101
Coping
with Moles
"Hi, I am having a serious
problem with a mole in the yard. We have tried poison pellets, flooding the
holes, and putting down a pesticide to kill the grub worms and mole and we
have had no luck. What do I need to do as this little creature is creating
quite a bit of damage? Any ideas? Thank you for your help."
Fear not. Or rather, no need to fear yet, since mole don't eat vegetables.
Moles can do helpful things in the garden. They aerate the soil and remove
grub worms. They'd be assets if they didn't also eat your valuable
earthworms, and lend their tunnels to hungry mice and voles. They best are
controlled by poison gas, bait, and trapping. These methods will work but
only until the next group of moles moves in. But if done early spring,
before breeding season starts, they will help somewhat. Go to farm supply
stores or your local garden center to find these supplies.
7 Steps to a
Bird Friendly Garden
1. Plant a diversity of
trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
2. Place garden plants to approximate the vertical and horizontal structure
of your local natural habitat.
3. Include flowering and fruiting plants.
4. Provide shallow basins of water for drinking and bathing.
5. Eliminate the use of pesticides and poisons.
6. Cover windows with mesh to prevent collisions.
7. Keep cats indoors.
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Decorating with Pumpkins & Gourds
"I love
watching you on Channel 11. I sure wish you had more segments during the
week. Anyways, I was wondering how to dress up my front porch with pumpkins.
Do you have any clever ideas that will blow my wife away. I want to surprise
her."
There are so many varieties of pumpkins and gourds to choose from. First
make sure you pick fresh produce with no holes or deep dents. Then choose
several different varieties to give you color and texture. I like to stack
pumpkins and then arrange then in a natural looking random pattern. Start
with the bigger ones in the back and progress forward with smaller gourds. I
even lay my big pumpkins on their sides and some standing straight up. If
you want an elegant look then you may want to use only white and green
pumpkins. Add in some green ivy with long runners and you will have a very
chic look.
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Wild About Orchids
If you are looking for
a very low maintenance houseplant to add texture, color and pizazz to your
home decor and the orchid plant is what you are looking for. The common
belief although false is that orchids are hard to grow but in reality they
are one of the easiest houseplants to grow.
The secret is neglect. Water only maybe once a week with only about 4 table
spoons of water. Never ever let your orchid plant stand in water. They will
drop their blooms with in only one week. Place the plant in the sink water
and then let it fully drain before putting it back in it's place.
In regards to fertilizing-only feed mine about twice a year. There are
several different orchid fertilizers on the market. The choice is yours.
For the easiest variety to grow get the moth orchid or the spider orchid.
Both are my number one choices since their flowers last at least 3 to 5
months. It doesn't get any better then that.
Transplanting Peace Lilies
"How to transplant a
Peace Lily"
Transplanting a peace lily is the same for most any houseplant. First you
need to consider the size of the next pot. As a general rule I try to
transplant into a pot about double the size. This will give the plant plenty
of room to grow for years to come. I like a glaze pot not just because of
the look but glazed pots hold moisture very well. Make sure you use clean
potting soil and mix in some vermiculite or per liter for added drainage.
You should transplant every few years. Usually I look to see if the roots
are growing out of the holes at the bottom of the pot. Then it's time to
relocate the plant into a larger container. Always water well. Every few
weeks remember to place your plant in the shower for a little wash. This
will keep the dust off the leaves thus allowing the plant to breath and be
so much happier.
Killing and Controlling
Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy is not only
invasive but can be hard to get under control. There are many products out
on the market that will kill poison ivy. Some chemicals you can even spray
over the top of other ornamental plants without harming them but just
killing the poison ivy. But the best solution that I have found is to spray
with the non-selective chemical spray called Round up. The key, though, to
killing this evil weed is to mix the formula about 5 times stronger then the
recommended amount. Spray on a hot day and you will see quicker results.
Remember Round up will kill every thing you spray it on so be careful and
don't spray on a rainy day. Also remember that a second application may be
required for full control.
