Many people are familiar with antique furniture, but did you know that there are also antique plants? These plant species have survived for generations, and they are called heirloom plants. There is a wide variety when it comes to heirloom plant species, but the most popular of these is an orchid. Although many people, especially beginning gardeners, fear that they would kill an orchid plant and never dream of owning one, many varieties of orchids are actually easy to care for.

One popular heirloom orchid, the Paphiopedilum orchid, is a very low maintenance plant. These orchids have been popular for generations due to their big, bold flowers. These colorful flowers make a wonderful accessory in your home, brightening the whole room. Another type of heirloom orchid that you may want to consider is the Cattleya orchid. These orchids grow stalks with clusters of small blossoms. They come in colors ranging from yellow and pink to simple white orchids. These are very striking plants, even in less bold colors.

Once you have selected an orchid, you’ll need orchid potting mix, a clay pot, a tray, and some small pebbles. When you purchase your orchid, it will probably come in a small plastic pot, or with bare roots. To re-pot your orchid, fill your clay pot with the orchid potting mix, and then simply plant your orchid into the mix. Use the tray filled with small stones underneath your pot, to help catch the draining water.

To water your orchid, place it under room temperature running water for around two minutes. Because sitting in water is one of the easiest ways to kill an orchid, make sure that the potting mix has time to drain thoroughly. Now, place the pot on the tray, and then place your orchid in an area of your home that does not receive direct sunlight. Once per week, check your orchid. If the orchid potting mix is dry, you should water your orchid again by placing it under running water.

If you do not want to grow or to care for orchids, there are many other heirloom plants to choose from, including flower bulbs. These plants are very hardy, and can endure years of neglect. One of the most popular heirloom bulbs is the daffodil. There is a surprising variety of daffodils available, from the smaller true daffodils to the larger narcissus. Many have wonderful scents, or unique petal shapes that can turn down even the most expensive orchids such as Vanda or the moth orchid. Hyacinth flowers are known for their beautiful colors and strong fragrance.

Once you have purchased your flower bulbs, you’ll need to plant them. You’ll need a container, some potting soil, and a cold spot to store your bulbs during the winter months. Fill your container with potting soil, and plant your bulbs with the narrow end facing up. Keep your container in a cold area for the winter, and then bring your bulbs inside during the early spring, placing them in a sunny window. Water it regularly, and your bulbs will soon sprout. After they bloom, you can plant your bulbs out in the garden. Otherwise, you can also discard the bulbs after they are done blooming, and buy new ones next year.

When trying to buy a new plant, you may realize that there are more decisions to make than you’d thought. You may come home with too many or too few plants, or purchase plants that aren’t compatible with each other. Of course, you also need to consider the quality of each plant, making sure it is in good condition to thrive once you get it home.

Here are a few things to look for when buying plants:

1) Where will they be going? Whether you are looking for houseplants or plants for your yard, this is an important consideration. If you’re choosing indoor plants, decide where they will be kept, so that you’ll know how much or how little sunlight they will receive. The same goes for outdoor plants. Have an idea of where they will be going so that you know the conditions in which they’ll be grown.

2) Which plants are already there? Especially if you’re trying to fill out an existing spot, be aware of the surrounding plants. Make sure that your choice is compatible for the space you have. For example, have the surrounding plants already reached their full mature size? If not, choose a smaller plant, leaving room for everything to grow. You may also want to choose annuals instead of perennials, so that your existing plants will have room to grow before you choose a permanent plant for that spot. Otherwise, it may become over-crowded, and the plants will have trouble thriving.

3) What is your end goal? Do you want to add different colors and textures to a flower bed? If so, you can probably choose plants by these characteristics without any complications. If you’re trying to create a certain style, like an English cottage garden or a desert cactus garden, be sure to look for plants that would fit into this environment.

4) How healthy are the plants? Once you are at the nursery or garden center, pay attention to the individual plants you’re choosing. Also consider your own personal gardening abilities. If you’re not sure how to take care of the plant, stay away from ones that look like they’ll need extra care to nurse them back to optimum health.

