Archive for February, 2010
How to Choose Seeds
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When choosing seeds for the garden, it is important to remember that what you purchase is what you will get. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is and you should look elsewhere for your seeds. So how do you know if what you are purchasing is truly what you want? That is a great question and here are some tips to help you know how to choose the best seeds.
- Remember to invest in quality, rather than quantity. Seeds of a higher quality will give you the best results. Often cheap seeds are available in greater quantities. But remember that they are just that–cheap seeds. Higher quality seeds may cost more initially, but will give you more for your investment.
- Only purchase seeds that have been packaged for the current growing season. If you are looking at seeds that were packaged for a previous growing season, have they been tested within the past 6 months? If this information is not readily available on the seed packet, then do not buy it. Look for another brand of seed that does list this information instead.
- Choose seeds that match your needs. Most seed packages include information on starting dates, germination times and growing conditions. Know what your needs are. If you live in place that has a colder climate, understand that you will not be able to effectively grow a plant that requires tropical conditions.
- Check for the germination percentage. The higher the percentage number, the more likely that the seeds will sprout and grow. Choose seeds that provide this information to you. Keep in mind that some seeds are more difficult to start than others. But a higher germination percentage will equal greater success.
Now that you know what to look for when purchasing your seeds, what are you planning to grow in your garden this year? We would love to hear what you are interested in growing.
Styles of paving
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Photo by Brandon Blinkenberg
This is a guest post by Sarah Skinner.
I love properties with gardens that have winding stone paths, beautiful raised flower beds, or stony steps. These features seem to add so much depth and character to the garden. They are details in landscaping that we call paving and these details bring extra warmth to anyone’s outdoor space.
Hard surfaces are key in landscape design. Paving is one type of hardscaping- any element of landscaping besides the plants- that helps create tone and flow for a property. There are several different types of paving which can be used in landscaping.
• Bricks- available in many colors
• Stones- come in varying colors and sizes
• Concrete- which can come in setts or slab form
• Railroad ties- can be free!
• Wooden blocks- great for steps and garden borders
You can use these paving elements to create different design features in your garden. Some of these include:
• Patios
• Walls
• Steps
• Paths
• Raised beds
• Decks
Paving can easily be the most expensive design element of your landscaping. It’s important to get it right the first time. You can lay down the foundation for your paving ahead of time and live with it for a while to determine if you like the way it flows and its size, then go ahead and finish the paving.
You can easily incorporate your design styles into your paving ventures for your garden. You can use railroad ties and wooden blocks for a laid back look, bricks and stones for a more traditional look, and really any combination for your own eclectic mood. With paving, your imagination really is the limit.
Of course plants look wonderful paired with whatever paving you choose. Pots full of flowers look great placed strategically around a paved surface. Lining the paved walkway with flowers makes the pavement pop and really stand out. Plants with dark leaves and distinctive shapes and colors work best, but you’ll need to water them frequently. Paving can make the plants around it extra hot.
Whatever paving design you choose, it is sure to highlight your property. Paving will reflect your style and make your gardening even more inviting.