Wandering Chopsticks ...Vietnamese recipes with pictures, restaurants, travels, gardens, crafts, and snippets of life in general.
15 Fountain Ideas For Your Garden - Best of DIY Ideas
England-2009_0399.JPG - by Paintbox Garden | Houzz
Get expert advice for planting and growing lavender, from prepping soil to pruning. Plus, learn about the different types—like English, French and Spanish lavender—and how to harvest and use lavender flowers.
These tough but beautiful options for coastal planting will thrive despite the ocean air and sandy soil. They work in any harsh environment.
A reflecting pool in a garden offers several advantages, both aesthetic and functional. The hidden benefits of building a reflecting pool
photo by Didier Willery What is evergeen, deer resistant, thrives in shade, has flowers and comes back every year? You could answ...
Design articles are always guiding us into the various ways to refresh a room, let's switch it up and do the same for the garden. 1. PRUNE This is one of my clients who called asking for some pruning. On my! I personally love to prune when a major renovation is required, believing anything can be re-shaped and saved. While the crew was busy, I pulled out the shears Yes, there was an entryway and an address. 2. EDGING AND MULCH Can I say mandatory? Looks clean and fresh, represses weeds and retains moisture Look for the best mulch you can afford, preferably black and fine. We use LEAF mulch, decomposed leaves, rich, black and finely ground. When laid, any mulch will begin to decompose. As wood mulch decomposes, that process robs the soil of nutrients. As leaf mulch goes, it feeds the soil, improving it's texture and adding nutrients Unless you reside at a Shell station, this is a big NO! Ugly, and the dyes are toxic 3. Stabilize structures and paint if needed In winter climes, snow and ice takes it's toll on our structures. Examine closely for needed repairs. A fresh coat of paint does wonders! 4. Clean, and/or replace outdoor soft goods What a renaissance for outdoor pillows; the fabrics and the designs. We carry a line whose style matches any interior pillow, some with gorgeous fringe, trim and down inserts! The rug line we carry, Dash and Albert, has a tremendous outdoor collection. New for 2014 is the collaboration with Bunny Williams, above 5. Declutter It can happen.......one day you are bringing home ornamentation, the next you are in a newspaper, misguided, posing and smiling Benches, table, fountain, watering cans.......complimentary to each other and tastefully arranged. Look around, what might be redundant, in disrepair......generally employ a good edit 6. Re access your front door Charming? Massively so if you live in a cottage, in Czechoslovakia. Enter your home as a guest would, is all clean? Decluttered? In good repair and painted or stained? Outdoor lamps sparkling clean? Consider a color change, this focal point for your home can be unassuming or exciting 7. Give up on low performing plants "I hate to kill plants!" I do too. Often as a landscape designer I am both executioner and nurturer. There are times when a plant is simply "taking up space", overgrown and beyond pruning (not too often), a blob, that is it just sits there, offering little No focus, many blob type plants, all green, no stand-outs and yes, a few weeds To live in my garden, the criteria is; must be of appropriate size must be interesting most of the growing season must be a strong performer; long bloom, colorful foliage, multi-seasonal interest I'm ruthless..... This Hydrangea above is the Incrediball, in bloom from early June to frost....nice! 8. Interesting foliage? Take a close look. Have a section where there is too much green? (disregard if all green is your goal, lovely in a formal setting). Too many leaves of the same size and shape? Insert some of the colorful foliage plants and pay close attention to the shape, mixing it up. 9. Consider the addition of Annuals To me, they are the link for a garden. They perform throughout the season weaving in and out of perennials and shrubbery that have their day until next year 10. Reevaluate your containers Are they in good order? Remove old soil, which no longer has any nutrients, and refill. How about their style and size, appropriate? Charming? YES! Appropriately sized? NO, too small That's better. Take note of the terra cotta color, which pulls from the homes bricks....nice! One of our clients. When we designed the gardens, instead of a pair of urns at the front entrance, we placed oversized, statement urns in front of the two front windows. Enjoyed from inside and out, they make a statement as they are planted fresh, four times a year, celebrating each new season. Cheers! Debra
Explore realbelgianwaffles' 549 photos on Flickr!
Ingrijire si conditii la AGAPANTHUS. Cum se creste agapantus, mai multe specii de agapantus.
