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Vol. 4, Num. 14, April 9, 2009 (Read It Online) This week we have an article about Cultivating a Natural Garden and more tips and photos from readers. Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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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:
By Beth from Ft.Blackmore VA.
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Rate It: Garden: Terracotta Chimney Flue Tiles Our patio area is only 16 feet by 8 feet. Our climate is hot and dry in the summer but we only get about four hours of direct sun and some areas get less than that. I wanted colorful shade loving plants that require very little care. We used terracotta chimney flue tiles for containers, which are available at major nurseries and construction supply stores. Coleus, impatiens, vincas and herbs filled the bill. The trellised plant is a clematis and the tree in the upper right is a California bay laurel.Source: Sunset Western garden book for the chimney flue tiles idea. By fletchypoo from San Jose, CA
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Rate It: This is my backyard paradise. I wake up every morning and look out my bay windows and see this wonderful paradise. I love it. By sandrad72 from Bedford, TX
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Rate It: Craft Project: Inspirational Plant Pokes Use these plant pokes to dress up and personalize your arrangements or potted plants.
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Rate It: Beautiful blue "Crocus." By Laura from Parsippany, NJ
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Rate It: Craft Project: Easter Egg Picks Simple Easter Egg picks from plastic eggs, straw and ribbon.
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Drag Bed Springs to Grade a Dirt Driveway If you have a dirt driveway or lane, this tip is for you. Our lane is 1/4 mile long, and it gets worse every year with deep holes. As soon as it gets wet, either from snow and rain, or from the neighbor's irrigation system, it gets soft and we sink into the mud. We were afraid we would have to hire someone to grade it again. Some friends came out Sunday because we had some banty chickens for some children they know. They took one ride down our lane and offered this suggestion: Tie an old set of bed springs to the back of your pickup. Tie on some cinder blocks to weight it down. Drive up and down the lane until it is smooth. That's it! They once lived in a rental with a whole mile of lane, and their landlady asked them how they kept it so nice! We just happen to have a set of bedsprings. By Coreenhart from Rupert, ID Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17002822.tip.html
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Rate It: Keeping Rescued Baby Birds Warm We live in a rural area with lots of trees, and occasionally have had to rescue baby birds who have been hurt by a cat or simply got blown out of a tree with their nest destroyed or unable to be found. I was trying to think of a good way to keep them warm one day when I remembered the old baby wipe warmer I'd kept, just in case. The quilted cover surrounds an old baby wipe box that of course has a lid that opens up. The quilted cover is then plugged in. The wipe box is the perfect size to hold one baby bird (or even more) after I line it with some warm cotton and maybe some grass clippings for natural measure. I keep the box open, and the bird stays warm at night when I can't keep it warm enough with body heat. I also use an old dropper from an infant bottle of Tylenol to feed the babies with, and it works great. We don't have an animal rescue here in the middle of nowhere, so we had to come up with a way to try to save our feathered friends on our own. If we see them blown out of their nests, of course we stick them back into it. But if they're hurt or something, the baby wipe warmer helps a lot, it also helps for stray eggs my son finds on occasion, to keep them warm and hopefully incubate them 'til we can figure out where to put the eggs. By Joan from Middle of Nowhere, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99983967.tip.html
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Rate It: Cultivating a Natural Garden
One of the most prevalent attributes common to natural gardens is that they work with - not against - nature. The design has the appearance of a garden that happened naturally instead of a planned, sculptured look. Natural gardens also house native flora that thrives with relatively low maintenance, and embraces nature by providing a haven for wildlife. Not only are such gardens harmonious with our eco-system, but the birds, butterflies, bees, and ladybugs they attract add to the sense of tranquility and pollinate your plants. Creating a Natural GardenThe key to creating a successful natural garden is adaptation. Adapt not plants, but the garden design itself, to the surrounding landscape. How do natural landscapes look? Do they have straight, flush lines, or irregular curving lines? Do they display prim rows of individual flora varieties, or groupings and drifts of varieties that blend together gracefully?Although Japanese and natural gardens differ, they do have a vital element in common. Both have a type of partnership with nature. That is because neither imposes foreign varieties of plant life into the design. And the result is a lovely, welcoming oasis that enhances quiet moments of peaceful reflection. If you want to create a natural garden, you must be conscious of how things appear in nature. Imitate what it is you want to create. If a garden pond enters into the mix, take notice of how natural ponds appear. A sloping lip of sand or