Reblooming Lilacs will add color to your backyard

 backyard oasis  No Responses »
Feb 032011
 

Lilacs have been a staple in many landscapes for generations. Often time driving through the country you will see the stray lilac in a field, the only remaining landmark of a homestead. Just up the road from my house there is a group of lilacs planted in a field to mark an Indian battlefield.

One the country road I grew up on, every house had at least one lilac tree. Spring had arrived when the lilacs bloomed. But this was the problem. Lilacs bloomed in the spring and then they silently blended into the backyard.

Now there are three varieties of Lilac’s that rebloom again during the same year. They do not bloom with the same exuberance of the first bloom display. But you will be able to enjoy the fragrance and color of the lilac for a longer period.

Lilacs such as the ‘Josee’ will bloom intermittently throughout the growing season after the first early bloom. It is considered a dwarf lilac and will grow 4 to 6 foot tall and about 5 foot in diameter. It will grow in zones 2 through 9.

The Josee has the capacity to rebloom 3 to 4 times per year if the summer is warm and long. It has even flowered as late as October in some cases. To improve the bloom capacity, remove the faded flowers as soon as they dry up. Shearing the plant each year will improve branching and stimulate new growth.

The Bloomerang is another reblooming dwarf lilac. It does not have as many blooms as the Josee but still will add color to the landscape. It also grows in zones 2 through 9.

The advantages of the smaller lilac are that they will work better in a small landscape design, or as a focal point in a small garden area. Have small leaves they would also work well near a pool or pond.

The Superba Littleleaf lilac is a little larger lilac that will rebloom in late summer or early fall.

Lilacs are traditionally large shrubs that can reach 20 feet tall and tends to spread outward with age. The above-mentioned cultivars are smaller and are more compact.
Lilacs can become quite dense so they are often used as a loose hedge or as a screening plant. With their seasonal flowering its best if you want a colorful yard to add flowers near the shrub base or garden art to add interest and texture.

Posted by Denise at 11:33 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Create a Holiday Window Box

 backyard oasis  1 Response »
Dec 062010
 

Window boxes will brighten up a home all year, even in the colder climates. So as you decorate for Christmas and the new year – don’t forget the window boxes. Besides giving your windows a fresh look, cleaning out the old box will help keep  mildew, mold and insects from overwintering in stale soil.

First remove any old dirt and add it to a compost pile or garbage can to recycle for next year’s soil mixes. Clean the window box with soapy water and let dry. If you feel it needs a new paint job, this is the time to do so.

Depending on your climate your window box may be indoors or out. Mine will be indoors.

P Start by putting a potted rosemary plant in the center of the window box. Note: You may need to use floral foam to adjust the height of any of the plants. You want the potted plants you are adding to set one inch below the window box edge.

Next place a potted ivy plant halfway between the rosemary pot and the end of the window box. Place another ivy plant on the opposite side of the window box. Adjust the ivy so that it “drapes” down the front of the window box.

Pack floral foam tightly around and between the potted plants until the window box is full to within 1 inch of the top of the box.

Push evergreen cuttings that you have gathered from your yard or trimmed off your Christmas tree down into the floral foam. Cover the foam around the potted plants. You may want to treat the evergreen cuttings with anti-desiccant before using. This will keep the pine fresher and make them last longer.

Push some of the cuttings in perpendicular to the surface of the foam. You are trying to fill the box but so in a natural look that is pleasing to the eye. Remember that they should not be as tall as the rosemary plant.

Push some of the cuttings in at an angle so that they will overhang the front of the window box and adjust the ivy vines so that they’re on top of the evergreens.

If you want to add Christmas decorations to the window box attach the decorations to floral stick and add them to the box until you have a pleasing arrangement. When you are pleased with the look push the picks firmly into the foam. An arrangement such as this usually looks best if it is balanced on both sides.

Tips:

  1. You may want to add outdoor Christmas lights to your window box for more sparkle.
  2. A bow will add a more festive look
  3. If December’s weather is below freezing you may want to substitute a small, artificial Christmas tree for the rosemary topiary and use artificial ivy.

I keep my window boxes indoors in a window. They still add color to the outdoors and indoors as well. In my cold season window boxes do better indoors or on a patio.

Posted by Denise at 9:57 pm  

Winterize your Backyard Landscape plants

 backyard oasis  No Responses »
Dec 042010
 

The foliage and roots of trees, shrubs and plants can be damaged by extreme cold and even lead to the death of your plants. And often the plant may not die but may need trimming to remove the dead parts or it will grow slowly for several years while recuperating.

This can be discouraging after spending time and money grooming your landscape and creating a backyard retreat. Plan ahead to help protect your plants and keep them healthy during the cold winter season.

  • Create a donut shape of mulch around your plant. This acts as a circle of protection for the roots. In the fall it’s quite easy to find leaves, pine needles or composted straw for mulching.
  • Keep mulch 1 or 2 inches away from the trunk of the tree. If you place the mulch directly up to the tree it can cause problems for the tree trunk and bark. Place the mulch 2 to 3 inches deep.
  • Cover any broad-leaf plants. Start by driving four stakes into the ground surrounding the plant. Make sure the stakes are at least 6 inches from the plant. Your plants need room and you also want to make sure not to stake into the roots.
  • Place breathable cloth over the stakes and ensure that no leaves on the branches of the plant come in contact with the sheet. To easily do this I use a wire cage I have created from old recycled window screens or old netted fencing. If your plant comes in contact with the cold fabric frost damage may still occur.
  • Remove cloth coverings from your plants as soon as the weather warms up. Leave the stakes in the ground in case the weather turns cold unexpectedly. I keep covers close by just ion case I need them for a cold night.

