Planning on building a greenhouse? Who wouldn’t love to have a greenhouse in their backyard. A spot to start some seeds in the cold of winter. A place to grow sub-tropical plants when you live far north of their native habitat. A greenhouse can be an extraordinary place where you can enjoy some one-on-one time with nature when everything else in the world is running at such an alarming pace. Greenhouses come in many shapes and sizes and different ones serve variable purposes. If you are the do-it-yourself type, you can use readily available plans to build a homemade greenhouse.

Purpose of your Greenhouse

What you will need to ask yourself before purchasing a greenhouse is, “What purpose will my greenhouse serve?” Will you need a greenhouse for starting seeds in late winter to get a jump start on your Spring planting? How many flats of seeds will you be planting? Will a small portable greenhouse serve your purpose well? Or will you need a larger greenhouse, one where you can overwinter your tropical plants and keep them warm throughout the freezing temperatures of winter. Are you wanting to go all out and buy a gutter connect greenhouse like the big boys use? Will you ever really use that greenhouse to it’s fullest extent? It’s always best to thoroughly examine all of these questions and more to decide which size greenhouse will work best for you.

Location of your Greenhouse

Where will I locate my greenhouse? You don’t really have much latitude in your decision as to where to locate your greenhouse if you are going to be giving it the optimal location, of which is the south to south-east side of any other buildings at your greenhouse site location. Your biggest concern in locating your greenhouse should be making sure that your greenhouse receives optimum winter sunlight. This can be best achieved by detecting the best location for your greenhouse well in advance. If that is not possible, and you are ready to install your greenhouse immediately, then a trek to the local cooperative extension office may be in order. They will most likely have fact sheets that will help you to make an educated guess in positioning your greenhouse. Keep in mind that your future greenhouse heating costs, should you desire to heat your greenhouse during winter, may be influenced by the location of the greenhouse.

Anticipating Buying a Greenhouse

You’ve made some crucial decisions, thought long and hard about purchasing a greenhouse and have now come to the conclusion that you are ready to purchase your greenhouse. Where to start? You’re not going to like the answer. More research! There are a lot of greenhouse companies selling their wares. Some are high quality and you must be willing to pay a premium price for that quality. There are bargains to be had on greenhouses, even quality ones. But it will take some detective work on your part to find those bargains. Sales come up every so often and this can save you upwards of several hundred dollars if you are aware of the greenhouse market. Make a point of checking weekly with greenhouse companies for upcoming sales. It’s always a shame when you purchase something only to find it went on sale the next day. Call the company and ask them if they will be having any sales in the near future. Be proactive when buying your greenhouse. It’s your money, use it wisely.

If you are looking for ways for you or your children to provide cheap presents for the extended family, or just like to give gifts that have a personal element to them, then here is a suggestion or two for you.

If you are looking to make a present for the gardener in the family or someone who has recently moved into their own home, someone in a flat or unit, or a person who can’t manage a full sized yard, or a family member who loves to cook with fresh ingredients, etc. Then why not consider giving them something from your own garden? Here I am talking about plants that you have divided off from your own garden plants.

There are many plants growing in the average garden that can be divided, or that have naturally self layered themselves. Where you could go along and take a rooted section, pot them up and with a bit of dressing up of the planting container, you could produce a really nice gift for someone you care about.

These plants include many herbs as well as perennials or shrubs and even some trees which manage to send out self-layering branches or suckers from the root system. Some perennials or bulbs will increase their size or number of bulbs over time. Chance seedlings coming up in the wrong place for you, can easily also be used. All of these provide you with an opportunity to cheaply create a wonderful present for someone else.

First things first you will need to obtain a number of pots either plastic ones left over from additions to the garden population, or from someone you know, or you can go out and purchase a pot plastic/ceramic/terracotta etc., to suit your needs. If the person you are giving the plant to is not a real gardener, then you might consider getting a pot with a waterwell in the base to increase the plants’ chances of surviving.

Next, you need to begin looking for your plant material, so take a careful look around your garden at the soil level. Check out which plants are showing multiple stalks growing out of the ground. Or those sprawling plants where a branch has leaned over on to the ground and taken root along the branch, maybe one where a branch has become buried under the mulch.

