it seems that every time I am there I discover something that I just must-have. The Haloween merchandise is already on display and there are just so many fun Halloween decorations to choose from. For 2019 with a twist on the usual, Target has introduced Ghoulish Garden Halloween Decor from Hyde & EEK! Boutique™that is just too cute!
A series of vines and plants have crept into the planters and pumpkins to brighten our indoor spaces with a great sense for humor.
The pumpkin with its dancing vines sings "Give me, Give Candy..." Click on the link and you can watch the video - it's hilarious!
Goulish Garden Artifical Halloween Plant
The Goulish Garden Artificial Halloween Plant has to be my favorite. It has already sold out at my local Target store and I am going to have to visit another one. I totally want this one!
Creepy Cloche Artifical Halloween Plant
The creepy Cloche artificial plant has such a nice fuchsia color too! Decisions, decisions, yet soo much fun!
When everything is put together it just looks so pretty, don't you think?
For little knick nacks check out the Halloween dollar section. It's right by the entry of the store and there is always something good to be found.
]]>When visiting my local garden center I am always lulled by the sound of the wind chimes they have hanging all over the place. Chimes create a unique sound based on the materials and size/length of objects used. To me, the various sounds of chimes bring inner warmth and envoke a zen-like feeling. That's why I started to collect chimes of various sizes for my own backyard.
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Todays' blog post is sponsored by HoneForest Wind Chimes, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for continuing to support brands that support me!
When visiting my local garden center I am always lulled by the sound of the wind chimes they have hanging all over the place. Chimes create a unique sound based on the materials and size/length of objects used. To me, the various sounds of chimes bring inner warmth and envoke a zen-like feeling. That's why I started to collect chimes of various sizes for my own backyard.
When the weather is nice I take my yoga mat outside and while the water fountain is bubbling, and the chimes chiming I stretch and meditate. It is incredibly relaxing when you hear the combination of water and chime sounds.
My newest chime from HoneForest has such a lovely sound too and to my surprise, there is an adjustable fastener in the suspension system that can be adjusted to change how loud the chimes chime. Who knew, you can even do that?!
On days when it is rather windy, you can soften the sound by pulling the pipes up higher. You can also pull the pipes lower if you want them to chime with the slightest breeze. I also liked that This chime comes with black nylon string and a matching black hook. It just all looks very well made and classy.
This metal wind chime has tubes measuring from 8.5" to 12.5" that are made out of thick aluminum alloy, that does not rust. The tubes are held together by a lovely red-brown beech wood and durable nylon strings are used to keep everything together. At the very end is a water drop windcatcher. The water drop shape signifies water which in turn is associated with purity, fertility, motion, renewal, and transformation.
If you like to encourage more feathered friends to visit your garden install small chimes.
The gentle, intermittent tones attract curious birds. What I like best about that is that on occasion you will spot a bird you could have sworn you have never seen in your little spot of heaven.
I know I have attracted new species to my backyard. Once a little one even decided to sit right on one of my chimes for a little musical swing in the breeze!
Use of Wind Chimes in Feng Shui
Wind chimes are also very popular feng shui. Chimes are used to both suppress and cure negative energy, as well as to add energy where chi is lacking. Come to think of it I have chimes all around the house and basically wrapped my home in positive energy. If you have not noticed by now, I do love wind chimes. On my radar are the super big ones and one of these days I will have to haul one of those home as well.
If you are interested to know more about these particular wind chimes from Honeforest, I have included the specs below.
The chimes make a wonderful gift for all occasions and the company was nice enough to extend a special offer. Here's a 46% OFF Coupon Code for my readers -- AFYUCSSQ (expire on the 31st, Aug, 2019). You can order the wind chimes via Amazon from here https://www.amazon.com/HoneForest-Soothing-Lasting-Constructed-Medium-Metal-Wind-Chimes-Outdoor/dp/B07TNPYCPD
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Some vendors even sold young plants and herbs that could be planted in the garden or containers. Just make sure to bring enough cash with you and maybe a cart. By the time I bought my flowers and fresh produce, with camera in tow it was becoming quite a juggling act not to drop everything.
