Bulbs Planting in Autumn Ensures a Colourful Spring

In the spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love. Whereas in autumn a gardeners fancy turns to spring.
No sooner has autumn set in than we gardeners begin to think of spring and spring bulb planting. There is a wide selection of bulbs available for planting now and blooming in spring, the following is just a small selection those available...

Bulbs Planting in Autumn Ensures a Colourful Spring

Bulbs Planting in Autumn Ensures a Colourful Spring

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Bulbs Planting in Autumn Ensures a Colourful Spring

Bulbs Planting in Autumn Ensures a Colourful Spring

Allium (flowering garlic),

Anemone (wind flower),

Crocus,

CyclaMen,

Galanthus (Snowdrop),

Hyacinth,

Iris,

Narcissus (daffodil),

Scillia (bluebell),

Tulip,

Now, choosing the right bulbs involves more than just selecting colours and flowers you like. Bulb size and more importantly, bulb health are equally significant factors in selecting your spring garden bulbs. I suggest you carry out my personal quality test for bulbs before you go ahead and plant.

Healthy bulbs should be firm and heavy for their size. They should not feel overly dry or light. Certain bulbs (daffodils etc) will have loose and peeling skin, this is normal and nothing to worry about.

In the case of bulbs, "bigger is better", big bulbs usually mean a large amount of stored Food to produce brilliant blooms the following season. Smaller, bargain bulbs may take two years to produce blooms good enough for your garden.

The colour of the bulbs skin should be uniform with no dark or light patches. Any bulbs with weak or spongy areas should not be planted, this is often a tell tale sign of rot.
If the bulbs you select appear to tick all the above boxes then you are well on your way to a colourful return from this season's bulb planting.

Weather permitting; you should try to plant your bulbs quite soon upon arriving home from the garden centre. Bulbs continually deteriorate the longer they are out of the soil. If you cannot plant them right away, store them in a cool place such as your garden shed or garage. Never store them in closed bags as they might rot. Bulbs need to breathe; this is why you will see garden centre displaying bulbs in perforated or net bags.

Bulbs Planting in Autumn Ensures a Colourful Spring

Annual Climbing Vines - The Top 10 List

Annual climbing vines are a great way to add a splash of color to your garden. Most annual climbers grow quickly, feature colorful, showy flowers, and then die off and can be easily removed in the fall. Planting an annual vine is also a great way to test out the idea of having a permanent climber in a certain location. If you like having a climber in that spot after a season or two, you can go ahead and plant a perennial climbing plant that will come back year after year.

Annual Climbing Vines - The Top 10 List

Annual Climbing Vines - The Top 10 List

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Annual Climbing Vines - The Top 10 List

Annual Climbing Vines - The Top 10 List

The following is a list of the top 10 annual climbing vines you should consider for your garden or landscape.

1. Sweet Pea

Sweet pea is a very popular climbing plant that comes in literally hundreds of varieties to choose from. Sweet pea does not grow extremely large; it will climb to approximately 6 feet tall in a season's time. It does prefer cool temperatures and it needs plenty of moisture to thrive. Sweet pea climbers will reward you with colorful blooms all summer long.

2. Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a good vining choice if you want to cover a trellis, pergola, or arbor. Nasturtium is considered the climber of choice for black thumb gardeners; it literally thrives on neglect. It will grow in poor soil conditions and doesn't require a lot of sunlight or moisture. Nasturtium will bloom with beautiful and fragrant flowers in the summertime.

3. Morning Glory

Morning glory is a beautiful climbing plant that flowers profusely during the morning hours. The color of the blooms will vary, depending on the variety planted. Morning glory does require a sunny location, though it will grow well in almost any soil type.

4. Moonflower

Moonflower is a great climber for screening purposes. It grows very rapidly and blooms profusely in poor soil conditions. Interestingly enough, if you plant moonflower in soil that is too fertile, it will not produce blooms. Moonflower vines are known for their large white flowers that bloom during the nighttime hours.

