How to Take Care of Fragrant Flowers in your Garden

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How to Take Care of Fragrant Flowers in your Garden

One of the most common reasons why people love flowers so much is because of the beautiful
fragrance they emit. A beautiful, natural garden overflowing with scented flowers can brighten
up anyone’s day, even after a work week from hell. The smell of flowers connotes happy
occasions such as summer days, birthdays, weddings and celebrations. This is one of the
reasons most gardeners will choose flowers that smell divine as their flowers du jour.

Some of the best fragrant flowers for your garden include Arabian jasmine, banana shrub,
butterfly bush, confederate jasmine, garden phlox, gardenia, heliotrope, hyacinth, angels’
trumpet and roses. All of these have a unique and delicious scent that will leave your outdoor
area smelling beautiful. However, some of the most fragment and beautiful flowers also take
more care than you would expect. To really get that beautiful, spring time freshness smell from
your flowers, keep the following tips in mind:
· Bright, thick and colorful pedals on a flower can suggest a beautiful smell as well. Look
for flowers that have thick colorful petals when choosing flowers. You can also ask the
sales associate at your local garden center about the smell that will be emitted in full
bloom.
· Fragrant flowers enjoy having company in their garden. One of the ways to increase the
smell of your flowers is to plant trees, vines, perennials and shrubs along the garden bed
with your fragrant flowers. Having neighbors will help your flowers show off their smell.
· To make the most of your garden care smell, think about choosing flowers that bloom at
different times. That way the smells of each flower will not contradict one another and
you will have beautiful and varying smells all season long.

· Most flowers that are lacking in a sweet smell are so because they are thirsty. Make sure
you give your flowers enough water to keep them healthy. In the hot season this may
mean watering them every day or every other day.
· Finally, make sure your flowers have enough moisture and ventilation. Hot and dry
gardens will not fare well for those fragrant flowers. Although they may grow, the smell
will be lacking. Try to plant your flowers in an area where the air is gentle and the
moisture content is high in the air. Humidity is not a fragrant flower’s friend.
Beginning Garden Care for the New Home Owner
A garden can make or break your outdoor living environment. In many instances, it is not until
you own your first home that you truly begin to understand the importance of good garden care.
Perhaps you watched Mom and Dad slave away outside in the summers while you remained in
the air conditioned house thinking about how crazy they were. After all, it’s just a garden! But
now that you have your own home, now that the rooms are decorated to perfection, now that the
walls are painted and the carpets installed, now that the house looks like a home, you most
likely want the same for your front and backyard garden.
But where do you begin?
· First of all, have a look at your garden situation. Is it an overgrown mess or is it as
barren as the desert? In most instances, you are hoping for the latter. If not, then you will
have to spend some time weeding, whacking and removing those overgrown weeds,
roots and all.
· Next, you will need some gardening tools. Head to the local hardware shop and pick up
the following: a gardening hose, pruning shears, a digging spade, a wheel barrow

(optional), a shovel (especially if you have a big mess ahead of you), a weeder and a
garden knife. This will get you started.
· Take care of your soil. Before you can plant away, you need to make sure your soil is up
to par. Good growing soil will retain moisture but does not stay too wet. You need to find
that happy crumbly cake balance in your dirt. If your soil is too wet, too dry, too crumbly,
too sticky or anything else, you can add composted manure or leaf mould which can
bring the texture to a happy medium.
· Start with annuals. Annuals are easy to plant, easy to grow and easy to maintain with
water two or three times a week. Many annuals can be grown from seed and will thrive
in both the sun and the shade, according to the plant tag or the seed package.
· Finally, make sure you do the research and ask for assistance when it comes to
choosing plants. Sure, roses are beautiful but did you know that they need at least six
hours in the sun each day? Make sure you always read the labels to determine the best
weather and climate conditions for your choice of plants.
At Home Remedies for Garden Care
Is your garden looking a little under the weather? Why not save yourself a trip to the garden
centre and instead opt to use household foods and items to give your plants the lift they may
need? Below we have listed some of the common household items you would find in your
pantry that can help maintain a beautiful blossoming green garden without using harmful and
expensive chemicals from the shop.
· Grubby Gardening Hands: no matter how hard you scrub, do your hands still look like
you’ve been digging in the dirt all weekend long? Try rubbing some olive oil and sugar
between your palms which can get rid of those soil stained hands.
· Flower Fertilizer: tired of harmful chemicals? Why not make sure of your own banana
peels by sticking them just below the surface of the soil. They will rot quickly and provide
your plants with magnesium, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, sodium and silica.
· Another great at home fertilizer is ground coffee. Coffee is high in nitrogen and can
particularly help with your rose bush care. Still a small sprinkle is all your garden needs.
· Indoor Garden Care: If you have an indoor garden and are worried about the state of
your indoor plants, try using castor or mineral oil as a massaging lotion on their leaves.
This will leave them looking green and healthy.
· Brown Be Gone: gardenias and camellia’s are beautiful flowers for your garden.
However, in many instances the leaves will turn brown leaving your garden looking a
little dull and uncared for. A simple solution to this is table salt. That’s right, just sprinkle
a little bit on the plants and the brown will go away.