How to Care for Cut Flowers
When you bring your flowers home, cut the stems under running water at an angle and immediately place them in vase filled with fresh water. Change out the water every couple of days and snip off any of the spent blooms. Keep your vase in an area where the flowers are not getting any full sun. They wilt faster and it is better to keep them in shaded areas of your home.
]]>A rosebush in full bloom makes a stunning statement in any garden. Even with their care requirements and thorns, they demand attention and create a beautiful sight that is hard to ignore.
]]>A rosebush in full bloom makes a stunning statement in any garden. Even with their care requirements and thorns, they demand attention and create a beautiful sight that is hard to ignore.
In my garden, two rose bushes have decided to grow in one place. I only planted the yellow rose and the red one, which has much smaller flowers decided to creep over from a planting that is at least five feet away. The two varieties could not be any different in both bloom size and growing habit, yet somehow they look great together and have lived side by side for years now.
I do prune heavily throughout the year, however, I never cut down my roses. Instead, I continuously cut back dead wood and try to open up the center to create better airflow.
]]>California Poppies do not like to have their roots disturbed, therefore it is best to sow them directly in the ground. Sow in early spring when the soil is still cool. Seeds will germinate in about 10-15 days.
]]>California Poppies do not like to have their roots disturbed, therefore it is best to sow them directly in the ground. Sow in early spring when the soil is still cool. Seeds will germinate in about 10-15 days.
Maturity:55-75 days from seed to flower
Spacing:4 to 8 inches apart in all directions
Eschscholzia californica is a species of flowering plant in the Papaveraceae family, native to the United States and Mexico. It is an ornamental plant flowering in summer, with showy cup-shaped flowers in brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. It is also used as food or a garnish.
The California poppy is technically a perennial but is often grown as an annual, since it can grow from seed to flower in a matter of weeks. A single plant can flower profusely over a long period before eventually setting seed and producing new flowering plants in the same season. If poppies like their place in the garden they will self-seed and come back next year. I like to collect the seeds and store them in a dark place until I am ready to fill another spot in the garden.
I took the photo of these poppies several years ago when I visited Julian, California.
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Every gardener knows that it is incredibly frustrating to lose your crops to an invasion of insects that feed of your plants. There are a number of ways that you can stop these munching bugs from devouring your healthy plants. Some people choose to pick the harmful pest by hand, but that can be a very time-consuming chore and almost impossible if you have several infected plants.
]]>Wenxuan is sponsoring today’s post, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for continuing to support brands that support me!
Every gardener knows that it is incredibly frustrating to lose your crops to an invasion of insects that feed of your plants. There are a number of ways that you can stop these munching bugs from devouring your healthy plants. Some people choose to pick the harmful pest by hand, but that can be a very time-consuming chore and almost impossible if you have several infected plants.
Another, far less time-intensive method of knocking back insect populations is by applying natural or homemade insecticides, which can reduce their numbers or eliminate them altogether. The key is to find a bug spray that only kills the harmful insects, yet is eco-friendly and not harmful to beneficial insects.
Many garden centers sell insecticides that not only kill the pests that we are trying to get rid off, but also the beneficial bugs that actually feed off the not so friendly ones. However, it is also very easy to make your own bug spray and here is how:
1. Oil spray insecticide
A homemade insecticide made from vegetable oil mixed with a mild soap (such as Dr. Bronners castile soap) can have a devastating effect on certain troublesome insects, such as aphids, mites, thrips, etc. To make a basic oil spray insecticide, mix 1 cup of vegetable oil with 1 tablespoon of soap (cover and shake thoroughly), and then when ready to apply, add 2 teaspoons of the oil spray mix with 1 quart of water, shake thoroughly, and spray directly on the surfaces of the plants which are being affected by the little pests. The oil coats the bodies of the insects, effectively suffocating them, as it blocks the pores through which they breathe.
2. Soap spray insecticide
The soap spray, which is also effective for controlling mites, aphids, whiteflies, beetles, and other harmful insects. Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of mild liquid soap (such as castile soap) with 1 quart of water, and spray the mixture directly on the infected surface and underside of the plants. A soap spray insecticide works similar like an oil spray pesticide and can be applied as necessary. To prevent leaves from getting burned, it's best to apply soap sprays in the early mornings or evenings and not when the sun is out.