5. Black-eyed Susan

It's true that black-eyed susan is a ground flower, but it is also available in a vining variety that is good for use as a ground cover. While it is not a good choice for growing up trellises or other garden structures, black-eyed susan vines are very striking when planted in hanging baskets and allowed to drape down. One thing to keep in mind, black-eyed susan does require a long growing season, and is not recomMended in colder climates. Temperatures below 50 degrees will kill it quickly.

6. Cardinal Climber

Cardinal climber is akin to morning glory, coming from the same botanical family. Like its cousin, cardinal climber is a vigorous grower, potentially growing up to 20 feet in a single season. Cardinal climbers' two inch red flowers will bloom all summer long.

7. Balloon Vine

Balloon vine is considered to be an annual vine in the north, but is sometimes grown as a perennial in warmer, southern climates. It does require sun, and is ideal for use as a screening plant. Balloon vine features small, almost unnoticeable white flowers.

8. Hyacinth Bean

Hyacinth bean, sometimes mistaken as sweet pea, is another very vigorous climber, often scaling 20-30 feet in a growing season. There are many varieties available, and this is a good choice for covering large trellises or fences. Hyacinth blooms with purple or white flowers in the summertime.

9. Dutchman's Pipe

Dutchman's pipe is native to the eastern United States, and can easily grow to cover an area 15 feet tall by 20 feet wide in one growing season. It does not boast showy flowers like some other climbers; however, it grows easily, even in the shade. Be sure to give Dutchman's pipe plenty of space, as it will crowd out other plants that are too close.

10. Climbing Snapdragon

Climbing snapdragons are an attractive choice for a trellis cover, and can also be used to drape from window boxes or hanging baskets. They will bloom from late spring through the summer with flowers that resemble a traditional snapdragon's blooms.

Annual Climbing Vines - The Top 10 List

Fragrant Spring-Blooming Bulb Collection

This week we have assembled a collection of fragrant spring blooming flower bulbs. We have chosen those that we believe to be the most fragrant of all. It happens that many are heirloom varieties. Ideal for planting in small clusters in little nooks throughout the garden. Several of the varieties are good for forcing indoors also.

Fragrant Spring-Blooming Bulb Collection

Fragrant Spring-Blooming Bulb Collection

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Fragrant Spring-Blooming Bulb Collection

Fragrant Spring-Blooming Bulb Collection

Grape Hyacinth 'Golden Fragrance'

A new grape hyacinth with a gentle sweet fruity perfume, Muscari macrocarpum 'Golden Fragrance' blooms in April with unusual spikes of soft yellow that emerge from purple buds. The only grape hyacinth with yellow blossoms! Plant in full sun or very light shade. Height is 6 inches.

Tulip 'General De Wet'

The most fragrant tulip of all. A single early tulip that dates back about 100 years, it originated as a sport of Prince of Austria. The fiery orange blooms stipled with scarlet come in April. 'General De Wet' grows 12-14 inches tall. Plant in full sun. Of all the tulips, it is unsurpassed for forcing.

Narcissus jonquilla 'Simplex'

The true original jonquil that has been grown since the mid 1700s. It blooms in late April with several small golden yellow side-facing flowers with small cups. They are sweetly fragrant and are borne on sturdy 10 inch stems. The foliage is slender and reed-like. Jonquilla 'Simplex' naturalizes into nice little colonies. All narcissus are virtually deer proof.

Narcissus triandrus 'Thalia'

'Thalia' has pure white blooms borne in gently nodding clusters of 2-3 per stem. An heirloom variety dating back to 1916, 'Thalia' grows about 12 inches tall and blooms in very late April to early May. 'Thalia' is known for its fragrance and prefers a moist semi-shaded location where it will naturalize splendidly. Native to Spain and Portugal.

Multiple Flowered Narcissus 'Geranium'

'Geranium' is one of my favorite daffodils because it is amongst the last to bloom with a nice display of long-lasting blooms borne 3-5 per strong stem. It is extremely fragrant and naturalizes well in full sun to very light shade. Excellent for forcing. A true heirloom, it has been grown for about 80 years. It grows to 16 inches tall.

