Happy Garden - September 18, 2008

Vol. 3, Num. 37, September 18, 2008 (Read It Online) This week we have more photos from readers and Ellen answers more of your questions. She also shares an article about Buying Bulbs. Do you have any fall gardening tips? Feel free to share them here: Submit Your Gardening Tips Submit Photos of Your Garden Thanks for reading, Susan Send to a Friend! Submit a Gardening Request Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter. Today's newsletter contains: Photos: Garden: Anita's Flowers Garden Craft: Bentwood Arbor Use Seasonal Veggies as Your Centerpiece Garden: My Grandmother With Her Watermelon (1930) Tips and Articles: Advice For a Backyard Patio What To Look For When Buying Bulbs Use Ice To Water Houseplants Slowly Harvesting Lavender Plant Daffodils To Prevent Pests Hibiscus Flowers Not Opening Rose Bushes Turning Yellow Growing a Burning Bush When Will My Clematis Bloom? New Requests: Fixing a Muddy Area In My Yard Yellow Yarrow Grew Too Tall Planting a Weeping Willow Tree Transplanting a Weeping Cherry Tree Homemade Weed Killers Removing Strawberry Plants From Lawn Do I Need To Replace My Lawn? Growing Lupine Today's Sponsor: Crafting for Fun and Money! If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish. More Information: Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml Photos: Garden: Anita's Flowers This is my garden this year. I planted phlox, gold barberry, impatiens, Mexican heather, petunias, celosia, and a barberry pillar. I am so proud of my garden. By Anita from Hazel Crest, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44084450.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Garden Craft: Bentwood Arbor I made this arbor with benches over 10 years ago. I put planter boxes down both sides and then put benches inside. The planter boxes are lined with old tarps over plywood and then stick wood. The stick wood can be alder, cedar, fir, etc. I use all of the above, just make sure it's not rotten. I try to use fresh fallen trees or standing scrub trees. This is also a good way to get rid of old tarps, the tarps can protect your planter boxes not rot so fast. You can use three round logs with thick branches for the top as benches or treated wood. I have done both here. It's a great place to enjoy nature and small children really like playing in the arbor and eating treats. It's a fun project that you can share with your family, collecting thick branches and building the arbor. Have a creative day! By Cathy from Stanwood, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54132144.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Seasonal Veggies as Your Centerpiece Fresh vegetables from your garden can make a beautiful table decoration. I change the centerpiece on my table according to what vegetables are in at the moment. Right now, the summer garden is about finished so we have mainly peppers. An edible centerpiece, how great is that? By Rika from Brunswick, Georgia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37366476.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Garden: My Grandmother With Her Watermelon (1930) This picture is of my Grandmother in 1930. I do believe that is a watermelon she is getting ready to cut. She certainly did something right in her garden! By Jackie from Orlando, Florida Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10122857.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tips and Articles: Advice For a Backyard Patio Question: I am starting to get my back yard cleared out. About 15 trees will be removed, grass seed will be planted and I would like a small patio area to be exposed from the French Doors I hope to have installed. Are there any websites or ideas you can think of? I am thinking of just an area big enough for a grill, table and chairs, to enjoy watching my child play in the yard. I so appreciate your input. Amy from NJ Answer: Amy, There are LOT of great web sites to assist you in designing your new outdoor living space. A great way to start the planning process is to sit down with pen, paper, and list the following: Who is going to build it? Are you going to do the work yourself, or are you planning to hire a professional? What types of materials do you want to use (brick, stone, tile, etc.)? Do you want to relax in the shade? (e.g. pergola, gazebo, table with umbrella, awning, trees, etc.)? What type of furniture do you want in the design? What types of features do you want to include in the area (e.g. grilling, hot tub, fountain, etc.)? What is your budget? To get started with your patio design you need some inspiration. Start a folder on your computer labeled "patio ideas". Google "pictures of great patios" and see what you find. Jot down ideas that appeal to you and print off pictures you can take with you when shopping. I also like this link from Sunset Home. It contains many pictures for and ideas suitable for a variety of backyard spaces. http://designassistant.sunset.com/browse/sunset/spcSearch?tab=Rooms&of... You'll find more great ideas on Home and Garden Television site here: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_33790,00.html Here is a link to some free downloadable do-it-yourself software for designing landscape patios. http://www.hotspring.com/Patio_Planner/index_spa_patio_planner.html Good luck! Ellen Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10943562.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print What To Look For When Buying Bulbs By Ellen Brown Bulbs are containers. Each of them houses all of the necessary ingredients (except water) to grow a beautiful flower. It should come as no surprise then, that the quality of the flower you end up with depends a lot on the quality of the bulb you start with. Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you shop for bulbs. Read This Article: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95139292.