How to Create a Holding Bed for Plants

 backyard projects  No Responses »
Sep 062009
 

At this time of year it’s easy to find free or cheap plants. Many nurseries are downsizing their plant inventory so they don’t have to over-winter shrubs, trees and plants. orchid
Creative Commons License photo credit: steve conry

You may also need to move plants quickly such as I need to do and when that is the case you need a holding bed to put any plants in to keep them healthy until you can plant them.

I had to move all my plants out of my front raised bed area and find perennials that were moved when a hillside garden was washed out in a flood we had this summer. So all told,  I had at least11 perennials varieties to move. The perennial groups were large so its fair to say I had over 175 plants that need to be planted as soon as possible.

Creating a holding bed for plants

So I took two large 10-inch posts measuring 10 foot in length and laid them parallel with a three-foot distance in between. I used two bales of straw on the bottom, 10 buckets of rotted sawdust, 5 bags of rotted leaves (referred to as leaf mold) and about 4 wheel barrels of dirt (yes dirt, not soil). I added a little compost on top and put the plants in.

Once the plants were in I watered them and then covered the mixture with grass clippings to help retain moisture.

This should hold the plants until I can get them in their new home – two weeks at the most. I will water them again tomorrow and then leave them alone for a week.

Tip: The plants will determine the depth of your holding bed. Shallow rooted plants need less depth while shrubs or trees will need more depth.

I set up the temporary holding bed in a semi shady area so the plants should do well and not suffer in direct sun.

To make a quick holding bed any large wood boards or beams should work. Dresser drawers and old crates will also work. And I have seen hay bales used too.

As long as you can create a temporary raised garden bed area anything that will hold soil will work.
Plenty of flowers
Creative Commons License photo credit: lepiaf.geo (back on 8th)
All you are doing is creating an area where you can hold plants for a few weeks until you plant them in their new garden location. You need a soil mix that the plants can live in, water and to place them in the ground and not disturb then until you are ready to plant them again.

I have used temporary holding beds many times in the past. It has saved plants and been a big help when I find plants, trade plants or have to move a large amount of plants quickly.

Posted by Denise at 11:39 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Add a Deck to your Backyard or Home

 backyard projects  3 Responses »
Aug 052009
 

Adding a deck to your backyard, home or pool is a major decision and plans must be carefully laid out to make the deck and flow of the yard compliment each other. Safety and cost are also concerns. Hot pink geraniums—yaaay!
Creative Commons License photo credit: EraPhernalia Vintage (way behind. sorry!)

I have always wanted a deck and this year I found the plans that worked well with the house. I wanted a deck that would replace the 1960’s metal rook over the patio area. The deck is on the second floor and just off the dining area of the house.

By adding a deck I increased the living area by adding a usable area that is 15 foot by 25 foot. And the sliding patio doors add more light in the dining room and help blend the indoor space with the outdoor space. It’s a perfect entertaining area that extends the use of the outdoors area by several months.

I also wrapped the deck around the back of the house as a walkway. This helps me to get to the windows and wash them more easily. Deck porch boxes have been placed along the walkway deck rails for more color and that backyard oasis feel that makes the home more relaxing and inviting.

And being garden addicted I have a small container garden, complete with two small tress and a few trellises for color and shade. I now need to add a small corner water fountain to complete a relaxing atmosphere. 00024
Creative Commons License photo credit: ethanmauldin

I also made sure when planning the deck that is pet safe and child safe. I do have pets and may have family that will visit so preventative measures are always best for safety. My deck sets 15 foot off the ground so the deck has rails with a brick brack filler and gates for the stairs leading the to backyard that lock.

Better homes and Gardens has a deck mini course that covers the planning process of making a deck, installation and how to ideas, and how to finish a deck.

Photos are included and there are great ideas on how to personalize the deck to fit you and your families needs.

I read all the topics and each had valuable information for my deck design and ideas.  I enjoyed these following links from the Better Homes and Gardens deck mini course

Deck Building Ideas

Planning a delightful Deck

Deck Planters with Trellis

Design the Perfect Deck or Patio

The deck has added a great place for watching the sun rise in the morning and to entertain. It’s probably one of the best investments I have added to the home in years.

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

Build a Shabby Chic Garden Gate using Old Windows

 backyard projects  No Responses »
May 172009
 

I’m always looking for something a little different for my backyard garden oasis. And it’s challenging to find or make unique and artistic garden pieces. Worn...torn....and still strong
Creative Commons License photo credit: faeryboots

I have an area just off the patio that needs redone and a unique garden gate seemed to be what I needed. After a weekend of sales and a few “salvaging finds,” I found several unique free windows that would be perfect. The windows I chose to use for this garden gate had old wooden panes but no glass.

