I was walking around town last evening and discovered a concept in design that I have yet to see anywhere else-using tiny shrubs as borders around flower gardens. They are done in such a way as to not impede the visual delight of seeing the plants beyond and I loved how it drew the eye to the bed itself. Note that the bed above actually has two borders when you count the brick. The landscaper used this concept in multiple areas, winding throughout the shops and along the road and it offered a unique continuity to pull all the beds together.

Here are some other joys I discovered while walking around. Obviously, the designer chose a focus on pinks and purples in this design.

I would love to see some of your plants this year or the design around your town.  Send them to me and we will feature them here on the blog. Email me at nwflora@gmail.com

No, I don’t mean put them in a bowl like you might berries, and pour milk all over them (now there’s a thought), I mean using milk as both a fertilizer and a disease preventative for your vegetable plants. Milk has a protein that builds nitrogen and appears to help plants that are prone to disease too.

In particular, tomatoes seem to thrive with this treatment, although I have heard of it working on other veggie plants, too.

Directions differ it seems. Some sources say to mix one part milk to four parts water, and other sources say to mix it 50/50. Many say apply once a week and You Grow Girl’s Gayla Trail says that once a week on tomatoes is not too much (and she mixes the 50/50). Plan on a cup or so of the mixture for each plant. And of course, if you want the best, choose organic milk.

Milk-Fed Pumpkins

P.S. We are starting a new feature called “Garden Mishaps”. If you have a funny or unique story to share about your garden or outdoor rooms, please email it to me at nwflora@gmail.com

Dear Flora:

Recently my son’s preschool was discussing the important of trees and my son seemed to be the only one who understood that trees clean the air and provide oxygen. How can we educate the masses here?

~Never Tree-Less

Dear Never Treeless:

First of all, great job! If your son knows at this age the importance of trees in cleaning our air, you’ve been doing your job. And literally, as you know, it begins in your backyard. When you plant, prune and care for your garden and yard, it is the perfect opportunity to educate too.

But of course it is not too late for the rest of us. Yes, people, trees clean our air. They are absolutely vital to clean space and to bring in the fresh air that we often take for granted here in the Northwest. I am only sorry that it took us so very long to start replacing all that we take.

For more information about the importance of replanting trees, see American Forests.

Dear Flora:

I want to do more green living and growing but it seems like the changes need to come from up above, if you know what I mean. What can I as one little human do?

~Conscious of the Green

Dear Conscious of the Green:

Don’t give up! Join organizations such as We Can Solve It, sign up for their press releases and become informed. Search the internet and learn. There are all kinds of things that we can do like grow organically, harvest rainwater for re-use, refuse to fill the landfills (recycle and re-use), participate in Earth Day celebrations, educate others, plant trees, consider a windmill and solar-powered resources and so much more. Do your part, get a neighbor and family on board, encourage your city government to think green and you WILL make an impact.

Greensburg, Kansas is a great example of leadership taking charge to bring green change-and saving money in the process. Recently a storm took out most of the town and they made a wise decision-rebuild it green up to LEED standards. Even the farmers are on board and using windmills to harness energy. Good, I hope they go organic too. 

How important are centerpieces when you are entertaining in your outdoor rooms and gardens? Some say that the beauty of the garden is centerpiece enough-still others think that a table set without a centerpiece is vastly incomplete.

I say that we are actually looking at two different components here. Having a centerpiece (on the table) will not necessarily distract from your focal point (garden or yard)-if chosen wisely.

Here are some ideas for ceterpieces that can enhance your guest’s experience, as well as highlight your focal points.

• Pull in the Obvious- Pull in components from your focal point into your centerpiece. For instance, show off cut flowers from your garden. This will not be overkill if done with a light touch and in good taste. Do consider the flowers that are growing across the yard as opposed to the ones growing next to the porch.
• Pull in the Not-So-Obvious- Entertaining in your backyard? For another conversation starter, pull in cut flowers from your front yard or use a houseplant.
• Use the Homegrown- Consider fruits and vegetables that you are growing as a centerpiece-and be prepared for snackers. 
• Use the Homemade- Let the kids make a crafty centerpiece specific to the types of guests that you are entertaining. For instance, if hosting the soccer team, make paper mache’ balls, paint them and place the in a bowl.  
• Combine Features-  Consider combinations of items that say different things. For instance, use a group of formal wineglasses but add a touch of pretty with a single cut flower in each one.
• Personal Touch-Make sure that your centerpiece speaks to your guests. Entertaining a group of mom’s? Add a gift within your centerpiece such as a movie pass or bubble bath for each attendee.  Or create a centerpiece that you can give away at the end of a gathering.
• Make it Interactive- Include slips of paper with questions or conversation starters. If things start to go dry, reach for one and ask a question. Or, include games or giveaways.

