Tag Archives: plants

Top 10 Flowers That Thrive In The Dog Days of Summer

If news reports are accurate, there is not a single portion of the United States that has escaped the crippling effects of this July heat wave. Is your lawn brown? Your flowers parched? Have you about given up on trying to keep them vibrant? Perhaps, things are not as bad as they seem. There are some very attractive plants and flowers that thrive in the intense summer heat (and I’m not just referring to cactus). If you are looking to add some color around your front door or along the back patio, consider some of these options that will offer … Continue reading →

A Frugal Garden

Gardening is a great way to beautify the exterior of your home. Whether you are wanting to create an entire garden, a simple flower bed, or want strategically placed flowers throughout your yard, it doesn’t have to break the bank! Saving money in your garden, doesn’t have to mean an ugly or limited flower bed. Nor does it mean that you cannot enjoy your hobby. It just means there are a few ways to go about cutting costs in your garden. I’m going to give you some tips on how. Paint Your Tools You know those great gardening tools? Typically … Continue reading →

A Trip To “The Domes”

Like much of the country, the Midwest has been experiencing summer-like temperatures. Just a few days ago we were in the 80’s. That’s a dream come true for someone like me (raised in Hawaii, now living in Wisconsin). But, today it’s back to reality with a high of just 55. To help ease our “withdrawals,” my daughter and I took a trip to a “rainforest,” a “desert,” and a “summer garden” all within steps of each other. So where did we go? The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory in Milwaukee. Commonly known as “The Domes,” the buildings are a series of … Continue reading →

Growing Bonsai – Pot and Culture Rules

When it comes to Bonsai pots, these matter in the overall scheme of things. Therefore, you want the pot to have a depth the same as the trunk’s caliper, with the exception of the Cascade style. In addition, the tree should be planted in the midline section of the pot, then to the left or right of the centerline and if you were using a fruit or flowering tree, then you want to choose glazed pots that have colors to enhance the Bonsai. In addition, the width of the pot should be two-thirds that of the tree’s height. If the … Continue reading →

Warm Up Empty Corners, Part II

Continuing with the theme of warming up corners, here are a few more ideas to help you fill empty spaces in your home: Add Plants Add a tall plant or a great tree to any corner. An up-light behind it will make it even more dramatic. You can also add a plant stand and fill it will select plants, grasses, naturals, or flowers, to bring some life and some color to the corner. If you use one type of plant, try using an interesting assortment of planters or pots. Use Oversized Candleholders Oversized candlesticks and candle stands also work great … Continue reading →