5) How much do you have to spend? Many gardeners spend more than they had intended to once they walk into a nursery. It’s easy to get caught up in choosing beautiful plants for your yard, but be sure to stick to your budget. It may be helpful to write down the cost when shopping for plant. Some plants can be costly for their foliage while others like dracaena marginata can be costly because of their trunks. That way, you won’t keep adding to your purchase until you go way over-budget.

Buying plants can be fun, and if you consider these tips, you’ll be able to choose plants that will thrive in your garden. Whether you are choosing one plant to fill in a space or several plants to create a new bed, consider these questions to help you choose wisely.

Whilst landscaping can give many benefits to the homeowner, there are a few basic problems that we have to deal with. The following article will list some of these problems and suggest a solution to them.

Dealing with Pests

The unwelcome insects and animals that come uninvited into our gardens can, if not dealt with, lead to significant damage. They can also create problems for humans and our pets through the spread of infection. One solution is to use pest proof products, repellants or traps, but these can have a negative impact on the environment as well if they are not carefully used.

To avoid this, it is wise to consider alternatives. Talk to other people in your area about their methods of pest control - this may include pest controllers, who wil be able to advise you on the safe use of chemicals.

Dealing with Irrigation

The correct use of water is a significant issue and if you are installing an irrigation system it must be done properly. Too little or too much water can kill a plant or retard its growth and in some cases can spread disease through pathogens living in the water that has pooled.

The best option for do it yourself gardeners is the drip system. It should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that there are no unwanted leaks or blockages.

Dealing with Climatic Changes

If you choose the wrong types of plants for the climate in your area, you are doomed to fail. There are some plants that do not cope well with too much snow, rain, cold or heat.

To avoid this problem, your landscape should be created in “layers” - taller plantings at the back, then a middle level and short level. This will reduce damage to the more sensitive plants from wind. If you have extreme weather conditions, it is best to choose plants that are native to the area and are adaptable to the climate.

Dealing with Maintenance

It is vital that regular maintenance be carried out to keep the landscape looking good. This can be a rather arduous task, especially if there are changes in climate or if the area is a large one and the plants are spaced out.

If you want to avoid this, once again choose native plants as they will generally require lower levels of maintenance. Smaller gardens with less “busy” designs will be easier to look after. Choose less variety in plantings to lower the workload.

Dealing with Plant Diseases

Diseases and pests are common in gardens. Many plants are susceptible to disease or pest attack, for example, thrips or black spot on roses. Trying to control disease can be difficult once it takes hold, so it is best to employ preventative measures.

In the first instance, ensure that the plants you choose are healthy and keep a watchful eye on them for the first few months. Any diseased parts of the plant should be removed as soon as they are found. You can apply an organic pesticide to prevent pest attack.

Dealing with Drainage

Drainage is not something that we give much thought to, but it is important. Without proper drainage, erosion, leaks and boggy areas can form. These boggy areas can in turn create an ideal environment for algae, fungi and mosquitoes, ruining all your efforts.

Make sure that you include drainage in the initial plans and if you do not feel confident about dealing with the drainage yourself, consult an expert.

Dealing with Weeds

Weeds are just unwanted plants in all gardens and landscapes and are something we all have to cope with. If you grow anywhere and if let them take control, they will ruin the look even of your hillside designs and all your hard work will have gone to waste.

Mulching the garden is a great weed suppressant and you can use weedicides or herbicides as well, taking care to avoid contact with the plants you want to keep.

Dealing with Hazardous Chemicals

There may be times when a landscaper has to use hazardous chemicals in the garden and they must ensure that they follow the precautions on the labels to avoid serious health problems. Some of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, nerve damage or birth defects when they are not used properly.

One solution to this problem is to avoid using the more hazardous chemicals and wherever possible using organic alternatives.

Selecting seed for your yard can be an intimidating and daunting task. The first thing you’ll need to consider is the lay of your lawn, shade versus sunlight, and the amount of water your yard typically receives. Most commercial seeds are formulated for sun and shade, but if you’re lawn will receive less than three hours of light, or you’re planting under trees, you may want to consider a specialty seed.