· Worm No Worries: grab a few matchsticks and place them soil end down. This little trick
will repel sulfur into the garden and keep the worms away.
· Tea for Two: next time you make a cup of tea, save the tea leaves or the last bit of tea
from the pot. Sprinkle it as a fertilizer for your garden or loosen the soil and place the
leaves around the base of the plant. Tea is filled with essential nutrients that are
especially great for roses, azaleas, violets, and hydrangeas.
It’s amazing the difference those everyday household items can make when it comes to garden
care!
Common Garden Problems: And Easy Garden Care Solutions
Having garden care problems? Who doesn’t? Sometimes, no matter what you do, your garden
does not look as good as you’d expect or hoped. However, sometimes there are simple
solutions to your problems. Before you throw out those gardening gloves and accept your lack
of a green thumb, check the list below for easy at home solutions for some of the most common
gardening tribulations.
· Weeds are ruining my Garden: fighting against weeds can seem like a constant uphill
battle. One of the reasons weeds become such a problem is because only half of the
plant is actually attacked. Your best bet when it comes to weeds is to purchase a
herbicide and a weeding wand which will make it easier to monitor the amount of
chemical you use and where it goes. Spread the weed killer on mature leaves as well as
new growth.
· Grass and Weeds keep creeping into my paved areas: do you have grass and weeds
creeping up on your stairs, your driveway and elsewhere where they should be. Instead
of spending a fortune on pesticides and dousing your driveway with chemicals, a great
solution is to mix water and vinegar or salt water. Be careful where you spray however
and this mixture will also kill your plants
· My lawn looks a little worse of wear: lawn care is an art form. There could be many
reasons why your lawn in looking a little yellow or growing in odd. One of the main
culprits is pet urine. If you notice dry dead patches of lawn, then there is a good chance
that is where your dog is doing his business. Another way to stop your lawn from getting
lawn disease or fungus is to water your lawn in the morning instead of at night. The extra
moisture at night can cause fungus and disease.
· Yellow Leaves on my plants: yellow leaves suggest two things: one, your plant is hungry,
or two, you may have an insect problem. Check the leaves for sap sucking black or red
mites or other insects. If you notice teeny tiny crawlers on your plants, then head to the
local garden centre and purchase an oil spray or pesticide.

A final reminder when it comes to garden care is that gardening has a lot to do with trial and
error, especially if you are just beginning. Some plants may die; some plants may flourish. This
is all part of the gardening fun.
Dogs Beware: Garden Care for the Dog Friendly Home
Sure, you love your dog. He’s cute, he’s cuddly and he’s a bundle of rambunctious fun.
However, he also chooses the worst places to do his business. That’s right, in your garden! But
that’s not all. Dog urine is harmful to the grass and can leave burnt patches all over the lawn.
So, how can you put an end to this horrible destruction of your lawn without forcing your dog to
move away?
Read on:
· First of all, if your dog is still a youthful trainable puppy, there is still hope! Keep him on a
leash when putting him outside and guide him to the same peeing spot every time. Try to
create a potty area with wood chips or pea gravel as the surface. Dogs tend to want to
urinate on absorbent surfaces. Another option is to purchase urine bags from your local
vet which may teach your pup the right place to pee.
· Dog feces are another story. Some dogs are embarrassed to drop anywhere and thus
will choose a spot in the corner as their bathroom. Other dogs will go whenever,
wherever and even spread it around for your pleasure. There are two ways to stop this:
first, set up a designated doggy bathroom in a certain corner of your yard and reward the
little guy anytime he go. Do not allow him to go anywhere else. You may need to monitor
his activity for the first few weeks but eventually he will figure it out on his own.
Secondly, you can clean it up. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. Make it part of
your daily morning routine before you have a cup of coffee or a shower. Do a stroll
around the yard with a pooper scooper and garbage bag and run a sprinkler on the lawn
to remove the smell.
· Another annoying doggy habit is digging. If your little pup is a digger, it’s time to put a
stop to it now! Try putting a piece of steel or wood over the areas where your dog enjoys
digging. Choose a designated doggy bone area that is not your garden and burry bones
there for him to find, or keep him occupied with other treats and games such as a kong.
And, if he does not stop his incessant digging perhaps it’s time for the doggy crate or
maybe even doggy obedience school.
Garden Care for all Flower and Vegetable Life
All gardens are different and so are the plants, flowers and vegetable life that you choose to
grow. While some plants love the sun, others will only grow in shade. While some plants need
watering every day, others only need watering when they are young. So how do you know what

type of care your garden plant life needs? Read on as we list four of the most common types of
backyard gardens and tips for tender loving care.
· Shrubs: shrubs that are well kept look great in any garden type. However, the trick is to
keep them pruned before they get away from you. Shrubs need to be watered when they
are small and growing but after the initial growth, shrubs can survive with just the rain
from the sky. To maintain shrubs you will need to cut them back but you will not need to
worry about watering them constantly.
· Annuals: annuals are seasonal flowers that come in a variety of colors and types.
Annuals need a lot of water and care as they have a very short life. When it comes to
caring for annuals, make sure you water them at least twice a week and every day
during the hot months. Sprinkle some fertilizer in with the water three to four times a
month to keep them growing strong and healthy.
· Roses: roses are one of the most common types of flower garden which is why they are
in a category all their own. Roses need about six hours of sunlight per day. Make sure
you place them somewhere where the sun shines. To keep your roses looking their best,
sprinkle some coffee ground or tea leaves in the soil around them. The nutrients will
soak into the roses for a more fragrant and colorful bloom.
· Vegetable gardens: vegetable gardens are not only pretty but they can also save you the
time, effort and money of hitting up your local produce section in the grocery store.
When you are planting a vegetable garden, give each vegetable a sufficient amount of
room to grow. Most vegetable gardens work the best when they are planted in rows.
Some of the fastest and easiest vegetables to grow include pumpkin and zucchini and
other delicious and nutritious veggies that you can grow in your own backyard include
carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, corn and cucumber.
Garden Care for the New Neighbor: Ways to Make Yourself (and your garden)
Known in your New Neighborhood
Are you new to the neighborhood and want to make a great first impression? Why not show
your sense of style with a great garden? Below we’ve listed four tips to garden care that will
ensure your garden is the envy of the neighborhood and the talk of the town.
· Know what to expect from your surroundings. Before you go ahead and rip out the old
weeds and plan for a new garden in the front corner, it’s a good idea to watch how the
sun rises and sets in your back and front yard. You will need to know this in order to
determine what flowers to get – sun lovers or shade seekers- and where to place your
new garden.
· Get the whole family involved. There is no better way to present your family to the
neighbors than working on a garden together. Get dad to mow the lawn and the kids to
help plant the annuals while you work on weeding the overgrowth. Your new neighbors