Make sure that your centerpiece does not impede conversation. No one wants to have to look around something to converse with someone. Flat or low centerpieces work the best for this. Keep the color of your place settings, tablecloth, etc in mind as you choose and above all else, have FUN with it.

Sometimes non-gardeners want a beautiful garden. Even those of us who do garden still often need some help in the design and implementation of it. And although garden and landscape designers are worth their weight in gold, it helps them tremendously if you have an idea of what you want before they begin.

Here is a list of some things that will help a designer give you exactly what you want.

1. Collect magazines and tear out the pictures of what appeals to you. Try to narrow these down to 10 or so before you meet with your designer.
2. If there are specific plants that you want, make a list.
3. If there are specific colors that you want featured, find paint chips in those colors.
4. If there is specific material that you want used, such as gravel, add that to your list.
5. If being environmentally conscious is important to you-make this clear to your designer.
6. Consider features other than plants-such as water, accessories, furniture, etc.
7. Decide what you want closest to the house and where seating is most convenient.
8. Consider ease of maintenance. For instance, if you don’t want to weed often, make this clear to your designer before they begin.
9. Make a bubble map with a rough outline of where you want what. Don’t worry about sun spots or the best place to plant certain plants-your designer is also being paid for their professional recommendations. And don’t be concerned with your artistic talent-bubble plans are meant to be a rough, beginning outline.
10. Give your bubble plan, magazine pictures, paint chips, priorities and lists to your designer.
11. Write down questions as you are planning and ask them.
12. If you don’t plan to maintain your garden yourself, make sure that you get “to do’s” from your designer and ask for his or her recommendations for landscape maintenance companies.

Got a question for me? Get it answered in the next ASK FLORA segment. Comment below or email your questions to: nwflora@gmail.com

This is so very cool. How about entering your garden in an amateur garden competition with awesome prizes? The NW Flower & Garden Show sponsors this fun competition that is facilitated and judged by the Arboretum Foundation every year.

The deadline to enter is June 16, 2008 so don’t take too long to think about it.

Any home garden in King, Pierce or Snohomish counties, or on Bainbridge Island, is eligible unless its owners are plant, nursery or landscape professionals, or work in any capacity performing garden design, care or maintenance.

There are some rules to be aware of. For instance, if you have received professional garden design services in the past five years, you aren’t eligible. Check out the rest of the rules before entering.

Prizes are GREAT. The grand daddy is round-trip airfare for two to London for the May 2209 Chelsea Flower Show, admission to the show and FIVE nights lodging. Even second prize is airfare and admission for two for the 2009 San Francisco Show. There are also cash prizes and gift certificates to Swansons Nursery in Seattle. AND the rules state that judges may award other prizes to individuals whose gardens are unique or reflect a special passion for gardening.

Are you entering? Of course we want to hear about it so please, please, please comment and let us know!

Entry Form

Did you know that your garden furniture talks? This is why it is important to choose pieces that speak to your specific needs in your outdoor space. As Lucy Hardiman says, you are more in control of your guest’s experience than you might think.

CHAIR-A chair or bench invites guests to pause, and then sit. You can direct traffic through your outdoor rooms with carefully placed sitting areas. You can even attempt to control the amount of time guests sit by keeping comfort, or lack thereof, in mind. A soft lounging chair says “Stay as long as you want and relax” and a barstool or hard chair says, “Perch a few moments and talk”. A chair by itself indicates, “Move around and be social or sit and be alone.” 

TABLE- A round table’s edges are more soothing to the eye. A round table also encourages socialization. A square table also serves a purpose by usually seating more people and allows people to keep more of a personal space around them. Ever notice at an event that people are more hesitant to join a stranger at a round table than a square one? Surfaces speak as well. Glass is more elegant. Wood is more casual. Plastic is seen as more kid-friendly. And what is on your table also speaks. Make it inviting. A too-crowded table is not inviting. Consider placing food on one table and seating at another.

