1. Macaroni Cheese & Bacon Pasta
2. Venison & Shallots
3. Gorda Cheese & Sliced Mushroom Toasties
4. Rice & Vegetables sprinkled with Soy sauce and pepper.
5. Cheese & Chicken On Pasta/Rice
6. Seafood Rice
7. Pork & Noodles
8. Cheese & Tomatoes on Toasted Rolls & Sprinkled with Paprika.
9. Fried Prawn Rice & Fried Onions
10. Warm Cockles sprinkled with pepper and placed between buttered Brown Bread Sandwich
11. Roast Organic Courgette
12. Barbecue Mince Samosa
Peppermint Tea Helps You Sleep Soundly
Why does mint tea help you sleep soundly?
Basically all mint plants: peppermint, spearmint etc contain MENTHOL. This compound can be extracted from these mint plants and looks like crystals.
Menthol has local anaesthetic properties than settle the stomach and relax the system.
Tummy troubles and uncomfortable positions cause a bad nights sleep but mint tea will do away with these issues.
In fact the author has never come across anything as effective as mint tea.
Even a few leaves in hot water relaxes the body and makes you want to go to bed..it is unbelievably effective.
How To Make Mint Tea:
Just pick a few leaves from a mint growing in a pot on your windowsill or garden and throw them in a cup or mug.
Boil a kettle of water and then pour the boiling water into the cup or mug and leave for 10 minutes. This is called an INFUSION.
After 10 minutes you can drink the mint tea and off to bed you float.
It is simple as that.
Try it..you won't be disappointed and you will have the best nights sleep you have had in a long time.
Basically all mint plants: peppermint, spearmint etc contain MENTHOL. This compound can be extracted from these mint plants and looks like crystals.
Menthol has local anaesthetic properties than settle the stomach and relax the system.
Tummy troubles and uncomfortable positions cause a bad nights sleep but mint tea will do away with these issues.
In fact the author has never come across anything as effective as mint tea.
Even a few leaves in hot water relaxes the body and makes you want to go to bed..it is unbelievably effective.
How To Make Mint Tea:
Just pick a few leaves from a mint growing in a pot on your windowsill or garden and throw them in a cup or mug.
Boil a kettle of water and then pour the boiling water into the cup or mug and leave for 10 minutes. This is called an INFUSION.
After 10 minutes you can drink the mint tea and off to bed you float.
It is simple as that.
Try it..you won't be disappointed and you will have the best nights sleep you have had in a long time.
Installing A Cat Ladder In Your Garden
If you have a cat that likes climbing up onto rooftops, conservatories etc but ends up getting stuck, then it might be a good idea to install a cat ladder.
This is a novel idea I came across when a client asked me to secure the cat ladder her son had made while on a visit.
So I used green string to attach it securely to the vine frame on the left and the trellis work on the right.
We have yet to find out if Misty the cat will utilise this resource but being a curious cat it seems likely.
Hopefully I can get a snapshot of when this event occurs.
The ladder needs painting with brown paint to blend into the surroundings but for the sake of highlighting this construction, I photographed it as soon as I had secured it.
Small Back Garden Maintenance
You have to take my word for it that this garden looks much better in real life. The phone camera does not have wide angled lens (No model does so far 2014)...and so many flowers are out of sight.
Anyway...keep the garden neat and tidy. Only 2 hours per week are needed; weeding, mowing & forking.
Trim the edge of the lawn with edging shears or a pair of scissors.
Place blooming potplants in your field of view from the house (in this case the kitchen window looks out on this little garden). Hide potplants that have finished flowering behind flowering potplants).
Deadhead roses.
Keep the soil nicely forked and tilled.
It may be small but a tiny backyard can be made "Pretty As a Picture" with a couple of hours work per week.
Hanging Basket Shaped As A Pig
This basket is made of woven fibre and can be used year after year.
The customer asked me to stick another plant in..I just pulled out the old dead root of last years plant and replaced it. I then topped it up with some fertilizer and thoroughly watered it in.
Forked around roots of plant for vital air supply and water regularly.
General purpose compost will do. In fact it is all you need in a garden.
I have used garden soil to pot up before...in fact it might be better considering the microbes already present.
Remember water, light and air for the roots are important.
Deadhead when old flowers die to keep plant in flower for longer.
Photo of A Wheat Field
I took this photo while stopping for a cigarette break between gardening jobs.
Just chilling out and enjoying the view.
The photo came out better yhan I thought it would, considering it is a samsung pocket (S5300), 3 MP I believe.
If I was not a gardener, I would have become a farmer. The.mind wonders when looking at such views. On breezy days the waves in the corn resemble the waves of the sea.
This is our sustenance, our bread, our cereal.
Such a wonderful sight.
How Many Types of Gardener Are There
I have put together a list of types of gardener and underneath given each job type a very rough, approximate score out of 10 for the amount of knowledge required (in no particular order.)
Residential/Home Visit Gardener
This is one of the most varied and interesting gardening jobs that also requires initiative.