will most likely come over to say hello and comment on your family orientated garden
design.
· Show your true colors. You cannot always judge a book by its cover but you are
sometimes able to judge a person by their preference in garden care. Are you a bright
bubbly person? Why not plant some bulbs and colorful perennials just in time for
summer? Are you more of a structured, organized person? Then make your garden bed
straight forward, spacing out your plants to perfection. Do you love to cook? Why not
plant some herbs and vegetables in the back yard?
· Be considerate of the neighbor’s needs. If you neighbors have young kids, then perhaps
it’s not a good idea to put your rose bushes right beside their fence as young children
can easily prick themselves when playing in the yard. Furthermore, consider asking your
neighbors if they have any serious plant allergies, just in case.
Keep in mind that a great garden can actually add value to your home. A beautiful front or
backyard garden always look warm and inviting and, if you ever plan on selling your house, can
also act as a welcome mat for a high offer. A well kept garden is often a good clue that the
house is in the same condition and can add thousands to your home value when (or if) you do
decide to move on.
Garden Care in All Seasons
Many people think that spring and summer are the two most important times for gardening
However, although spring is great for harvesting and summer is great for blooming, it is also
important to do your garden care in the fall to ensure a successful gardening season the next
year around.
In the Fall
Fall is the time to prepare for your garden for its winter sleep. Most people will start by cutting
everything back and pruning your plants as much as you can. Get rid of all the fallen or broken
leaves and put them in the bin. Make sure you till the soil during the fall season as well in
preparation for the harsh winter. Add some extra mulch to your perennials to keep them warm
during the cold season. It’s also a good idea to add some compost or manure to the soil.
If you want to expand your garden during the fall, the best plants to buy are bulbs. You can plant
them in the fall and they will blossom for spring. As soon as the dreary days are behind you and
the ice melts from the ground, your garden will sprout new beautiful bulbs in place. Fall is also
the best time to till any more soil if you plan on expanding your garden. Many people will wait
until spring but it’s a good idea to prep the area for the New Year in the fall.
Time for Spring
Spring and garden care go hand in hand. Most people will start their garden ritual as soon as
the winter days are behind them. Spring is the best time to get down and dirty, pulling and

pruning your plants. Spring is also the time to plant new flowers, especially annuals and
perennials. May is the best time for annual planting. Make sure you also fertilize during the
spring.
Summer of Garden Care
Summer is all about maintenance. This means you need to pull out the weeds that grow, cut off
the dead leaves, prune them back and constantly water your babies. Summer time is the best
time to spend in the garden. Most people will water once or twice a week, more during those
extra hot days. Add fertilizer to the watering mixture twice a month as well.
Garden care is not something that can be done sporadically. It will take some time and patience,
as well as trial and error, but, with the right garden care every season, your garden will continue
to blossom and grow every year.
Gardening for Thought: What to Consider when it Comes to Garden Care
Before you head to the garden centre with your credit card, ready to buy up a storm, you should
always have a brainstorming party in your head to determine what your goals, your limits and
your plans are for your garden.
Think about your Sense of Style
Gardening is an expression of you. Take your time when picking out flowers and do not be
afraid to ask for help when it comes to choosing the right plants for your backyard. When you
visit a garden centre, the staff will be able to answer any questions you have.
Try to pick flowers that will work with your personality. If you are bright and bubbly, choose
flowers that are the same. If you love order and structure, then look for a flower arrangement
that suits you. Consider your garden like another room in your house; get creative when
decorating and caring for your garden.
Think about your Backyard
The first thing you need to think about when it comes to your back yard (or front yard) is where
the garden would be best suited. Do you have kids that love to play soccer and may try to use
your garden as a goal net? Do you have a dog that adores digging, especially when the garden
is right beside his dog house? Think about where the sun sets and how much sun certain areas
get during the day.
Next, think about your outdoor décor. Try to pair your garden to the theme of your outdoor area.
If you can, match the flowers to the table patterns, the potted plant designs and the sun
umbrella style. This can be a great decorating challenge.
Think about your Lifestyle
Are you outside a lot during the spring and summer months or do you usually work long hours
and barely have enough energy to make dinner let alone tend to the plants on a daily basis? For

