Gardens are much more than simply a venue for decorating. It isn’t only a pastime for hobbyists with a green thumb. It can be relaxing and a great way to tackle stress in your life. It can teach you about the wonders of nature. The effects can be especially profound if horticulture is something you excel at.
Put sod down the right way. Be sure to get your soil prepared before you start laying the new sod. Pull any weeds and break up any clods of soil. Compact the soil lightly and firmly, and be sure to create a flat surface. Moisten the soil thoroughly. Then lay the sod in staggered rows so the joints are offset. Firm the sod down to form a flat, even surface, and fill in any gaps between the sod with a little soil. Once it is in place, the sod requires frequent watering for at least two weeks. This is usually the amount of time it takes for the sod to grow roots, making it ready to grow seamlessly into place.
Consider planting slug-proof perennials. Slugs and snails will quickly destroy your garden if you let them. These pests are especially attracted to tender sprouts and to delicate, soft leaves. Perennials that are unappetizing in taste, or that have hardened and hairy leaves, are not a favorite of slugs or snails. Examples of these include euphorbia, hellebourus and achillea. Others you may want to consider are campanula and heuchera.
Use both biennials and annuals to add color to your flower bed. The annuals and biennials are usually fast growing because they only last one season, and this will let you change the garden every season for a nice change of pace. Sunny areas in the middle of shrubs and perennials can be filled in nicely with these plants. Some flowers you can use are rudbekia, petunias, cosmos, marigolds, or sunflowers.
If you want to cover up your walls or fences, make sure that you specifically use climbing plants. Known commonly as climbers, these plants are very versatile, easy to grow, and they will quickly spread out to cover up walls and fences within a single season. They may grow up through some existing shrubs and trees, and can even be worked to grow around an arbor. There are natural climbers, which use tendrils or stems to wrap around any given surface, while others must be tied with a string or rope. A few good choices are climbing roses, wisteria, jasmine, honeysuckle and clematis.
Use the knowledge you have gained here to resuscitate your garden today. When the day comes that your plants are tall and smiling, you will be too. If you give gardening a chance and see it through, it can be a life changing experience, so hop to it!
Originally posted 2013-05-11 15:18:05.
