Archive for April, 2009
How to Prune Your Trees
Posted by: | CommentsMany people feel that pruning your trees and shrubs is a difficult and confusing process. But it really isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your next pruning session:
Use the Right Tool
It is far easier to use the correct tool for the job. Be sure that your tools are sharp as this will be safer for you and healthier for the plant that you are pruning.
• Hand Pruners-Depending on the size, these can be used for branches up to ¾” in diameter.
• Lopping Shears-These are best used on branches which are ¾” to 1 ¼” in diameter.
• Pruning Saws-This tool should be used on branches which are larger than 1 ¼” in diameter.
Follow the Steps in Chronological Order
• Remove any branches which are dead, broken or diseased.
• Remove any branches that crisscross, any water sprouts and any weak crotches.
• Thin out as needed. This will encourage blossoming and increase the air circulation of the plant.
• If necessary, prune to shape and reduce the size of the tree or shrub.
Other Helpful Tips
• Remember that what you leave is the most important, not what you actually remove.
• You should make all of your cuts above the union of a branch or a bud that grows in the direction you desire.
• Do not ever leave a stub.
• Leave the collar of the branch intact when pruning large branches back to the trunk area.
• You should never “top” a tree. This will result in growth that is rapid and weakened. You will end up with “witches’ brooms”.
• Remember that how much you prune will directly influence the re-growth. Light pruning will equal light re-growth and heavy pruning will equal heavy re-growth.
• Pruning in the spring will produce more breaks and re-growth than pruning in the summer.
• Prune your spring blooming shrubs right after blooming. This will encourage blossoming the next year.
• Prune apple trees and pear trees to the modified central leader. Stone fruit trees should be pruned to open the center.
• Shear your hedges in a slightly pyramidal shape to keep them full to the ground. Do not prune in an inverted pyramid shape.
• Pruning sealers are really not necessary. However, they do help to prevent the entry of borers on roses.
• Remember that pruning and disease control go together. One should not be done without the other.
• Sterilize your pruners between plants, using a 10 % bleach solution. Sterilize your pruners between each cut if fire blight or another disease is suspected. This will aid in not spreading the disease. Rinse your pruners after use to avoid corrosion.
Following these suggestions will help you to have beautiful and healthy trees and shrubs. Please share any other pruning tips that you may have learned over the years.
Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds to the Garden
Posted by: | Comments
Photo by Prisonbreak, morguefile.com
Most people welcome butterflies and hummingbirds into their gardens. If you choose the right plants, you can even encourage them to stay for awhile. Butterflies will find a sunny area such as a meadow that is sheltered from the wind to be the most welcoming. They will especially love such amenities as leaf litter, rock crevices, damp places, brush piles and even weeds.
When you choose plants for your garden, keep in mind that not every plant will attract butterflies in every region. You should also be very careful to not use pesticides unless you are able to target the specific pest without harming the butterflies.
Photo by Bert Glibbery, morguefile.com
Hummingbirds ingest half of their food every day. Flowering plants provide nectar; spiders and insects supply protein. Hummingbirds will visit a wide variety of plants. The following plants and flowers are some of their favorites.
Flowers
Botanical Name (Common Name)
- Achilla–(Yarrow)
- Alcea–(Hollyhock)
- Allium–(Chives)
- Anaphalis–(Pearly Everlasting)
- Antirrhinum–(Snapdragon)
- Aquilegia–(Columbine)
- Arabis–(Rock Cress)
- Armeria–(Thrift)
- Asclepias–(Butterfly Weed)
- Aster–(Aster)
- Astilbe–(False Spirea)
- Borago–(Borage)
- Calamintha–(Calamint)
- Catananche–(Cupid’s Dart)
- Centaurea–(Cornflower)
- Centranthus ruber–(Jupiter’s Beard)
- Crysanthemum–(Shasta Daisy)
- Coreopsis–(Coreopsis)
- Cosmos–(Cosmos)
- Delphinium–(Delphinium)
- Dianthus–(Pink)
- Digitalis–(Foxglove)
- Echinacea–(Purple Coneflower)
- Echinops–(Globe Thistle)
- Erigeron–(Fleabane)
- Eupatorium–(Joe-Pye Weed)
- Fuchsia–(Fuchsia)
- Gaillardia–(Blanket Flower)
- Heliotropium–(Heliotrope)
- Heuchera–(Coral Bells)
- Iberis–(Candytuft)
- Iris–(Siberian Iris)
- Knifophia–(Red Hot Poker)
- Lantana–(Lantana)
- Lavendula–(Lavender)
- Liatris–(Gayfeather)
- Lobelia–(Cardinal Flower)
- Lobularia–(Sweet Alyssum)