Snip a Little Favor
Clipped herbs make a
beautiful and functional arrangement in any kitchen. Just gather some
cuttings of sage, basil, chives, oregano, and thyme from your garden, or buy
some at the grocery store. Place them by the window in simple glass
containers, and just add water. Not only will the fresh herbs brighten the
room, they will also be handy for use when cooking delicious meals. If you
purchased the herbs, be sure to re cut the stems before placing them in
containers. The cuttings will usually last for three to five days in water.
Colorful
Evergreens
Who says
a winter landscape has to be dual and boring. There are
so many varieties of colorful evergreens that you can
use to spice up your garden. Such varieties include
Golden Globe Arborvitae, Red Star Cypress, Golden
Leyland Cypress, Scarletta Leucothoe, Blue Ice Cypress,
and Blue Fluff are just a few. Plant these guys in
containers or directly into your flower beds and you
will have a colorful winter wonderland.
Leveling
Your Turf
So many of us have grass areas with ruts and several uneven spots.
This not only makes your lawn look less attractive but these rough spots and
become a hazard when you mow and even to children. There is an easy
solution to this problem. During the growing season I suggest
you fill these ruts with sand. Sand will allow the existing grass that
was covered up and neighboring grasses to spread and fill in those voids.
Sand will also usually not wash away so easily at regular topsoil.
Creating Your Own Indoor Water Garden
Create your own indoor water garden by following these few steps:
1.
Choose a glass container.
2. Add clean gravel and water plants.
3. Add water slowly.
4. Wait several days before adding fish.
5. Add fish.
Living Christmas
Evergreens for the Indoors
With the
holidays coming closer you probably are thinking about
starting to decorate for the holidays. Don't forget
this year to include some living evergreens for the
indoors. Choose among several different varieties such
as the Lemon Cypress, Italian Cypress, and the great
scented Rosemary Cone tree. All these varieties will
grow indoors with great success as long as you provide
them with plenty of light, keep them moist, and away
from the heat vent.
Growing
Under a Tree
Being in
Arkansas we have alot of trees. This is a good thing
but can be a challenge to grow plants especially turf.
There is no good warm season grass for the shade. The
best alternative is to create a shade garden. By using
ground covers such as Mondo grass you can give the
illusion of a lawn. You can walk and even rake on top
of Mondo grass. Remember to build up the soil with
super soil and don't berm to high the soil against your
tree trunks. You can also chose from a variety of
evergreens to give you that deep green color all Winter
long. The list of varieties best for the shade is
endless. I love to use nandinas for that natural
look. They give you winter color and great texture plus
red berries for the birds.
Reusing Your
Pumpkins & Gourds for Christmas
Don't
forget not to throw away your pumpkins after the Fall
holidays. Just go ahead and add some red ornaments with
some greenery to give you a fresh natural look for the
holidays. If you desire you can even spray paint your
pumpkins gold, silver or even copper and reuse them as
ornaments on your mantel. The possibilities are
endless.
Flickering at night like fallen snow flakes nestled into branches, hanging gardens lights illuminate trees, hedges, and even arbors or trellises. Stuff seven twinkle lights into a bud vase, using the end of a spoon. Space out seven more lights to hang between this vase and the next. Stuff seven more lights into a second vase, and continue spacing and stuffing until all vases are full.
The Do's and Don't of Winter Pruning
As I drive around town in Little Rock I have witnessed myself that several home owners have already pruned back their roses and crepe myrtles. This really is not the time and can harm your plants. We just may have a hard and cold winter and if we do this will cause burn back on your roses and crepes. If you have already pruned them back then they may burn back to the main trunk thus causing death to the plant. I suggest you wait until mid to the end of February to do so. Enjoy the holidays and take some time off and then in Feb. start those winter chores such as trimming back your roses and crepes.
In regards to
transplanting existing shrubs the winter time is the best time. Your
plants will move easily and go into less shock those resulting in a
healthier plant for the spring and summer.
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Christmas Decorating Made Easy
With the holidays fast
approaching you may be getting a little nervous and a little stressed
about Christmas decorating. Here are a few tips to make your decorating
easy. Silk garland, branches, and fillers are great to use. They don't
spoil so you can get a head start and starting your decorating earlier.
