Garden Journal – Page 5 – Barb's Back Yard

Gardening can add years to your life!

July 5, 2009February 1, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Did you know gardening may add years to your life? There may be a tie to long life and gardening - according to an article published on realage.com. The article references a book by Dan Buettner The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. Apparently, people in Okinawa who actively garden have some of the longest lifespans in the world. Food for thought. (more…)...

Cosmos: carefree and great for cutting

April 4, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Have you planted Cosmos before? A beautiful flower, prolific bloomer and a butterfly magnet to boot! The plant boasts feathery green foliage, and flowers have long stems. Perfect for cutting. The flowers come in a variety of colors and shades - from hearty yellows to vibrant pinks and soft white. I usually plant a range of pinks and some white Cosmos in my garden. They require regular watering, and I give a feeding boost about once every four weeks. Try them in a bouquet by themselves. They are equally at home in a humble jam jar and in an elegant vase. They also round out a mixed bouquet beautifully, and the foliage adds a great softness and depth. (more…)...

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…)...