Kentucky bluegrass is a top choice for grass. There are years when it is difficult to find. One downside to bluegrass is its need for a midsummer rest period. Kentucky bluegrass will also stain your clothing more easily than other grasses, but it is a hearty, easy to grow grass that will resist weeds.

For small lawns or gardens, you can consider a ‘bent’ grass. Colonial bent is a widely used choice. It thrives under less than stellar conditions and is low growing. It will spread quickly and requires frequent grooming and top-dress.

If you’re looking for a combination, Redtop combines very well with Kentucky bluegrass because its rest period is different from that of bluegrass. Another plus to Redtop is that it will not stain your clothes.

Chewings fescue is a shade grass. It matures late in season and resists midsummer drought conditions. It will grow well in acidic soils and is also great in the fight against weeds.

Rye grass is a plus for new lawns. It’s tough and quick growing that helps keep out weeds while the lawn grows.

Bermuda grass will grow well in sandy areas and is commonly used in the South.

Some people like look of clover in their grass, others find it a nuisance. The plus to clover is its ability to grow in poor soil and it typically prevents weed growth. The downside is that it tends to look patchy and sports white blossoms.

Generally, mixing grasses will provide a more satisfying look. Varying grasses are active during different times of the year and will keep your lawn in continual lushness. Mixtures also tend to fair better against weeds than do single seed grasses.

If you’re not content to grow grass by planting grass seed in spring, you should consider alternate ground cover. Juniper, wild trailing rose, and evergreen vines make excellent ground cover in areas where mowing would be difficult or a unique landscape design is desired.

Lily of the valley and sandwort are also excellent ground covers that will add to the appearance of your lawn.

Whatever your choice for the look of your lawn, educating yourself on the options as to what plants do you really desire and whether you want to plant them on spring time or at other time will guarantee that you get the most bang for your buck and may even allow you to grow the best looking lawn on the street!

After you have read through this article, you should have a better understanding of how to achieve a great looking landscape at the lowest possible rate. If you need further clarification, it would be wise to hunt around in the landscape books section of your local bookstore or library.

Steps in landscaping

The most important thing to remember with landscaping is harmony. This harmony applies to the actual process of creating the landscape as well - if you don’t follow the steps properly, you will end up stressed and the design will not be what you wanted. Refer to the following table for the correct sequence of events in planning and constructing your landscape.

Table1: Landscaping Sequence

Step 1 - Installation of irrigation and drainage. Step 2 - Construction of patios, walls, fences, paths and other permanent fixtures. Step 3 - Planting the desired trees, shrubs and other plants. Step 4 - Creating a lawn.

Devising a landscaping plan

It is vital to any successful landscape that it has a good plan or design sheet. This plan can significantly reduce your workload, obtaining the best results for your efforts. The plan should commence with a careful measurement of the plot, after which a scaled plan is created.

Plotting a scale graph

The first step in this process is measuring out your yard, or plot. If you are unsure as to how to do this, it may be possible to get a deed map of your property from your builder or county office. These maps are drawn to scale and they can be converted easily if necessary. If you cannot obtain one, you will have to create your own using a scale and graph paper. In this case, you will have to measure the perimeter of your property, noting boundaries and distances from the house to these boundaries. Remember to include significant elements such as driveways and fences. Using a scale, note these on the graph paper and draw your plan using the scale. A scale of 1 inch = 10 feet is a good measure. Be sure to note any existing trees or shrubs that you wish to retain on the graph also.

Site analysis

Once you have worked out the scale and know what is already on the site, you will have to work out what can be fitted in and what will have to go. Consider the following:

* With regard to existing trees and shrubs, work out which ones must be kept and those that can be removed for extra space.

* Think about the climatic conditions in your area such as wind, snow, rainfall etc. This will be of assistance regarding the placement of walls, fences and sheds as protection.

* Look at how you want the yard to be used. Do you want to include a play area for the children, or an entertainment area? Where do you want your gardens to be situated?