One is required to know everything from weeding, soil composition, types of flowers to building small walls and best growing conditions for each plant. This list is endless. However, the customer is often a major source of information particularly regarding the plants they have already grown or are growing in their garden.
Sometimes a garden owner will not have a clue and leave everything to the gardener.
5-10/10
...........
Nursery Gardener/Plantsman
This job entails growing, caring for and propagating 100's of different types of plants.
A university education in horticulture may be required or learning on the job experience over many years may suffice.
10/10
..........
Estate Gardener
An estate gardener may be part of a team and may specialise in one area, such as lawn mowing. Another team member may be in charge of the allotment growing vegetables.
The head gardener will be expected to know everything and allocate responsibilities according to the knowledge of each team member.
1-10/10 depending on area of gardening.
...........
Council/Local Government Gardeners
Usually council gardeners are just required to strim grass verges or cut large grass areas whilst riding upon sit-on lawnmowers. Other gardeners may be required to plant out flowerbeds or hanging baskets.
3-7/10
.........
Landscape Gardener
More often than not this type of work is closely related to building work such as laying of patios, erecting fences & walls and so forth. Ability to engage with prospective client is required. Avoid shoddy work so as not to be regarded as a cowboy. Recommendations are forthcoming for good workmanship & timekeeping which in turn leads to more work. Hard physical work though.
7/10
........
Garden Designer
This profession requires an academic qualification and is regarded as one of the most complex art forms.
Knowledge of all of the above and more is required including colour co-ordination, drawing skills, written skills, management skills and bookkeeping skills. Also customer service skills are required.
10/10
..................
As the above list demonstrates, there is a level of gardening to suit all ranges and abilities.
Residential/Home Visit Gardener
This is one of the most varied and interesting gardening jobs that also requires initiative.
One is required to know everything from weeding, soil composition, types of flowers to building small walls and best growing conditions for each plant. This list is endless. However, the customer is often a major source of information particularly regarding the plants they have already grown or are growing in their garden.
Sometimes a garden owner will not have a clue and leave everything to the gardener.
5-10/10
...........
Nursery Gardener/Plantsman
This job entails growing, caring for and propagating 100's of different types of plants.
A university education in horticulture may be required or learning on the job experience over many years may suffice.
10/10
..........
Estate Gardener
An estate gardener may be part of a team and may specialise in one area, such as lawn mowing. Another team member may be in charge of the allotment growing vegetables.
The head gardener will be expected to know everything and allocate responsibilities according to the knowledge of each team member.
1-10/10 depending on area of gardening.
...........
Council/Local Government Gardeners
Usually council gardeners are just required to strim grass verges or cut large grass areas whilst riding upon sit-on lawnmowers. Other gardeners may be required to plant out flowerbeds or hanging baskets.
3-7/10
.........
Landscape Gardener
More often than not this type of work is closely related to building work such as laying of patios, erecting fences & walls and so forth. Ability to engage with prospective client is required. Avoid shoddy work so as not to be regarded as a cowboy. Recommendations are forthcoming for good workmanship & timekeeping which in turn leads to more work. Hard physical work though.
7/10
........
Garden Designer
This profession requires an academic qualification and is regarded as one of the most complex art forms.
Knowledge of all of the above and more is required including colour co-ordination, drawing skills, written skills, management skills and bookkeeping skills. Also customer service skills are required.
10/10
..................
As the above list demonstrates, there is a level of gardening to suit all ranges and abilities.
Imagine Living On Mars...
Or any other inhospitable planet in the solar system and then being shown photos of a veritable paradise you never knew existed?
This paradise was known as planet Earth.
On it were streams of running water, lakes, lush forests, an abundance of animals and fish and birds that flew in an atmosphere.
None of these things you had seen before. All amazing in technicolour glory. Gobsmacked, you stared at these photos before realising the only problem being that it was to far away. You could not experience this wondrous world in person.
Actually, another small problem that you became aware of was that these animals, plants, fish and birds were disappearing at an incredible rate.
The people living on earth were destroying their habitat.
What would you do?
This paradise was known as planet Earth.
On it were streams of running water, lakes, lush forests, an abundance of animals and fish and birds that flew in an atmosphere.
None of these things you had seen before. All amazing in technicolour glory. Gobsmacked, you stared at these photos before realising the only problem being that it was to far away. You could not experience this wondrous world in person.
Actually, another small problem that you became aware of was that these animals, plants, fish and birds were disappearing at an incredible rate.
The people living on earth were destroying their habitat.
What would you do?
Hard Economic Times Extend Into The Garden
It is easy to stuff flowerbeds with newly purchased plants from the local gardening centre but you can make your current selection look good.
Forking the soil over (especially) around the roots and removing weeds will boost plants dramatically. Weeds compete for light, water & nutrients and thus depleting your favourite plants of these resources.
Clipping.
Clipping the odd branch sticking out too far, or a bunch of leaves that stick out can cause plants to release growth hormones and thus stimulate growth.
Dead heading
Dead head flowers as they die, the plant will produce more flowers. If you leave it too late until all the flowers are finished..the plant will "retire" until the following year.