those who spend their evening relaxing at home, enjoying weekend barbeques and lounging on
the patio, it can be easy to simply incorporate a watering and fertilizing routine into your nightly
or morning habits. However, for those who work crazy hours, those who tend to forget easily
and those who do not have a daily routine, watering the plants may escape you and thus, may
cause your gardening hobby to flop.
Good Garden Care starts with Good Plants: What to Look for in Plant
Selection
Good garden care does not start with your green thumb (or lack thereof). Good garden care
starts with your plant selection. If you do not choose the right plants for your gardening situation,
then you are already selling yourself short and putting a halt to your gardening dreams.
· It all starts with the garden centre. You need to choose a well maintained high quality
garden centre that offers plenty of choice and quality plants. Look to see if the garden
centre has arranged the plants logically and labeled the various plants for a better
understanding. Garden centers are the Mecca of garden care and thus there should be a
variety of how-to-grow information, expected size, climate conditions and various tidbits
of information about every plant. Furthermore, a good garden centre should employ
knowledgeable, qualified and friendly staff who can help you out. And finally, garden
centers should look aesthetically pleasing. After all, they are the garden care experts
and thus their set up should be beautiful.
· Look for balanced, healthy looking growth with well colored leaves. This can be a good
indication that the plant is healthy. Leaves that are yellow, brown, stunted or slimy can
suggest a sign of insect infection, wilting, frost or other diseases.
· Don’t be fooled by color. Make sure you do not choose plants simply because they are
colorful and in bloom. This may be an indication that they are almost out of season.
Although a plant may be blooming in the store, it may not do the same in your garden.
Make sure you read the labels.
· Know your garden environment. Some plants thrive in shade; others must have sun to
survive. Think about your garden and how the sun/shade hits throughout the day. Some
of the sun-loving plants include perennial flowers and roses while shade-hoppers include
astible, hosta, cranesbill, columbine, foxgloves, bleeding heart and many more. The
seasons and climate preference should be on the labels.
· Check the roots. If it’s possible, check the plant’s roots by taking it out of the container.
There should be a good proportion of roots to soil. If there are too many roots with
weeds or moss around them, this is a good indication that it has been in the pot for a
long time and may not fare well in your backyard garden.

Herb Garden Care: Types, Tricks and Tips for Success
Looking for a fresh way to save on herbs, to spruce up your meals and to glorify your garden?
Why not add some herbs to your gardening mixture?
Types of Herbs for Herb Gardens
There are a variety of different herbs that are easy to grow at home and also helpful for
everyday household cooking and ailment cures. Herbs, like plants, are usually classified into
three different categories:
· Perennials- live for several years. These include catnip, chives, lavender, lemon, mint,
oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme.
· Annuals- grow for one season and must be planted each spring again. These include
bail, chamomile, cilantro, cumin, dill, fennel plus many more.
· Biennial- grows for two years and end at must be planted after the end of the second
season. This includes parsley.
What is needed for Herb Growth?
The first thing you need for successful herb growth is moderately rich soil with excellent
drainage. If you find that your soil does not have this, you might consider growing the hers in a
raised bed or containers.
Next, you will need the perfect planting position. This all comes down to your needs. What will
your herb garden be used for? If you plan of using the herbs for cooking purposes (and why
wouldn’t you), then consider planting your herb garden near the house, or at least within picking
distance. You do not want to have to trample through flowers in order to reach the chives.
Herbs prefer the sun so it’s important to also plant them somewhere where they will get sun for
at least six hours a day. The herbs that can handle shade include chives, cilantro, dill and mint;
however, most other herbs are sun lovers.
Herb Garden Care
Most herb gardens are fairly easy to tend to. In fact, more herbs can live on about an inch of
water per week. If your herbs are in a bed or a container, you will need to give them more water
than this as they tend to dry out faster.
Another thing to always be on the lookout for are insects. Although the beautiful smells that
herbs give off will usually repel any pests, they can still get attacked by insects such as aphids.
A common herb disease is powdery mildew which you should always be on the lookout for.
And finally, when it comes to herb garden care, make sure your kids know not to trample on
your garden. More importantly, make sure your dog, cat or other pets know that the herb garden
is off limits for eating, digging, urinating and any other doggy behavior.

How Not to Care for your Garden: Common Garden Care Mistakes to Avoid
Sometimes the best way to learn how to do something right is to learn how to do something
wrong. That’s why we have outlined four mistakes that gardeners make so you know what to
avoid in your own garden care endeavors.
· Till, Soil and Go: many people will work their butts off for one weekend in the spring,
bringing in soil, clearing away overgrowth and purchasing a nursery full of bright
beautiful plants. However, once the initial ground work has been laid and the flowers are
in place, they walk away. Gardening is not a weekend task; it is a fall, spring and
summer job that requires constant attention. You will need to keep your garden
maintained long after the planting has occurred. This may include watering, fertilizing,
tilling the soil, pruning back the large leaves and taking the necessary actions for
insects, pests and weeds.
· Too much Love: many people will also love their plants to death. Too much of a good
thing can always cause issues. Many people will devote too much time to watering and
fertilizing their plants which can cause them to become too wet. Too much wetness can
lead to growth problems, drowning, as well as fungal infections and diseases. Most
plants need to be watered twice or three times a week. When the days are really hot
during the summer, you may need to water them every day but that does not mean
dumping a bathtub full of water on them.
· The wrong plants for the wrong atmosphere: another big issue surrounding garden care
is to purchase and place plants in surroundings they are not suited for. Check to see if
your plants need sun or shade, water requirements, soil, fertilizer, etc. All of this
information should be located on the labels that come with the plants.
· Shopping blindfolded: it’s important that you do the required research when it comes to
garden care. Do not just go into a shop and pick the prettiest plants on the aisles. Most
plants that are in full bloom in the store are past their blossoming prime. Ask for
assistance, read the labels and consider your garden surroundings and environment for
successful plant growth. You can check online for the best plants for your garden
situation.