Hyacinth 'Blue Jacket'

Hyacinths are known to be the most fragrant of the spring blooming bulbs. Many people consider 'Blue Jacket' to be the most fragrant of all the hyacinths. They can be forced indoors or can be planted in masses out doors. We particularly like 'Blue Jacket' for its strong sturdy stems and its densely filled tubular spikes that are filled with florets right to the top. The flowers are particularly long lasting. They grow to be 10 inches tall.

Hyacinth 'Woodstock'

'Woodstock' combines delicious fragrance with fine spikes of rich plum purple. Hyacinths naturalize in well drained soil in full sun and they are deer resistant. Height 10 inches tall.

Click Here to see these and more at Carroll Gardens.

Fragrant Spring-Blooming Bulb Collection

Types of Flowers and What They Mean

Flowers have always been a part of nearly every culture in the world. Some types of flowers, like the lotus, bear significance in religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. Other types of flowers are revered by many a poet and scholar. Indeed, there is a flower type that serves as a reflection of a person or a group's goals and aspirations.

Types of Flowers and What They Mean

Types of Flowers and What They Mean

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Types of Flowers and What They Mean

Types of Flowers and What They Mean

A flower is a lovely product of a plant. It is serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose. Besides making a plant look attractive, the flower also plays an important role in the plants ability to reproduce.

Different types of flowers reproduce in many different ways. Some types of flowers reproduce from bulbs while others grow from cuttings. Still, others grow from seeds. There are types of flowers that are perennials.Hence, they do not have to replanted every year. There are also annual types of flowers, or those that bloom once every year. There are even types of flowers that are edible. The variety is endless.

When you give flowers to your loved ones on special occasions like a birthday or wedding or even on ordinary days that you felt were special because of how you felt for that person, the flowers aren't just pretty things of different shades and color. They have meanings, too, depending on the types of flowers.

Each flower has a corresponding language, whether expressing romantic feelings, jealousy, gratitude, admiration, or celebration a moMentous occasion.

Below are a few types of flowers and what they mean:

Types of Flowers and What They Mean

Seven Most Asked Questions About UV Pond Filters

1. Is an ultraviolet light Filter? Yes, as far as the definition of Filter goes. A filter is a device that removes unwanted material from liquid, gas, light or sound. Ultraviolet light removes harmful bacteria such as pathogens from the water. In the case of algae or planktonic spores, the UV light would act more like a transformer than a filter. The UV light transforms the live algae spores into dead algae spores; it does not filter them out.

Seven Most Asked Questions About UV Pond Filters

Seven Most Asked Questions About UV Pond Filters

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Seven Most Asked Questions About UV Pond Filters

Seven Most Asked Questions About UV Pond Filters

2. Do I need an ultraviolet light in my pond? Some ponds need a UV light and some do not. If you have a small pond with a few guppies or mosquito Fish, and it is 50% covered with hyacinth, water lettuce, or lilies, and it is being aerated by a fountain or waterfall, the answer is: No! If you have many Fish, few plants, and acheap bio-filter, yes, UV light would help a great deal. Most large ponds of 20.000 gallons or more tend to be more biologically stable and nature's hydrogen cycle keeps everything in check.

3. Does the UV light kills beneficial bacteria? You probably ask that question because some liner pond guy told you, or you read it on his website, that it does. Well, it does not. Beneficial bacteria are not floating around with the algae spores and pathogens. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, nitrobacter, and other bacteria are busy working and doing what they do. They live on the surface of things in the pond and in the rotting debris on the bottom of the pond, breaking down nitrites into nitrates and nitrogen, and breaking down ammonium into ammonia gas. Ultraviolet light does, however, killthe microscopic animals such as the rotifers and daphnia which each planktonic algae ("pea soup" algae). However, the UV light is taking care of those too, anyway.