Composting
Grass cuttings, leaves, vegetable peelings. Dig these into the soil to give plants in your garden a much needed nutrient boost. Lay seaweed on soil surface rather than digging into soil as decomposing seaweed can deplete soil of nitrogen.
Watering.
Drench plants upto 3-4 times per week with water from a watering can or bucket. A light sprinkling will NOT be good enough.
Learn To Propagate.
Propagation is a big subject so I will not detail it here. It will save a lot of money. Basically, sticking cuttings from your plants into the soil or pots.
Forking the soil over (especially) around the roots and removing weeds will boost plants dramatically. Weeds compete for light, water & nutrients and thus depleting your favourite plants of these resources.
Clipping.
Clipping the odd branch sticking out too far, or a bunch of leaves that stick out can cause plants to release growth hormones and thus stimulate growth.
Dead heading
Dead head flowers as they die, the plant will produce more flowers. If you leave it too late until all the flowers are finished..the plant will "retire" until the following year.
Composting
Grass cuttings, leaves, vegetable peelings. Dig these into the soil to give plants in your garden a much needed nutrient boost. Lay seaweed on soil surface rather than digging into soil as decomposing seaweed can deplete soil of nitrogen.
Watering.
Drench plants upto 3-4 times per week with water from a watering can or bucket. A light sprinkling will NOT be good enough.
Learn To Propagate.
Propagation is a big subject so I will not detail it here. It will save a lot of money. Basically, sticking cuttings from your plants into the soil or pots.
2014 Is The Best Year For Gardens In The UK
2014 - Perfect weather. Just the correct amount of sunshine and rain for beautiful gardens.
The end of June & beginning of July were a bit dry.
The most important lesson from 2014 is that plants need the best locations.
Flowering shrubs need shade & shelter.
Grass needs water.
Most other plants can be placed in areas where there is a mix of shade, sun & water.
Potted plants should be placed in their alloted positions at start of summer. The reason being is that if a plant goes from a damp spot to a dry spot in the middle of the growing season, it will wilt or flowers dry up. Potted roses are an example.
Read the label.
Most plants are sold with instructions: best soil, watering instructions, sun or shade, etc.
Water pots when needed.
Fork potted plant roots occasionally to get air to roots. This will boost growth and good health in the plants. The results are noticable.
Deadhead roses and other repeat flowering plants to encourage new flowers, otherwise plant will think it has finished its task and stop flowering.
The end of June & beginning of July were a bit dry.
The most important lesson from 2014 is that plants need the best locations.
Flowering shrubs need shade & shelter.
Grass needs water.
Most other plants can be placed in areas where there is a mix of shade, sun & water.
Potted plants should be placed in their alloted positions at start of summer. The reason being is that if a plant goes from a damp spot to a dry spot in the middle of the growing season, it will wilt or flowers dry up. Potted roses are an example.
Read the label.
Most plants are sold with instructions: best soil, watering instructions, sun or shade, etc.
Water pots when needed.
Fork potted plant roots occasionally to get air to roots. This will boost growth and good health in the plants. The results are noticable.
Deadhead roses and other repeat flowering plants to encourage new flowers, otherwise plant will think it has finished its task and stop flowering.
When Is A Weed Not A Weed?
Answer: When it is a flower that has been cultivated in a nursery?
Wrong.
Foxgloves are not cultivated in garden nurserys, they are found in the wild, yet they are not considered weeds.
The point is, if the weed looks nice and has pretty flowers, why destroy it or uproot it?
Of course if it looks unsightly, then by all means get rid of it.
This is something to consider when examining your beloved flowerbeds.
Wrong.
Foxgloves are not cultivated in garden nurserys, they are found in the wild, yet they are not considered weeds.
The point is, if the weed looks nice and has pretty flowers, why destroy it or uproot it?
Of course if it looks unsightly, then by all means get rid of it.
This is something to consider when examining your beloved flowerbeds.
Cats Doing Their Ablutions In Your Garden
There is nothing worse than finding cat poo among your flowers. Well there is actually, but lets not go there.
Apparently, before the black death (back in the 15th century) cats were kept on leads.
However, because rats were considered to be the harbingers of the black death, cats were allowed to roam freely to kill any rats in the vicinity.
Since this time (in England at least) cats are no longer required to remain leashed.
Until there is a change in the law, you, the gardener will have to suffer the consequences of this outdated custom.
I told a builder about this and his reply was something along the lines of "I don't mind a cat on my lawn, now if it was a lion, that would be a different matter".
Fair point. If you do not mind cat poo in your garden.
And God forbid if Lions are allowed to roam freely in english gardens. Never mind picking up their poo, just avoiding them would be a trial in itself.
Apparently, before the black death (back in the 15th century) cats were kept on leads.
However, because rats were considered to be the harbingers of the black death, cats were allowed to roam freely to kill any rats in the vicinity.
Since this time (in England at least) cats are no longer required to remain leashed.