How to Choose and Maintain Annuals
Annuals are a popular choice when it comes to a backyard garden or outdoor area. This is
because they are easy to plant, straightforward to maintain and only last one season. For those
who like to switch it up every season, planting a few annuals in the spring will ensure a bright
and colorful summer.
Visiting the Nursery
Annuals can be planted anywhere and come in a variety of colors and types. All annuals will
have a tag that will help you determine the condition of growth best suited for your annual.
Annuals are great in flower beds, in potted plants, in rock gardens and anywhere else inside or
outside the house. Furthermore, they are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased from any
garden centre.
Annuals will come in small plastic containers, usually in a set of four to six. It’s best to choose
annuals that are little baby plants that have not bloomed yet. Check the tags to see when they
will bloom, what they need and what you can expect when you take your new little babies home
from the nursery.
Taking your Annuals Home
When you get your annuals home, it is time to plant them. Many people will plant their annuals
in potted gardens or in garden beds. A variety of annuals in a potted plant can really brighten up
your outdoor area. If you are planting you annuals in a garden bed, it’s best to add space
between each one.
Make a daily routine of checking on your annuals and watering them three times a week or
every day during those extra hot months. Add fertilizer to the water mixture two to four times a
month. It’s important to keep your annuals well watered throughout the summer and place them
in their best growing conditions. Some are made for the shade; some are made for the sun.
The End of the Season
All good things must come to an end and this is the case for annuals. Annuals are only meant to
last for one season so once they have blossomed and are starting to look a little worse for wear,
it’s time to take them to the compost. The good thing about annuals are, next year, you can start
the process all over again and choose a whole new set of beautiful flowers to highlight your
yard.

How to Make your Seedlings Grow
Growing a garden takes a lot of tender, loving care. Sure, it may not be as challenging as
growing a family, but you need to give your garden love and attention to ensure that those little
seedlings grown into something beautiful. The best way to ensure that your seedlings will
blossom into beautiful flowers and plants one day is to know what to look for:
· When you are starting a garden from seedlings, use propagation kits which can be found
at any garden or hardware stores. Most propagation kits come in a four or six pack and
are plastic. Consider the propagation kits the cribs for your little seedlings where they
can comfortably grow in a smaller space. If your propagation kits do not come with
drainage holes on the bottom, take a knife and poke some out yourself.
· Always read the instructions. Although many gardeners can go with their gut, it’s always
a good idea to follow the seed packet directions to ensure the best success. Seed
packet directions include timing, light, sowing depth, germination and growing
temperatures, all of which are important in the growing and nurturing stages of seed
development.
· Instead of using gardening soil right away, use a sterile seed starting mixture. Again, this
is like baby food for your little seedlings. You need to let them try the baby food before
they move onto solids. Sterile seed starting mix should be as moist as a wrung out
sponge for the best growth conditions.
· Lighting is important for the growth of baby seedlings. Make sure you keep them by a
bright window or a fluorescent tube (if you have it). Seedlings like to have sun for about
16 hours a day and shade for about 8 hours a day, just like humans.
· When you notice your seedlings sprouting leaves it’s time to give them fertilizer along
with their watering once a week.
· When your seedlings are ready to go outside, make sure you start them off slowly. Put
them in the shade first for about a half a day and let them gradually get used to the
outdoor environment. Do the same when it comes to sunny and windy areas in the yard.
This takes a lot of time and effort, not to mention movement, but, in the end, your little
seedlings will thank you. And it’s worth it.
How to Make Garden Care a Fun Filled Family Activity
Gardening is a great hobby for those who love the peace and quiet of outdoors. However, it can
also be a fun activity for the entire family. If you are looking for an outdoor activity this summer
that your whole family can get involved in, then why not start a family garden?
Pick Together

Head to the garden center together and stroll the aisles as a family. Let your kids all pick out a
few flowers that they want in the garden. Just make sure they are suitable for what you are
looking for. Kids tend to pick favorites and they will become devoted to ensuring that their
flowers of choice grow the best. Let everyone in the family have a few favorite plants to nurture
and care for. Plants are a lot easier to maintain, especially considering the alternative of a family
dog. A great gardening choice for summer is annuals which are fairly easy to plant and tend for
and only last for one season. After all, once September rolls around its back to school time, the
garden will most likely become your own responsibility.
Allocate Jobs
One of the best ways to get the kids involved (and away from that couch/internet/Xbox/etc) is to
give everyone a certain task in the garden. Of course, this will depend on the age of the kids.
You do not want to put your two year old in charge of weeding after all. Some great jobs for kids
include watering, pruning (if a little older), raking, empting the wheel barrow and fertilizing. Make
sure you also give your spouse a task all his own, perhaps like mowing the lawn, placing the
rocks or any of the more strenuous activities.
Reward the Hard Work
Sure, a beautiful garden should be reward enough but often kids want a more tangible reward.
Perhaps give in to the constant summer calls of the ice cream van and enjoy a cool treat in the
backyard overlooking your new beautiful garden. After a weekend in the garden, maybe a family
dinner and movie night is in order?
If you are looking for cheap, fun and easy ways to spend the summer with your family, then
gardening is a great way to bask in the summer sunshine, work together as a family, and enjoy
one another’s company for the entire season.
Winter Garden Care: How to Make Your Garden Last through the Tough Season
As soon as summer is over, you need to start preparing for another long and cold winter. This
means packing the kids back up to school, returning to a regular routine and putting the garden
to sleep for the winter. Your garden has enjoyed a long and bountiful spring and summer but
now that fall has rolled around, it’s time to put your garden to bed.
Most people think that spring and summer are garden seasons but, as gardeners know, fall is
just as important. Fall is the time to take extra special care to ensure your plants last for the
winter. Below is a checklist to ensure that you get everything done before the first snow falls.
· First of all, you need to take extra care with all your winter crops. If you have leeks, kale,
parsnip, Brussels sprouts or anything other winter crop, put an extra amount of mulch
around them. This will comfort and protect them through the colder months.
· Next, gather up all the leaves that have fallen in the last couple of weeks. Go through
your garden and pick up any dead vegetation and additional dead leaves and add them