Or one where there is a sucker growing from the soil a short distance from the parent plant. Another possibility is seedlings growing in the garden a distance from the parent plant material. Maybe there is a clump of plants or a big patch of bulbs where you can do some dividing.

Many of these plants benefit from being divided up or being allowed some more growing room in the particular area where you have taken away some material.

Different parts of Australia will have a differing range of plant species, which lend themselves to this form of self-propagation. If you can’t find any plants that are doing this in your own garden, why not look at a friends or neighbours garden. Or you could maybe join forces and give a joint present using plants from another family member’s garden. Or another possibility is to buy a plant in a pot that has several plants already established in it.

Divide that up before you use half in your own garden, and still have half to repot and give away. Even if you are not confident about your gardening skills you can still pick up cheap plants at the local market, school/church fair, garage sale etc. Repot them into a bigger or nicer pot for a fairly cheap present.

Another possibility is to multiplant a few different plants into a long or large round tub. This will create an instant garden on the move. Some themes you might consider here is herbs, indoor foliage, bulbs, annuals, alpine/rock, cacti/succulent or even patio gardens mixing annuals and perennials.

It is best to moisten the ground around the plant that you are going to work on well before you do the dividing, as this allows you to remove the maximum amount of root mass during the dividing process.

The first step is to divide the clump or cut away the joining branch to make the separate plant available. Then using a spade, fork or gardening trowel, dig as far out from the potential plant as practicable, because this will give you the biggest root mass possible.

Go down as far you believe you need to, (this will depend on such circumstances as size of new plant, species of original plant material, type of soil, other plant or landscaping material around the area, etc.). As gently as you can dig out the new plant. Shake off any excess soil and refill the resulting hole in the ground if necessary.

Prune back the foliage of the new plant to roughly equal size of the root mass, trying to protect some of the new foliage growth. Repot as soon as practicable, so that the roots do not dry out and die.

Another thing to consider is what sort of pot you are gong to plant into; if it is only a plastic pot then you do not need to prepare it beforehand. However if you are looking at painting it, then do this before you get digging.

When painting up pots, you will need to do some preparation work for the paint to stick properly. Plastic pots should have their surface roughened up with a bit of sandpaper. While some terracotta pots should have a primer applied to the outer surface before you paint them. Try not to get primer or paint onto the inside of the planter, because while most wont, there are still some paints which contain chemicals that may affect or contaminate the soil and plant over time.

Other possibilities for decorating up pots include simply gluing on bits and pieces including stones, tiles, buttons, sticks, shells, ornaments, ribbon, stickers and decals, etc. Other ways of decorating up a pot for the initial presentation is to wrap up just the pot (not the actual plant), using either wrapping paper, cellophane, material, a cheap teatowel or even hessian. Hold these wrappers in place with string, ribbon, bandana, scarf, etc.

Other possibilities for adding value to the potplant is to provide some growing information and name tags for the plant/s included. Other little quirks you might add include a personalised name tag, (Hi, my name is David the Diffenbachia . . . ), or a little watering indicator, miniature hand tools, small amounts of fertiliser, pot ornaments, watering can etc.

So as you can see, creating a very personal gift for just about anyone can easily be within the grasp of anyone. Why not go out into your garden and start thinking about what presents you can be preparing for Christmas this weekend.

Growing herbs in pots is a terrific idea, it means they can be grown indoors.

They can also be grown in window boxes or hanging baskets. Growing herbs in pots is no more difficult then growing herbs in an outdoor garden.  

Indoor herb gardens need the same growing requirements as outdoor herb gardens, all plants need three main things in order to grow successfully; sunlight, soil and water.  

Herbs are no exception.

Sunlight is the key to growing any type of plant including herbs whether they are grown indoors or in a garden.

A major benefit of growing herbs in pots is the ability to move them around to keep them in the sun. You should place herbs grown in a kitchen or other room in a south or west facing window to get the best kind of sunlight.