* Work out a rough estimate of your budget. What can you allocate as regards time and money for ongoing maintenance?

* Will you be including a structure such as a fountain or waterfall? Do you want a pool? Will these be future inclusions?

* Do you intend to use brick, flagstone or gravel etc for paths or driveways?

* How much lawn do you require? What will it be used for?

The answers to these questions will also be helpful in working out what plants and other landscaping materials you wish to include in the design as well as deciding upon a theme or style for the garden.

Drawing a bubble graph

This is a rough sketch that shows the position and layout of each element, which are shown by the use of bubbles, which gives the graph its name. You can create this graph by placing tracing paper over the scale graph, ensuring that there are allowances for plant growth included.

This “bubble” graph should include all the landscaping elements, from where the plants will be situated to the size and direction of paths, placement of outdoor structures, irrigation systems, inclusion of a small pond, and the list goes on. It is a good idea to take a walk through the yard, taking note of where the elements will be and sketching them in as you go.

Planning an irrigation system

You cannot consider a landscaping design complete without the addition of an irrigation system. You can choose either a sprinkler or drip irrigation system, but if you are considering installing the system yourself, do your homework. If you think that this is too difficult a task for you, consult an expert, making sure that you take a copy of the plans with you.

The purchase of a houseplant and the care and maintenance of it requires time and effort. It will reward you through its ability to bring life to the home and as a decorative feature. You can gain additional benefits through growing your own new plants from seeds or cuttings.

Seeds

You should always collect and use good quality seed. It is not always possible to guarantee that the seeds are first rate unless you have selected your own from a good plant. If you obtain your seeds from a reputable source, that is a good start.

If you are growing plants from seeds, it is vitally important that the soil is properly prepared. You should begin with sterile earth, not just the dirt that is outside your house as this soil may have weed seeds, bacteria that may be harmful to the new seedlings, insect larvae or any number of other problems. To maximize seed germination, it is best to use good soil that is known to be pest free.

Using a seed starting tray is best for most new plants as they contain a capillary mat which will soak up water from below, feeding the seeds and maintaining moisture in the soil. They are also an ideal size for the critical first few months of a plant’s life. You should aim to keep the soil warm (at least 72 degrees F or 22 degrees C) during the day and no less than 65 degrees F or 18 degrees C at night. Use a warming lamp if needs be.

Enough light is vital for newly developing seedlings. If the climate or the location of the plants does not allow enough natural light, supplement with artificial lighting. The light should be suspended above the tray allowing a few inches between the tray and light.This heat will then penetrate the soil, warming the seeds to allow germination and once the seedling is above the surface, the same light and heat will supply the energy required for photosynthesis and therefore plant growth.

When the seedling has developed a few leaves, it is time to apply a fertilizer that is diluted to between 1/4 - 1/2 strength. It is then time to transplant the seedling into a pot.

Cuttings

You can use many of the same ideas when growing a new plant from a cutting. For instance, you would like to try growing Bird of Paradise plant from cuttings. Just like growing white Bird of Paradise from seeds white bird of paradise from seeds, the first step is to choose a good, healthy cutting. Green stems that have not hardened or become woody are the best and choose one that has a node (this is the point where a leaf attaches to the stem). This will then develop into roots to support and feed the new plant.

Be sure to remove all but one or two leaves with their nodes. Until the nodes develop roots, the plant will obtain its nutrients from the leaves. The soil should be prepared as for the seeds and the cuttings inserted with care and gently into the soil.

Ensure that the soil is kept moist but not overly wet during this stage as too much water will cause rot that will kill the new plant. Allow for plenty of light as with seeds - at least 12 hours per day, supplementing with artificial lighting if necessary.

After the plant has developed a root system, allow a few months before replanting into a longer term pot.

Terraces are wonderful additions to any house, functioning as outdoor style living rooms or patios in the summer, and a nice transition area between indoors and outdoors at all times of the year. Terraces can be below ground level, slightly above it or right at ground level.

