Fall Is On It's Way

Hopefully everyone that gardens is having a good harvest. The leaves are just starting to change on a few trees around here. Every year I learn more about what grows good and what I need to start earlier or not at all. A lot of us had a hard time with tomatoes this year. To much rain & not enough warm. I managed to save a few plants, hopefully next year will be better.
Now is when I start thinking about Halloween...my favorite holiday. I say it's the one day a year when I know who is trying to be something they're not. Any ideas on a creative but easy costume?

Gardening Tip

While looking through a gardening magazine I found a wonderful way to make tomato cages by taking some horse fence wire (the kind with the big holes) and wiring it together to make the cages. The cages are tall, can be made as wide as you like and really support the plants, they work great!

Summer Has Arrived!

This years summer in the Northeast has been a little rainy, good for my veggie garden, bad for biting insects. I got out some torches this weekend, that seams to help some. I also sprayed my deck & lawn with some watered down dollar store mouth wash, that seams to help also. Any other ideas would be appreciated. The roses on my fence are about to bloom thousands of little dark pink blooms for a couple of weeks a year.

Garden Tip
I save egg shells and sprinkle them around my rose bushes and my veggie garden for the protein. I've also been told garden slugs don't like to crawl over them.

Decorating Your Garden

Spring, it's time to start sprucing up your yard, garden, deck, porch or veranda. It's the time we start spending more time relaxing, planting, gardening and entertaining outdoors.

One of the easiest things you can do to revamp your old flower pots is to collect any old paint you have stored away, a few sponges, or scrap material and start dabbing it on the pots. It will match your color pallet and look great placed around any garden furniture, or your front porch swing.

I've started doing all the prep work for planting, I've dug out my trusty garden tools and started weeding, spreading seed and once again started on my yearly fight to overpower the dandelions before they take over. I also have wild violets, at first I thought they were pretty but I've found that if you give them a inch... they spread to everyone's yard.

Last weekend was spent getting my veggie garden planted. It's a lot of work, but it's fun watching everything grow. It's been raining a lot & cold so I've had to cover the pepper plants I planted a couple of nights. The cucumbers and tomatoes I planted look a little worse for wear because of the weather, I'd hate to have to replant them all. I hope it warms up soon.

I spent a good part of this weekend working on flowerbeds, potted plants and weeding. I took some old glass stones I had from a fish tank and sprinkled them in my walk way flower bed. A friend stopped by and likes how they look, I wouldn't be surprised to see some in her garden soon. C

Porch Swings
On a porch, deck or in a garden, kids and adults all love to swing, at least the ones I know do. When I entertain someone usually heads for my front porch. My porch swing is relaxing for the adults and a way for the kids to play. It's one of my favorite ways to unwind after a long day.

Garden Benches
One of the best ways to bring comfort and relaxation to your outdoor living space. Benches are a excellent place for friends to gather when entertaining, and they add a restful air to any garden.

Sundials
One of my favorite all time decorations. Whether it's the old stone one at the park in my town or the small one in my friends garden. I get a sense of peace and eternity when looking at them.

Garden Tip
• Planting dill spice around tomato plants can help keep certain bugs and worms from attacking them. Healthier plants should produce more fruit.

Water Fountains
I especially like the 3 tier acorn fountains. I think they are a cool addition to a garden and just watching the water sparkle down is very relaxing and refreshing on a hot summer day.

Bird Baths
Look beautiful and enhance any garden or yard. A bird bath can be a wonderful way to draw birds for your enjoyment and viewing pleasure.

Decorative Bird Houses
I have a couple of bird houses in my yard, to me it's a special way to bring life to my garden. The houses give our feathered friends homes, the birds help cut down on insects, and it's a pleasure watching and listening to them.

Garden Tools & Tote Bag
A handy accessory that can hold many of the essentials you need for a day of gardening. Also makes a great gift for gardeners of any age!

Garden Tip
• Save your coffee grounds and add them to your potted plants, it really gives them a boost.

Coiling Garden Hose
One of the best tools I've found is a coiling garden hose, it's a lot easier to store and doesn't seam to kink up as much. At first I saw my neighbor using one, so I asked her about it and she liked this type of water hose so much she has two, one for her front yard and another for her backyard garden.

Wall Pockets
Another way to add charm and personalize your outdoor living area is with wall decorations. Wall pockets are versatile and can be used in several different ways. They can be used as a candle holder, bird bath, bird feeder, filled with dried or silk flowers or even a small plant.

Garden Hammocks
A hammock can be a wonderful retreat, a great way to enjoy your garden after a stressful day. Perfect in the sun or shade, a place to read or just relax.

Garden Tip
• When planting tomatoes or peppers, add about a teaspoon of epsonsalt to the soil. It really gives your plants a boost. It's one of the best tips I've found.