Different types of herbs have different light requirements but, for the most part, all need a sunny location.  Some home herb growers supplement the light source with “grow lamps” or fluorescent lamps.  

They also need a well drained, not too rich soil to grow in.

Add two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs that are grown in containers.

For growing herbs in pots you will also need about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure that the plant has good drainage.

Herbs grown in pots can also be supplemented with one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot to ensure that the soil is sweet enough for the herbs.  Herbs grown in pots also need water.  

Misting the plants and moistening the pebbles will help to keep the herbs within humid conditions.

Since they are being grown in containers they do need to have more water then herbs that are grown in a garden but, you should avoid getting the roots of the herbs drenched or soggy.

An advantage to growing herbs in pots is that you have the freedom to move them about as you please.  Annual herbs can spend all of their time indoors but, perennial herbs do better if they were to be placed outside during the summer.  

Although all herbs should be brought inside before the first frost in order to avoid the loss of foliage.  This rule is over looked when it comes to mint, chives, and tarragon.  

These types of herbs will go into a rest period then form firmer and fresher growth after it is introduced to a light frost.

Growing herbs in pots suits most varieties however some do better than others.

Mint is an herb that needs to be contained or it will take over the garden.  Over all it is fairly easy to maintain an indoor herb garden.  It keeps the herbs handy and within reach anytime you need them for cooking.  

With these tips listed above, you will be able to care for your herbs and ensure a healthy plant.  You should also include periodic light feeding and yearly repotting for optimum health of the herbs.  

You will also have to remember to replant annuals each year and move perennials outdoors when needed.  

Plus, use your herbs as much as you want in addition to harvesting them occasionally.  It is no secret that pruning plants encourages new growth.  This rule also applies when growing herbs in pots herbs.

So use them in your recipes, store them and give them away to friends.

Although there is no one set of “official” classification system
of roses, there are many different popular rose classification
schemes that are employed throughout the world. The most popular
of the systems in use has been proposed by The American Rose
Society in cooperation with the World Federation of Roses.
Although this classification system is not the only one in use,
a large majority of internationally established societies have
adopted this scheme for classifying roses.

According to the American Rose Society, there are three main
groupings of roses: the Species; Old Garden Roses; and Modern
Roses. Species Roses, the origin of every other rose class, are
commonly referred to as “wild roses.” These “wild roses” are
easy to identify, as they normally have five petals, are
once-blooming, and are generally thorny shrubs or climbers.
Several popular Species Roses include: Cherokee Roses, Dog
Roses, Gallic Roses, French Roses, and Redleaf Roses. Species
Roses can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, as they
flourish in temperate climates.

Unlike Species Roses, which existed millions of years before man
walked the earth, Old Garden Roses are identified as a major
class of roses recognized before 1867.

Most Old Garden Roses bloom once per season, usually at the
arrival of summer. Old Garden Roses occur in a variety of shrub
and vine sizes. Although colors vary, Old Garden Roses are
typically white or pastel in color. These “antique roses” are
generally preferred for lawns and home gardening because they
are easy to care for. Several groupings of roses are classified
as Old Garden Roses including: China, Tea, Moss, Damask,
Bourbon, Hybrid Perpetual and Noisette roses. Many “antique
roses” have a strong sweet scent, which makes them very
desirable.

Old Garden Roses are the predecessors of Modern Roses. Any rose
which has been identified post 1867 is considered a Modern Rose.
This group of roses are very popular. The Modern Rose is the
result of cross breeding the hybrid tea with the polyanthus. The
colors of a Modern Rose are lovely, rich and vibrant. Most of
the roses found in this class flower repeatedly when cared for
properly. Perhaps that is why horticulturists find this class so
attractive. The most popular roses found in the class of Modern
Roses are the hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora. Although
Modern Roses are adored by florists and gardeners, they do not
adapt well to colder environments.