The simplest type of course is the ground level terrace, we requires a simple grading process to be undertaken before the project can be set into motion. You have a choice when it comes to flooring material, the most common choice being cement, which is leveled with a large board.

You can also use flagstones by applying a load of sand or gravel on top of the subsoil and setting the flagstones into the sand or gravel. The area between the stones can be dug out and filled with topsoil, grass or some other cover. Hollow clay building tiles are used in a similar manner, by splitting them and wedging them into the ground. Another good material for a terrace floor is exposed aggregate, whose rough finish prevents the glare which is common place with other flooring types when exposed to as much sun as a terrace floor will likely be.

Another flooring possibility is through the use of redwood or cypress blocks, they these are not quite as durable as stone. You can buy them cut to predetermined sizes and lay them directly into the sand or soil. Unmortared brick laid out in a pattern over well-tamped sand is one of the easiest flooring methods available. The bricks can be laid out flat or on their ends, with an angle iron driven into their corners to prevent spreading.

A terrace which rests below ground level is aptly named a sunken terrace. These not only give you a very unique view, being as low as right at ground level while seated, but they also provide as a nice cooled down room for those hot summer days, which is their main intent, though these terraces are perhaps too cool during colder months as a result of this. After the hole is dug, the walls will need reinforcing with a retaining wall, to prevent the soil from continually eroding into the terrace. The subsoil should be dug up to a depth five or six inches below the actual level of your sunken terrace floor, and replaced with a sand or gravel base. The topsoil can consist of whatever you desire.

Finally there is the raised terrace, probably the least common terrace, as it doesn’t provide for great views of the outdoors, especially if you have a nice garden, unless you’re sitting right at the structure’s edges for a view down. A retaining wall made from materials such as landscape brick is also necessary for a raised terrace, as is a good deal of attention paid to leveling, the number one problem in raised terrace construction employed in many landscape designs. Once that process is complete the terrace itself is built much like the other two styles. Drainage from the terrace is supplied by a central drain which connects to underground piping through the retaining wall in most cases.

If you’re a rose lover, you probably know already that roses can serve a variety of functions, and are not limited to sitting in flower beds looking pretty, though that surely remains their most popular use. They can also be used in conjunction with shrubs, hedges, vines and climbers.

Rose originators are unceasing in their relentless efforts to supply us with new and unique creations that dazzle the senses and melt the heart. Some of the more popular recent creations include the bright floribunda Jiminy Cricket, the pure pink tea rose the Queen Elizabeth, and the bright yellow peace rose. In fact there are 5,000 different varieties of roses in the United States alone, meaning you’ll all but certainly have changing tastes as the seasons progress with the dizzying array of options available.

When selecting roses, it’s important to choose healthy plants, and not base your choice solely on the bud alone. Like many constructions, it all begins with a solid base. Stems should be a lush green with the roots moist. Do not assume that the most expensive rose means the best or most well-kept. The price may simply be based on the current favorite or trendy rose at that point, and not on the individual rose’s quality.

Roses come in two general types, which are bush roses and climbers. Of the bush type the dominant strain is the hybrid tea, which accounts for well over 50% of all roses grown in the U.S. Other well-known bush types include the floribundas, polyanthas and the hybrid perpetuals. Climbing roses include ramblers, which are adept at covering walls and fences, pillar roses which can grow near buildins and on posts, and climbing hybrid trees.

Planting roses needs to begin with a good garden loam with organic matter, including peat moss, compost, manure and leaf mold. The bed should be prepared well in advance of the planting, to allow for natural setting of the soil.

Planting is best done in the fall, but can also take place in spring. Roses should be planted immediately after purchase, and should the roots try before that point, they should be soaked in water before planting. Be sure to dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the roots and allow for future spreading.

Maintaining healthy roses requires cultivation, pruning and spraying. A well cultivated bed limits the amount of watering that is required, but in hot weather the roots should be soaked about once a week. Spraying your roses every week and a half will help prevent the onset of any diseases and ward off insect attacks.