But if you like some things alive I would go ahead and add some white
orchids, lemon cypress trees, ivy toparies, and even the old fashion
poinsettia.
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Growing Amaryllis
Growing amaryllis is pretty
easy. Make sure you purchase a large bulb and plant in clean potting
soil with a little sand added in. I would also top the pot with a layer
of fresh green moss. This will keep in the moisture and also prevent
dirt from washing out each time you water. Plus the sheet moss will
give a clean look. If you want to get your bulbs from last year to
bloom then make sure you fertilize with a high phosphorus fertilizer.
This will help the plant absorb enough nutrients to bloom. Also
amaryllis like lots of light. The more light the more they will bloom
for you. To be honest I suggest you start fresh and new each holiday
season with fresh bulbs. Sometimes bulbs get weaker each year and it's
just not worth saving them for the following year.
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Miniature Plants for Tiny
Spaces
If you have a small pot or a small place that you want some
evergreens then I have the right plants for those right places. Try
growing Alberta Spruce, Variegated Boxwood, Ardesia whose berries smell
like spearmint, and the Lemon Cypress.
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Long Last Your
Fresh Cut Christmas Greenery
It's that time of year that you start to get into the Christmas
decorating mode. If you prefer fresh evergreens to the realistic silk
substitutes then you may want to know how to make them last throughout
the holiday season. To be honest fresh greenery usually is cut and
stored a least 4 to 6 weeks before shipping to your local stores. They
are soaked and chilled until they hit the market. If you face a
Southern or Western exposure of course cut evergreens will dry out
pretty face no matter how much you water them. Go ahead and place your
new treasures in a semi-shady spot and moisten at least twice per day.
I would also wait to but up your greenery to about 2 to 3 weeks before
Christmas if you desire soft and fresh foliage. There are preservatives
on the market and these can help. I soak my garland and wreaths in a
tub of water with some greenery preserves until I am ready to hang
them. I do suggest instead using silk greenery. You will be amazed how
realistic some good silks really look. This is the direction that I
have chosen.
All You Need to Know About Poinsettias
Poinsettias sure can add that Christmas feel to any home or office. They give you that punch of vibrant color and add that holiday cheer. Here are a few tips to follow in choosing and buying your poinsettias this holiday season.
Home For Christmas
This year you may be staying
home for the Christmas holiday and your wondering what can you do to
cheer up your home and make it inviting for you and your family. No
more worries for I will show you how to make a unique table arrangement
for your Christmas dinner. All you need is some fresh greenery such as
holly and pine, a container of any size that will fit the space, and
some fresh live plants such as poinsettias, paper whites, and/or white
azaleas.
There are alot of different varieties of Christmas trees out there. It can be very difficult to chose the right one. Some spruces and pines are more fragrant then others and some stay fresher longer as well. To be honest my favorite is probably the Frasier Fir. It has the qualities that I look for in a tree. This tree looks like a combination of the Noble Fir and the Douglas Fir. It has long branches that have space in between each layer like the Noble Fir but has the fullness and softness to the touch like the Douglas Fir. Whats great about this baby is that it stays fresher longer..........Remember to always cut about one inch off the bottom of the tree when you get it home and place it in water right away. Keep it away from any heat vent or simply shut the closest air vent off. I always add a tree preservative to the water as well. The earlier you put the tree up the dryer it will be for Christmas day.......Sorry...........But it is alive.........................
Harvest greens and berries to insert in outdoor containers for holiday color and all-winter beauty. Dress up an entry with a pair of urns. Fill each urn with clippings, such as Blue Atlas cedar, blue spruce, Southern magnolia, nandina berries. Thrust the boughs deeply into the existing soil to keep them upright and help them take up any existing moisture. Fill to the brim and you should have a wonderful display. When possible try to keep your fresh display in a shady area of your outdoors.