4. What size should I get? Ultraviolet lights are sized by watts and the number of watts you need is determined by the size pond you have. You should move the enTire volume of the pond through the filter and UV light at least every three hours, and ideally every 1.5 hours. If you have a 1000-gallon pond, you need a 1.500 gallon per hour pump. So you would need to get a UV light that is rated to handle 1.500 gallons per hour passing through it.

5. Which is the best UV light to purchase? Do your homework. Do not just compare the prices of the units. Compare warranties and replaceMent bulb prices. Find out theflow rates and the amount of time that water is exposed to the UV light. What is the lamp life rating? Is it U.L. listed? Is it made of UV resistant materials? Is the power Supply easy to disconnect? Is the lamp easy to remove? Does it have a lamp lens wiper so it can be cleaned without taking the fixture apart? Is the transformer located on the cord and not on the UV light body? Does it come with unions for easy disconnection from the system for maintenance? Buy a model that has the clear inspection cap so you can see at a glance if the lamp is working.

6. Where do I install the UV light in the system? The UV light should be installed after the bio-filter. This way, you are running filtered water through the fixture and it will stay clean longer.

Seven Most Asked Questions About UV Pond Filters

Some Favorite Garden Bulbs

Bulbs are a great addition to any garden as they will provide color year after year and can even provide additional flowers to be divided and planted in another part of the garden. Unlike, annuals, bulb flowers do not need to be planted each year.

Bulbs are hardy in nature and there is a color, shape or size that should suit any gardening need. Here's some favorite garden bulbs and their planting needs.

Some Favorite Garden Bulbs

Some Favorite Garden Bulbs

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Some Favorite Garden Bulbs

Some Favorite Garden Bulbs

Crocus

Crocus bulbs are often the fist blooms we see in early spring or at the end of winter. Their tubular shaped flowers range in size from 1.5 "to 3" long. Crocuses are planting in almost every garden and have a wide range of colors to suit any taste. Other types of crocus, such as the saffron crocus, bloominstead in the fall, and the flowers can rise from the bare ground weeks, or even only days,(FB) the bulbs are planted.Crocus bulbs should be planted in the fall. Plant the bulbs 2 to 3 inches deep and space 3 or 4 inches apart. Require well drained soil Crocuses, regular watering and will grow in full sun or partial shade.

Dahlia

Dahlias have a long bloom time from summer through fall and like many other bulbs as in a large variety of colors, sizes and shapes.
These flowers are so different that there are varieties with flower sizes ranging from 2 to 12 inches and from under a foot to 7 feet tall! Plant dahlias in the spring after threat of frost has passed. Plant between 4 and 6 inches deep with spacing of 1 foot for short varietiesand 5 feet for the tall variety 's. Dahlias like full sun unless you are planting them in a very hot climate where they might do well with a little shade. As with most flowers, make sure these are watered regularly.

Galanthus Nivalis

This plant is more commonly called the Snowdrop and is one of the first plants to bloom after winter. They are short plants about 6 inches tall and have two bell shaped flowers. They thrive in colder climates. Plant Snowdrops in fall, dig down 3 to 4 inches and plant 3 inches apart. These flowers like full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Water regularly during the growing cycle.

Daffodil

The daffodil may be the most easily recognizable of all bulb plants, and it rewards its gardener with a generous display ofbeautiful blooms. Besides the traditional white and yellow varieties, daffodils also come in shades of orange, apricot, pink and cream. Daffodthe bulbs should be planted twice as deep as they are tall, and they should be spaced between six and eight inches apart. Daffodils enjoy full sun and regular watering during their growth and bloom periods.

Tulip

Tulips are a favorite flower around the world and one of the most easy to recognize. These are among the most hybridized of all flowers, with hybrids available in a sTAGgering array of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Tulips bloom from mid spring to late spring with different varieties having different bloom times. Tulips should be planted in the fall and each bulb should be planted about 3 timesdeeper than the size of the bulb.A 2 "wide bulb would be planted 6" deep. It is important to leave sufficient space between the plantand bulbs as well, from four to eight inches depending on the size of the bulb.