Roses should be winterized after the first frost hits by mounding sod around their bases. In areas where the weather gets very cold you’ll need to remove the supports from your climbing roses. Place the canes on the ground and peg them, then cover them with soil mounds. Similarly, Red-edge Dracaena should be handled wisely and carefully to maintain their aesthetic appeal.

When springtime rolls around, trim your roses back to about half a foot off the ground, removing all but a few of the canes from any hybrid teas. Once they have grown out you’ll need to remove any further buds, except the ones on top of the canes. By this method you’ll grow strong and healthy plants with beautiful and large blossoms.

Most plants that are grown indoors are from the tropics, but there are some that may be found in the region local to the homeowner. The choice of plants that can be used to beautify a living space, no matter how small or large, are manifold and are only limited by your taste in decoration.

Popular Choices

One very popular choice of indoor plant is the Angel Ivy. This plant can be arranged to form various shapes and is commonly used to make a topiary ring. It is a living decorative framework of vines and blooms for any area of the home.

The braided ficus tree is another popular choice for the indoor garden. Its braided stems, usually four, are a great conversation piece and most decorative. The stems are usually braided manually and the effect is stunning.

A herb garden in the kitchen is also a great idea. Placed on the counter top near a sunny window, they are ready to be used in cooking to add a special touch to any dish. Such mini herb gardens are suitable for any herb, provided the herb is not too large.

Care For A Tree?

Many people are attracted to the idea of a bonsai tree. These miniature plants are often crafted from tropical plants and the growth is severely controlled through the constant pruning of leaves and cutting of the roots. This style of planting originated in Asia: many examples of bonsai from that region are several centuries old.

Some species of bamboo as well as Peace Lily can also be suitable indoor plants. There are many varieties with leaves that range in color from yellow to green. Plants that are called “lucky bamboo” are not actually bamboo at all, but they are nonetheless popular indoor plants as well.

The smaller species of palm tree are also suitable indoor plants. The sheer number of these plants and their extensive variety make them very popular choices and they are extremely useful as a decorative feature, especially as a specimen in an attractive container.

Flowering plants are also extremely popular as they can also be used as a table centerpiece. Indoor flowering plants are usually the smaller varieties of those we see in outdoor gardens.

These are just a few examples of the popular varieties that are commonly used as indoor plants. There are many more plants that are suitable for indoor use but some of those need extra attention and proper care to enable them to thrive indoors.

Purpose-built stands for indoor house plants are a great way to “show off” your beautiful plants. They are made in a range of materials, designs and styles, from very simple “minimalist” to ornate wrought iron. There us a style to suit all tastes. Most stands are built to suit smaller plants.

Popular And Practical

A practical and commonly sought after stand is the “single combination”, which consists of three stands, each of a similar design but in different heights. This design is an ideal choice for empty spaces and corners. They are also the best design to display long flowing stemmed plants to their best effect.

A tiered stand is another style that is often used. Tiered stands can contain between two to five tiers and they are best suited for use with smaller plants. Tiered plant stands can prettily fill up a dull corner of a room.

Many people opt for the dramatic effect of the hanging plant stand. There are a number of designs of hanging plant stands but the basic premise is that either a single plant or group can be displayed somewhat akin to a lamp. Some can be in free standing mode; while others like the phalaenopsis orchid can be attached to the ceiling or the wall. Another design is one that is secured between both the ceiling and the floor as a semi permanent “wall” of plants, creating a living divider.

A stand designed to fit on a benchtop or sunny window sill in the kitchen is an ideal stand for plants such as herbs used in cooking, making those delicious additions to your cuisine readily available. Such use requires a smaller stand, although larger versions can be useful outdoors.

If you are looking to create a restful, natural atmosphere in your home, plant stands are ideal as they help you take care of your plants to achieve the look you desire. As these plants take care of your home aura, choosing the right stand is also one way of proper plant care. They also make the task of changing plants easier as smaller stands that accommodate a number of plants can be moved easily in and out of the garden. Look in your local DIY store or garden supply store for the range they have available. Alternatively, you could shop for a stand online simply by typing in “plant stands” into your search engine.