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Ice To Water Houseplants Slowly I have a gazillion houseplants, most of which have been started from cuttings. Watering hanging plants can be hard, especially when they get a bit rootbound. To make this easier, I freeze empty water bottles and yogurt cups of water and when frozen put them into the plants. As the water melts, it is absorbed into the soil slowly, rather than just running down the sides and out the bottom. This saves water, frustration and also, since a full freezer is more energy-efficient, it saves electricity. Sometimes I mix soluble fertilizer/food into the bottles and feed the plants this way, too. None of the fertilizer is poured out into the saucer, either. By Linda from Vista CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69528172.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Harvesting Lavender Question: I never seem to know when to cut my lavender to get the best fragrance. Also, what is the best way to dry it. Hardiness Zone: 6b Rose from Malvern, PA Answer: Rose, Timing is everything when harvesting herbs for preserving and storing. The trick is to gather your herbs at the point in their growing cycle when the volatile oils they contain are the most concentrated. In regards to lavender, the parts of the plant usually harvested for fragrance are the flowers and leaves. Young, year-old plants should only be harvested lightly, if at all so they can focus their energy on becoming established. To harvest, pick the flower spikes in the early blossom stage before the flowers have fully opened. Do this early in the day (after the dew has dried) during dry weather. It will help facilitate the drying process if there is no extra moisture on them. You can dry lavender in a couple of ways. The easiest way is to bunch several stems together, secure the cut ends with a rubber band, and hang them upside down to dry. Collect enough stems to make a 1-inch thick bundle. If you are worried about dust or losing a few leaves or flower petals, cover the ends of the spikes with brown paper bags. Cutting a few small flaps (observation windows) down each side of the paper bags will allow for plenty of air circulation. When drying herbs, slower is better. Ideally, herbs should be dried over a period of 1-2 weeks in a room that is cool, dark, and dry. If space is an issue, try drying them on a cooling rack or screen placed over the top of a cookie sheet. The cookie sheet can them be stored somewhere out of the way like on top of your refrigerator or hot water heater. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92592924.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Plant Daffodils To Prevent Pests If you are having trouble with something eating your flower bulbs, try planting daffodils around your flower bulbs. Daffodils are toxic to mice and voles. Worked great for me. Source: Tip by Gardening Made Easy By Susan from Morristown, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14742355.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Hibiscus Flowers Not Opening Question: I have a hibiscus plant that will bloom, but the blooms will not open up completely before they die. I have planted it in the ground and fertilized it. I water it everyday, but nothing seems to work. What should I try next? Hardiness Zone: 9a Keri from Houston, TX Answer: Keri, What kind of hibiscus do you have? There are hundreds of varieties available, many with curious flower forms. For example, the variety "Flower of an Hour" (Hibiscus trionum) has 2 inch wide white to pale yellow flowers with dark centers that typically only bloom for a couple of hours each day. Is it possible you have a "Turk's Cap" (Malvaviscus penduliflorus)? This flower is isn't technically a hibiscus, but it's closely related. The fact that it is often referred to as "Sleeping Hibiscus" only adds to the confusion. The flowers resemble those of a "wilted" hibiscus. They never fully open, but hang down in a tubular fashion from the stems of the plant (this is a clever adaptation by the plant to encourage pollination by hummingbirds, which are typically attracted to bell-shaped flowers. Here is a picture for reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvaviscus If what you have turns out to be a Turk's Cap, it will bloom off and on throughout the year, usually looking its best in early winter. Another possibility is bud drop (leaves start to open then dry up and fall off). This is common with hibiscuses, and is caused by stress from improper watering (not enough), too much fertilizer, extremely hot weather, or insect damage from the likes of aphids or thrips. Double flowered varieties of hibiscus seem to be particularly susceptible to bud drop. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60850258.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Rose Bushes Turning Yellow Question: Why are my rose bush leaves turning yellow all of a sudden? Hardiness Zone: 7a Ann from MA Answer: Hi Ann, I agree with Elaine (in the feedback forum below). It sounds like your roses have experienced a fungal disease called Black Spot. Black Spot is a serious, but controllable, disease commonly seen in floribundas, hybrid teas, and grandifloras. For whatever reason, shrub roses don't seem to be affected by it as much. Black Spot is caused by fungal spores and typically occurs during warm, moist conditions when rainwater splashes the spores up onto the foliage from the ground. Black spots and yellow patches appear on the leaves, which then shrivel up and fall off. If left untreated, a rose bush can quickly lose all of its leaves. To treat roses with Black Spot, remove any visibly infected leaves and throw them into the garbage. Composting is not recommended, as fungal spores can remain dormant for long periods. Fallen leaves lying under the plant should also be cleaned up and disposed of in the same way. To prevent Black Spot from spreading to more leaves, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of water and spray the infected plants thoroughly. Severe infections can also be controlled with sulfur, which is readily available at garden centers. You can't control the rain, but you can help control the spread of Black Spot by mulching around your roses to help prevent water from splashing the plants. Water your roses as early as possible in the day so leaves have time to dry, or avoid wetting the foliage altogether by watering from below. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54550054.