Gladiolus

Gladiolas are among the most popular of all bulb plants, and their distinctive sword shaped leaves and funnel shaped flowers are instantly recognizable to gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Gladiolas are best planted in the spring, but only after the soil has warmed. Gladiolas do best in full sunlight and they should be watered regularly during their blooming and growth phase. In much of the country, gladiothe bulbs can be left in the ground over the winter months, but many gardeners choose to dig them up andstore them during the winter. If you decide to take this approach, it is best to dig them after the leaves have turned yellow. The bulbs should be placed in a single layer and stored in a cool, dry and dark place to dry for two or three weeks. After the bulbs have dried sufficiently they should be stored in nylon stockings or onion sacks and kept in a cool and well ventilated place.

Hemerocallis

Hemerocallis is the scientific name for the daylily, and it is one of the most well known types of bulb plants on the market. Daylily hybrids can grow as tall as six feet and bloom in the spring and summer months. The daylily produces flowers ranging in size from three to eight inches, and they are available in a wide variety of colors. The daylily isactually a tuberous root variety of bulb, and they are best planted during fall or early spring. Daylilies should be planted between .5 inch and 1 inch deep and space between 2 to 2.5 inches apart in the garden. As with other varieties of bulbs, it is important to water daylilies on a regular basis during their growing season.

Hyacinths (Dutch Hyacinth)

The Dutch hyacinth is one of the most instantly recognizable, and most popular, of all the varieties of bulb plants. The Dutch hyacinth blooms in the spring and features the well known foot high spires with their small bell shaped and very fragrant flowers. Hyacinths come in a wide varieties of colors, including red, pink, buff, white, blue and purple. The Dut> ch hyacinth grows best in colder areas, and it can last from year to year. In these cold water climates, the hyacinth is best planted in September of October. It is best to plant hyacinth bulbs four to five inches deep, and to space them from four to five inches apart as well. Hyacinths grow best in full sunlight, and they benefit from regular watering, especially during their blooming and growth periods.

Iris

Some Favorite Garden Bulbs

What Kind of Flowers Grow in the Spring?

Now is the time to determine what kind of flowers grow in the spring and to prepare your soil for them. Most spring bloomers are bulbs that need to be planted now in order to grow and by the time the Snow melts we are more than ready to see their bright blossoms.

What Kind of Flowers Grow in the Spring?

What Kind of Flowers Grow in the Spring?

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What Kind of Flowers Grow in the Spring?

What Kind of Flowers Grow in the Spring?

Most early spring bloomers are bulb type plants. The larger bulbs like Daffodils and Lilies are fAirly well known and are often given as gifts for Valentines Day or Easter. The Amaryllis, a common Easter gift is one example. But they are not the only example of what kinds of flowers grow in the spring.

The Crocus for example is a delicate little bloom that is first seen in late February or early March. Her tiny little flower peeks out of the Snow in shades of purple and white to remindus that warm weather is on the way. She is the first recognized kind of flower that grows in the spring. She isn't the first bloomer though, that would be the Snow Drop white bloom with her as she bids farewell to winter. Neither of these flowers is large but planted in large groups will make a fine display as you peace to your window and back again waiting for springtime.

There are some perennials which will return year after year. The Peony and Rose for example are standards of many landscaping schemes, both for their cool weather blooms and brilliant shades of colors and the Cherry Blossom is a standard symbol of spring.

The tiny Anemone is another fine flower to consider when asking, "What kind of flowers grow in the spring? Birds of Paradise are often thought to be springbloomers but really, in colder climates they wont do well until the temperature is consistently over fifty degrees Fahrenheit. This is also true of most Orchids, so be careful of when you plant as well as what you plant.

Sweet Pea with a lovely fragrance blooms in late March to early April with Freesia and Dahlia keeping it company. Zinnia loves cool weather but has trouble with temperatures under fifty degrees.

There really aren't many early spring bloomers. The Crocus family and Snow Drop family are really about all there are. For post melt blooms, smaller bulbs tend to bloom earlier than large blooms, but don't last as long.

