Gardening Ideas

Planting your Garden

No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden”.
~Hugh Johnson

It may seem like there is no end in sight to these cold days of winter but time passes quickly and spring will be here before you know it.  Now is the perfect time to do a bit of garden brainstorming.  Some things to consider may be what type of garden you want to plant, how big or small it will be, and what purpose will your garden serve.  Read on for some helpful gardening tips…


Wildlife Garden
One perk of a garden is watching the wildlife it attracts.  If you provide food, water and a place to nest, they will come.  Some plants attract more wildlife than others.  If you want to ensure you’ll always have guests in your garden, it’s good to know which ones to plant.

Butterflies -A butterfly bush will attract them, but a wider variety of plants will entice other species to visit your garden.
•§Butterfly bush, Red Hot Poker, Iris, Lavender, Rosemary, Zinnia, Bee Balm, Phlox
Birds- Trees or plants that produce seeds or berries, a birdbath and a nesting “space” will draw wild birds to your backyard haven.
•§Eucalyptus tree, Yucca, Iris, Beech Tree, Lime Tree, Rosemary, Crabapple, Elderberry, Oregon Grape
Hummingbirds- Hummingbirds are drawn to things that are red and very fragrant.
•§Honeysuckle, Red Hot Poker, Yucca, Iris, Lily, Lavender, Canna, Cardinal Creeper, Bee Balm
  
Fragrant Garden
Now you can enjoy a fragrant garden by creating a sweet-smelling haven right in your own backyard.  Where you live will dictate the kind of plants you grow and what time of year to enjoy them.  Also consider whether you are looking for plants to enjoy in the garden or to cut and bring indoors.

Gardenias – They don’t have much of a stem, but float well in water and make beautiful short bouquets
Peonies – Low-maintenance, deer-resistant flowers that are easily cut for bouquets and arrangements
Irises - Look delicate, but are actually tough, drought-tolerant flowers that thrive in sunlight
Sweet peas – Come in a variety of different colors, some with stronger scents
Lilies – Come in many vibrant colors, making them great both for bouquets
Rosemary – Brings fragrance to the garden and flavor to the kitchen
Lavender – Smelling lavender helps reduce anxiety

     
Family Garden
This garden isn’t about finding all the right plants, it’s about creating a space children, adults, and pets can all enjoy together.

Create play areas surrounded by cheerful plants that attract butterflies
Rotate toys to prevent boredom
Include plants children can help with and call their own
Hang a simple tire swing from a sturdy tree branch
Water features are nice, but be sure your children are old enough to enjoy it and it doesn’t pose any danger
Look for and talk about the various wildlife that visits your garden
Dogs can enjoy the garden too by creating a shady rest spot for them and setting clear boundaries (raised) to keep them out of other areas
Plant a pad of catmint for your feline family members; they love it!

  
Vegetable Garden
Enjoy the delicious harvest that a small vegetable garden can provide.  Things to think about…

Start small so you are not overwhelmed by care and maintenance.  A 10’x12’ garden provides a surprising amount of food
Most vegetables enjoy 6 hours of sunlight a day
A healthy garden requires rich, well-drained soil.  Use an organic fertilizer.
Soil temperature is as important as air temp.  Don’t plant your seeds too early!
Have protective gear readily available for unexpected frost
Keep a layer of organic mulch on your garden to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
A low fence can help keep unwanted guests from enjoying the fruits of your labor
Plant a marigold border, they help ward off bugs
Pick as soon as they are ready, do not allow them to deplete energy from future growth
Keep it close, you will be more likely to use it


Your garden is your creation.   One final thing to keep in mind; if you have allergies avoid those plants that trigger a reaction, as well as other plants in the same “family”.

“Gardening requires lots of water – most of it in the form of perspiration”. ~Lou Erickson