to your compost bin. Take special care not to pick up any seeds in the process. They
should be left in your garden.
· Don’t forget about the weeds. Fall season is also the time to get rid of any access weeds
that have crawled into your garden. Many people will also get rid of any vines that have
taken over their garden as well, but others like to keep the vine for a more Christmassy
feel.
· You need to take extra special care of your soil during the colder climate. Till the soil to
start with and then add some compost to give it more nutrients. For those who are
thinking about expanding their garden, the fall season is also the time to till more ground
and prepare it for planting and harvesting in the spring. It is a lot easier to till the soil now
than after the frost. Furthermore, this will prepare your ground for garden season in the
New Year.
· Finally, don’t forget about your garden tools. They need to be cleaned and free of dirt
which can stick to the tools causing problems next year. Linseed oil can help keep your
wooden handle tools in good shape. Make sure you dry your tools after washing and
scrubbing them as the extra water can cause rust.
More than Just Plants: Garden Care for All Corners of Your Yard
Your garden is most likely your pride and joy of your front, back or side yard. It may be the
centerpiece, the first thing neighbors notice, or the patch of land that ties the whole house
together. Although making sure the flowers are watered, the soil is moist and the plants are
flourishing is very important when it comes to your garden care, you also need to think about
what the rest of your yard is doing to your garden. Proper garden care is not just about plants;
it’s about finding that feng Sui, that harmonious balance in your outdoor area.
Your Garden Theme
The first thing to consider when it comes to your garden and surrounding area is a theme. Of
course, a theme is not critical to any garden but it can be a fun way to tie in your furniture, your
outdoor décor and your garden plant choices.
For example, if you have a garden with a lot of blues, green and purples, then perhaps a tropical
themed outdoor area would be fun. Try funky Chinese lanterns as lighting and look for warm
greens and blues for your outdoor furniture. Lanterns and candles can really brighten up your
garden area and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Add to the tropical feel with
festive fruity colored drinks, Hawaiian print table clothes or a flower pattern picnic table set. All
of a sudden your garden is much more than just a Mecca of beautiful flowers; it is a backyard
holiday dream.
Accessorize
Another great way to spruce up your garden is to add other elements besides just plants. Check
out your local garden center for goofy little critters or beautiful Greek statues. A few happy little

frog statues in the garden can give your backyard a fun look. Greek statues or beautiful flowing
fountains can create a more whimsical romantic atmosphere.
Lawn and Fence Care
Finally, once you have the accessories, the garden and the furniture matching and in position,
you need to ensure that your fence and lawn are up to par. There is nothing worse than having
a beautiful backyard garden hidden behind weeds and overgrown grass. Make a habit out of
mowing the lawn once every week (or every two weeks). You can also consider coating your
deck or fence with a fresh set of paint or wood varnish which can make your backyard garden
really sparkle.
Must Have Garden Tools for the Proper Garden Care Year Round
Whether you are testing out your green thumb or have been in the hobby business of gardening
for many years, it’s important that you are using the right tools to prune, dig, water and
weed. If you are not, there is a good chance you are wasting a lot of time and effort and
your garden is not up to the standard you had hoped for.
Never fear. Below we’ve listed the top five must have garden tools for any bright and beautiful
garden.
Pruning shears: Pruning is an important part of the gardening process used for light shrub and
rose pruning as well as cutting back perennials and deadheading. Pruning shears provide
a clean cut that will not pinch the stems and are designed for plants. There are several
different types of pruning shears out there including lopping pruners and hand pruners.
Choose pruning shears that are designed for your flower bed and shrubbery. Lopping
pruners are usually best for thicker branches while hand pruners work best with smaller
plants and bushes.
A digging spade: Unless you have a dog that loves to dig exactly where you command him to,
then you are going to need a digging spade. Digging spades can actually make digging
fun as they take the place of using your fingers. Make sure you choose a digging spade
with a varnished hardwood handle for a more comfortable grip. Digging spades are best
used for loosening up hard dirt in your garden. Another option is a garden fork which can
lift out those extra tough soil spots.
A rake: leaves are bound to fall in the summer and they will not make an exception when it
comes to your garden. Garden rakes are pretty standard at any hardware or grocery store
and come in various styles and materials including plastic, steel and wood. Fall leave
cleanup is inevitable so why not make it fun by choosing a brightly colored rake in a flirty
red or purple?
A watering hose: finally, you are going to most certainly need a high quality garden hose. The
best garden hoses are those with at least four to six ply thickness. Try a watering wand
extension to project the perfect volume of water onto your garden.

Additional must-have gardening tools include a weeder, garden knife, hedge shears and a
wheelbarrow to help with the excess dirt, weeds and fallen leaves.
Preparing for a Garden: Things You Must Do
Garden care is not something you can simply pick up one day and start. You need the right
know-how, the right tools, and the right area to start with. Below we have listed some of the
things you need to consider before planting that first seed.
Get the Help You Need
First and foremost, do the research. You need to know what you are looking for depending on
where you want to plant your garden. Go to a garden center that is well staffed and equipped
with quality flowers. Most plants will come with a tag so you will know their name, their prime
conditions (sun or shade) and their maintenance program. However, ay trained staff member
can help you and the internet has several of helpful articles of choosing plants for your garden.
Some of the things to consider are as follows:
· Where do you want to have your garden?
· Can I afford the cost of tools, equipment, fertilizer and pesticide if the plants get
infected?
· Will your flowers be exposed to mostly sun, mostly shade, or a bit of both conditions?
· Do you want your flowers to blossom this season, or every year?
· How much work are you willing to put into your garden?
· Do you want an organic garden?
· What type of flowers will go best with my theme or style of house?
Put in the Time
A garden takes work, not only to start it, but also to maintain it. If you are starting from scratch,
you will need to put down soil, add rocks (or anything else), purchase manure, fertilizer and
garden tools and get down and dirty. Planting a garden may take more than one weekend.
However, after you have done the initial planting, the work is not done. You will need to
constantly water your plants, adding fertilizer whenever necessary. You will also need to prune
and tidy up your garden of any weeds, overgrown leaves or dead plants.
During the summer, some gardens will need watering every day, especially during those extra
hot July and August months. Furthermore, garden care should be done in spring, summer and
fall. If you only have a little time to spare in, say, the summer, stick to annuals which only last a