3. Neem oil insecticide
One of my favorites is Neem Oil. An oil extracted from the seeds of the neem tree is a powerful natural insecticide, capable of disrupting the life cycle of insects at all stages (adult, larvae, and egg), making it a very effective defense against harmful insects.. Neem oil acts as a hormone disruptor and as an "antifeedant" for insects that feed on leaves and other plant parts. Neem oil is biodegradable and is nontoxic to pets, birds, fish, and other wildlife, and is effective against a variety of common garden insect pests, as well as being a natural fungicide that can combat powder mildew and other fungal infections on plants. It can be found at many garden stores or natural foods markets. To use neem oil as an insecticide, either follow the instructions on the bottle, or start out with a basic mixture of 2 teaspoons neem oil and 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap shaken thoroughly with 1 quart of water, and then sprayed on the affected plant foliage. Neem oil can also be used preventatively by spraying the leaves of plants that are often ravaged by pests before they're actually infested.
4. Garlic insecticide spray
Garlic with its strong scent is said to ward off insects through the strong unappealing scent. To make a basic garlic spray, take 2 whole bulbs (not just 2 cloves) and puree them in a blender or food processor with a quart of water. Let the mixture sit overnight, then strain it into a quart jar, adding 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (optional), 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap, and enough water to fill the jar. To use this homemade insecticide, use 1 cup of mixture with 1 quart of water and spray liberally on infested plants.
5. Chile pepper insecticide spray
Similar to garlic spray, chile pepper spray is a great homemade natural insect repellent that can be used for a variety of different pests. Chile spray can be made from either fresh hot peppers or chile pepper powder. To make a basic chile spray from pepper powder, mix 1 tablespoon of chili powder with 1 quart of water and several drops of mild liquid soap. This mixture can be used full-strength on the leaves of affected plants. To make chile spray from fresh chile peppers, blend or puree 1/2 cup of peppers with 1 cup of water, then add 1 quart of water and bring to a boil. Let sit until cooled, then strain out the chile material, add several drops of liquid soap to it and spray as desired. [Caution: Hot chile peppers can be very potent on humans as well, so be sure to wear gloves when handling them, and keep any sprays made from them away from eyes, nose, and mouth.]
6. Diatomaceous earth as a natural pesticide
This natural white powder is made from sedimentary rock created by fossilized algae (diatoms). Diatomaceous earth has a number of uses in and around the home, and acting as a natural insecticide is just one of them. This material works not by poisoning or smothering the insects, but instead by virtue of its abrasive qualities and its affinity for absorbing the lipids (a waxy substance) from insects' exoskeleton, which then dehydrates them to death. Diatomaceous earth can be purchased at garden centers. To apply, simply dust the ground around your plants, or even sprinkle it on the foliage, where it will help control snails and slugs as well as other crawling insects. Due to its dried nature, in order to be an effective natural pesticide, diatomaceous earth needs to be reapplied after every rain.
7. All-in-one homemade insecticide spray
For the motherload of homemade insecticide mix a bunch of ingredients from around your kitchen. To make it, puree 1 bulb of garlic and 1 small onion, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and let steep for an hour. Strain the mixture and add 1 tablespoon of liquid soap and mix well. To apply this homemade insecticide, spray it full-strength onto both the upper surface of the leaves, as well as the undersides, and store the remainder in the refrigerator for up to a week if desired.
This video has some more great tips, which I hope you find useful.
I have a large garden and whenever I used to mix my Neem Oi Spray I would use a regular spray bottle to start attacking the harmful bugs. After a while, however, my fingers would start hurting from moving the trigger back and forth until I discovered this heavy duty commercial pressure sprayer by Wenxuan.
The sprayer is designed so that you can effortlessly build-up the pressure in the liquid container by pumping the handle several times. Then a mere push on the spray button ensures an even and constant mist or spray is released. It makes spraying the plants so much easier!
Twisting the nozzle lets you spray in two ways. One is a large mist and the other a concentrated, full-powered spray. The mister is great for delicate plants or when doing a preventive spraying and the full power stream for knocking off the harmful bugs.
On heavily infected plants I like to pretreat the plant by using the heavy duty spray setting first. I feel in loosens the bugs and messy sticky stuff they leave behind. Then I use the mist setting and spray the plant with the homemade insecticide.