You could use window with glass, screen, lattice or nothing in them at all. You could also add mirror or weather proof fabric. This is a versatile project that is only limited by your ideas.

This window garden gate took about one hour to assemble from start to finish.

How to Create a Window Garden Gate

  • First decide the location for your garden gates. Next measure the width of the windows to figure how big your opening is going to be.
  • Dig holes deep enough to install your side poles. For this step a post hole digger would be helpful.
  • Place each pole into a hole. Hold the poles up straight and pack the dirt around the pole and tamp in place. Saw off any excess length for the side poles. I prefer to use a quick crete mix for refilling the postholes to ensure that they will stay in place.
  • Make sure your poles are level by using a using a leveling tool. If you are going to add cement or quick crete make sure the poles are level and straight first. Once this step is done its time to add the window garden gates.
  • Mark each pole at the spot you have decided to place the windows. Make sure the mark on each pole is identical so that the gate will hang even.
  • For the size window I am using (about three foot) I Will use two hinges on each window. When deciding where to put the hinges make sure they are even lengths apart on each window to help distribute the weight of the gate evenly.
  • Install the hinges on the windows first using a screwdriver. I use an electrical screwdriver; it’s faster and easier.
  • Hang each window door at the spot you want them to hang on your poles. It is extremely important to make sure that your windows are hung level or they will not close correctly.
  • Add a latch if you want.

This gate is mainly for show in my small patio garden area. I plan to add flowering vines to the poles and let them cross over onto the window gate area. Next year I may decide to fill in the window panes for a different look and use it as more of a garden gate.

Posted by Denise at 7:23 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Raised Bed Garden Project

 backyard projects  No Responses »
Apr 152009
 

Raised bed gardening is easy to maintain and easy on your back. Another useful purpose for the raised bed gardens is that it can make use of poor soil locations and out of the way place in the backyard that receive enough sunlight for a garden but may have poor soil or be so uneven that it creates problems. Small Yellow
Creative Commons License photo credit: faungg

This you tube has a very easy to assemble raised bed plan. It cans easily be adapted in width and length to fit into your backyard, which can be helpful if you are working with small space design for that small yard. Notice the nice raised beds that are located on the deck. It adds beauty to the deck and makes use of valuable space.

One other reason I really enjoy raised beds is that they are easy to attach framed to for growing crops in cold weather. You can also attach trellises or posts to the side to let plants grow vertical which will also save space in the garden areas.

Posted by Denise at 11:04 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,

Backyard Projects

 backyard projects  3 Responses »
Feb 162009
 

Backyard projects can be large or small and can be done by yourself or you may need to hire help to get the project done right. By looking at your yard and planning your project on paper you will be able to decide if your project is manageable or if help is required.

Here are a few suggestions for whichever direction you decide to take for your backyard projects.

When to hire help for you backyard project.

  • When electrical lines or other service lines are involved.
  • If you need a large amount of dirt moved or the ground redesigned or graded
  • For drainage problems
  • When the project is large and involves several different projects
  • Anytime you feel uncomfortable. Remember the backyard is for enjoyment – not irritation.

Backyard projects need to be planned and done properly so that they will be enjoyed for years. Depending on what the project is, it may add value to your property. So take time in planning your backyard design and set it up the proper way.

Questions and concerns when hiring a company.

  • Check references. And ask for more than three.
  • Check to see if there have been any complaints against the company.
  • Hire locally if possible. They are easier to communicate with if there are problems and more willing to correct any problems.
  • Check with several companies for the best price and job references.
  • Plan your project before hand so you can communicate with the company and workers.
  • Have everything in writing.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Backyard Projects

Many projects can be done by yourself, family or with the help of friends. And backyard projects can be a fun learning project for everyone involved. Backyard projects can be as easy as setting up a raised bed garden or be as challenging as installing a patio floor or deck.

Smaller projects like designing a butterfly garden or painting birdhouses and setting them out can include the smallest family member. This project will only take a few hours. Other projects may take a few weeks and need more planning.

Planning a DIY backyard Project

  • How much time and money will be involved
  • Will you be able to use supplies you have or will you be purchasing items?
  • Have a plan! With out a plan or design you will have problems and your project will take more time. Plans can be found online or in gardening magazines.
  • If possible make it a family project. You will have lasting memories of the day
    Creative Commons License photo credit: michale

The main purpose of a backyard project is to add more enjoyment to your backyard and make it more of a backyard oasis for your friends and family to enjoy. With proper planning and design your project will add pleasure to your yard for many years.

Stop back in at the  Backyard Oasis to check on DIY projects that will be posted. These projects  will add beauty to your yard and home.

Posted by Denise at 12:56 pm  Tagged with:
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