After a rose has been classified according to the three main
groupings, a rose can then be further classified by color,
scent, growth habit, ancestry, date of introduction, blooming
characteristics and size. It is very difficult for
horticulturists to classify every rose, especially the hybrid
roses which often seem like a grouping of their own. While there
has been much debate on classifying roses, the American Rose
Society appears to have the most functional system for these
stages of classification. Perhaps this is why the American Rose
Society’s classification system has been adopted by so many
rosarians the world over

Whether the occasion is a birthday, secretaries day, mothers day, fathers day or the holidays (Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa) bonsai trees make great gifts. Bonsai trees are a perfect gift for any loved one born with or without a green thumb. If you know someone special who loves and takes delight in caring for plants then bonsai trees may indeed be the perfect gift. Here are the items you will need if you decide to give a bonsai tree as a gift.

The first thing you will need to buy is a bonsai tree. Before buying a bonsai tree you need to determine whether your recipient will require an indoor or outdoor bonsai tree. Does the recipient live in a warm area year round like New Mexico or New Orleans or do they live in an area where the seasons change like New York or North Dakota. Next you will need to determine which bonsai tree species to buy. There are many types of bonsai trees like the Japanese maple, elm, ficus, maple, and juniper. Some bonsai tree species are more difficult to grow than others so you will need to make sure that you choose the appropriate species for the person who will be receiving the bonsai tree.

The second thing you will need to bonsai pot. Today there are various styles, colors, shapes and size to choose from so you can easily find a bonsai pot for the bonsai tree that is perfect for anyone. When selecting the bonsai pot, you will need to the correct size for the bonsai tree to ensure the tree fits inside the pot.

The third thing you will need to buy is bonsai soil. Unlike other types of plants, bonsai trees require a certain type of soil to grow. Some soils are already mixed with fertilizer to make your life easier. However, when buying bonsai soil you need to make sure that you not only buy enough soil to fill the pot but you will need to include extra soil as well.

The fourth thing you will need to buy is bonsai fertilizer. Bonsai trees require fertilizer for growth and nutrition. There are many kinds to choose from starting with organic and non organic types. Regardless of which fertilizer you choose, you will need to understand what nitrogen level your bonsai tree requires. To be safe buy extra fertilizer and package it with your bonsai gift.

The fifth thing you will need to buy is wire and tools. These items are essential especially for the novice in bonsai growing. Bonsai tool kits are available and they come with the standard tools such as the bending jack, concave cutter, scissors and wire cutters. The wire is also essential since wire is used to form the bonsai tree.

The last thing you will need to buy is a watering pot or can. Like most plant life, bonsai trees need frequent watering. Including a watering pot is a must since it is a subtle reminder that the bonsai tree requires water.

Winter, spring, summer, or fall, when it comes to bonsai trees, anytime can be a good time to buy a bonsai gift. When giving a bonsai tree as a gift make sure you include a pot, soil, bonsai fertilizer, wire tools, and a watering pot. By including these items your bonsai gift will be the perfect gift!

Perennial seeds allow you to establish a fixed garden for a reasonable cost.  Much less expensive than purchasing grown plants at the local garden store, seeds have little transport cost and can sit around for a long time before they will germinate.  They are an ideal to increase the beauty of your garden.

Seeds need to be planted early enough in the season so that they can go into the ground as seedlings when the danger of killing frost is over.  Young plants need more protection than established ones, so give yourself some extra time before you plant your seedlings if there is any concern.  If you do have an unexpected frost, mulching or covering the seedlings may help save them.

Utilizing seeds instead of nursery bought plants allows you to get exactly what you want.  Many companies are now focusing on heirloom flowers, things that aren’t available in any do-it-yourself mega-store.  In addition to their unusual appearance, heirlooms tend to be hardier in certain climates to which they are accustomed.  You will have a garden that is the envy of the neighborhood, filled with flowers and plants that no one else has found.

It may seem that using seeds will slow down the development of your garden.  The truth is that most seeds germinate within two to four weeks.   If you want to, you can plant any perennial seeds directly into the ground, accepting that you will lose some seeds to hungry birds.  Once the plants sprout up, they will continue to generate their own replacements.  Let some of the flower heads go to seed and you can reseed an area that looks like it needs some additional help.  Remember, perennials bloom year after year and don’t need to be replaced, just cut back.  Perennial seeds give you the best of both worlds, affordability and permanence.