This sprayer is on the small side and it is ideal for mixing small batches of your homemade bug spray. It works just as well as the larger ones since it releases pressure after you pump it several times. The only thing to note is that there are no markings on the outside of the sprayer. So do mix your eco-friendly insecticide using a measuring cup.Since I took a crash course in how to attract birds to my garden just recently, I have been searching for interesting ideas to spruce up the decor in my garden and to make it attractive for the critters to come and visit.
]]>Since I took a crash course in how to attract birds to my garden just recently, I have been searching for interesting ideas to spruce up the decor in my garden and to make it attractive for the critters to come and visit. I am not sure what the birds think of these, but I know that butterflies and hummingbirds will be attracted to these love creations by Glorious Glass Gardens. I love the red one!!!
Barb owner and creator of the glass beauties has been an artist and art teacher for over 20 years, concentrating on painting at the beginning of her career. About 10 years ago, she read about artists who were using ceramic kilns and scrap glass, melting it, and making things out of it. At the time she was teaching both ceramics and the traditional "cold glass" method of stained glass--solder and copper foil.
At first she experimented with terrible results. Then her school sent her to a workshop called "Hot Glass Horizons" in Portland, OR where according to her she learned a LOT! She went back and started teaching almost the entire 2-dimensional design course in just glass, fusing and slumping it. Color, line, texture, shape, value, it could all be done with glass!
One summer, after she had moved to a different neighborhood, she noticed she had a few hummingbirds and got very excited! She set out and bought a traditional hummingbird feeder, one that hangs, but since her garden was nowhere near her tree, it didn't work. Plus, she was dumping a lot of nectar in the hot weather, and the feeder was difficult to clean. This is where an idea was born.
I started to design feeder prototypes that could be moved around and would hold a smaller amount of nectar. The third one was perfect! And that's what I sell today. Then I read about butterfly feeders and made some pieces of glass that were quite shallow for those. Customers began asking if I made bird baths, and I found some molds that would work, make a few more prototypes for them, and that's what I sell now, in two sizes (finches love the smaller one!)I still do traditional stained glass, but I'm always experimenting, I'll never stop!
Rosemary grows very well in California and I have several very large shrubs throughout my garden. If you like to make a Rosemary Miniature Christmas tree, you can plant rosemary in the garden and then follow these super easy instructions to make many little Christmas trees for the holiday season.
]]>Rosemary grows very well in California and I have several very large shrubs throughout my garden. If you like to make a Rosemary Miniature Christmas tree, you can plant rosemary in the garden and then follow these super easy instructions to make many little Christmas trees for the holiday season.
Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
How to make the Rosemary Miniature Christmas Tree
Start by looking for offshoot branches that are close to the ground. Here an offshoot has started to grow from the mother plant. Rosemary is woody and takes some cutting to separate it from the main plant.
I love using this small shovel that has a serrated edge for this purpose. It's easy to get under the plant without disturbing too much of the root system. At one point you might even have to use shears to cut the stem off.
You want to get a good amount of roots with the new offshoot. This allows the new Rosemary transplant to better establish itself. Before I pot the plant, I give these root a good sprinkle of root growth hormone. It helps with plant transplanting shock and gives the root a super boost to start growing in their new pot.
Fill your container with soil. If you do not have a drainage hole in the bottom you can fill the bottom with some pebbles before topping it off with soil. Just make sure not to overwater your new plant to prevent root rot.
At first, your plant will look nothing like a Christmas tree. Start by imagining a triangle and cutting off any branches that would stick out of that imaginary triangle. Don't worry if you cut something too short. Your new Rosemary plant will stretch itself towards the sun and as it grows you will have to come back and prune it more into the desired shape. The more you prune, the bushier and fuller the plant will be.
I like to add some flowers to the bottom, just so I can fill up any empty space in the pot until the plant fills out. After months of pruning, you can end up with Rosemary plant that looks like this.
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Water and light are generally considered the two most important factors for healthy plant growth. However what does the health of the earth do for your plants? Without a good soil the best irrigation and the most ideal location brings nothing.