Branching Out and Blooming Ornaments
Tis the season to be in style............ Here are a few holiday ideas to WOW! your family and guest. Blooming ornaments. Add some life to the winter grey days by placing Spring flowering bulbs in moss in a terr-cotta bonsai tray. Tie raffia around the tray so it looks like a box of tree ornaments. Another great idea is to take twigs gathered from your yard and prop the twigs in a glass bowl filled with various size ornaments and dangle a few small ones from the branches. Clear glass ornaments accentuate the simplicity of the display.
Veggie Votives and a Broccoli Tree
Cut the top and ribs from Sweet red peppers, insert votive candles and place the peppers on glass saucers or bowls. Group these guys together for a wonderful tablescape or on a mantle. Gourds, artichokes, and other color peppers will work as well.
Here's a creative idea: For an appetizer place on a large platter broccoli florets in the shape of a Christmas tree. Trim the tree with yellow peppers cut in star shapes, and use radishes or cherry tomatoes for ornaments. Then go ahead and place cauliflower stems for a snowy base and finish off with a broccoli stem for the trunk of the tree. Remember to place a bowl of dip for the final step.
Fruits with golden hues such as quince, kumquats, lemons, and pears are naturals for a wonderful and simple centerpiece. Go ahead and pile the goods on a glass platter or a cake stand. Garnish with herbs or greenery and tie a ribbon on the stand for that Christmas look..............
Avocado pits are willing sprouters, sometimes sending out roots while still inside the fruit. If this is the case for you then just plant it in potting soil, leaving about a third of the pit exposed.
If the root is small or not yet evident, hold the pit wide end down and tick three or four toothpicks in it around its equator. Fill a glass with water to the top and set the pit on it. Go ahead and place the glass on a windowsill with plenty of bright light. When the roots develop then go ahead and plant in a 6 inch pot with fresh potting soil.
Avocados make great houseplants but unfortunately they will not produce fruit indoors. Their leaves on the other hand are great as seasonings in Mexican dishes. If you do intend to use the leaves, obviously the plant should not be sprayed with any insecticide.
When orchids stop blooming for you then usually they need to be re potted. It's likely that the old bark that they were planted in has broken down by water and micro-organisms causing retention of too much water and not enough air.
Use an orchid bark mix containing coarse-grade perlite and fir bark. The mix should be replaced every other year. Soak the new orchid bark medium in water overnight before re potting. Otherwise, water will run right through without being absorbed. Mist the plant daily for about a week and then resume regular watering.
One of Americans favorite houseplants is the African Violet. Rather easy to grow these guys can provide up to 6 months of color indoors. The secret to getting yours to re bloom is to provide each plant with about 13 hours of sunlight a day especially through November to March. If this is impossible then use a grow light. Violets like to be replanted every year. Use a soil less potting soil. Usually you can find such a product in at your local garden center. They like plenty of perlite mixed into the mixture. Don't use heavy soils. Keep moist and fertilize with the product called Super Thrive and you should get beautiful long lasting flowers each year.
Un-Decorating for the Holidays
I will go ahead and start un-decorating the set and show how to store your Christmas goods so that they will be fresh and organized for next Christmas. It is important to pack your decorations by color. This may take more time but you will thank me next Christmas when it is so much easier to decorate. Also I never use my ribbon or netting the next year. By new each season and you will have a clean and fresh look as well as a different look.
Now that the holidays are over and your poinsettias are out dated it is that time of the year to go ahead and throw away these flowers. Give your home a Spring cleaning and start fresh with some new and colorful plants to brighten up your home for the Winter. Some of my favorites are the cyclamen, orchids of course, paper whites, peace lilies, bromeliads, and even indoor hydrangeas. Remember that these floral grown plants will only bloom for a short period of time except for the bromeliads and orchids but they are affordable enough so replacement can be done frequently.
The big question is which varieties of hydrangeas do you need to prune and which do you leave alone? The answer is rather simple...............The only varieties to prune back are Tardiva, Pee Gee Hydrangea and sometimes the Oak Leaf Hydrangeas. The old fashion varieties such as the Mop Tops just don't worry about and leave them alone. The only time I trim mine back is if they get to large for their area. When you do prune back your plants remove any old canes and prune back to about half the original size of the bush. This will give you so much more blooms in Spring and Summer.