season. If you want your garden to blossom every year and are prepared for the extra work, try
perennials which will last several seasons.
Pros and Cons to Caring for a Garden: Is Gardening Right for You
Trying to decide if you should plant a garden in that empty space in your back yard? Or,
perhaps you are not cut out for the trials and tribulations on gardening and that space would be
much better suited to a basketball court, spa or outdoor shed. We’ve listed the pros and cons to
caring for any garden so you can know what you’re in for. Weigh the pros and cons based on
your lifestyle to determine if a garden is the right choice for your back or front yard.
The Pros to Garden Care
· It can brighten up your outdoor area- flowers brighten up any occasion. They are a must
as a wedding; they are great for cheering up your wife; and they look beautiful as a
centerpiece on any table. Flowers can also have this affect to your outdoor area. A
garden, either a rock garden, a bed garden or even potted plant gardens bring a sense
of color and nature to your otherwise average patio. Coordinate your flower choices
based on your outdoor furniture colors and themes.
· It can create a sense of pride- a nice garden says a lot about a person and you will most
likely be complimented by passerbyers, neighbors and your family. Your garden
becomes your baby and when it flourishes, so does your ego.
· It can be a quite peaceful and enjoyable hobby for anyone.
The Cons to Garden Care
· It can be frustrating. Gardening does not come naturally to everyone and thus many
gardeners will spend the next season re planting, re potting and trying again. Don’t get
discouraged if your garden isn’t perfect right away. It takes practice, patience and tender
loving care.
· It can be time consuming. Gardening is a hobby and like most hobbies, it takes time.
Gardening needs to be done in spring, summer and fall. You will need to prune, pick, till,
water, fertilize and plant as much or as little as needed.
· You will get dirty. For those who hate having dirty fingernails, perhaps gardening is not
for you.
· It can be expensive. Sure, garden care is not going to cost you as much as installing a
free in that spare backyard area but the tools, the soil, the flowers, the plants and the
sprays will add up, especially if you plan on growing different flowers every year.

So, You Want to Start a Garden? Garden Care 101
Having your very own garden can be a great feeling, especially when it looks great. A garden
can fill you with a sense of pride and can add beauty and value to your home. If you are
considering getting started on a garden in your back or front yard, consider these three things
before getting started:
Place
First of all, you need to look around your back yard, front yard, or side yard and decide on a
place to have a garden. You may need to set up some rocks, do a little weeding and bring in
some soil to get the ball rolling. The place you choose should be away from the line of fire of
trampling children or urinating pets. Try to pick a place that gets both sun and shade but is not
in the middle of your yard where it is hard to maneuver around. It’s best to start with a small
garden in the corner of your yard and work from there.
Time
Next, garden care takes time and effort. Most people will dedicate several hours to tilling,
planting, harvesting, watering, pruning and maintaining every season except for winter. You
need to be prepared to put in the work and have that extra hour a week to do so.
Theme
Finally, what kind of garden do you want? There are various garden varieties, all of which can
add an element of style to your outdoor area. Many people will choose to grow their own
vegetable or herb garden as a way to save on their weekly shopping. Some great garden
vegetables include beans, tomatoes, pumpkin, carrots and potatoes. Herb gardens can also be
handy as you can grow your own oregano, chives, cilantro, parsley and much more.
However, flower gardens are still the most popular. Many people will choose to plant flowers
that match their outdoor decorations and furniture. For example, if you have a swimming pool,
then blue flowers can match the water. Or, if you love the colorful reds and pinks, planting roses
may brighten up your outdoor area.
When it comes to flower gardens, most garden beginners will start out with annuals as they are
the easiest to take care of. You will need to water them twice a week and always consult the
directions and sales staff about what your flowers will need. While some flowers love the shade,
others need the sun. These things need to be taken into consideration when considering the
theme of your new garden.
The Best Conditions and Home Remedy Secrets to Rose Garden Care
Roses are one of the most popular choices when it comes to home gardens. And why not?
They are beautiful; they are romantic; and they smell divine. Furthermore, having your very own
rose bush allows you to save a small fortune each year on flowers for birthdays, graduations,
anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and those times when you need to say “I’m Sorry”. However,

roses are not the easiest flowers to grow. They are stubborn little things that need the utmost
care and the perfect garden environment. Here are some tips for caring for your rose bush and
making these beautiful flowers the highlight of your garden.
The Rose Conditions
Roses love the sun. And we mean they love it! Roses tend to grow best when they are in direct
sunlight for six hours a day, which means they should be placed in a warm spot in your garden.
They will also need good, well drained soil that is able to hold moisture. You should make sure
the soil is enriched with manure or compost among other natural fertilizers (see below). Roses
Roses also need a lot of water, especially when they are first planted. Make sure your roses can
a good, regular watering at least once a week. Roses need more than the occasional sprinkle.
The best time to water your roses is during the mornings which can prevent the risk if fungal
disease and flower damage.
It’s important to not only choose the right place for your rose bush, but also the right planting
conditions. New roses need a lot of watering and usually fare better when planted in the cool
moist conditions of spring or fall. As soon as the soil becomes workable and the breeze hits, it’s
a good idea to get out your gardening gloves and get to work on your roses.
The Rose Remedy
There are several home remedies and natural ingredients that can help keep your roses
growing beautifully. The next time you have a friend over for a cup of tea, keep the tea leaves or
the leftover drops and sprinkle them into the rose bush garden. You can place the leaves just
below the soil. Tea leaves are rich with nutrients that the roses will soak up.
Another option is to use your old coffee ground from your coffee machine. Instead of washing
the coffee grinds down the drain, head outside to the garden and sprinkle it on the soil around
the roses.
The Different Kinds of Plant Gardens and How to Care for Each Type
Garden care depends on what type of garden you have, or are planning to plant. Below we have
listed a few of the most popular flowers and types of gardens so you know what you can expect
and how to maintain your garden of choice throughout the year.
· Border garden: border gardens are usually placed on the ground, alongside a part of the
house or a pool. For example, the front of your house may have a border garden. Border
gardens tend to have perennial plants placed with the taller ones at the back and the
smaller ones at the front. Many people will also use ground covers (plants that grow
along the ground) to fill in the spots. Border gardens can brighten up your house and
also create a three dimensional garden feel for your visitors. Ground covers are a great
addition to border gardens because they can grow quickly and complete your garden in