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Water and light are generally considered the two most important factors for healthy plant growth. However what does the health of the earth do for your plants? Without a good soil the best irrigation and the most ideal location brings nothing. The earth is instrumental in the success. Some plants thrive only in very specific soil environments. An easy way to find out your soil health is to measure not only how wet or dry it is, but also how it's pH levels are. This step-by-step guide not only shows how easy it is to measure soil pH but also how it can be more easily distinguished from heavy soil.
I live in an area where we have to conserve water and since I started using the soil meter by Healthy Wiser and now I am not over or under watering my plants as much as I used to. The unit has two probes, one that measures PH levels/acidity and one that measures the soil moisture. There is a button that slides towards the area you like to measure. Once you select either a reading for moist or ph you insert the probe as far as it goes into the soil around the roots of the plant. A gauge then shows Dry, Moist and Wet and Alkaline or Acidic depending on the state of the soil. It's a very handy tool and I really like that I get the PH readings with this unit as well. This easy to use meter is compact and works for both indoor and outdoor plants, veggies, flowers and lawns. You can order it here https://healthywiser.com/products/3-in-1-soil-meter
#healthywiser #healthywiser #Soilmeter #Gardening #Farming #Flowers #Garden #Plants #pHbalance #Organic #Vegan #vegetarian
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If you have a pond or a pool, you might be interested to add some color to your waterways via some Lily pads. I like them because they not only provide some color, but also offer a place for bees and other flying insects to rest while they drink.
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If you have a pond or a pool, you might be interested to add some color to your waterways via some Lily pads. Natural growing Lily pads have a short blooming cycle, yet have many leaves that float on the surface of ponds. This is when these floating Lily flowers can fill in to break up all that green of the leaves.
I like these large Lily pads, because they not only provide some color, but also offer a place for bees and other flying insects to rest while they drink. When combining water plants with some of these floating Lily pads, it's super easy to add a splash of color and interest in ponds when Lily pads are no longer blooming.
I was interested in these rather large floating Lily pads and ordered them for review purposes from Simply Essentials via Amazon.
These extra large floating flowers, measure about 11 inches and are made of a soft foam. The flowers have nice looking soft petals. You might have to weigh the petals down a bit, since they might be a bit squished during shipping. Since the foam is very soft, shaping the petals back into shape is not big deal. Each flower has an attachment ring underneath the petal, where a weight can be added to secure the flower in the water. This is a great added feature, if you like to stage the look of the plants in your pond. The floating flowers are sturdy enough that even a tea light candle can be added in the center of the flower.
Simply Essentials sells four flowers in one package, so you can spruce up your pond in no time!
Available via Amazon here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0737G6HLC
]]>Artist=Henri Fantin-Latour (1885) has painted a basket full of beautiful multi colored roses.
]]>Artist=Henri Fantin-Latour (1885) has painted a basket full of beautiful multi colored roses. Old master paintings often show heirloom roses that might no longer bloom today. They can also help to find similar type of roses for our gardens.
Title: A basket of Roses
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 23.74 in x 19.25in
Such lusciousness in a basket! The artist has filed the basket with tons of beautiful blooms.
]]>Besides the lights in the pool, there are many fountains in my garden that are lit up during the evening with the help of submersible lights. I purchased this particular light via Bohuikang for review purposes and was pleasantly surprised to see how bright the light were.
The controller offers 16 different settings such as White (W), Red (R), Green (G), Blue (B) and other mixed colors. It has 4 dynamic lighting modes: flash, strobe, fade, and smooth. You can even adjust the brightness by pressing the buttons up or down.
]]>Besides the lights in the pool, there are many fountains in my garden that are lit up during the evening with the help of submersible lights. I purchased this particular light via Bohuikang for review purposes and was pleasantly surprised to see how bright the light were.
The controller offers 16 different settings such as White (W), Red (R), Green (G), Blue (B) and other mixed colors. It has 4 dynamic lighting modes: flash, strobe, fade, and smooth. You can even adjust the brightness by pressing the buttons up or down.
The company states that this is a multi-purpose Home Accent Light which can be used as a bathtub light, indicator light, night light, novelty light. For Party/Event Illumination (flower arrangement, table settings, ice sculptures, crystal vases, etc. Holiday Accent Lighting (swimming pool, pond, ice bucket, fountain, waterfall, etc. .