gravel, for instance, which gently slopes into the shallow end of the pond, creates a natural watering hole for wildlife. Tufts of tall plants might surround part of the pond, with smaller plants and flowers that lend color closer to the water's edge. A gap of space between plants is another common feature of many natural gardens. Sometimes these spaces are filled in with ground cover; other times they are left bare. One benefit of having something between plants is less space for weed growth. Placing a layer of thick-gage plastic a few inches below the surface of the garden area, with holes spaced for plants, can greatly reduce weed growth. Selecting PlantsNatural landscapes in some regions consist of only a few predominant flora specimens. Other landscapes, like those in the northeastern United States, have lush undergrowth with a variety of wildflowers due to the increased moisture brought about by plentiful rains, and snowy winter months. A garden in that type location would look natural with a large assortment of plants and flowers, whereas one in a predominately arid climate would not.Besides plant variety, plant selection is important. Select only those plants that come from regions with a similar climate. Be careful that plant selection is appropriate to your location. For instance, a display of cactus would not look very natural in a Maine garden. Annual and perennial flowers grouped together in various layers will help link one aspect of the garden to another, imparting a sense of continuity the way nature does. Planting a variety of patterns using just a few flora species in tufts and drifts, rather than rows, provides a natural look and is in keeping with nature's approach to design. Preparing the GroundBefore planting a natural garden, work the ground. Mix good quality loam into the top 12 inches of soil. Mimic nature. Sculpture the soil into uneven mounds and soft hills.After planting flora, strategically add natural materials to the garden area: stones, shells, weathered logs, and antique items - wheelbarrows, kettles, etc. These will add charm, texture, color, and interest to the garden. Partially bury stones for an authentic, more natural look. A horizontal log not only serves as a natural settee, but also provides nesting and hiding places for various forms of nature, not to mention a buffet table for woodpeckers. If you want to attract the greatest variety of wildlife to your garden area, include a wide variety of plant types that provide them with food and shelter. Benefits of a Natural GardenAside from providing beauty and a refuge for birds, reptiles, insects, and small mammals, natural gardens offer other benefits. They are easy to maintain because native plants are used, which require less watering. And areas of the yard left natural with wildflowers and tall ornamental grasses mean no mowing until late fall.Less work equals more time for enjoyment when it comes to the low-maintenance needs of a natural garden. A feast for the eyes, a haven for nature! What could be a more welcomed addition to your yard?
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Rate It: This isn't a question but some info on hens and chicks. I found that they flower when they mature at around 3-4 yrs old. This is the site where I found the info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hen_and_chicks. Hope it helps someone! Hardiness Zone: 7a By mfedukovich from Southern WV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50609490.tip.html
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Rate It: Plant and Harvest Asparagus the Same Season If you planted asparagus this year, you would normally have to wait 3 years before you could harvest it, but there is a way that you can plant and harvest the same season. Instead of planting the asparagus the usual 12 inch deep, try planting it with the crowns 5 or 6 inches deep. I'm gonna give it a try. Source: http://gardeningtips.today.com/ By Amuck from Fairview Heights, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17524932.tip.html
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Rate It: Grow Your Own Wedding Floral Decorations Need floral decorations for a wedding? I purchased several planter pots at the end of the summer at clearance prices last year. They look like terra cotta but not as heavy. I will fill them with purple and white (wedding colors) annuals and keep them on my patio and deck. At the time of my son's wedding, my husband will use his dolly and transport them to the wedding site. Fresh flowers at an economical price, and I get to keep the pots for years to come! By Becky B. from Nevada, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90259145.tip.html
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Tomato Plants With Yellow Leaves Has anyone had any problems with tomato leaves turning yellowish-brown and dying? Its growth seems to be stunted too. Thanks for any help. Hardiness Zone: 8a By denjoy2005 from TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf482428.tip.html
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Rate It: On March 14th, I planted two Skyline Honeylocust trees in front of my house (along the street on the narrow strip) as part of a Friends of Trees planting day. They were bare root and planted to the proper depth. Other trees on the street and in my yard are starting to bud, but these trees aren't doing much. Will they take longer to leaf? Are they in shock from the transplant? Should I be worried? Thanks for your help and any info you can give me! Hardiness Zone: 8a By Paularod17 from Vancouver, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44494277.tip.html
