More Ideas About TreesDo you give much thought to adding trees and shrubs to your property? In my experience it has almost been an obsession that influenced my life early on, even though I really didn't "need" another tree at any time. When I look back over the years it seems my thoughts sometimes turned to questions of "What if," "What kind," and "How many." Now I find myself asking, "Are we done yet"?
An Ever-Changing LandscapeWhen I was young (as in much young-er), it never occurred to me that the vast "hand-managed" landscape that I call "my yard" would ever become a thing of constant change. Looking back at old pictures reminds me of how trees, plants and grasses are living, ever-evolving things! Now that I've "arrived" at the threshold of "age and wisdom", I find that hindsight clearly is more revealing and accurate than foresight! I had previously written an article titled: "Some Thoughts On Garden Planning," which dealt primarily with managing volume, size, and workloads in gardening. This article involves primarily trees and the "involuntary" or "natural" events that can affect them. Whether we are city or country dwellers, we are sometimes faced with tough decisions concerning them.
Some Thoughts on Garden PlanningWhen it comes to garden planning (and planting), I can only speak for myself. I try to use self-discipline when it comes to managing the yards and gardens; and what is to be grown there, planted there, and removed from there. Also I think about what will save time, money, and work. With each passing year I give careful consideration to each of these, especially the "work" part!
Harvesting in Autumn: Storing for WinterMy memories of the years when I was a young lad are full of scenes relating to autumn harvests of staple foods from the fields and gardens. It was considered wasteful, even sinful, back then not to plan ahead and prepare for the coming winter months. This activity began in the mid-summer months, but it accelerated rapidly as we moved into late summer and early fall.
How Does Your Garden Grow?Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockleshells and pretty maids all in a row. (All smiling, of course.) This old nursery rhyme leads us to believe there was an orderly garden decked out in flowers and pretty maidens lined up in a row! But, read on for a different train of thought.
Asparagus, a Spring DelicacyLike asparagus? Try it fresh cut from the garden. You will find the flavor and texture far better than supermarket choices. A few easy steps will place this wonderful vegetable on your table in no time at all!
Growing Irises in Spite of BorersIris gardeners encounter many natural enemies of iris plants, such as leaf spot, soft rot, mold, and bacterial infections, but how much do we know about iris borers?
Benefits of MulchingMulch has many benefits when applied to certain perennials, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. In nature, mulch is formed and supplied generously by means of decaying plant litter, falling leaves and pine needles, and rotting trees. In the garden, we must help.
