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Green house gardeners are typically of two minds when it involves planting. One group of gardeners prefers to use seedlings to start their gardens, while another group would rather feel the sense of accomplishment from planting seeds. It all depends on what you personally prefer.

Sometimes transplanting seedlings can introduce problems such as disease or insect infestation to an existing garden. That is why planting from seed is a good alternative for green house gardens.

At first, it may seem difficult to plant from seeds. It really isn’t as long as you read and follow the directions carefully on the packet. And when the seedlings start to grow, it is important to protect them.

A good growing tray is a great accessory to have in your green house or garden and it is ideal for your plant seeds. Be sure to pick the best growing tray you can find. Your local garden nursery or center can recommend the best type to use.

Now that you have a good tray and seeds, you’re ready to fill it with a high quality seed mixture. Although it may be tempting to use regular potting soil, don’t. A “seed starting mix” is recommended and has been specially prepared for growing new seeds. (Sterile, no diseases or garden pests, etc.)

The next step is to plant your seeds in the starter mix after the growing trays have been prepared. Remember, seeds should be planted at least twice their own depth. If the seeds are very small, it might be a better idea to lightly cover the seeds with the planting mix. They may not sprout if they are buried too deep in the soil.

Don’t forget to label your seed plantings in the tray. You can use a nursery label or a waterproof marker. It is not advisable to use the package the seeds came in since it will quickly get ruined from the moisture.

When watering your baby plants, be sure to use a misting sprayer since a watering can or hose could damage or uncover the seeds. To prevent evaporation of the moisture, your growing tray should be covered. Plus, covering the tray will also promote germination.

Heat is another great source for speeding up the germination process. Studies have shown that heat increases germination and many successful green house gardeners use this technique.

Copyright 2006 David Ray. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
Visit Green-House-Gardening.com to learn more. David Ray is a full-time father, teacher, web developer, among other things. Visit his website at http://www.green-house-gardening.com

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Landscaping design is the art of organizing or modifying the various features of the ground around a particular property to improve the area from an aesthetic and practical point of view. Certain elements of art are used in various combinations to alter design principles, like color, line, form, texture and scale.

In an effort to incorporate the perfect landscaping designs, it is imperative to remember certain principles. First is ‘unity’, which can be attained by the effective use of tools in a design to convey a main idea. ‘Balance’ in a design is the equilibrium of visual attraction which is obtained with the use of different forms, colors and textures. A subtle gradual change in the form of color, textures or sizes, which adds life to a design, is called ‘transition’. The relative size of the parts of the design is ‘proportion’. For example, a four-foot pool would look unnatural in a large lawn but would fit wonderfully in a small private area. ‘Rhythm’ is a feeling of motion created by the elements of a design to the eyes of the viewer. The repeated use of features in a design can cause ‘repetition’, which can lead to monotony unless used effectively. Lastly, ’simplicity’ is very important, as excessive designing can take away the essence of landscaping.

The game plan for landscape design is made up of certain steps, which if followed systematically and carefully can make the process a lot of fun. Before starting, a plot plan should be developed, after which a thorough site analysis should be conducted. Then the needs and desires should be assessed, keeping in mind the cost incurred. Finally, locating and designing the activity area starts, which is concluded by the selection and placement of plants.

Landscaping provides detailed information on Landscaping, Landscaping Contractors, Landscaping Ideas, Landscaping Design and more. Landscaping is affiliated with Free Landscape Designs.

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Creating structural elements in your garden will transform it from the ordinary, to the extraordinary. A well-planned framework of supports and dividers will create visual interest throughout the year, as well as allow your plants greater depth and perspective by incorporating the walls, fences, arbors, trellis and forms, into their growth pattern. Boundaries and divisions also create the stage setting for each area in your garden, while keeping the rest of the world (and its problems) out.

The feeling of going through a rose covered arbor with a boxwood hedge, into a wide expanse of lawn with a central feature, is inspiring. The sight of a stonewall with climbers in bloom, cascading over its surface with the light dappling through its leaves, allowing just a glimpse of the plantings behind it, overwhelms the viewer with joy. Everyone can easily create this feeling and look in their garden, by incorporating structure and by understanding the method of dividing your property.

Firstly, you need to analyze your gardens:

Foreground - The area closest to your home and the most visible. This is often your entertaining feature and utility area. Very small gardens usually have only a foreground, and thus require considerable planning.

Midground - This is the middle area of your property where you can show off with large perennial beds and special features. This is also the best area for lawn, larger ponds and garden structures.

