CASTLEMANAGER

Helpful Ideas for Your Garden Container Ideas to Thrive

Preserving plants can be delicate work, more so if you don’t have enough information about how to do it. Containing them is as equally difficult as maintaining them because plants have different requirements. It is important that you know your plants’ maintenance requirements so you can properly care for them.

Potted plants are one of the homeowner’s choices to decorate their houses. When placed indoors, these plants help purify the air in enclosed places. Each plant has different maintenance requirements that should be always be considered. But basic plant care includes providing plants with ample moisture, light, temperature, and humidity. There should also be proper soil mixture, enough fertilizers and regular pest control. Pots are a good way to experiment with planting and plant design and can offer versatility for new gardeners.

Gardening in pots or other containers is entirely different from gardening directly on soil. The former is easier for some because plants are cared for individually. Consider also the type of plant you choose in pot gardening. Plants are classified as perennials, annuals, biennials and bulbs.

Perennial plants are the most versatile because they grow all year round. Annual plants complete their life cycle in a single season. Hardy annuals can survive cold temperatures and are excellent space fillers in a garden with perennial plants. Biennial plants, on the other hand, are not as permanent as the perennials though they re-seed themselves so their growth cycle is comparable with annuals. Bulbs have several types that survive different seasons. They have an internal flower bud surrounded by a layer of food supply that help keep survive the changing seasons.

If you want to try gardening in a pot, there are several container garden design ideas you can try. These design ideas mix plants that have the same requirements for better growth and easier care. Perennials are usually placed together because they have the same life cycle and maintenance requirements.

Plants in a single container should also be mutually compatible with each other to reduce predation. Those that grow extensive roots should not be planted with short-rooted plants because they can damage the other plant’s root systems and cause them to die. Container gardens ideas keep these from happening by suggesting plants that would thrive and benefit from each other.

Some of these garden container ideas suggest foliage assembly or mixing different kinds of plants that would grow best in a particular season. Foliage assembly in a container puts together a mix of flowering plants and garden herbs that result to a beautiful potted garden. You can read more information about potted plants from and .…

The Benefits of Growing an Organic Garden

Organic farming is a very good and natural way of farming. Everything is done naturally and everything that is used in the garden is in its natural form or state for instance the fertilizer. In organic farming compost of natural fertilizers are used. No chemicals are use in any way or form. There are no chemically made or produced insecticides or pesticides. Everything is in its natural form or state. There is no chemical pest control which is used and there no chemical fertilizers which are applied to vegetables.

There is nothing quite rewarding as planting and growing your own food. There are so many benefits and advantages of growing and producing your own fresh produce in an organic garden. For instance by growing your own food you will always have fresh fruits and vegetables which is a great way to eat healthy and stay healthy. You will have all the food you will need in the right quantities and at the right time. So whether you are catering for a small to medium family or if you are staying and leaving alone you will be able to produce exactly the right amount of food to satisfy your needs. Fresh produce is much tastier and healthier then processed food.

Growing your own food is great and easy way to save money. The cost of living is very high and reducing your food bill can be a great way to save money. You can find yourself with freshly produced food all year long and you will also save huge sums of money in the process. Since we use a lot of fruit and vegetables in our diet by producing and growing our own produce we will able to save money.

Organic is much safer way and form of farming. In traditional gardening a lot of chemicals are used whether it is for fertilizer or pest control. This form of gardening is not entirely safe. Research has proven that chemicals tend to cause cancer and disease in humans. So by eating vegetables and fruits that have been grown using chemical fertilizer you are exposing yourself to cancer and various other diseases. The plants will suck in those chemicals and you will eventually take in those chemicals when you eat that food. Since organic gardening is safe and everything is natural and there are no chemicals the food is a 100% safe.

The other advantage of organic gardening is that the food is much bigger, more succulent, tastier, and juicer. Organic gardening is very a natural form of gardening and there are no chemicals. There is no adverse effect on the environment, surrounding area, the eco system, and Mother Nature. The food is grown in perfect harmony with Mother Nature and because of this the food tends to grown very quickly and richly. The vegetables ate bigger and they are much tastier. They are much stronger and there are more resistant to diseases, pests, and various other things that may hinder, harm, or damage the plants.

The soil in organic farming is preserved and improved. Each season the soil become more fertile and since there are no chemicals which are used the soil continues to improve and get better year after year. This form of gardening is very safe and highly recommended. There are so many advantages and benefits of organic garden but the one of the biggest benefits and advantages is that of the food being much healthier and safe. If you want live a good, healthy, and positive life then you should invest in an organic garden and move way from processed and chemically produced vegetables and food.…

Lighthouse Rugs Are Functional and Beautiful

Lighthouse rugs are currently making their way through the bathroom floors of most city homes. It is not surprising to know that it only took them a short time to penetrate the interior design industry. Most of the functional design pieces that are being manufactured today are inspired by the seaside life.