Until there is a change in the law, you, the gardener will have to suffer the consequences of this outdated custom.
I told a builder about this and his reply was something along the lines of "I don't mind a cat on my lawn, now if it was a lion, that would be a different matter".
Fair point. If you do not mind cat poo in your garden.
And God forbid if Lions are allowed to roam freely in english gardens. Never mind picking up their poo, just avoiding them would be a trial in itself.
Would A Rose Smell As Sweet By Any Other Name
Shakespeares quote was written 400 years ago.
I did read once that over the last 400 years all roses did not have a scent and that scented roses were reintroduced in the 20th century.
Why this is so I do not know.
So, for 400 years did it occur to people with unscented roses...
"Well actually roses might smell as sweet or actually have a scent, if they were known by another name."
Strange but true. Apparently.
My Favourite Garden
This is my favourite garden I work on.
The customers breakfast table room/evening dining room looks out onto this garden.
What a delightful view every meal!
My Methods To Achieve This Garden...
- Keep the soil well nourished
- Keep the lawn well fed, cut and SCARIFIED
- Concentrate on what you can see NOT what you cannot see..i.e. Don't waste time tidying up behind the shed but concentrate on the field of vision.
- Use flower pots to decorate the garden: Stick them among the flowerbeds where there are gaps in colour.
- Edge the lawn with a spade.
- Use seaweed liquid fertlizer on the flowerbeds.
- Fork around plants to get rid of weeds and oxygenate plant roots.
- Stick plants with large flowerheads at back of garden and those plants with smaller flowerheads nearer the house so you can see them.
- Keep lawn weedfree by using a lawn-based weedkiller.
- Keep structures such as sheds, furniture painted and looking tidy.
It is hard work but keeps one fit and the sight is uplifting. Better than looking out onto a rubbish dump.
Hire a gardener if you are too busy or disabled.
Fruit is so good for you...eat as much as you can
It is said that an apple will wake you up faster than a cup of coffee...it is true.
The reason is that contains a chemical peptin? that I have noticed stops the eyes being puffy.
It withdraw toxins from the body which cloud the mind and stops a build up of unwanted aging toxins.
However, a good mixture of fruits should provide a varied mix of vitamins that help rejunevate your mind and body.
Each morning the author eats fruit for breakfast: apple, banana, pears or oranges.
Keep that fruit bowl stacked up and force feed it to yourself until you grow to love it.
Your body will thank you for it.
Clematis Climbing Over A Camellia
The above photo shows how decorative a clematis climbing over a Camellia tree can be.
It reminded me of icing on a cherry bun, so I had to take this photo.
Once the flowering is over you can cut back the clematis until it regrows the following year.
How To Protect Your Cherry Tree From Birds
The above photo shows a cherry tree with a pole and an upside down basket on top. The basket is supporting a plastic net that has been draped over the entire tree (need step ladder).
If the netting has holes or tears in it, you can peg them with clothes pegs to stop the birds getting to the fruit on the tree.
This is a novel idea and it works.
Turn Lawn Into A Flower Garden
The photo above shows how to turn a grass area back into soil. I did this this morning.
Basically, it just involves turning the turf upside down.
Upside down turf is a great fertlizer as it decomposes into nutrient rich soil.
Although it takes weeks for the turf to break down into soil, you can begin planting straight away.
Over the weeks ahead, you just need to fork the soil over and spike the roots of any new plants.
The reason I turned this grass verge into a flower garden is that myself and the customer agreed it was the best option because even after mowing this area just seemed bare and looked messy as soon as grass grew again.
This is hard work but the results are well worth it.
In another post I shall show the after effects of this process and what a flower should look like.
Underwater Gardens Around The World
Although the world has many interesting places regarding trees, shrubs and flowers, one part of the world that has always captivated my attention is the world under the sea, namely coral reefs.
Corals are not actually plants, they are animals but for all intents and purposes have an appearence that is plantlike.
The are of course seaweeds to look out and anemones, fish, lobsters, crabs and other animals to see as well.
The are underwater 'gardening' projects being undertaken by conservation societies around the world, namely to protect reefs and underwater ecologies.
This is a new area for the author and more research needs to be done before going into more detail.
For now, just consider the exhilaration of floating above underwater "gardens" and interacting with the animals such as dolphins, shoals of fish and even sharks.
So, yours truly needs to learn about scuba diving and equipment and the best places in the world for this activity.
If you are interested in underwater reef exploration you might like to read up on the legendary Jaques Cousteau and his adventures, films, innovations regarding the sea.
Corals are not actually plants, they are animals but for all intents and purposes have an appearence that is plantlike.
The are of course seaweeds to look out and anemones, fish, lobsters, crabs and other animals to see as well.
The are underwater 'gardening' projects being undertaken by conservation societies around the world, namely to protect reefs and underwater ecologies.
This is a new area for the author and more research needs to be done before going into more detail.
For now, just consider the exhilaration of floating above underwater "gardens" and interacting with the animals such as dolphins, shoals of fish and even sharks.
So, yours truly needs to learn about scuba diving and equipment and the best places in the world for this activity.