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Growing a Burning Bush Question: I am looking for tips on growing burning bushes. Hardiness Zone: 5b Donna from Orange Count, NY Answer: Donna, Burning bushes happen to be one of my favorite shrubs. They are low maintenance and offer wonderful fall color, and add interest to the winter landscape. Here are some hints for growing them: You can grow them in full sun to part shade, but their color will be the greatest in full sun. They prefer moist, well-drained soil, but are very adaptable to poor soils, drought, and heat stress. Burning bushes can develop mild leaf chlorosis (yellowed leaves) in soils that are too alkaline. This can easily be remedied with regular applications of fertilizer and by mulching with pine needles or chopped leaves to help maintain the proper pH. Burning bushes will tolerate moderate amounts of pollution, but they don't do very well with road salt. Avoid planting them too close to busy streets. Occasional annual pruning may be necessary to keep full-sized bushes looking neat. Dwarf varieties rarely need pruning. Using hardwood mulch around the base of your bushes (typically waste wood from municipal tree trimmings and offered free to the public at landfills) can induce a nitrogen deficiency in the soil because it has a tendency to break down very rapidly. This can be remedied with regular applications of fertilizer or by using mulch that decomposes more slowly (for example, pine, cedar, or cypress). Insect pests are not usually a problem, but keep an eye out for scale. Watch for hungry rabbits and rodents nibbling on bare lower branches in the winter. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52138569.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print When Will My Clematis Bloom? Question: How long before clematis starts blooming? I planted from a gallon container. Hardiness Zone: 5a Mike from Mercier, Qc.,Canada Answer: Hi Mike, Clematis can take a year or two to bloom after first being planted, and will require at least several more years before reaching full maturity. A lot depends on the age and health of the plant you purchased, the growing conditions you provide for it, and how fast it's able to establish roots after being planted. As the old adage goes, the first year perennials sleep, the second they creep, the third they leap. It sounds a bit corny, but it's true! Expect your clematis to need a minimum of one to two seasons of "settling in" before you see blooms. During the first year (while it "sleeps"), the plant will direct the majority of its energy into establishing a strong root system. A good root system is critical for a vigorous vine, so be sure to fertilize and water your clematis regularly (try a 5-10-10 fertilizer) This will create a good foundation for years of beautiful blooms, and before you know it, your new clematis will reward you with years of prolific blooms. Try these links for more information on growing clematis: General growing tips: http://www.clematisinternational.com/questoc.html Searchable image database of clematis types: http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clempicsearch.cfm Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15641732.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Contest! Tip Contest Submit a Tip or Recipe! Photo Contest Submit a tip with photo! The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners, 2 photo winners (1 photo and 1 pet photo) and 1 recipe winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25! My Frugal Life Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! New Requests: Fixing a Muddy Area In My Yard One side of our yard is always wet and muddy. Can anyone suggest a cheap fix? Pat from College Station, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52158846.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Yellow Yarrow Grew Too Tall I have yellow yarrow in my front yard. It has done well, but grew so high this summer that it fell over and didn't look nice at all! It is only in its 2nd year and I wondered if there is anything I can do to keep the height down so it can hold itself up and look nice in my flower bed. Hardiness Zone: 5b Julie from Northeast, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78298636.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Planting a Weeping Willow Tree How far from my house should I plant a weeping willow tree? Hardiness Zone: 6b Lisa Murphy from Lancaster, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12106321.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Transplanting a Weeping Cherry Tree I want to transplant my weeping cherry. It started as a baby sprout. The trunk is only 4 inches tall and 1 inch wide, and has a 6 foot shoot branching off in the right direction (northeast). Right now it is laying on the ground. When I transplant the tree, can I turn the tree to make it stand up. Do I post it, or do I prune the shoot? It is healthy and has many smaller shoots on it. Hardiness Zone: 6b Shannon from Grafton, WV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf303149.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Homemade Weed Killers Are there any home recipes for weed and grass killer for vegetable gardens? Anita from Prattville, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001029.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Strawberry Plants From Lawn How do you eliminate Wild Strawberry plants in a lawn? Lionel from Dartmouth, NS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77666563.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Do I Need To Replace My Lawn? My lawn is covered in tall growing, light blue flowers, tough grass and dandelions. Is there any hope for it, or do I have to tear it all up? Please help! Hardiness Zone: 6b Natalie from Cleveland, Ohio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17933590.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Growing Lupine Is Lupine OK to grow in southeastern MA? Hardiness Zone: 7a Ann from MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91746234.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here Today's Sponsor: Crafting for Fun and Money! If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish. More Information: Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml More Stuff Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users. Submit a Request... Frugal solutions to everyday problems.