Before using the remote controller, take out the plastic above the battery button. The install three AAA batteries and tighten the cap (clockwise rotation) before placing it under water. Otherwise, water can erode the light and the battery won't work. The LED lights worked well when submerged. There is a clear waterproof ring along the seal of the battery compartment to keep it water tight. When the battery runs out, the lights stay stuck in red and won't switch between the colors, however mine is still new and I did not have to replace anything as of yet. The light is available via Amazon.
Even during the day the lights are quiet bright and work very well. I like that there are so many different settings available, so that you can use the lights for different occasions.
]]>Summer is coming and it's time to decorate with garden pillows. Don't feel bad tossing such a pretty pillow outside on patio furniture, it was made for such an occasion.
]]>Summer is coming and it's time to decorate with garden pillows. Don't feel bad tossing such a pretty pillow outside on patio furniture, it was made for such an occasion. Each pillow is coated with an UV treatment that’s sturdy and mildew resistant. Create a plush outdoor oasis with these stylish outdoor pillows!
These pillows are available in my store and I hope that they will brighten your day.
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The Coral Drift Rose is a compact low growing rose that is a beautiful display of rose petals. What a great way to create a welcoming path leading to your house?Planting Coral Drift roses make the pathway attractive
]]>The Coral Drift Rose is a compact low growing rose that is a beautiful display of rose petals. What a great way to create a welcoming path leading to your house?Planting Coral Drift roses make the pathway attractive and welcoming and I just love Allen Smith's idea of using these low growing rose shrubs to make a visual welcoming statement.
P. Allen Smith shares with us how he uses Drift® Roses in the garden.
Parts of the exterior of my home is grey flagstone and I planted these pale beauties. However this is a rose bush that grows upright and tends to want to greet everyone who passes by. I constantly have to prune it back so people won't get hit by a friendly rose bush. That's why I like the idea of using the low growing shrub varieties, they seem to be easier to control.
]]>The quest for a lightweight garden hose, that does not kink and is easy to manage has made me appreciate the flexible garden hose that expands as water pressure enters the hose.
]]>This post is sponsored by Kelly General Green
The quest for a lightweight garden hose, that does not kink and is easy to manage has made me appreciate the flexible garden hose that expands as water pressure enters the hose.
I am now on my forth expandable garden hose, and I have found that the life span of these hoses is about 6 months, before they spring a leak. However, I love these expandable flexible garden hoses, because they are so light and so much easier to handle than regular garden hoses. They do not kink and are very easy to roll up and store.
This time I requested to review the Kelley General Green, expandable 75' Flexible Garden Water Hose, which has solid aviation aluminum fittings and a convenient shut off valve. The double layer Latex Core is guaranteed not to kink and I am hoping will last longer than my previous garden hose. The expandable range goes from 25 feet all the way up to 75 feet while under full pressure and then will return to the original 25 feet length after turning off the water and releasing the pressure. The solid aviation aluminum corrosion resistant fittings were designed specifically to handle hot and cold environments and to accommodate high water pressure and are guaranteed not to leak.
Kelley General Expandable Flexible Garden Water Hose, 50' Solid Metal Fittings With Shut Off Valve, Indestructible Double Layer Latex Core, Car Wash Expanding Garden Hose Guaranteed Not To Kink!
This expandable hose is absolutely ideal for garden watering, car washing, pressure washing, power washing, and a wide variety of other applications where utilizing the benefits of a retractable hose will come in handy.
Another nice bonus is the sprayer that has several spray pattern settings. I received the expandable #gardenhose at a discounted rate for review purposes and so far like the product.
]]>The Impressionists have given us a special appreciation for combining vibrant colors in floral bouquets.
]]>The Impressionists have given us a special appreciation for combining vibrant colors in floral bouquets. The other day I was browsing around the bookstore and came across a book called "Impressionist Bouquets".
In the book there are instructions on how to create 24 pretty floral arrangements inspired by the impressionist movements. Following the works of Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh the 128 page book has beautifully illustrated images. Another beautifully illustrated book is the Impressionist Bouquets.
In California the spring bulbs are already peeking their little heads out of the grounds and I can't wait to see them all in full bloom so that I may move my easel closer and capture some on canvas.
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