Any garden or backyard flowerbed needs good soil to give the gardens and floral display a lush and hardy look.

photo credit: doug_wertman

And if you are using raised bed techniques you often create most of your soil. So knowing how to identify your soil and make it healthier will benefit your overall garden and gardening experience.

The following you tube will show you more about good soil.

I tend to use lasagna gardening methods for soil. That is building the soil up on top of the soil. I don’t have to dig this way and I know my soil is health and will drain well.

I started using this method because I did not have a way to dig my garden and I had a lot of excess materials that could be composted.

Even if your backyard does not have a garden or flowerbed you often have shrubs, trees and areas that just may need additional soil.  Knowing good soil will help these areas. And if you have a small compost bin you can make your own soil or fill your own flower baskets and planters.

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Natural stone pebbles are becoming very popular in homes and the backyard because of their wide range of colors, uses and to simplify gardening. Larger pebbles or rocks can be stacked as garden art by ponds or in gardens. (If you have small children you may not want to do this)

photo credit: jerseygal2009

It also makes for a fun relaxing day picking out pebbles from a store or collecting them from a beach. When I comb the beaches for pebbles I also like to mix a few pieces of washed glass into my pebble projects. Here are a few ideas for use in your own home.

Decorative Pots

Place pebbles around the top of a potted plant can make indoor plants more attractive. This also helps to keep the soil from developing rust. You can use a decorative ceramic pot as well and select the pebbles to compliment or contrast the colors. The pebbles and pot you choose should help focus your eye on the plant.

One other use for pebbles is to fill a larger dish or tray with pebbles and place the container on the pebbles. Also add a small tea candle or shorter candle far enough away from the plant that the heat will not hurt any foliage. At night light the candles for added atmosphere.

Vases

Pebbles are also very effective used in the bottom of vases. Glass vases in particular look superb with some colored natural stone in the bottom or the glass pebbles used in crafting. The pebble base will help hold the arranged flowers in place. Decorative vases make great table decorations for dinner parties. And by changing the vase, pebbles and flowers you will always have a fresh new look for the patio, balcony, garden area or indoors.

Japanese Gardens

Japanese Gardens are very popular and easy to maintain. They are known for their peacefulness and tranquillity. This style of garden uses specific plants as well as rocks and water to create this effect.

photo credit: infomatique

Japanese  gardens can be small in scale and are incorporated into an overall garden design rather than being the whole garden. Many Japanese mini gardens are the size of a table top and can be moved indoors or out. These gardens are wonderful for apartments and garden rooms. This is also a garden that can be easily changed.

Pebbles add color, interest and change to your garden areas. This is particularly beneficial to the gardener with small space who needs to make as much use out of what space is available.

Part two of Pebble Projects for the backyard will follow in a few days.

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