no time. Many people will opt for roses in their border gardens in a variety of different
colors.
· Rock gardens: rock gardens are another popular choice for your front or backyard. Most
rock gardens will either have rocks surrounding the garden with plants inside, or rocks
spread throughout the garden. Either way, the combination of beautiful shrubs, dark
rocks and blossoming flowers can be add a delicate touch to any garden. When it comes
to rock gardens, you need a lot more soil as your flowers must grow around the rocks.
Make sure you spread your flowers out evenly around the rocks and give them plenty of
room to grow. Perennials are best for rock gardens as they come back every year.
· Potted/Container Gardens: another popular choice are potted plant gardens. Many
people will plant mini gardens in large pots or container around the house. Potted plant
gardens look great inside and outside and can brighten up your deck or patio area.
Potted plants are fairly easy to maintain. You will need to water them every day during
the summer with a watering can and add some fertilizer to the mix twice a month. Potted
plants can be annuals or perennials and look best when you choose various colored
flowers. You can plant several smaller plants in one pot or opt for a large plant per pot.
Try to match your potted plant designs to the color of the flowers, the décor of the
furniture, and the table placemats.
What Type of Garden are you Destined to Have?
Looking for the right garden to plant in your backyard but not sure about which type of garden
will suit your green thumb? Answer the multiple choice questions below to reveal your
gardening personality and which garden is right for you.
What are you looking for out of your garden?
· A few nice flowers placed around the front or back yard to brighten up afternoon
barbeques and family dinner parties outside
· An outdoor oasis
· A source of nutritional and delicious treats
· Something green and pretty
How Much Time can you dedicate to Your Garden?
· An hour or so a week, spring and summer, but mostly summer.
· As much as necessary. I’m in it for the long haul.
· A few hours a week.
· Maybe 5 minutes a week, if I remember.

What do you love about gardens?
· The atmosphere they give off- that summer spring feeling
· The vibrant colors and ability to grow so beautifully and that amazing smell of the
freshness
· The way they look
How Do You feel about Getting Dirty?
· I’m prefer not to, especially not on a daily basis
· I’m not against it
· If it’s for a good cause, I’m all in.
· Eww, dirt. No thanks.
The Results
· If you answered mostly A’s: annuals in potted plants or small garden beds will be the
best choice for you. Annuals only last for one season which is great for the spring and
summer. You can easily pot them around the patio in plants or in a small garden bed.
Water four times a week, fertilize twice a month and you’re done.
· If you answered mostly B’s: perennials and roses in large garden. You are in it for the
long haul which means you have the dedication and motivation to do whatever you want.
Perennials will last longer and roses will give you the challenge you are looking for.
· If you answered mostly C’s: vegetable and herb garden. Growing your own vegetable or
herb garden will give you a fresh and colorful garden as well as a great way to save on
produce weekly.
· If you answered mostly D’s: perhaps gardening is not for you. Instead of raising the
garden care bar too high, why not start with a few indoor plants or even a few fake plants
to brighten your indoor and outdoor living areas?
Top Nine Garden Care Tips from the Experts
Are you looking for a way to improve your outdoor garden and bring it up a level? How about
nine different ways? Then you’ve come to the right place.
· Your garden is only one part of your yard. To make your garden really stand out, make
sure your lawn is nicely mowed and landscaped and that you have the right outdoor
accessories to match your garden theme. Consider matching the various flowers to the
outdoor furniture patterns.

· Plants and flowers are as sensitive to smoke as humans so if you are a smoking
household, try to plant your garden away from your outdoor tobacco area.
· Plants need a rich moisture soil to survive and thrive. The soil should be able to retain
moisture but also not too wet. You need to find that happy sponge-like medium when it
comes to soil.
· If your soil is not performing the way you want it to, use manure or compost to even it
out.
· There are plenty of at-home remedies that act as excellent fertilizer for your garden. This
includes tea leaves, coffee grounds and banana peels. Instead of throwing these
materials into the garbage, head outside and sprinkle them in your garden.
· The easiest plants to grow and maintain are annuals. For beginning gardeners, start out
with annuals which can survive on about two watering days a week.
· All plants are different and have different growing environments. Make sure you always
read the label and follow the instructions when it comes to plant care and growth. It’s
important to provide the right watering and climate conditions for the various types of
plants. Plants, like people, can be very very picky.
· Your garden is only as good as the tools you possess; make sure you have the right
gardening tools for the jobs and take good care of them by washing them after each use.
Leaving dirt on your gardening tools can cause them to rust and need replacement much
faster.
· Finally, be aware of the dangers that come with gardening. Kids trampling, insects and
pests, harsh weather conditions and playful pets can all affect the growth of your garden.
Teach your kids that the garden is off limit for tag; train your dog and cat to do their
business elsewhere; and be aware of the various pests and insects that can harm your
plants.