The principle of this design lies on the use of materials that are reminiscent of the coastal environment. The nautical theme is generally applicable to almost every home, that’s why it has become one of the most favored motifs in the industry today. As the name implies, the nautical theme is an interior design technique that tends to capture the breezy ambience of the seaside life. By applying this cool motif to your home, you can experience the summer days at the beach even from the confines of your bathroom. It is a whole new way of creating a refreshing atmosphere in your home without having to locate to some distant place. A nautical-themed bathroom is not complete without some lighthouse rugs lying on the floor. Aside from the shower curtains, these especially made rugs are the main items that should be present in every coastal bathroom. Beach-inspired rugs are commonly placed at the bathroom entrance and in the toilet area.

However, they are not actually placed there just for show. They have other purposes aside from providing an aesthetic appeal to the nautical-themed bathrooms. Just like any ordinary area rugs, they are deemed as functional bathroom items. They keep both your feet and the floor dry so you may avoid slipping on a wet surface. They also prevent the carpeted bathroom floor from being damp. There are various designs of lighthouse rugs that can be found in the internet. If you plan to acquire a few pieces for your bathroom, you have to make sure that they complement the existing design and color of other bathroom accessories. In some instances, you may choose to mix and match the bathroom motif. For example, you can use an area rug with blue details on it if the general color of the tiles is white. The same thing is applicable for other soft-hued motifs like cream and tan. Some of the most favorite designs of lighthouse rugs include the anchors, life preservers, helms, coastal birds and cargo ships. These designs are available in vibrant and subtle colors.

When you are looking for some area rugs to add in your bathroom, you should check out first the kind of materials from which they are made. Sisal mats and polypropylene are two known materials for rugs. Both are durable materials, although the polypropylene rug is more commonly found at the bathroom entrance. Wool is probably the best material for rugs. They can be exposed inside the bathroom because they can absorb wetness much longer than any other material. This fabric is soft to the touch yet maintains an even texture for a long period of time. Actually, you can also use a beach-inspired rug for any other rooms inside the house. Your bedroom will surely look good when you add lighthouse rugs to it.…

How to Create a Vegetable Garden

It is not difficult to plant a vegetable garden, but you do have to understand the few steps that are involved. The first thing to do is to plan where you will be placing your garden plot. The next step is to get the soil prepared, and set the seeds or starter plants in place. After that, all you have to do is tend to the plants in your garden and keep the weeds at bay. You will soon be excitedly waiting for your first harvest.

Vegetable Garden Plan

When you are planning the location for your vegetable garden, be sure that you select a place will allow for a minimum of six hours of full sunlight each day. This will play an important role in whether you have a successful garden.

Be sure that you plan the space wisely by taking into consideration the kinds and amounts of vegetables you would like to harvest. Some vegetables take up more space to grow than others, so be sure you understand the requirements of those you like. If you are really serious about taking on the responsibility of a vegetable garden, you will also want to make sure that you can afford to take this space away from other family activities.

One thing that many people do to create a lovely and bountiful vegetable garden in their yards is to prepare space around the perimeter of the yard, like around the fence line. This can render a great deal of space without taking up more active areas of the property. Many even use containers that can be relocated when necessary as an alternative to a traditional vegetable garden.

Soil Preparation

Soil preparation is a very critical part of successful vegetable gardens. You will want to have loose soil that is rich in nutrients. This can be accomplished by using a shovel to turn the soil over and a rake to clear it of unwanted roots and debris. If you have time between when you are planning your garden and the time you will actually be working on it, this is a good time to start a compost bin. You can have new soil ready to put in your garden beds by recycling food scraps and some paper products and wood chips in your compost bin.

Planting Vegetables

If you like getting your hands into the soil, you will enjoy this next step. It is time to plant your seedlings or actual seeds into the soil. Regardless of the location of your vegetable garden, leave enough room between the seeds or young plants to accommodate the mature plants. For seeds, all you need to do is make a slight furrow in the soil and place the seeds in and cover them up. Seedlings need to have a hole dug in the loose soil that is deep enough to accommodate the roots. Once you have completed your planting, water everything in without disturbing the seeds and wait until your vegetables are ready for harvest, weeding when necessary, and providing much needed water.…

4 Reasons For Outdoor Garden Lights

If you have often thought that you really need to add some lights to your garden but have no idea how to go about getting outdoor lights for it. This article will show you why you really to add this type of lighting to your outdoor garden areas as soon as you can.

1. Safety is extremely important.

Lighting is not just about beauty anymore but safety is very important. You and your family members need to be able to see where you are walking in your outdoor areas so you can avoide holes or anywhere you might trip on a sprinkler. Using lighting to highlight a pathways is a choice a lot of home owners make.

2. A secure garden is a retreat.

By installing some security lighting you will help deter burglars from thinking you are out for the evening. Also when you come and go with some well placed lighting you can discourage robbers from thinking your outside areas are a great hiding place as they hide from the police.

3. Extra Lighting will allow you to use that area more often.

As days get longer and weather heats up your backyard areas will be become a haven and retreat for you and your family. You can sit outside and relax and listen to the quiet night while you sip some wine with family and friends. Outdoors lighting fixtures do enhance the area and gives it an almost mystical atmosphere that you will really enjoy.