If you are interested in underwater reef exploration you might like to read up on the legendary Jaques Cousteau and his adventures, films, innovations regarding the sea.
Always Keep A List of Garden Tasks
Write down all the gardening tasks, shopping/stuff needed.
Pin them up somewhere you can see them as a constant reminder.
Pin them up somewhere you can see them as a constant reminder.
How To Rescue a Dying Houseplant
According to Stirling Macaboy author of "What Indoor Plant Is That?", the main reason houseplants die is because of lack of watering.
Many people are scared of overwatering because of the old adage about an overwatered plant can always dies.
The best way to prevent houseplants drying out too quickly is to put them in larger pots which hold more water. This combined with weekly watering should keep plants healthy.
Don't forget to fork/spike the roots to get air to them. A must for both indoor and outdoor plants.
Yours Truly has found a way to rescue drowning, overwatered houseplants to be revealed in book coming soon.
Many people are scared of overwatering because of the old adage about an overwatered plant can always dies.
The best way to prevent houseplants drying out too quickly is to put them in larger pots which hold more water. This combined with weekly watering should keep plants healthy.
Don't forget to fork/spike the roots to get air to them. A must for both indoor and outdoor plants.
Yours Truly has found a way to rescue drowning, overwatered houseplants to be revealed in book coming soon.
Ever Heard of Aquascaping?
Never mind you dont have a garden or even a balcony...you might like to try Aquascaping.
Basically, this is an aquarium...a large glass container filled with water.
You place colourful rocks, logs, gravel and plants in it with the added option of fish, frogs, terrapins etc.
However, you will need a water filtration system and oxygenation.
It does not have to be tropical..it could be one that consists entirely of flora and fauna from the countryside around you.
Alternatively, it does not have to be an underwater garden but an enclosed woodland garden...ferns, bulbs, soil etc...just keep it near daylight (windowsill) or use artificial light bulbs.
The above are ideas how to enter the world of gardening in the confines of your own home if you do not have access to a garden or balcony area.
Basically, this is an aquarium...a large glass container filled with water.
You place colourful rocks, logs, gravel and plants in it with the added option of fish, frogs, terrapins etc.
However, you will need a water filtration system and oxygenation.
It does not have to be tropical..it could be one that consists entirely of flora and fauna from the countryside around you.
Alternatively, it does not have to be an underwater garden but an enclosed woodland garden...ferns, bulbs, soil etc...just keep it near daylight (windowsill) or use artificial light bulbs.
The above are ideas how to enter the world of gardening in the confines of your own home if you do not have access to a garden or balcony area.
Woodland Garden Effect
Lots of daffodils and other bulbs scattered throughout a walkthrough area surrounded by trees gives a nice woodland garden effect.How To Make Your Garden "Pretty As A Picture"
This method has taken me years to develop although it seems so simple.
Where Do We View A Garden From?
Well, for most people most of the time it is out of a ground floor window, be it the living room , kitchen or bedroom.
So, stand in the room facing onto the garden, look out of the window, and consider how to make it prettier.
Unfortunately, I can not reveal the exact methods I use as I am going to put them in a book that I am writing.
Where Do We View A Garden From?
Well, for most people most of the time it is out of a ground floor window, be it the living room , kitchen or bedroom.
So, stand in the room facing onto the garden, look out of the window, and consider how to make it prettier.
Unfortunately, I can not reveal the exact methods I use as I am going to put them in a book that I am writing.
How To Prevent Tomatoes Split Skins
I heard this advice from a tomato farmer speaking on a radio programme.
His advice was you should water tomatoes about 10 o'clock in the morning after the sun has risen.
The reason given is that the tomato plant starts to drink the water before the the leaves start the evapouration process. The roots wake up when you water them but the leaves wake up when the sun hits them.
If the tomato plant starts drinking before the evapouration process then the fruit expands and splits the skins.
So, wait for the sunshine and then water the tomato plants to prevent split skins.
His advice was you should water tomatoes about 10 o'clock in the morning after the sun has risen.
The reason given is that the tomato plant starts to drink the water before the the leaves start the evapouration process. The roots wake up when you water them but the leaves wake up when the sun hits them.
If the tomato plant starts drinking before the evapouration process then the fruit expands and splits the skins.
So, wait for the sunshine and then water the tomato plants to prevent split skins.
A Gardener Should Have A Camera
These days most people have smartphones with built in cameras.
Take photos. As many as you need to. Ditch those photos that are no good.
Take several photos of the same subject so that you can choose the best ones to keep.
The most boring gardening photos are usually those that try to include the whole garden.
The best photos are of select parts of the garden and close ups of plants, butterflies, plant pot displays, window boxes etc.
It is usually a good idea to take photos from different positions..standing on a chair, crounching down on your haunches, getting up close to the subject matter and playing around with the settings ( sometimes).
The best photos are usually taken on sunny days because more light reaches the camera.
The good thing about a phone camera rather than a standard purpose built camera is that you can quickly whip it out of your back pocket and snap away.
