Anyone who has been an avid gardener for some time knows that there are a few things you just need to get right to have a fruitful relationship with plants. Once you get the basics down and know what not to do in your garden, sit back and watch your plants amaze you with their beauty and fruitfulness.
With the Christmas season over and the new year bursting forth, it is time to figure out what to do with that now not-so-beautiful Christmas tree that is shedding needles all over your floor. If you have been accustomed to dragging your dead tree to the curb and waiting for the trash pick up, why not try something different this year that is environmentally friendly and creative? Here are some ideas.
Merry Christmas to all of our readers from everyone here at Backyard Vitality. We wish all of you garden lovers a safe and happy holiday and a blooming New Year! Look for more great garden and home tips and products to come in 2020!
If you live virtually anywhere in North America, you’ve likely heard of, and been irritated by pigweed. This green, unassuming weed has long been considered a severe nuisance since every single plant can produce nearly 100,000 seeds each season. If you’ve ever looked into healthy grain alternatives, you’ve probably come across something known as amaranth. A “super grain,” gluten-free, pseudocereal that is prized for its notable health benefits. Believe it or not, these two plants are actually one and the same. Read on as we delve into the truth behind pigweed and set the record straight once and for all.
Most gardeners tend to stay in their comfort zone, growing a collection of traditional fruits and veggies such as tomatoes, blueberries, and potatoes. However, there is a whole other world of exciting, intriguing edible plants out there just waiting to be discovered. Many of these exotic plants are not only delicious but incredibly eye-catching, as well. If you’re ready to take on a new challenge and try something adventurous, these strange fruits and veggies may just plants for you.
With Christmas pressing down, you are likely wondering what kind of tree to get this year. If this is the year for a non-traditional tree, you are in luck. Many people who live in an apartment or simply don’t have the space for a traditional Christmas tree will appreciate that they can still decorate their space and enjoy these fresh-smelling and beautiful potted tree alternatives.
There’s nothing quite like a wreath, swag, or other arrangement made with fresh evergreen to truly help get you in the Christmas spirit. In fact, even the act of cutting down the prettiest greenery and arranging it with the rest of your Christmas decor will have you whistling your favorite Christmas song and lingering by your mantle to catch a whiff of the sweet, pine scent of live evergreen. But how exactly can you keep this fresh greenery from drying out and turning brown in just a few short weeks? And how can you decorate effectively with this classic Christmas element? Read on to find out our top tips for using live evergreen in your home this Christmas.
Not everyone has the luxury of a bright yard, and finding shrubs, especially flowering shrubs with beautiful blooms to fill in shady spots can seem like a real challenge. Believe it or not, these six eye-catching, alluring shrubs flourish in filtered sun or shade and can bring a wild beauty to barren spots in your garden.
Though plant parties are usually reserved for the spring and summer when your backyard is in bloom, and you’re tanned from spending time in the garden, a Christmas plant party is a great way to break up the winter and enjoy some quality time with your best plant-loving friends. Here are our steps to hosting the perfect holiday party…garden style.
Planting a flower bed in a flat area is simple. Choose plants that complement each other, stick them in a pleasing arrangement, dig a hole, give them some water, and you’re good to go. You don’t have to worry about things like erosion control, root hold, and trailing tendencies. Slopes, on the other hand, can be the gardener’s worst nightmare, since you have to take all of these concerns into account and more. If you’re at a loss on how to deal with a slope in your yard, these plants and helpful ideas could be useful.
A unique, personalized, living wall adds so much interest and fun to any exterior design. Here are our favorite ways to create a living wall in your yard and a few tips to help you succeed.
Premade felt hanger
One of the easiest ways to create a living wall for your outdoor space is to purchase a simple hanging material with pockets for planting. This sturdy material usually comes ready to hang. All you have to do is add soil and plants, and you’re good to go. Though not necessarily as attractive, you can also use an old canvas over-the-door pocket hanger if you don’t want to buy anything and have a fence or rail to hang it over. Choose trailing plants and vines to plant in the pockets, and you’ll be able to cover it up in no time. Avoid plastic or plastic-lined pockets at these will not provide adequate drainage.
Large frame
On the other end of the effort spectrum is the planter frame. Unlike the premade choices, this one is DIY heavy and requires more supplies and a few tools. Search out plans to determine if this project is something you want to tackle.
Pallet gardens
To save money on supplies, and save time on constructing your own structure, use an old pallet for your wall garden. It can be attached to an existing fence, or you could attach pallets together to create a low, decorative living wall. This is also a great way to help save the environment by using recycled materials. Remember, you will need landscape fabric and wire to help hold the soil in, so keep that in mind as you budget for this project.
Potted wall
Attaching pots to an existing wall or fence is incredibly simple and may be the best option if you want to grow a variety of plants that don’t do well together. Cluster the pots so that the arrangement seems intentional, not haphazard, and utilize trailing plants to help fill in the gap. Be sure that the pots are removable for ease of planting and replacement.
Ladders
If you want to encourage vine growth on your fence or garden wall, attach simple wooden ladders to give them something to climb. Plant perennial vines below your wall, and within a few seasons, you’ll have a living garden wall straight out of a fairy tale.
Tips for a wall garden
Vertical gardening, in general, but wall gardens in particular, are a lot different than traditional container, or in-the-ground gardens. With that said, there are a few things you need to keep in mind while planning and building your living wall.
Don’t forget about water
Watering is one of the trickiest factors of a wall garden, and figuring it out can prove incredibly frustrating. If your water from the top and let it flow down, the plants on the bottom could become waterlogged; however, it’s often too big to take down and water, which rules out that option. Unfortunately, there’s really no sure answer for watering wall gardens other than installing a drip irrigation system as you build.
Another idea is to use arid plants such as succulents and desert dwellers. That way, water isn’t as much of a requirement, and you can leave your wall alone for weeks at a time. Or, you can place plants that need more water at the bottom and monitor your arrangements for any signs of root rot. Regardless, when designing your wall garden, drainage and watering are critical factors to take into consideration.
Consider portability
If you are installing a permanent wall garden, make sure that it is in an ideal spot with adequate sunshine and easy access to water. It may be a good idea to stick to more portable or disposable options at first while you are planning your garden and figuring out what looks best.
Grow horizontally
Unless you are using a pocket growing method, you’ll want to let your plants grow horizontally for a few weeks to let them establish roots. Otherwise, they may fall out or look weird as they grow with gravity pulling them down.
Don’t be afraid to take chances and try new things in your yard. After all, decorative gardening is all about expressing creativity and letting your personality shine, not about stifling your passion and following set plants. Be daring and bold and search for unique ways to use everyday objects for your new vertical garden.
-Susan Patterson
Susan has been nurturing her gardening tips and advice for over 00 years, it’s fair to say she knows her beans. She’ll be sharing her knowledge from tried and tested methods.
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