Posts Tagged ‘Home Garden’
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) websites.
02
Jun
Once you figure out that you have a fungus in your garden, you should not overreact. You do not want to reach for a spray bottle, instead you need to practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach to management of pests involves evaluation, monitoring, control and prevention. You need to understand and accept damage that is only cosmetic versus damage which may kill your plants. Figuring out which is which is not easy though.
The University of Maryland has a website to assist in identifying what’s going on in your garden which is the HGIC Plant Diagnostic Website. This site takes you through a series of steps to help identify the pests. Take a look at the infected plants. You will find a non-chemical approach to treating the pests and guidelines for when to use methods that may be less toxic.
It will also guide you to determine damage and not to jump to conclusions. For instance, sooty mold on a plant can look like a classic fungal infection. You will need to find out where the infection came from instead of jumping to conclusions.
Some gardeners like to make up their own homemade concoctions for treating the fungus and pests. Fine Gardening website called 355 Pest and Disease Remedies which discusses common products that most have in medicine cabinets or pantry. There is use for a chamomile tea to treat fungus.
Choosing grass for your lawn.
20
May
How to Grow Ornamental Grass From Seed – Courtesy of GardenGuides.com
Choosing grass for your yard is a very important task. The grass you choose needs to fit your landscape maintenance plans as well as have the ability to thrive. You may choose to lay sod or seed or you may choose ornamental grass.
First, choose where you will lay the grass and remember that you be sure that you can efficiently water and care for the lawn. Lawn grass works better in larger square areas, which makes it easier to water and mow.
You will want to consider doing a soil analysis to do soil conditions. You can increase the chances of having a successful lawn by choosing grass sod or seed compatible with the soil that you have in place. Also, consider the climate of the location you live in before you choose the grass you want to plant. Bermuda grass and St. Augustine work well in hot climates, Kentucky bluegrass is popular but does not do well in drought conditions. Then hardy zoysia grass, buffalo grass and centipede grass are good for locations that don’t see much water.
Ornamental grass is not good for using as the lawn. They grow taller and look more distinctive and needs less maintenance. Some ornamental grasses do well in dry soil while others require more moisture.
You need to consider how long the grass will grow and remember that the willows and other large grasses do work well in small areas. In a large area you can look at planting fewer different types of grasses. Ornamental grasses should be planted in large patches of color and/or texture which can contrast nicely with other portions of landscape.
Another thing that you will want to consider is your budget for your lawn. Each grass is different when it comes to lawn care, will you do it yourself or will you hire a lawn care company to work in your yard.
What is hardscaping and some ideas.
21
Feb
Hardscaping includes everything from decks to walkways to edging to ornamental features. It refers to the hard elements of the landscaping, ie. nonliving features.
They can be formal or informal based on individual preference, style of home and landscape. Textural variety is important. Remember, using too many textures makes the area appear unattractive and cluttered and not enough will make it dull and drab. There is a balance that will make the area look perfect and just the way that you want it.
Consider the design of the hardscape elements and your drainage patterns. Hardscape gardening features should improve the overall appearance of your home landscape.
In addition to decks and such, walkways and paths are common hardscape choices. Some of the choices of materials to use could be bricks, woodchips, pavers, etc. Retaining walls are a choice as well which can be made of concrete blocks, rocks or similiar items.
Before choosing the materials that you will use to make the hardscapes, consider the purpose. One example would be play areas for children which should be soft enough for the children to play in.
Many types of mulch, such as bark and pebbles, are considered part of the hardscape too. Hardscaping is not difficult as long as you plan it. The goal is to complement the surroundings.