I am still researching the best phones for cameras but I do recommend downloading HD Cam app from google play store. It is a free app that takes multiple photos of the same shot within milliseconds and blends them into a single high definition photo.
Apparently, the samsung S5 camera phones takes nice green hues but I have not used it myself.
Take photos. As many as you need to. Ditch those photos that are no good.
Take several photos of the same subject so that you can choose the best ones to keep.
The most boring gardening photos are usually those that try to include the whole garden.
The best photos are of select parts of the garden and close ups of plants, butterflies, plant pot displays, window boxes etc.
It is usually a good idea to take photos from different positions..standing on a chair, crounching down on your haunches, getting up close to the subject matter and playing around with the settings ( sometimes).
The best photos are usually taken on sunny days because more light reaches the camera.
The good thing about a phone camera rather than a standard purpose built camera is that you can quickly whip it out of your back pocket and snap away.
I am still researching the best phones for cameras but I do recommend downloading HD Cam app from google play store. It is a free app that takes multiple photos of the same shot within milliseconds and blends them into a single high definition photo.
Apparently, the samsung S5 camera phones takes nice green hues but I have not used it myself.
Only 3 Gardening Tasks Are Required To Create A Beautiful Garden
Really, only three activities are needed to maintain a beautiful garden.
1. Forking around the roots.
2. Raking the Lawn.
3. Mowing the lawn.
Lets work backwards (sort of)..it will become obvious...
Chances are that many gardens have a lawn which occupies up to 90% of the garden. Do you see? Just cutting the grass will make up to 90% of your garden MORE beautiful.
Ok, now the flowerbeds.
First, fork around the roots of the plants and flowers that you WANT in your garden. Remove weeds that loosen as you fork. This does several things...
a. Forking close to the roots allows air into the root system which will boost the plants growth considerably over the weeks to come.
b. Next, forking makes it easier to remove weeds that are fighting for the same air, water and nutrients that your favourite plants are also craving for.
c. Another way the plants benefit is more light is able to reflect up from the light brown soil underneath the plant.
d. Finally, the plants you WANT in your garden have more room to "spread their wings" and take in even more light.
3. Scarification (Raking the lawn)
This involves raking the lawn to death and removing all underground debris which hinders the grass from spreading their roots and sending up even more shoots to make garden more lush and green.
Scarification is the No. 1 most effective lawn care duty in most gardens. I know this from experience.
So there you have it: Mowing, Forking & Raking.
1. Forking around the roots.
2. Raking the Lawn.
3. Mowing the lawn.
Lets work backwards (sort of)..it will become obvious...
Chances are that many gardens have a lawn which occupies up to 90% of the garden. Do you see? Just cutting the grass will make up to 90% of your garden MORE beautiful.
Ok, now the flowerbeds.
First, fork around the roots of the plants and flowers that you WANT in your garden. Remove weeds that loosen as you fork. This does several things...
a. Forking close to the roots allows air into the root system which will boost the plants growth considerably over the weeks to come.
b. Next, forking makes it easier to remove weeds that are fighting for the same air, water and nutrients that your favourite plants are also craving for.
c. Another way the plants benefit is more light is able to reflect up from the light brown soil underneath the plant.
d. Finally, the plants you WANT in your garden have more room to "spread their wings" and take in even more light.
3. Scarification (Raking the lawn)
This involves raking the lawn to death and removing all underground debris which hinders the grass from spreading their roots and sending up even more shoots to make garden more lush and green.
Scarification is the No. 1 most effective lawn care duty in most gardens. I know this from experience.
So there you have it: Mowing, Forking & Raking.
Using Seaweed In The Garden
The above picture is of one of the gardens I take care of. I took this picture.
It is what happens when you use liquid seaweed fertlizer.
How To Use Your Smartphone In The Garden
Calender
My Samsung pocket (I need bigger phone..the Samsung Mega when I have the cash) has a calender.
If you add any events to the calender it you can hear the alarm with 30 minute warnings or weekly warnings.
Also, you can repeat events. For example...if you research what time of year to plant out a particular plant...you can repeat the event to remind you the following year.
Other events in the short term can be repeated such as watering your pots or your houseplants once per week.
It takes awhile to get used to it but it is surprisingly effective.
My Samsung pocket (I need bigger phone..the Samsung Mega when I have the cash) has a calender.
If you add any events to the calender it you can hear the alarm with 30 minute warnings or weekly warnings.
Also, you can repeat events. For example...if you research what time of year to plant out a particular plant...you can repeat the event to remind you the following year.
Other events in the short term can be repeated such as watering your pots or your houseplants once per week.
It takes awhile to get used to it but it is surprisingly effective.
Making Your Lawn Green and Lush
This is the simplest and the most effective way to make a lawn lush and green and you only need to do it once per year.
Basically, you just need to rake the lawn to death. Just rake the grass and out will come clumps of thatch (dead grass roots) and moss and twigs and stones.
Just rake the debris into piles and stick in compost bin to rot down for a year or take it to a dump or leave it in bag for collection.