- Lupinus–(Lupine)
- Mimulas–(Monkey Flower)
- Monarda–(Bee Balm)
- Nasturtium–(Nasturtium)
- Nepata–(Catmint)
- Origanum–(Oregano)
- Penstemon–(Beard Tongue)
- Petunia–(Petunia)
- Phlox–(Phlox)
- Physostegia–(Obedient Plant)
- Rudbeckia–(Gloriosa Daisy)
- Salvia–(Sage)
- Scabiosa–(Pincushion Flower)
- Sedum–(Stonecrop)
- Tagetes–(Marigold)
- Veronica–(Speedwell)
Vines
Botanical Name (Common Name)
- Campsis–(Trumpet Vine)
- Clematis–(Clematis)
- Lonicera–(Honeysuckle)
Trees
Botanical Name (Common Name)
- Aesculus–(Horsechestnut)
- Malus–(Apple)
- Salix–(Willow)
Shrubs
Botanical Name (Common Name)
- Buddleia–(Butterfly Bush)
- Caryopteris–(Bluebeard)
- Chaenomeles–(Flowering Quince)
- Cornus–(Dogwood)
- Lonicera–(Honeysuckle)
- Mahonia–(Mahonia)
- Philadelphus–(Mockorange)
- Pontentilla–(Cinquefoil)
- Ribes–(Currant, Gooseberry)
- Sambucus–(Elderberry)
- Spiraea–(Spirea)
- Syringa–(Lilac)
- Vaccinium–(Blueberry, Lingonberry)
Now you have an idea of some of the favorite plants for butterflies and hummingbirds. Which of these do you already have planted in your yard or garden? Which ones are you planning to add to your garden or yard?
Tips for a Beautiful Pond
Posted by: | Comments
Photo by earl53, morguefile.com
Having a pond can introduce a sense of tranquility within your yard. The soft sound of the water and the beauty that a pond can provide can encourage a stress free environment. But what do you need to do to beautify your pond in order to reap the benefits that it can provide? Here are a few tips to help you to create a beautiful pond and keep it that way:
Fish
The size and depth of your pond will be a determining factor if you can safely add fish to it or not. You will need to ensure that your pond will be able to accommodate them. If you plan to add fish to your pond, you will need to determine if the depth of your pond will allow for it. It is recommended that the minimum depth of your pond for fish be at least 18”. However, 2 ½ feet is considered to be ideal. Remember that your fish will need cool water in the summer and will need to live under any ice in the winter. If your climate is extremely hot or cold, then you will need to ensure that there are a few extra inches added to the depth of your pond. This will have a considerable impact on the health of your fish.
It is usually a good idea to start small and add a few fish at a time. This will allow you to test the water in your pond and the surrounding habitat before you spend a lot of money. When adding goldfish and comets, a good rule of thumb is to add 1 inch of fish per every three gallons of water. For Koi, it is recommended to have five gallons of water for every inch of fish. As your fish grow, you may need to remove some of them to maintain an environment in your pond that is considered to be ideal.
You will need to treat the pond water with a conditioner before you add any fish. This is because tap water can contain chlorine, chloramines and other elements which are harmful and toxic to fish.
Plants
There are four major types of plants that are considered ideal for a garden pond. These plants are:
- Oxygenating-These plants provide the vital oxygen that is needed by your fish and any other pond inhabitants.
- Floating-The addition of floating plants will help to reduce the development of algae in your pond. A mature pond should have surface coverage of 60 to 70% by floating plants.
- Water Lilies-These plants provide fish with needed shade and protection from predators.
- Marginal Plants-These are found all along the outer edge of the pond. These plants blend in with the surrounding landscape and make the pond more attractive.
Maintenance
When you first install your pond, the water may appear to be cloudy until things have a chance to settle. There are also many factors which will encourage the growth of algae. These include strong sunlight, water that is warm and overstocking and overfeeding your pond fish. Using a skimmer will discourage the formation of algae in your pond. You can also add a UV sterilizer which will kill the algae and any other harmful bacteria. This will result in a clearer and cleaner pond. Using safe chemicals in combination with aquatic plants will also improve the quality of your water.
You will need to check the strainer cage of your pump periodically in order to remove any debris and keep it running at a peak performance. You should also clean the filters regularly so they can continue to operate at peak performance. This should usually be done once every two to three weeks for best results.
When choosing items for your pond, you should visit the aquatic section of your local garden center for help and advice. How are you planning to beautify the pond in your yard?