Background - This is the furthest area from your home and is generally best suited for larger trees, greenhouses, vegetable gardens, wild life cultivation (birding), composting and larger perimeter fencing and hedges.

The garden divisions you would use in the first zones (foreground and midground) should be lower in height and semi transparent in nature (picket fences, wattle, low hedges, stone walls, trellis and varying ground levels). In both very small gardens and large gardens, view your outer most perimeters as an opportunity to create a sense of enclosure and privacy for your garden. External boundaries create privacy, shield you from noise and wind and allow you to create your own personal theme. Internal boundaries are used to inspire and entice both yourself and your guests to lose oneself in the garden. These semi transparent or small-scale internal divisions are to create a psychological break between zones and usage’s.

Methods of Division

Lattice - Indispensable! This is the only word that can encapsulate its many benefits and uses in your garden. From the French “treillage”, you can make it yourself, buy it off the shelf, or have it customized. Fencing created with lattice, gives an open, seductive quality to it, while allowing the passage of air and light, with a degree of privacy. Lattice can be mounted on your external boundaries to create both visual depth and foliage support. Anything that cannot be moved from your garden (garage, shed, and block wall) can be easily covered with lattice. In a formal setting, lattice (treillage) can be arched with tapering lines to give a classical perspective, while providing winter interest. In small gardens, lattice provides a horizontal growing space for foliage and hanging containers.

Natural Stone Walls - Walls built of flagstone, slate or rubble, provide a sense of permanence and comfort. Natural stone internal boundaries create a visual strength and power to your design while being both functional and ornamental. You can construct internal walls yourself, however, anything over 36″ will require professional advice. Plant moss in the cracks and train your plants to cascade over them to create a sense of antiquity.

Fencing - The spectrum of choices includes: country style picket fences; woven twig mesh fences; lattice fencing; panel fences; split rails and imposing palisades. Whatever your choice, remember to first examine your space and determine which style will best suit your design, internally and externally. For example, if you are creating a Japanese garden, then your external walls will be tall, of natural materials and will provide complete privacy from the “outside world”. Internal divisions may be created to direct your eye on featured elements, while also providing a sense of intimacy to secluded areas in your garden. When choosing the materials for your fencing, think about their size, alignment, pattern, colour, configuration and style.

Cast Iron - Popular since the early 19th century, this style is best suited for formal gardens, particularly for their external boundaries. Iron can be left in its natural state, or can be painted.

Arbors - This type of garden divider is essentially an area for seating, with a canopy structure above. Arbors, in all their forms (pergola, arch, etc.), create a sense of romance and mystery. An arbor will create an internal division in your garden, while also providing support for climbing plants, focusing your view and directing traffic flow. The contrast of the shaded retreat within and the sunlit garden surrounding it, gives a greater sense of depth to your design. These structures (arbors, pergolas, archways, etc.) frame the garden view beyond them, while providing an enjoyable means of emerging from your foreground, to your mid ground.

Hedges - A natural method of creating boundaries, while providing yearlong visual interest. Hedges, like fences, will filter the wind, afford privacy and depending upon your plant selection, bloom throughout the summer. In a formal garden, hedges are usually clipped into geometric forms; thus, you need to select a plant with a dense growth pattern. Boxwood (Boxus Sempervirens) is perfect for parterre gardens and topiary forms. Yew, white cedar, privet and juniper are also all well suited for training and heavy clipping, allowing you to create any form your design requires. In an informal garden, a softer, unclipped hedge is best suited. While they will take more space, you can achieve a cascade of blossoms with this design. Dwarf lilac, Potentila, Roses and Bride Wreath (Spirea X Vanhouttei) are just a few examples. Prune your informal hedge only when your plants are becoming too large.

By incorporating some or all of these elements within your garden you will transform it from merely having summer interest, into a garden that is equally beautiful throughout every season of the year.

Great Design in essence is about the creation of an exquisite stage for the beauty and quality of life we all desire. From ultra urban to ornate opulence, Robin and his team have passionately and successfully designed it all. Robin’s interiors have graced the pages of magazines Worldwide. Robin has designed interiors for feature films, major retailers such as Home Depot (Style Ideas Magazine) and the Designer Showhouse. From smaller scale interior projects to full scale restorations and developments, Robin’s passionate and creative eye overseas all aspects. While fluent in all design trends and philosophies, Robin is most passionate about historic preservation and the creation of elegant, functional and memorable spaces that convey the best attributes of each owner while respecting and celebrating the architecture that encompasses them. Visit http://www.robindegroot.ca

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