Don't be afraid to damage the grass..believe me you won't.
I have never seen lawns so green and lush as I have scarified (this is the technical term for this process.
You do not need and fancy equipment - Just a rake.
Each patch of grass area on you lawn needs raking about 20 times until no more debris comes out of the lawn.
Why Does This Method Work?
Two reasons really.
1. The raking loosens soil around the roots of the grass. This allows air to get to the roots and give the grass an oxygen boost. Air to the roots is one of the best plant boosters there is and it is free and just requires effort.
2. Removing debris that is embedded in your lawn frees up space for the grass to spread roots and more shoots. Grass is surprisingly easily suppressed buy debris in the ground and reacts well to when this debris is removed.
Try the above method. You will be surprised just how lush and green your lawn becomes.
Basically, you just need to rake the lawn to death. Just rake the grass and out will come clumps of thatch (dead grass roots) and moss and twigs and stones.
Just rake the debris into piles and stick in compost bin to rot down for a year or take it to a dump or leave it in bag for collection.
Don't be afraid to damage the grass..believe me you won't.
I have never seen lawns so green and lush as I have scarified (this is the technical term for this process.
You do not need and fancy equipment - Just a rake.
Each patch of grass area on you lawn needs raking about 20 times until no more debris comes out of the lawn.
Why Does This Method Work?
Two reasons really.
1. The raking loosens soil around the roots of the grass. This allows air to get to the roots and give the grass an oxygen boost. Air to the roots is one of the best plant boosters there is and it is free and just requires effort.
2. Removing debris that is embedded in your lawn frees up space for the grass to spread roots and more shoots. Grass is surprisingly easily suppressed buy debris in the ground and reacts well to when this debris is removed.
Try the above method. You will be surprised just how lush and green your lawn becomes.
Abandoned Blackbird Nest?
This photo is of a blackbirds nest taken 9th June 2014, 7 foot up inside a tall forsythia bush.
The garden owner has not seen either parents. As the photo shows; one egg is either hatched or eaten by a predator.
If parents return I will update this post
Ripening Fruit Faster
Radio 4, The Report, 22nd May 2014,...put other fruit next to bananas to ripen them quicker.
Coloured vegetable seeds
Mr Fothergill's Seeds Colourful Vegetables Collection by Mr Fothergill?s Seeds Ltd http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006NXZ44K/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_QARwtb1C0PJEB
Just Forking Soil SEEMS to work
Have you ever heard that just digging over flowerbeds means no feeding of plants is required? I do not know the science behind this but my observations are that everytime I fork and till flowerbeds the plants look greener, bigger and produce more flowers. It may be something to do with oxygenation of subsoil but I am yet to get hold of hard scientific material. My theory is some kind of chemical reaction is going on once air is allowed to reach underneath roots. Actually, it is not necessary to dig too close to plants, just soil across beds seems to improve its condition within minutes of digging over.
UPDATE: Over the years I have been a keen advocate of fertilization of soil using allsorts: organic, chemical, seaweeds etc. but when I heard about about the forking method (with no added fertilizer required), I realised it actually works. However, I will probably dispose of rotted garden compost onto flowerbeds (even if just to get rid of it).
UPDATE: Over the years I have been a keen advocate of fertilization of soil using allsorts: organic, chemical, seaweeds etc. but when I heard about about the forking method (with no added fertilizer required), I realised it actually works. However, I will probably dispose of rotted garden compost onto flowerbeds (even if just to get rid of it).
Forking Soil over Boosts Plants
I read once that digging soil helps plants breathe and helps earthworms and soils microbes get air or oxygen. In fact, it was written that forkung the soil makes feeding the plants not required! Just forking & tilling is enough!
I am not sure about the science behind this but what I can tell you is this:...
Everytime I dig soil over and weed the flowerbeds, the plants get a massive boost and look greener, larger and much improved in overall appearence.
As the yanks say...Go figure!
I am not sure about the science behind this but what I can tell you is this:...
Everytime I dig soil over and weed the flowerbeds, the plants get a massive boost and look greener, larger and much improved in overall appearence.
As the yanks say...Go figure!
Solid Barriers Versus Perforated Barriers
- Solid Barriers dump wind causing swirls and destroying plants.
- Perforated barriers slow the wind and warm the air without damaging plants.
Rule Of Thirds: Soil Composition
Soil needs 3 components:
- Sand: Good for drainage
- Clay: Good for holding nutrients so they are not all washed away by rain
- Dead Matter: dead animals like slugs, worms, beetles etc. and dead leaves, flowers etc. - Provides nutrients for plant growth.
How To Place Bulbs In A Pot
This gives the reader a general idea of how to pot a plant - Instead of re-potting throughout the year this method can save the gardener a lot of time...however burying the bulbs too deep might not be such a good idea though.
The Rule of Thirds
When designing the layout of a garden it is better to divide up into 3rds regarding hardscaping and softscaping.