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Rate It: Starting Sunflowers from Seeds I bought some cut sunflowers from the store and wonder if the seeds are or will mature so they will dry out and be able to be planted. Or do I need to start with sunflowers that are still in the ground? Hardiness Zone: 8a By Mockingboyd from Charlotte, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27302953.tip.html
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Rate It: We want to put out a simple container veggie garden this spring to help cut grocery bills even further than we already have. We're focusing on a few simple things we eat a lot that aren't especially cheap at the local farmer's market. Such as various lettuces, heirloom tomatoes, and some herbs. We're using 28-lb kitty litter buckets for large containers and cut-off 2-liter soda bottles and similar products for smaller containers. Both will have rocks and holes in the bottoms for drainage. We have a relatively small area of yard that gets enough sun for a vegetable garden, so our space is limited. Because I don't trust the dirt in our yard to be free of contaminants, we'll probably buy bagged soil. We have lots of rabbits here, will setting our containers up on large cinder blocks be enough to keep the rabbits from reaching them? What else could we do without spending money? Where should we look to find unusual heirloom tomatoes to plant? Should we look for plants, or try to start from seed? What other tips can more experienced gardeners here share with us? We want to minimize expense and keep the work simple, while harvesting yummy produce. Thank you in advance! Hardiness Zone: 5b By Sterghe from PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf853959.tip.html
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Rate It: When Will My Crepe Myrtle Bud? When will my crepe myrtle start to bud? Hardiness Zone: 6a By Regina from Lawrenceburg, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22109425.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a young lemon tree that is losing leaves. Hardiness Zone: 10b By Ray from CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22533363.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I get rid of the little "blister" looking bugs on my red tip tree? Hardiness Zone: 8a By conbabe from Carthage, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15123168.tip.html
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Rate It: Can I use fresh cut tree bark as mulch? By golfgirl from Hawkin, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60358631.tip.html
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Rate It: What is the best way to grow a herb garden outside? Last year, I put several in a planting box, but did not use them often enough and it became overgrown. Hardiness Zone: 6a By Becky Ann from Madison, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82989022.tip.html
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Rate It: Growing Grass in a Yard With Dogs What is the best way to grow grass in an area where 2 large dogs like to play? By Becky Ann from Madison, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44003987.tip.html
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Rate It: Growing Tomatoes In Hanging Baskets I've seen commercials for the hanging baskets to grow upside down tomatoes. Do these really work and does anyone know how difficult they are to use? Thanks so much. Hardiness Zone: 7b By Rcwidow from NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19816330.tip.html
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Rate It: What is the best way to grow an herb garden outside? Last year, I put several in a planting box, but did not use it often enough and it became overgrown. Hardiness Zone: 6a By Becky Ann from Madison, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51051820.tip.html
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Rate It: Using Lime to Keep Snakes Away Will regular garden lime spread around the perimeter of my yard keep snakes out? Will it be harmful to my dogs? Hardiness Zone: 9a By feathers50 from Palatka, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48686283.tip.html
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Rate It: Red Berries on an Asparagus Fern Are the red berries on an asparagus fern seeds? Can I plant them? Hardiness Zone: By sissy7575 from AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43044881.tip.html
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Rate It: Where can I purchase dehydrated fox urine to put around plants? I thought I heard a feed store? Where in Raleigh, NC can I purchase this product and do you know the cost? Thanks so much. Beth Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23975617.tip.html
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Rate It: Can anyone tell us what do you use to start a compost bed? We are trying to start a compost but are not sure what to put in it. Thanks in advance for all your help. Hardiness Zone: 9a By gaaaamoooom Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69931013.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
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:
Growing Tomatoes
Tomatoes are members of the nightshade family. Originally from South and Central America, today the tomato is grown worldwide for its brightly colored, edible fruits. Red tomatoes contain the pigment lycopene, a well-known antioxidant thought to help prevent some cancers.
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Rate It: Buy spring flowering crocus corms to plant in the fall (or vice versa). Plant in groups of a dozen or more for the best show. Plant them at a depth of 3 to 4 inches spaced about 3 inches apart.
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