Plant care tips:

Remove damaged or dead branches from your tree during cold weather. This helps to relieve stress on the tree. It will also lead to a healthier, more vital tree.

Mulch may block moisture from reaching the roots of your plant. I water the area well before I apply the mulch and water the plant regularly before the cold set in to stay. If you live in a warmer area, check moisture levels at least once a month, even in the dead of winter. Where I live, unless we are having a warm winter, this is not necessary.

Do not use plastics to cover your plants. Plastic may cause a slight greenhouse effect inside the covering. This will make the temperatures inside the covering change between hot and cold sporadically, damaging your plant.

With a little planning and care your landscaping plants will survive cold temperatures and add beauty to the lawn for years to come.

Posted by Denise at 1:36 am  Tagged with: , , , ,

Growing tips for the indoor Norfolk Pine

 backyard oasis  No Responses »
Nov 272010
 

Potted Christmas trees are quite popular as an alternative to cutting a live tree for Christmas and using it for a few weeks. A potted tree is a way to practice green living and brighten your home, patio or yard for years to come.

The Norfolk pine tree variety is a perfect choice for indoor areas and for a Christmas tree. Your Norfolk pine tree is suited to growing indoors as a houseplant and can used each year for the holidays and become one of the family traditions.

They can be set out on the patio or balcony areas in the warmer seasons and grow equally as well.

If you use your indoor pine for holiday decor, do not leave ornaments on the tree for more than a few days to prevent damage. Also use lightweight ornaments that will not pull down the branches. The same policy of using lights on a tree sparingly also applies. You do not want to damage the tender needles on the pine.

Growing tips for the indoor Norfolk pine

  1. Norfolk pine trees crave moisture. Check the soil regularly and use mulch on the top of the soil or pebbles to help retain moisture.
  2. On dry, winter days your Norfolk pine tree will benefit from misting. A light misting of water daily will help to prevent browning of the needles. You may want to Consider using a humidifier if air is especially dry.
  3. This pine variety grows best with a blend of three parts peat to one part sand. If the pine tends to leaning or is loose in the soil, it should be staked.
  4. Norfolk pines also prefer a slightly acidic soil and bright light.
  5. This pine can grow 3 to 5 inches a year with the right growing conditions. And will live over 50 years indoors if they receive proper care.
  6. Prune off any damaged or broken branches to keep the plant attractive and disease free.
  7. Repot every few years and keep the soil fresh

For seasonal use or as an attractive and practical indoor plant you may want to consider growing the Norfolk pine. Add a few plants in containers near this plant and you can easily create a tropical indoor garden that is easy to care for and that creates a relaxing atmosphere.

Posted by Denise at 2:24 am  Tagged with: , , , ,

Ideas for Fall Backyard decorating and Parties

 backyard oasis  No Responses »
Oct 102010
 

Pumpkins add that fall festive feeling to your home, gardens and family gatherings or parties.  Pumpkins grow in every shape and size. They even grow in a white luminous color. By decorating them, arranging them or adding other fall produce and decorations with them you can create a fresh new look for any occasion or backyard party.

Here are twelve ideas that you may use or may inspire other decorating ideas.

  1. Create a fall centerpiece for indoor parties. You can use pie pumpkins or mini pumpkins to save room on a table.  Create a small centerpiece of each room, the patio, porch or balcony area.
  2. Small mini pumpkins make great candlestick holders. Add fall leaves and acorns around the pumpkin for more of a fall feel.
  3. A pie pumpkin hollowed out will hold flowers. Fall mums would look natural and very festive.
  4. Paint your pumpkins to match your décor. This is a great idea if your children want a pumpkin in their room. They can decorate it in their favorite colors or relating to a hobby.
  5. Use decorative ribbon and hot glue it around your pumpkins. A spray of fresh flowers or artificial flowers will also add to the arrangement.
  6. Use small mini pumpkins as a nametag for dinner parties. Use a marker and add the name and a few leaves and flowers near the pumpkin.
  7. Use a cookie cutter and cut out shapes in your pumpkin. Then you can illuminate these cutouts with votive candles.
  8. If you can find a corer to cut out the same size hole or an exacto knife, cut in a pattern around the girth of the pumpkin. A swirl design, simple wave around the pumpkin or a pattern created by holes the same size will create an interesting and easy luminary design.  For a mass amount of light to be let out, put holes randomly all over the outside of the pumpkin.
  9. Spray some glue on your pumpkin and cover it in glitter! This adds a festive look to any party, particularly if you have added a pattern or holes for a lighted luminary.
  10. Paint your pumpkin in a color that will serve as your base color. I find red and yellow to have a striking look. Then find some fall leaves, place it up against your pumpkin and spray different color on top. If you add shading to the leaves you will create a 3-d look.
  11. Get a start on winter decor, paint your pumpkin white, the crown and stem of the pumpkin black and decorate it like the head of a snowman! Stack 2 different sized pumpkins on top of each other for a true snowman look.
  12. Use any other gourd or squash to create a fall harvest look. This is particularly nice on a porch or in the front yard. The addition of a bale of hay or corn stalks will add to the display.

Pumpkins lend themselves to fall and holiday decorating. By using pumpkins, natural objects, flowers or paint you can create any feeling or match any décor or easily create a party theme.

Posted by Denise at 11:41 am  Tagged with: , , , , ,
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