ACCESSORIES- A well placed bouquet or accessory can impede socialization (for instance a too tall of one in the middle of a table) or can become a touch on the shoulder that invites a pause (when placed on a side table near a chair). An outdoor rug or mat can spice up your space, or be in the way. An outdoor heater or grill may be useful and appreciated, but not pleasing to the eye. If possible, tuck the heater where it can do its job but where it doesn’t draw the eye, and keep the grill away from the seating and eating areas.

Talk it up, and talk it well. It is part of the overall experience for your family and guests.

P.S. We are starting a new feature called “Garden Mishaps”. If you have a funny or unique story to share about your garden, gardening experience (or lack thereof) or anything about your outdoor rooms, please email it to me at nwflora@gmail.com with “garden mishaps” in the subject line.

The National Gardening Association is available on the internet with many resources for your garden and beyond.Here are some recent entries in the Seed Swapping area:

Date Posted:

Apr 26, 2008

Seeds Offered:

Hubbard

Seeds Wanted:

Rhubarb seeds

-

Date Posted:

Apr 19, 2008

Seeds Offered:

marigold, snapdragon, and viola seeds

Seeds Wanted:

Porter Tomato seeds

Additional Information:

I have several diff kinds of sunflower, marigold, sweet william and a few raspberry soda snapdragons I am looking for Porter Tomato seeds which originated in TX.

-

Date Posted:

Apr 12, 2008

Seeds Wanted:

Any wildflower seeds

Additional Information:

I wish to have a beautiful yard but I am disabled and I can only work for short periods of time. Please if you have any seeds that you are willing to send me please do…Maybe I can enjoy the yard this summer with some pretty flowers

-

Date Posted:

Apr 12, 2008

Seeds Offered:

lavender phlox 

Seeds Wanted:

castor bean.

Also on the site are several interesting blogs:

Urban Gardening- Moss in the City with William Moss

Edible Landscaping with Charlie Nardozzi

Celebrating the Seasons with Rebecca Kolls

The “Let’s Talk Gardening” message board allows you to connect with other gardeners to give and receive advice and ideas. Recipes such as a Butternut Squash Soup and Pumpkin Spice Waffles and programs such as “Adopt a School Garden” and “Adopt a Rehabilitation Program” are all part of the offerings of the National Gardening Association. Free newsletters are available too.

Check it out today!

Here are some interesting garden tidbits that I discovered in the past couple of weeks:

Growing Lemon Trees in the Northwest- Yes, apparently they can grow here. In particular the Meyer lemon although a pot is recommended.  It may need brought in at times and can require a lot of care. The author says that the tree will fruit most of the year.

Benefits to Using Seaweed in Your Garden- Wow, yes there are a few although overuse can be detrimental next season so you should be careful. As you know, Flora has to support most all uses of natural resources in our gardens. But I’m not sure about fertilizing with urine-which is another article I saw the other day.

Growing an Herb Lawn by MARIANNE BINETTI- An herb lawn provides fragrance, beauty and practicality that will add to your cooking charms.

A List of Native Plants for our area, in particular ones that draw wildlife.

Video of an 87-pound cabbage that won 2^nd place in the Alaska State Fair Giant Cabbage Weigh-off.

Have fun! If you have any interesting gardening tidbits, please share them in the comment section.

Well, my garden has had little sun so far, and I know that you can sympathize with me. And I am disappointed in the lack of progress for the organic peas. They are just now poking their heads out, although the non-organic ones did long ago. Is there something in the non-organic seeds that makes them grow more quickly? Hmmm. Since they were planted the same day and given the exact same elements, including the same dirt, I must wonder. Why can’t there be an ingredient label on seeds? LOL.

My youngest, who helped plant, is not disappointed at all. He rounded the house on a dead run the other day to yell that the peas were growing and asked how long it would be until it is time to eat them. Waiting is always the hardest part of course. He asked three times to water them, and I finally let him, in spite of the fact that we have had nothing but rain here in the northwest for a couple of weeks. He is just so excited to garden every year and I hope that what I teach him now will help him cultivate his own plot of land someday. Maybe he will even call me with questions like I do to my mom. Maybe someday I’ll have a partner to go to the garden shows with!

Guess I better get us through the pea-growing first!

I know that I took a risk even planting cool weather crops, but my friend Dave down the road who has an absolutely marvelous garden with walkways, antiques, home-made swings and more (I will post pics for you later in the spring) still has his starts in the greenhouse and is playing it a little safer. I know that he and his wife Lou are itching to get on it and will soon, and when they do their garden will again be an incredible experience. This year, I will share it with you.