Fácil imaginar una vida idílica tranquila en esta impresionante vivienda en la que una pareja danesa ha establecido su hogar tras dejar su apartamento en Copenhagen. Además de su entorno impresionante, cautivan sus interiores amplios y luminosos, diseñados con una base de blanco en el que cobran gran protagonismo las piezas de mobiliario en madera sin tratar que han sido cuidadosamente elegidas por su propietaria. Imágenes: fotografías de Pernille Kaalund para un reportaje de Bo Bodre
Today, I am going to show you two properties where each of the designers had the challenge of creating a beautiful garden on two steeply sloping ravines. In the first garden, the ravine literally cuts the property in two on the diagonal. As you can see from this first image, the property falls off dramatically just off the back deck. The task was then to link the back garden with the other side of the ravine. This is a very quick, not-to-scale plan of the garden just to give you a clearer idea of the problem the designer faced. A pathway leads you to the edge of the ravine. From this angle, the native Ostrich ferns in the middle foreground somewhat conceal the significant slope of the land. In the far distance, you can see the other half of the property. The plantings here include a Japanese Maple, euonymus, heuchera, Siberian iris, and rhododendrons. As we round the corner, a bridge presents itself. Looking back the way we came. This view best shows the bridge crossing the ravine. A set of curved steps leads you up to level ground again and over to an inground pool. Garden #2 In this second property, I will show you both the front and back garden, which again was designed around a steeply sloping ravine. Neil Turnbull did the design work for this lovely garden. The artful front garden is sunken and almost invisible from the street. A set of steps lead you past a water feature and down into a beautiful courtyard garden. Vines including hydrangea and kiwi envelope the walls of this sunken garden. The sound of water nicely masks any street noise. On the right is one of the three still pools. The front garden is lush and yet restrained. How do you imagine the back garden must look? For me, it was a wonderful surprise. I am showing you this shot, not because it is a great picture, but because it best illustrates the dramatic slope of the back garden. The set of stone steps leads you down the steepest part of the ravine. From there, a series of paths wind the rest of the way down the slope. Red pine needles add a note of colour to the plantings which include native trees and plants, ferns, azaleas, rhododendrons, hosta and hellebore. At the bottom of the garden, there is a seating area and two ponds connected by a stream. Unlike the front garden, this area feels wild and unrestrained, but make no mistake, it is thoughtfully considered and executed. A hosta with blue-grey leaves breaks up all the green. The white flower in the left image is Goat's Beard, Aruncus dioicus. There were also a number of lovely Japanese ferns (right). The little stone bridge crosses the stream connecting the two ponds. Adding color were these big, purple alliums. What do I suggest you take away from these two gardens? If your property presents unique challenges, don't fight them, embrace them. A problem feature is just an opportunity to get creative.
Panting roses in a mixed border is one of the easiest ways of enjoying roses in your garden. Combine shrub roses, other shrubs, perennials and annuals to create a tapestry of different colours and textures - find inspiration in our image gallery and tips and tricks for planning a rose border.
A look at 10 of the most beautiful private gardens hidden away in the Cotswolds
As I sat down to write this post, I tried to think of the perfect adjective to describe Joe and the word "gentleman" sprang to mind. Joe is a gentleman in the most traditional sense of the word. Retired for a number of years now, he is a petite, shy man. He is also a serious plant collector, who weather permitting, can't wait to rush out the door each morning to work in his garden. A regular feature on garden tours and open on a number of occasions each summer, Joe's garden is probably one of the city's best known private gardens. Like so many of the gardens I share, this garden is a labour of love. There are over 6000 plants that are tended with the greatest care. As you will see, the flowerbeds are all meticulously groomed and edged with exacting precision. The drawing above is a very rough layout of the garden. Pathways take you down either side of the house and into the backyard. Right outside the back door there is a garden of roses and perennials. Just beyond that is a swimming pool and deck area. Toward the back of the property there are two symmetrical gardens with a central area of lawn in each. Then, back through a series of rose covered arches, is a potting area. Let's take a stroll, shall we, starting off on the path to the right of the garage. Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii, 'Superba': Feathery magenta pink flowers in early summer. Height: 90-120, Spread: 60-75 cm Part shade to shade. Average to moist growing conditions. Normal, sandy and clay soils are fine. USDA Zones: 3-9 For now, we will take a quick glance at the rose garden. In an upcoming post, we will come back for another look at the roses. Hydrangea 'Annabelle': Height: 1.2- 1.8 m Spread: 1.2- 1.8 m. Average to medium well-drained soil. Intolerant of drought. Blooms on new wood and should be pruned in late winter to encourage strong new growth. USDA Zones 4-9. Hydrangea 'Invincibelle Pink Annabelle': Height: 100 cm, Spread: 100 cm Sun or shade. Flowers June to September with deadheading. Musk Mallow, Malva: Full sun. Height: 45-70 cm, Spread: 45-60cm. Average growing conditions. Normal, sandy or clay soil. Satiny, single hibiscus-like flowers in early summer. Cutting back the plant in August will encourage it to over winter better and survive longer. Readily self-seeds. USDA Zones 3-9. A mix of perennials including several hosta, a Brunnera, a Heuchera and a Pulmonaria. Astrantia major 'Roma': Average to moist soil and part shade to sun are best for Astrantia. Height: 60-90 cm, Spread: 45-60, USDA Zones: 3-9 A lovely combination: European Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria has ferny foliage and flowers similar to an Astilbe. Plants form a bushy clump with creamy-white flowers in early summer. This plant does best in moist soil in sun or part shade. Trim flowers after they bloom. Height 75-120 cm, Spread: 45-60 cm. USDA Zones 3-9 Astrantia major 'Roma': Average to moist soil and part shade to sun are best for Astrantia. Height: 60-90 cm, Spread: 45-60, USDA Zones: 3-9 Phlox Paniculata 'David's Lavender': Full sun or part shade. Height: 90-120 cm Spread: 60-75 Moist to average growing conditions are best. Sandy or clay soil. Fragrant. USDA Zones 3-9. Joe has an array of hostas that would be the envy of most gardeners. He combines them in groups and also mixes them in usual ways as he has done with these Carefree Delight Roses. Coreopsis blooms for weeks and is a great self-seeder. Variegated Japanese Knotweed, Fallopia japonicaVariegata: Joe has the free time to be vigilant with his perennials. Based on my own experiences, I would be very cautious of planting any Knotweeds! Maybe this is one plant that is best grown in a container. Morning sun or part shade. Height: 150-180 cm, Spread: 90-120 cm. Part shade. Average to moist growing conditions are best. Normal, sandy or clay soil. USDA Zones 2-9. Hosta 'Sun Power': This variety of hosta has large chartreuse to gold foliage. Height: 70-75 cm, Spread: 120-150cm. Part shade. Average to moist growing conditions are best. Normal, sandy or clay soil. USDA Zones 2-9. Phlox Paniculata 'David's Lavender': Full sun or part shade. Height: 90-100 cm Spread: 60-75. Fragrant. Average to moist growing conditions are best. Sandy or clay soil. Resistant to powdery mildew. USDA Zones 3-9. Echinacea 'Double Scoop Bubblegum': Height: 60-65 cm, Spread: 40-55 cm. Full sun. Average, dry or moist growing conditions. Normal, sandy or clay soils work. Attractive to butterflies. USDA Zones 4-9. False Mallow, Sidalcea 'Party Girl': Is a personal favourite of mine. Height: 60-90 cm, Spread: 30-45 cm. Full sun or part shade. Blooms early summer, and with deadheading, again in the fall. Average or moist growing conditions. Normal, sandy or clay soils are fine. They self-seed, but not to the point of becoming a nuisance. USDA Zones 4-9. Phlox Paniculata 'David's Lavender': Full sun or part shade. Height: 90-120 cm Spread: 60-75. Moist growing conditions are best. Sandy or clay soil. USDA Zones 3-9. Yellow Fumitory, Corydalis lutea: Height: 20-40 cm, Spread: 25-30 cm. Part to full shade. Nice ferny foliage and pretty yellow flowers from June into fall. Average to moist growing conditions. Readily self-seeds, but seedlings are easy to pull. USDA Zones: 3-9 Creeping Thyme, Thymus 'Doone Valley: Height: 5-10 cm, Spread: 30-60 cm. Full sun. Needs well-drained soil. Average to dry growing conditions. Trumpet Creeper, Campsis radocans: Trumpet Creeper can reach a height of up to 40' and can spread as much a 10'. In other words, it is a pretty aggressive vine that is hard to control. Full sun to part shade. Easily grown in moist soils. Blooms on new growth so spring pruning is not a problem. Attractive to Hummingbirds. USDA Zones: 4-9 Hybrid Mullein, Verbascum chaixii Height: 40-55 cm, Spread:3--45 cm. Full sun. Average to dry growing conditions. Well-drained normal, sandy or clay soils are fine. Plants flower for a long period and tend to exhaust themselves, so it is a good idea to take cuttings in spring to make new plants. USDA Zones: 5-9 Sneezeweed, Helenium autumnale 'Moerheim Beauty': Height: 75-100 cm, Spread: 45-60 cm. Full sun. Average to Moist growing conditions. Plant likes fertile, well-drained soil. Pinch back in June for a fuller, shorter plant. Attractive to butterflies. USDA Zones 4-9. Trumpet Lilies by the back door. This Climbing Hydrangea is only about 5 or 6 years old! Climbing Hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala petiolaris: is a large deciduous vine that can reach as much as 50 ft at maturity. In early summer this vine produces lacy, flat-topped flowers 5 inches or more in width. Shade, part shade or sun if well watered. Plant in rich, well-drained, moisture retentive soil. One drawback is they are slow growers and can take years to really get going. Once established they do grow more quickly and may need pruning in summer after they flower. USDA Zones 4-7 Here's a link to Joe's Garden Part 2 Bookmark this post with a Pin.
Silver Ponyfoot is a wonderful ground cover for drought tolerant landscaping.
If you want a romantic, magical garden, check out our cottage landscaping ideas. With the right plants and paths, a cottage garden can be yours.
English garden for all seasons. 2010 winner "Overall Gardener of the Year" Garden News national garden competition. 2007 winner Daily Mail National Garden Competition. www.fourseasonsgarden.co.uk
4 - 12 Inches 12 - 24 Inches 18 - 24 Inches 10cm - 30cm 30cm - 61cm 46cm - 61cm Features Supertunia petunias are vigorous with slightly mounded habits that function as both fillers and spillers in containers. They are also excellent landscape plants, best suited to be placed near the front of beds. They have medium to large sized flowers. Continuous Bloom or Rebloomer Long Blooming Heat Tolerant Deadheading Not Necessary Drought Tolerant Attracts: Butterflies Hummingbirds Characteristics Plant Type: Annual Height Category: Short Garden Height: 4 - 12 Inches 10cm - 30cm Trails Up To: 36 Inches 91cm Spacing: 12 - 24 Inches 30cm - 61cm Spread: 18 - 24 Inches 46cm - 61cm Flower Colors: White Flower Shade: Silver white with brown to purple veins Foliage Colors: Green Foliage Shade: Green Habit: Mounding Trailing Container Role: Spiller Plant Needs Light Requirement: Part Sun to Sun The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). Maintenance Category: Easy Bloom Time: Planting To Hard Frost Hardiness Zones: 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b Water Category: Average Soil Fertility Requirement: Average Soil Uses: Container Uses: Edging Plant Uses: Groundcover Uses: Landscape Uses: Mass Planting Uses Notes: Use in hanging baskets, window boxes, landscaping and combinations planters. Maintenance Notes: These are heat tolerant plants, that aren't particularly fussy and need little routine maintenance. They will perform best if an application of controlled release fertilizer is included at the time of planting. This applies to both landscape and container plantings. Supertunias are heavy feeders, but a single dose is usually sufficient for landscape beds in most climates. If you have a very long season, a second application of controlled release plant food should be considered for landscape plantings. In general, containers need to be fed more than landscape plants. Supertunias in containers will need to be fed more regularly to be their absolute best. A second application of a controlled release fertilizer can be applied about every two months to container plants, which will help. However, for the very best performance I find regularly applying water soluble fertilizer starting about two months after the containers are planted gives the best results. These extra applications of plant food really makes a difference in performance through the summer. If your plant begins to look open or a bit tired, an allover trim can be beneficial. Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to trim back up to 1/3 of the volume of the plant. I pair any trim with a dose of water soluble fertilizer to provide instant energy to help kickstart new growth, branching and flowering. Your plant will take a week to recover from the trim, but the end result is a fuller plant with more blooms going forward. You may repeat the trim as needed through the season. This elegant Supertunia grows and blooms vigorously all season long, forming a very well-rounded, full hanging basket covered in clear ivory white blossoms with a prominent dark purple-black throat. You won’t need to deadhead it to keep it blooming, and it doesn’t mind the heat or cool nights. The Best Petunia. Period. For incredible color and season-long performance, choose Supertunia®. Whether you’re using them to create extraordinary hanging baskets, combination containers or in landscapes, you can expect an exceptional show of color from planting until frost. Supertunias are self-cleaning—no deadheading necessary—and grow with remarkable vigor and disease resistance. You won’t find a more outstanding petunia. Supertunia® Latte™ Petunia hybrid 'Kerlatte' USPP 28,069, Can 5,508 Professional Growing Information
EPDM Liners for Pond leaks amd Fish Pond Repair. Pond pro 2000 is a 100% liquid buytl rubber and 100% compatable to your EPDM pond liner sold in pond supply stores.
Permaculturists frequently speak about the Permaculture Wardrobe. I first heard it from Geoff Lawton, but I am not sure if the concept originated with him. The wardrobe is an idea that describes the k
Whew, this time of year is sheer madness, garden designs and installs, interior designs and installs, equals one tired gal! Thankfully the s...
Kreativ trädgårdsdesign för små och stora trädgårdar
What’s the difference between annuals and perennials? In general, annuals need to be replanted every year, and perennials come back year after year. But, when shopping for plants, it's more complicated because hardiness depends on your growing zone. Get all your questions about annuals vs perennials answered here.
Do you want a stunning centerpiece in your outdoor space? Here are some of the most awesome mirror designs that have been taking over social media.
Famed architect Antoni Gaudi built this generous thank you gift to a friendly host who housed him during a job.
Tips from well known container gardening expert Claus Dalby on how to grow dahlias in pots and how to arrange your pot groupings.
Gloxinia plants can be a wonderful addition to any home or home garden. Their flowers are bright, and the plants are generally easy to care for. They do, however, require some specific needs to be met in order to make sure they flourish. In this article, you'll learn all about how to plant, grow, and care for Gloxinia.