This list should help you determine what kind of flowers grow in spring and in what order to expect to see them.

or Crocus and SnowDrop (Late February to early March)

or Lilies, Daffodils, and Tulips (Early March to mid April)

or Cherry Blossom, Roses, Peonies, and Zinnias (mid April to late Grow May may bloom later)

or Heather, Sweet Pea, and Anemone (Late April to Late May)

or Agapanthus, Birds of Paradise, Dahlia, Freesia, Hyacinth, and Orchid (Late May to early June)

Keep in mind the best guide for growing spring flowers in your area is your local garden Supply center as they know the hardiness zones and blooming times better than anyone and will be able to answer best, What kind of flowers grow in the spring? for your lawn.

What Kind of Flowers Grow in the Spring?

Daydreams Of A Would Be Gardener

Depending upon your preference & the space available to you, it is possible to mix & match a variety of styles, plants & flowers. In fact, these days the choice is limited only by your space, budget & imagination!

Daydreams Of A Would Be Gardener

Daydreams Of A Would Be Gardener

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Daydreams Of A Would Be Gardener

Daydreams Of A Would Be Gardener

Imagine having a peaceful, zen-like corner complete with Japanese style gravel & burbling water feature, separated by a Japanese style bridge from a formal box hedged, rose garden. Your Rose garden that is filled with a combination of sweet, delicately scented, old fashioned Tea Roses as well as the more modern, unusually hued blooms.

Through a sculpted arch in the box hedging you could wander into your favourite Herb garden area which abounds with the sight & scents of Basil, Thyme, Rosemary, Mint & Sage not to Mention Lavender & Parsley, Dill & Chives.

Near the doorway, perhaps you could cultivate a scented Jasmine to waft it's heady scent in the evenings, & a flower bed filled with the most glorious profusion of bedding plants such as Petunias, Primulas & Nicotiana.

Flower beds can actually be kept fresh all year round with a little extra planning & work so that you never have to worry about that winter let down where everything looks so bleak. Spring bulbs such as Daffodils, Tulips, Irises can give way to Petunias & Nicotiana in the summer. Asters are hardy autumnal plants & in winter there are Amaryllis & Hyacinth along with Winter jasmine to cheer you.

Plants can even be chosen for their attraction to local wildlife such as Buddleia which is particularly attractive to butterflies.

If space is short for you, bedding plants & herbs can be grown in containers as can small shrubs with the right care & attention. These can add a huge amount of charm to a small courtyard or balcony even. Even if you don't have a garden at all, it is possible to create a peaceful indoor retreat where you can be adventurous in growing the more exotic plants such as Orchids amidst almost any other greenery of your choice.

Daydreams Of A Would Be Gardener

Hyacinth Plant Problems And Moving Peonies

If something is chewing holes in your Hyacinth bean leaves it's probably bean leaf beetles. They are thick this fall, making Hyacinth bean leaves look like they were the target of a shotgun. The adult beetles can be controlled with sevin insecticide. Early in the season, the beetles can be kept off by covering the plants with a row cover.

Peonies can stay for a lifetime in the same sunny location without having to dig and move them, but September is the best month to dig and divide Peonies. Try to dig as much root as possilble with the plant, shake off the soil. Divide the plant into new plants with at least two to three eyes per crown.

Select a new planting site in full sun with good drainage. Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of bonemeal at the bottom of the hole. Set the plant so that the eyes are no deeper than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Peonies are easy to grow and they are a great addition to any garden.

Gardenig can be fun as a hobby and choosing the right garden decor is important to make your garden stand out as a show place. It is important to do some planning and I suggest you hire a landscaping expert to help you get started. A landscaping plan is not that expensive and can save you alot of money and time. Most garden centers have a landscaping expert to help you put together the right landscaping package for your yard.

Hyacinth Plant Problems And Moving Peonies

Hyacinth Plant Problems And Moving Peonies

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Hyacinth Plant Problems And Moving Peonies