Looking for ways to improve your backyard? You’ve got a world of possibility at your fingertips. Backyards can come in all sorts of shapes, styles and designs, and the best options for you will depend entirely on your individual preferences and interests. Do you have that one section of your yard… you know, the one that the sprinklers never seem to reach, that might be mostly out of sight, but because it’s not used, it has this neglected, bare look? Or even worse, it tends to gather clutter? Well, have you ever thought that patch could be turned into an amazing feature in your yard?
Read MoreTag: gardening
Blue Skies & Spring Blossoms
Last year in my neighborhood I discovered a beautiful small tree with spring white blossoms. I shared it in a post on March 7th. I talked to the home owner, and he didn’t know the name of the tree. It was a gift from his uncle a few years ago. I studied the size, shape, and blossoms of the tree and I believe it is a large azalea grown as a tree.
University of Florida
This last week I’ve gone to see the tree’s blossoms 3 times. The skies are blue and the white blossoms are beautiful against the sky.
Spring Arrives in Central Florida
Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. Amaryllis flower in the late winter through early spring in central Florida.
For several weeks central Florida kept getting cold spells as storms crossed the country. Not cold like up north but below our average for winter. I wasn’t out seeing the neighborhood or noticing neighbor’s gardens. This last weekend it warmed up and I’ve been riding and going out in the car a lot this last week.
Read More
Smart Ways To Garden on A Budget
Not everyone has the money to hire an expensive landscaper to create their dream garden. I do believe it is possible to create a beautiful garden on a budget over time. Today I’d like to discuss several ways to garden frugally. In my post Gardening Tips for Beginners I suggest basic steps to help you create a garden that you love. Let’s look at ways to garden cheaply.
The Benefits of Gardening For Your Health & Mind
I know what you’re probably thinking. Why is she writing about gardening in December? You might have snow on the ground and are not in mood to think about the outside garden. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t remember what gardening adds to our lives and consider small gardening in the home this winter. You probably know that the benefits of gardening are numerous and include health, happiness, economy, and more. Studies have shown that spending time in nature is good for the soul and helps to relieve stress. It also has been proven to lower blood pressure. Gardening is a great way to get in shape and stay healthy. It can also save you money by allowing you to grow your vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seedlings instead of purchasing them at the store all year round. Today let’s let at how we can benefit this December and the next few months even if we only have a few houseplants.
Fighting Bugs in the Fall Garden
It’s fall and with the crisp air comes a time to relax and forget about the garden. Or can you? You might not be able to see them, but those garden pests you battled all summer are still lurking, waiting to ruin your plants next spring. All of those obnoxious insects that have bugged you all summer are starting to disappear as the days and nights get cold. Many of those garden pests are still around. They have laid their eggs in your lovely dark, rich top soil and are settling down for a long winter’s nap. Fall is the best time for you to get a handle on insects in your garden. You’ll be glad you did when spring rolls around.
LIghting Ideas For The Garden
There’s nothing quite like a beautiful garden at night. The stars twinkle overhead, and you can see your way to the front door with ease – but what is it about this sight that makes it so unique? Well, there are a few things. Of course, you might have great outdoor lighting already in place for safety reasons, but if you’re looking for more of an aesthetic touch, then here are some ideas on how to light up your garden beautifully.
Read More
July Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. Amaryllis flower in the late winter through early spring in central Florida.
I’ve shared multiple posts this year on my amazing white amaryllis which has flowered multiple times this summer. Right before Independence Day, my big white amaryllis produced a huge new stalk with 4 buds. I captured these photos before the winds and rain from the tropical storm Elsa bent the stalk with the open flowers to the ground. I cut the flowers for a bouquet I shared with Amaryllis & Anthurium. It is amazing to have spring flowers so late but I am not complaining – I would be thrilled if amaryllis bloomed all summer. It would be like having your tulips bloom in July!