Hardscaping:
- Patios
- Paths
- Walls
- Pots
- Sheds
- Garages
- Verandhas
Softscaping:
- Lawns
- Hedges
- Flowers
- Trees
- Ponds
- Bushes
It does not matter if 2/3rds are Hardscaping or softscaping as long as proportions are correct.
How To Prepare A Compost Bin
Put layers of earth in between the leaves, grass, twigs, weeds and dead flowers. The microbes in the soil will break down the surround green waste quicker.
Preparing Your Garden For The Winter
Across the northern hemisphere, summer is ending, the geese are migrating and the leaves are starting to turn red on the virginia creeper.
This is a time to prepare for sweeping up the leaves and using them as mulch and putting bulbs in the ground for the spring time.
The final cut of the lawn is soon to be here and time to put the lawn mower away for the winter months.
However, it is not all doom and gloom in the garden as there are plants that look good in the winter months. The barks of fruit trees stands out in particular.
You can make sure the beds still look tidy and brush the lawn.
Put out bird seed and nuts for winter animals desperate for food.
This is a time to prepare for sweeping up the leaves and using them as mulch and putting bulbs in the ground for the spring time.
The final cut of the lawn is soon to be here and time to put the lawn mower away for the winter months.
However, it is not all doom and gloom in the garden as there are plants that look good in the winter months. The barks of fruit trees stands out in particular.
You can make sure the beds still look tidy and brush the lawn.
Put out bird seed and nuts for winter animals desperate for food.
Choosing & using pots & tubs in the garden
When deciding what containers to use in your garden or outdoor space, consider what type of plants you want to use and the decorative effect that the container(s) of choice has on the surroundings as well as the size and type of space you have available. Below is a description of a variety of containers each with different qualities and requirements. Hopefully there is enough information included here to help you to utilize garden containers to maximize effect.
It is also a good idea to scour the internet for photos of different containers and be bedazzled by the vast assortment of them before choosing and buying your favourite containers.
Ceramic plant pots
These come in a variety of colours and are finished with a high gloss exterior. They can be quite large & heavy when filled with soil (as with some other containers). So plan first where to place them. You can of course buy a pot mover (which is a board on wheels) to move them around the garden when looking for a shady spot for your plant on a hot summer’s day.
Fibre-glass/poly resin pots
Fibre-glass/poly resin pots are made to look like traditional stone urns or lead cisterns. When you buy fibre-glass/poly resin pots it is a good idea to get top of the range items so as to keep that quality look. The ageing process will eventually make lower-priced fibre-glass/poly resin pots look cheap & tatty. This also applies to other artificial containers that you use in your garden.
Half-Whisky barrels
When buying a half-barrel at a garden centre or online, hopefully, it will have been prepared for planting. This means that holes have been drilled in the bottom of the barrel and the wood treated with preservative. If this has not been done, remember to do this yourself first before using it in your garden.
If you have bought or acquired a genuine half-whisky barrel, the inside of the barrel will have been charred and so will not need to be treated further (other than holes being drilled in the bottom).
Half-barrels are heavy once full, so planting in them is usually permanent. Make sure you take time to prepare the barrel as well as choosing a suitablelocation for it.
Large ornamental plants, shrubs and trees can be grown in half-barrels due to their size.
Plastic pots
Plastic pots are good for starting off young plants indoors, in the green house or the conservatory but they do not make the best decorative outdoor containers that are available due to weathering but keep their appearance indoors which means house plants look fine in them.
Please remember that plant pots stood outside on a hot summer's day can cause the roots to boil thus impeding the plant’s health or killing it. Make sure they are placed in a shady position as long as the plant tolerates such conditions.
Stone urns
Stone urns conjure up the garden scenes from the days of colonialism and are suitable for decoratingmature city gardens and country gardens alike.
Brand new stone urns can be painted with plain yoghurt which encourages moss and lichen to establish more rapidly to give the surface of the container an aged look.
Terracotta pots
The reddish colour of unglazed terracotta pots make them very appealing and contrasts with the green of the foliage (red is the opposite of green on the colour wheel). It is this contrast that provides the harmony that terracotta brings to the garden.
Terracotta will dry out quicker in the summer (as opposed to plastic pots which retain moisture better) so will need watering once a day, morning or evening (remember that watering in the middle a hot day can fry the plants foliage). They do remain cooler than there plastic counterparts though.
Remember terracotta pots need watering every day in dry weather and plastic pots need to be kept out of the hot sun. Choose plants accordingly.
During the cold, damp conditions of the winter months, algae & moss grow on terracotta and need to be scrubbed clean when the damp weather has passed.
Versailles tubs
Versailles tubs provide an atmosphere of formality to the outdoor area they are placed in, due to their cubed shape. They are suitable for placing clipped bay or box, fruit trees or a standard rose inside.
They are often seen in pairs either side of a grand entrance to an exclusive club or hotel.
Also, consider that these types of tubs are often made of wood today which means that a potted plant should be placed inside them instead of putting soil directly into them. This means that plants can be changed regarding the changing of the seasons or due to disease or pestilence, a point worth considering when using any kind of decorative pot or tub.
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