4. Lighting can really create an amazing seasonal environment.

From Christmas lighting to summer and spring lighting you can really enjoy decorating your backyard for the holidays. You can create almost any type of environment that you desire. Entertain your friends and family with parties and BBQ’s and this type of lighting can really give your backyard a lovely feel to it.…

Tips on Building a Beautiful Garden

Garden construction is just as easy if you follow the steps of the professionals. It is indeed overwhelming to take on a landscape job. There are a lot of things to consider such as garden layout, position of the sun, wind, views drainage, garden style, proper plant selection and many more. To start these, put all the information you need on a paper and do what the professionals do. If you use these as a starting point for your garden jobs, definitely you will come up with good results. Just think that it is like a blue print for the proper construction of buildings or home.

Next, consider the site in which the attractive views are located, whether it may be north or where the windy area is and all the elements that would practically add to the beauty of your garden. This is the part where you need to focus and take a hard look, because you really need to work on spaces that can still be arranged and the most important is where to locate the garden space for plants and the like.

To make a good garden structure which is the next step for your garden construction, you need to have the different tools to start with the essentials such as the building of fences. There are some hand tools available in your favorite hardware, but the job will be much easier for you if you have the portable electric tools such as the saber saw, circular saw and electric drills to make the work faster and hassle free.

On the other hand to make a good fence, consider the proper wood to be used for construction. Choose a wood that does not easily decay and has the resistance to insects to make sure that it will last for a long time. Certain woods such as the red wood or pressure treated wood can be used. The former is an insect resistant wood. This wood is easy to work on and they are good for garden construction. It is beautiful if it has a natural finish or even leave it as it is, the older it gets the beautiful it becomes. However, they are quite expensive and sometimes unavailable because of its unique characteristics.

Another type of wood is the “pressure treated wood; this wood is usually soaked in chemicals to avoid insects from getting through and to resist decays. They are economical because there are plenty of woods that can be treated with chemicals, one of which is the Southern pine; the only disadvantage is that sometimes chemicals leave a harsh smell, making it irritating to some people.

Finally, you need to consider what you want your garden to look like. Pay attention to the decks, perennial beds and walks. Think and you can even purchase catalogues for the different plants which bear pretty flowers, and look also for some garden items, also you can add up furniture, such as cozy wood benches. Try to accessorize, remember that this garden is your own so try to work on a little extra effort, so these will turn out to be unique and beautiful.

Remember that a garden should certainly attract people and at the same time provide the users a comfortable outdoor space. Just always be more creative and artistic, definitely, you will have the garden you always dreamed of.…

Peonies and Hollyhocks

Peonies are one of the oldest documented blossoms. Peonies were in existence 1400-4000 years ago in China. The peony flower is considered a blossom of wealth. In past days, if one could afford a peony plant in their garden they were certainly a prosperous family. For the flower shop, peonies come on around Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. They can be bought at your local wholesaler or at a local farm. We used to purchase peonies grown in Grand Junction, Colorado at a local grower. We would get buckets and buckets and buckets of them. The excitement was on. They come in very tight buds. It is only after a few days in a warm shop they begin to burst open. They are so showy, they sell themselves. Everyone has to have some!!

Peonies come in a nice range of colors from ivory to soft blush, to lavendars, purples and burgundies. They are a very large showy flower, with one big blossom and a few buds on each stem. The stems can range up to two feet tall. Peonies have lush green foliage, almost making it unnecessary to add other foliage to the arrangement. They are fragrant and fairly long lasting. Peonies can be used in floral designs, corsages, memorial pieces, wreaths, and vase arrangements. They can be used fresh or dried. Drying peonies is easy. Just hang blossoms upside down in small loose bunches. Do not crowd. Hang in a dark, cool space. They retain their color very well. They can be sprayed with a specifically designed dried flower sealant when dry, about 2-3 weeks.

Peonies make an impressive, old-fashioned bouquet. While they are very seasonal, it is good to get all you can out of them while they are available. This is a flower that will keep customers coming back year after year. Hollyhocks have to be one of my most favorite flowers. They are easy to grow and forgiving. Of course they can be bought at your local wholesaler as well, in season. You will see them growing along ditch banks and anywhere the wind happens to blow the seeds. They are a tall flower, reaching up to three feet. They range in colors from white and ivory to pinks, reds, purples, and magenta, almost black. Traditionally, hollyhocks are associated with cottage gardens. They need to be planted in the rear of a mixed border or along a wall. There are both single and double forms. Hollyhocks seed freely and will always come back from seed year after year.

In floral designs, hollyhocks make nice line flowers, establishing the height and width in a design. Add carnations and daisies for an attractive garden look. Add foliage such as ivy, asparagus fern and wax flower for a more upscale look. As a matter of fact, peonies and hollyhocks together would make an absolutely stunning design. And for the June bride, well if it is different they want, peonies and hollyhocks, ranging from off white to blush pink to a greening tint, would look spectacular. Again, accent with asparagus fern, ivy and wax flower, maybe even a little heather. Wow!! Beautiful!! Once again, always be creative and different. Do not be afraid to offer your customer savvy and unique. Your shop will stand out from the rest and you be viewed as an artist of floral design.…