Garden design – Barb's Back Yard

Some Earth Day ideas for your garden

May 24, 2016January 31, 2017 by adminNo Comments

Since it is time to plant and ready our gardens for the coming summer bounty, it came to mind that some earth friendly gardening makes for a great way to celebrate Earth Day! Last year I suggested a few things to help our struggling bees and monarch butterflies here. This year, some "weed and insect control" tips: Got mosquitoes? Plant a lot of lavender, basil or marigolds to repel them from your patio. Many people also swear by mints - especially peppermint. Watch out, though. Mints usually go crazy and take over a garden in a flash. Perhaps some potted plants around the patio will do. Ladybugs love to munch on aphids. Did you know most nurseries carry them? Release them at dusk in your garden area that aphids show up, and everyone but the aphids will be happy. Dandelion leaves make for great additions salads. Like arugula, the leaves have a bite to them, and packed with nutrients. Just make sure no...

Books, tips and garden “how-to”

July 14, 2011 by barbNo Comments

Much of the garden knowledge I've gained came from some wonderful books. Lots of people ask me about them, so I added a new section at barbsbackyard.com for these recommendations, cleverly titled Books, gadgets & great stuff. The first book on my list is a classic. Carrots love tomatoes. First published in the 70's, I've been referring to it for about as long. What makes it so special? How easily it teaches the concept of companion planting. That means: certain plants, like good friends, when planted near each other, help each other. For example: planting carrots near leeks and onions helps repel the dreaded carrot fly, onion fly AND the leek moth! Good for both the carrot & the leek! Not to mention how much you will enjoy a delicious veggie soup with carrots & leeks come harvest time. To be direct: most of them bring a small commission to me to help defray the costs of this blog. Just click...

Spring time – time to till & prep for planting

March 26, 2009 by barbNo Comments

Before you plant, take these three steps to prepare the soil and your garden will reward you all season. Just like you and I, your garden needs to breathe – the soil as well as the plants. Tilling and aeration keep the soil loose, allowing for air and drainage near plant roots. An added bonus: if you take the time to prepare the soil and make it healthy, the odds favor a more bountiful harvest and healthy, robust plants. That means less pest control, fertilizing and plant loss for you. (more…)...

Desert in bloom: Jack’s backyard part 2

March 23, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

What a difference two years makes! Jack's desert oasis continues to boast color, shade and comfort. But look at how everything has filled in as it matured! Notice the mesquite tree and how the green leaves provide shade and background for the colors throughout. The green from the tree, and surrounding plants, add a softness and shade to the landscape. Colors from potted plants and blooming plants really pop against the soothing backdrop. Jack's design brilliantly relies on a lot of desert plants, so almost everything works with the climate - meaning less work to keep everything thriving. One casualty from the original design: a Queen Palm. As Jack says: One has lived and I cut the other down...my nursery has quit stocking them as they freeze too easily and suffer from the heat. They need to be on the coast in Southern California. Best of all, everything works together in scale. From the beginning, Jack left space for the plants to mature. (Compare this...

Desert Landscape: Jack’s backyard Part 1

February 10, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Arizona’s climate favors drought resistant gardens, and rewards gardeners who understand the environment they work with. My friend Jack “gets it” and tends to an amazing garden in his backyard. When Jack and his wife moved in, they literally had a blank desert canvas to work with. In a brand new home, they began creating a beautiful setting in harmony with the desert’s nature. But not without a little trial and error to begin with. Here’s some sage advice from Jack: (more…)...

Plan your garden with the Web and catalogs

February 10, 2009February 27, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Winter is a great time to plan your garden for next year. If you want to take matters into your own hands, now consider taking a college extension course in landscaping design at a local university. Another option could be adult education classes from your public school system. This can save thousands of dollars by learning the basics of hard scape (e.b. patios, walkways) and soft scape (plants) design. (more…)...