November 2011

Green landscaping is an environmental way of landscaping without using harmful methods and dangerous chemicals that generally is part of traditional landscaping. Green landscaping not only will save us money but will help restore to the earth all those natural resources that have been taken away since we began misusing it many years ago.

Most of us are very aware of the chemical products in use and we as homeowners do our best not to use them and we also have begun to use less water. We are all very concerned about protecting our environment and the climate changes that are happening around the globe; this would be a good time to find out what we can do to help and one way to start would be to create a green landscape.

Here are a few greenhouse tips for the many people that think greenhouse growing is too complex. These greenhouse tips, such as light, air, space, proper water and food, should help you achieve a productive array of plants and vegetables. Once you zero in on the basics such as doing away with sterile soil mixes, chemical fertilizers, fumigants, and sprays you just may have extra money for those special plants and pots you have always wanted.

First, you only want to grow plants that have been bred for productivity, resistance to disease, and proven to be strong and hardy. If you are uncertain of what you should grow check with some local greenhouse growers for advice or you can do a little experimenting. There are some species that always need to be fed or that have a tendency to attract aphids, even with good growing conditions, that should be eliminated from your list of plants. The best types of soil to use for your chosen plants should be a combination of half compost and half rich garden loam or equal amounts of peat moss, compost and garden loam. Measure into a pot about 6 inches of manure and 4 inches of bone meal and add to each bushel of prepared soil; if your loam contains clay you also want to add sand to the mixture.

Landscaping for birds takes in more than having one or two bird feeders, or even a bird bath. Landscaping for birds should provide and satisfy the primary needs of the wild bird which includes food, nesting sites, shelter, and water. When your landscaping has the proper plants to fulfill these elements you should attract many popular birds.

Landscaping with local native plants is not only beneficial to you since they need less fertilizer, water, and less maintenance but the local birds  recognize them as excellent shelters and good food sources. Planting exotic plants can be very beautiful to your yard but they may not attract the birds because they are not used to seeing them while the local shrubs, trees, grasses, and flowers are much more inviting. Many species of birds have their own food requirements and they may change the more mature they get or even when the seasons change. Once you know the food likings of the birds you want to attract you can then plant the suitable plants that provide them acorns, berries, fruits, grains, nectar, nuts, or seeds. When you have that water source such as a water garden, pond, or bird bath that has splashing, dripping, or moving water you may even attract some birds to the garden just for a drink or bath.

The most common fall landscaping chore is raking leaves, but there are other things that also need to be done. Fall landscaping also entails preparing your yard and garden for winter and the following spring. Fall is probably the best time to be working in your yard and getting it ready for spring since the temperatures are much cooler.

You can add extra seed to your grass lawn if you want it thicker than it was before. You want to continue your lawn care by mowing and removing any weeds that happen to show up. The lawn does not need as much water at this time of year but it is best to aerate it to reduce any runoff and help the penetration of water. As part of your fall lawn care, fertilizing in the fall will cause the roots to become stronger and give it a hardier base in spring when it starts growing again. It is best to use fertilizer that contains a balanced mixture of potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen.