Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Blue dresses? green flowers?

could i use these dresses for the bridesmaids - http://www.edressme.com/eveningdresses58...

with a bouquet like this - http://bloomeryweddings.com/blog/images/... except a little less green and more white.



and ill have a white dress with a bouquet with -

green flowers - probably small hydrangea,

white roses,

and a tiny tiny tiny bit of blue - maybe orchid - like the blue in this one - http://www.bloomeryweddings.com/portfoli...

would that look good?

Blue dresses? green flowers?
I think you can do it. The dress can't get any less blue and still go with the hydrangeas. Don't fret the green, it will set off the blue nicely. More white you'd need a texture change and that's not easy.



Don't be too picky with the blue flower in your bouquet, choices are limited in blues.



I know you are obsessing about everything now, but my mother's friend did weddings for years and said, "remember the 3 foot rule, nobody else sees the details beyond 3 feet." And frankly nobody but you really cares. I know it's harsh, but true. Relax, have fun, and take some of the energy you are putting into this wedding into your relationship with your hubby to be. Congratulations. P.S., don't smash wedding cake into each other's mouth. It's not cute, shows a need to dominate. Be adults.
Reply:That would look great! Good color choices :)

I love that blue gown.

Congratulations on your wedding! All my best wishes for you!
Reply:honey, that looks great but you posted in the wrong forum! congratulations by the way!


Rebecca'sgarden.com?

Have a problem with my Hydrangea plant dying.

Rebecca'sgarden.com?
Hi,

It is very hot in most parts of North America right now. Since I do not know your zone or location, I will just give you this website. It's in easy-to-read language and gives a good general description of what to do right. Good luck!



http://www.gardengal.net/page32.html


What are the newest and most cost effective for floral centerpieces, for a summer tent wedding?

I'm planning a wdiing for mid July, on a Sat. night in a tent. The overall effect will be formal, as the tent will be draped with creme organza, the tables will have an overlay of sheer ivory, w/ gold ribbon entwined, and the tble will be adorned w/gold charger plates, etc. I need some ideas for a very sophisticated centerpiece,(Low on the table) and need some suggestions. Is Green hydrangea, viburnum, creme and or coral peonies available in July?..And what kind of container and style? Thanks.

What are the newest and most cost effective for floral centerpieces, for a summer tent wedding?
go to a floral shop,and ask [if it's family owned their usually is someone in the family]even if its not there full time job that would have great ideas,and give you their full attenion,for a small fee of course!
Reply:We're doing flower blooms in water w/ gems or rocks on the bottom of a bubble bowl.
Reply:I can help you with wedding ideas, plans, ect. I started a wedding coordinator business after I planned my own wedding WAYYY under the budget!



My website is: http://tianataylorweddings.bravehost.com...

You can also email me at: ttweddings@sbcglobal.net



I'd be glad to help!
Reply:Green hydrangea and peonies may still be available, but it will be pushing it. You may have to find a florist willing to search for you, and you may have to pay a little more.



Is this an air conditioned tent? What state? How hot will it be?



These things will affect the flowers. With regard to container and look I would do a very contemporary, elegant,hi-style look with minimal flowers in an a-asymmetrical shape.

ben

Coke for plants?

if i'm not mistaken, coke is acidic, so if i use it to water the acid soil plants such as Roses, or to turn the Hydrangea into blue color, does it help?

Coke for plants?
I know that you can use any soda or beer to water plants as long as they are room temp and flat. My grandmother does it all the time. She has always had great roses and house plants
Reply:Yes, it is acidic. It would help plants like azelias, but not hydranga, that needs more lime in your soil to change the plant color.
Reply:not sure, but watered down tea is great.
Reply:Better to use fertilizer. Sugar can make a problem with molding.
Reply:No offense, and I'm not much of a soda drinker, but certainly there are better uses for "Coke"



So many other natural ingredients add acidic properties to soil, if it is even an issue?



I'd also suggest Blue food coloring in water if you truly have to unnaturally alter a color of a plant/flower,,,but I cannot imagine why anyone wants to "ALTER" any natural process.



The sugar content alone, of any soda, cannot possibly "HELP" a plant.



Rev. Steven
Reply:Coca-Cola is the best solvent on the market. Police carry around a 2 liter bottle in their cars for cleaning up blood spills on the road. To put it in your garden is to condemn your plants to death. Do not do this. Use plant food and treatments from Home Depot or something. Coke is not the answer; I work for them and know how it is made, it will kill them. Happy gardening!!
Reply:Yes it works but so does banna peels and used coffe grounds at the base of the plants.
Reply:it cannot be used as a substitute for water but i think it can be used as a pesticide because some farmers in india found it very useful in killing these bugs


How can I get a Hydranger to flower?

We have a small Hydrangea plant (16``) high in a sunny, south facing garden near Aberdeen, Scotland. In six years it has flowered just once. It appears to be perfectly healthy, I have tried plant foods but it will not cooperate. Any ideas gratefully appreciated.

Mike.

How can I get a Hydranger to flower?
I'm still trying to get the right spot and treatment for a hydrangea. Think I'm going to have to break down and buy a nice, big one, rather growing from small size.



You've got to read up on them. They are pretty particular as regards pruning, temperature, location, etc. I'm attaching one website (below) with information about problems getting them to bloom for you. Good luck!



P.S.: How about that Craig Ferguson!
Reply:loads and loads of water!!!! hence the hydr' bit in the name. You can't over water it (unless it's in a pot of course)...the feeding is secondary.
Reply:You may have too much sunlight! Otherwise, if you don't think you have to move it, cut it back to about 4 inches above the ground, that will force out new growth. It is a bit late in the year to get any new growth, but let it come out next year and if it does not bloom, leave it be and it should bloom the next year.
Reply:all I know is that they do great in very acidic soil like azaleas, camellias, etc. Go looking for sulfur...I looked up the website and it didn't say anything about acidic soil....they grow in east Texas like crazy and the color is so intense and there is acidic soil there and we have very alkaline soil......so the expert says lots of cow manure and organic matter......good luck
Reply:sounds like it needs pruning,you can do this now.and it will flower next year
Reply:Sounds like you have prunned this plant. This years growth on hydrangea's will produce next years flowers, so if you prune every year you will never get flowers.
Reply:talk to it? I think you need more sunlight try some artifical light as you live in scotland and it is quite dark and cold mostly up there (my family comes from dundee) Good luck
Reply:Hydrangeas require an acid soil to bloom properly. Be sure to use a plant food specifically designed for such plants. An alternative would be to work some aluminum sulfate into the soil around the shrub.


When is a "frost" a "frost"? Is it any time temps dip below freezing after spring?

I live in Zone 5 (Chicago). We've had some mild weather recently and I've got lots of stuff starting to pop up in my garden -- crocus, bleeding heart, clematis, sedum, hydrangea, a magnolia tree and many shrubs are starting to leaf out. Some of these things have only little buds on them and some (many the bulbs) have flowers. For the next few nights now, temps are supposed to go below freezing. Is this considered a "frost" or do temps have to be mild for a while before you can call it "frost"? Do I have to cover any of my stuff?

When is a "frost" a "frost"? Is it any time temps dip below freezing after spring?
Frost is a combination of humidity level and temps. The plants that already present themselves are hardy and can withstand another freeze or frost! Your region is subject to possible frost thru April and into early May.

Protect your plantings by using a 10-10-10 with mineral granular fert the weekend after Easter. Put directly on soil at recommended amount. Mulch lightly with a hardwood shredded material. Any visable dieback from frost or freeze remove with hand shears ( dip those shears in a Clorox and Water solution thereafter).

Plant any really non-hardy plants around Mother's Day. Fill in the bed with a two-three inch layer of mulch and treat with a Preen with Pre-emergent agent. You'll be fine that way.

The fact that the plants reappear shows you they can and will survive. Good Luck
Reply:A frost comes when the dew freezes. This is why you usually have frost in the fall and the spring, in canada anyways. Below freezing does not always mean frost. You can simply protect your plants by laying some blankets over them, and then weight them so they wont blow all over your yard if a wind should come up. This way it protects them from the direct frost. Hope this helps, have a good one!


Do you like Hortensia?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrangea_m...

Do you like Hortensia?
sure!
Reply:Ok.
Reply:Maybe.
Reply:nope
Reply:Interesting...

kick scooter

Why is my florist afraid to work with these flowers?

At the end of July, my wedding arrives. I'm not a 'Bridezilla" although I ve been through three planners, 2 photographers, and now possibly, at the last moment a new Floral decorator...Why?...Because, after quite a bit of research, I settled on a designer who i thought would easily meet my expectations...I decicided on varied height centerpieces, using a array of summer blooms such as dahlias, Cockscomb, Peonies, Hydrangea, viburnum, asiatic Lilies, Garden Roses, and anything else that may be available the week of my party. The colrs are a mix of all shades of pink, orange, peach, butter yellow and chartreuse...But now my 'Hero" informs me that due to poor crops around the world recently he will have a difficult time procurring these types of blooms, in these colors...(However, he CAN get the flowers I prefer in shades of Lavender, Cinammon, Chocolate,Celedon and Hot pink) Interesting, these are the exact colors (minus the pink) that both he and my Fiancee suggested. What to do?

Why is my florist afraid to work with these flowers?
Well umm you sound a little like a bridezilla it is your fiancee's wedding too he should get some say, besides it is just flowers trust me nobody is going to care what everything looks like i guarantee they will not even remember what color flowers you had, they are there simply to get fed their dollars worth of whatever gift they bought you and leave.
Reply:Perhaps you are asking the wrong question. From what you've said it seems there is a lack of the colors you want or is it the florist prefers the colors your future husband likes? For me, your question isn't clear. You imply that you are extremely particular, why would you "hero" lie to you? I suggest that you call the local floral warehouse and ask exactly what flowers might be available during your wedding week. If a warehouse is not available to you, call several local florists and ask the same question.
Reply:Call around and see if other florist tell you the same thing...if they do, then he is being truthful, if not...dump him and go with someone else....hopefully this is the only wedding you will have...it should be perfect.
Reply:As you guessed , he's probably lying . Why? - ???? The Viburnum %26amp; Peonies area stretch at the end of July , %26amp; they %26amp; Hydrangea don't hold up well in the usual July heat .Also become more expensive out of season .(What your fiancee is worried about?) Might be what he's worried about . If you are OK with that ( should hold up for the wedding itself - more than that - ???) let him know. Dahlias, lilies, %26amp; cockscomb , are most readily available in a mix , so the rest of it sounds like bs. Good Luck
Reply:How about Mums. They could fill in the colors the other plants would be missing? Also, consider flowers that could be 'dipped' in edged dye.


How often to water new shrubs/plants in 90 degree heat?

I have a new Rhododendron and a new Hydrangea which were wilted when I got home today. Today was about 90 degrees. I watered them well, and they perked back up after an hour. Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter. Should I soak them in the morning again? Is it ok to wait until shrubs/plants begin to sag/wilt before watering them?

How often to water new shrubs/plants in 90 degree heat?
Water them early in the morning before the sun comes out. Then water them again in the evening after the sun goes down. Don't drown the plants at either watering. Just give them a nice gentle drink of water. Never water them in the middle of the day when it's so hot, as the sun will evaporate the water, thus drying out the plants. Don't wait for the plants/shrubs wilt, rather keep the soil moist at all times.
Reply:Always, always, always water your shrubs before the sun hits them. Water them early in the a.m. so they can withstand the heat throughout the day. Don't wait until they wilt. This method works for my shrubs and flowers. Good luck!
Reply:Make a mounded edge of dirt around the shrubs about 6-8 inches high about 15-20 inches out from the shrub- creates a pool for watering so it doesn't run off and cover the base of the shrub about 15-20 inches around with pine bark mulch that will help hold in the moisture- water before 6 am or after 6pm.
Reply:In addition to laying down mulch and watering my new plants every morning, I also cover them until established. A plastic nursery pot works quite well. For larger plants, I use an old garbage can with air holes poked through the top.



Also, if the temps are just brutal, a real slick trick is to fill up a gallon jug with water, poke a small hole in the base with a nail, and set it somewhere above the planting hole, mid day. Voila! cheap drip irrigation to keep your plant happy through the hottest part of the day.
Reply:water every day in this heat, just don't over do it because you can deplete the ground of nutrients.





Try watering every other day, early in the morning, but make sure you water if they look wilted
Reply:water them in the morning or the evening when it is still cool and i believe it is one inch daily while it is hot and 1 inch every other day while it is average temp use a tuna can to measure when its full you have given the plant 1 inch of water don't quote me on this
Reply:Only water early, early in the day, or after the sun goes down. It's just a waste during the hotter parts of the day. Is there a way to create some partial shade so the sun doesn't beat down on them so bad (like a black net or such that doesn't sit on the plants but above them.)
Reply:well for how often you should water, being there new and depending on the temperature its best to check the soil with ur finger by sticking it in as far as u can and if little or no moisture than they need watered, but if temps are really hot evening time or early morning, never water plants in the sun


I accidently bought a hygrandea TREE... how should i care for it?

The stupid people at the nursery gave me a hydrangea tree, when all i wanted is a blue hygrandea shrub. I found out about a month later, when i seen at a nursery that they had the trees the looked exacly like ours... turns out it grows up to 20 feet tall (too tall for where it is planted) so i dug it up and planted it in part shade. how do i care for it? It is a bout a foot and half tall, how tall will it be next year, (i will use miracle grow)

I accidently bought a hygrandea TREE... how should i care for it?
Sounds like you bought a PeeGee Hydrangea. It will bloom a beautiful panicle shaped white bloom in late summer. The leaves will turn a beautiful red in the fall before falling off. It prefers some morning sun and afternoon shade and doesn't require near the water that a common hydrangea does. Any pruning will need to be done as soon as the last bloom has faded as they will bloom on this year's growth next year. You can expect to see quite a bit of growth each year - especially after the roots get established. It should reach its mature height within 3 years. I wouldn't fertilize until next spring because what you want to encourage right now is root development. I recommend a root stimulator to help encourage feeder root growth and then begin your Miracle Gro regimen next spring.



I hope this helps! Good Luck!


Periwinkle and silver in late summer?

Moved my wedding up and now its going to be a late summer wedding, the colors are still periwinkle and silver but not sure if I should still do hydrangea for the flowers. Don't even know what flowers are in bloom in late summer (other than roses, roses aren't an option), what I could use with my colors and coordinate into boutiners. HELP???

Periwinkle and silver in late summer?
Yes you can still do hydrangeas...they are usually in peak bloom in late summer, and some of the more unique and beautiful varieties don't bloom till late summer anyway. Look into lace-cap and peegee varieties. They come in many different colors from white/cream to pink and deep blue. Take a swatch of the periwinkle fabric (I assume that is your bridesmaid colors?) and bring it to the florist. You will probably need to see the actual flowers/colors against the dress color to make sure they compliment one another.
Reply:Periwinkle was my primary color also. I used calla lillies. They're delicate and classy.
Reply:My colors were cornflower, silver and white. Cornflower is pretty similar to periwinkle but less purple-y. I did a mix of white roses, stargazer lilies, irises and bachelor buttons and it looked beautiful.
Reply:Alstroemerias are beautiful and inexpensive. They are available in a ton of colors and at all times of year. They make beautiful boutineers and go well in bouquets. Also I really like them because they don't have a smell.

omar

I'm looking for inexpensive green flowers for bridesmaid bouquets. Any suggestions?

I have seen cybidium (sp?) orchids and green hydrangea but they are pretty pricey unless I buy wholesale online. i would prefer to work with a florist but could buy online if need be. If someone could offer some alternatives, I would be pretty excited. Thanks!

I'm looking for inexpensive green flowers for bridesmaid bouquets. Any suggestions?
Chrysanthemums come in green. I think they sometimes call them poms. There is also a flower/filler called mollucela- it's long and skinny like snapdragons. Also, you can get green roses and green lisianthus.



My mom grows green zinnias in her garden from late spring until early fall- they would be pretty in a bouquet, but I'm not sure if you can get them from a florist.



Good luck and congratulations on the wedding!
Reply:Your florist should have sprays to color flowers. They could even spray white roses to green.
Reply:Real white hydrangeas have a beautiful pale green tint!
Reply:I have seen fake orchids that look surprisingly real. I found them at Michael's, and they were pretty inexpensive. No one would be able to tell unless they looked very close. You could put the bouquets together and save a ton of money.



I didn't use orchids, but I used silk flowers at my wedding and for my bouquet, three bridesmaid bouquets, and 15 pin-on flowers for the groomsmen, parents, special guests, etc. I spent only $40.
Reply:Maybe placing an online order at Sam's, 1-800-flowers or at a local florist that can order them cheap.
Reply:you can always get carnations (sp) and put them in green food coloring for little flowers with a tinge of white and mostly green, also many gerber daises come in green and they usually not too expensive.
Reply:Perhaps you could order from WalMart, or some place like that.
Reply:Go to Sams Club - they're florists there know alot %26amp; will offer a ton of options.
Reply:I'm a little surprised that you say hydrangea is expensive. I'm using an antique green hydrangea as the main flower in all my arrangements and it has been very cost effective (I'm working with a florist). Not only does it take up lots of space in the arrangements, but it holds up extremely well to heat and temperature changes. I would rethink not using them, you may save yourself some $$ b/c it cuts out the need for a lot of smaller more expensive flowers (yes orchids ARE pricey!). I'm using a pale lilac cybidium orchid in my arrangements as well, but due to their price, there will only be one stem per centerpiece and it will be suspended in the glass vase under the main arrangement.
Reply:There are a lot of online sites that provide fresh flowers for wedding events. Some of them are flower.com, fromyouflower.com and Dutch Gardens. All of them offer same day delivery as the day you placed your order, to ensure the flowers are fresh and in good condition.



As valentine's day is closing, you will be able to get a good deal if you use one of the promotional coupons at http://freeflowercoupon.blogspot.com/. At From You Flowers, most of their flowers start at a very low price of $29.95 and I'm sure you will be able to get a better price if you order for a bulk purchase!


Any creative and inexpensive idea for a wedding center piece?

My wedding is in two weeks! My colors are chocolate, champagne and a rusted orange is my accent color and the color of my flowers. I'm also using hydrangea in my bridesmaids bouquet, the tables are round. Any suggestions?

Any creative and inexpensive idea for a wedding center piece?
Hellieum Ballons

I had them and they look great.

Mix the colours and textures and use ribbon to decorate.

You can make weights with fancy glass bottles filled with sand, rocks covered in material or paper etc

Trust me !
Reply:Edible fruit centre piece.
Reply:I agree with the floating candles idea. put the glass bowl with water and floating candles on a mirror in the center. Then scatter some tealights around that. Very romantic.
Reply:Go to your local arts and crafts store (or even Walmart), buy a glass bowl, fill part way with water and float some blooms in the water. Much less than a typical florist arrangement. If the bowl is shallow enough you can also put a pillar candle in it. Check out the neat centerpieces (figure h) they did on Design on a Dime wedding, link below.



Another good idea is to buy a bunch of different types of tea light holders. They're usually .50 to $1 a piece and scatter them in the middle of the table. They can also be used as favors if you put one for each person in the middle.



I also loved Teekay's first idea. All of her ideas are good actually.
Reply:A good friend of mine went to Hobby Lobby and purchased small canisters to use for a centerpiece. We painted them her colors and then filled them with flowers that were the color of her accents. Plastic fruit is also a cheap, inexpensive way to decorate as well. A really cute idea I saw on DIY Network was to take a clear "floating candle" holder and fill it with tea-stained sprite. It gives the illusion of champagne but without the alcohol that can be dangerous to the candle. Place your colored candle in the center and lite! Spread some chocolate bars that have been broken up around it and you have a cute, romantic, and partially edible centerpiece!



Good Luck, Best of Wishes!
Reply:here is great find for you to use as an center piece.

http://www.uniquewedingfavors.com/index....
Reply:get little glass dishes at Michaels and put floating candles in it with little rocks or gems in your colors in the bottom. its really cheap and looks nice. good luck.
Reply:i work in a functions department...i've seen some great cetrepeices and i've seen some awful ones...

if you want to go simple: go with candles - maybe three: a large (either really fat or a slightly wide one but tall) chocolate one, a smaller champagne one and an even smaller orange one...stagger them....whatever you think looks nice...

you could even make the sizes and different for each table...like a middle sized chocolate and a large champagne? i've seen some where people have put them on small round mirrors



you could buy some nice vases (from a discount store) and fill it with feathers of the right colours/funky shaped and coloured sticks/flowers...if you're crafty you could make something to go in the vases



heck you could even do some really nice bowls filled with chocolate or something





one wedding i did had a sqaure dish filled with sand in the in the middle there were 4 or 5 chop sticks which were tied up the top by a ribbon and then stood up in the sand by moving the chop sticks like legs
Reply:Well I'd love to see what your arrangments look like as I was going to use the same colors.

I was going to use gerbera daisies as my flowers and just make a "nature-like" floral arrangement with twigs, dried flowers and dried berries. My wedding is going to be in the fall of next year. You can also log onto the brides.com, theknot.com and other bridal planning sites and they usually have pictures of other peoples weddings on there and you can get some ideas. Also try Michael's ( or any other craftstore) for ideas.

You can do the glass bowl's, but they can get expensive. You can try just a basic pillar candle and hurricane with dried flower and ribbon around.

Keep your eyes open for sales for these items and most times you get them for next to nothing.

Good luck!!
Reply:How about a nice candle centered on the table with pedals of flowers around it.
Reply:a floating candle, they are gorgeous!!!

use a glass bowl, your banquet hall should be able to provide, fill with 1/2 water, place floating candles {I suggest 1-3 depending on the size of the bowl} on top of water.....

If you want, place decorative clear stones in the bottom of the bowl. Your colors sound pretty, that will leave a wide choice of floating candle colors, I would suggest tan or white!
Reply:If your table linens are cream you can add a small square of chocolate fabric (1/2 yard or so from your local store) in the middle and then another smaller square of the orange. Add three to five cream candles of varying sizes on a pretty plate in the middle. (Vary according to your linens -- chocolate with cream and then orange)



Tie with pretty gold wired ribbon or leave free. If you like you can place them lengthwise instead of huddled together. Add some gold twirly pieces, hydrangea petals, and scattered crystal rocks on the table. Maybe some pretty twigs tucked in here and there, some greenary.



Or you can use tulle under the candle plate -- just bunch it up. Tulle always looks romantic and soft and is cheap. Just figure out the size you want, buy wide width's and cut!



All cream tables look lovely %26amp; elegant too -- cream linens, tulle, clear candle plate, cream candles, cream ribbon, and then maybe just a hint of color with the hydrangea petals sprinkled round.



Pretty, simple and cheap!
Reply:A honey-colored dildo...


Blue dresses? green bouquet?

could i use these dresses for the bridesmaids - http://www.edressme.com/eveningdresses58...

with a bouquet like this - http://bloomeryweddings.com/blog/images/... except a little less green and more white.



and ill have a white dress with a bouquet with -

green flowers - probably small hydrangea,

white roses,

and a tiny tiny tiny bit of blue - maybe orchid - like the blue in this one - http://www.bloomeryweddings.com/portfoli...

would that look good?

Blue dresses? green bouquet?
Those looks awesome together! I wouldn't have though a mostly green bouquet would look good with blue, but it really works.
Reply:They look GREAT together!
Reply:opposite match is always evergreen in fashion world
Reply:Very pretty, the only green is foliage anyway, the white is the main colour so they will look lovely together.
Reply:looks fine to me!
Reply:That lookss beautiful, i think im gonna steal someone's idea :)
Reply:So pretty! I really like that combination. Very new and fresh, but still elegant! I also like how both the flowers and the dress look soft.



Love it!
Reply:I think those would be beautiful together.


What is a very good vine to grow on a wall?

I was thinking of possibly climbing hydrangea, or English Ivy , and anyone who could tell me the best way to train Englsih Ivy to climb a wall better and faster, I would appreciate it.





There is a strip of ground in between the sidewalk and the wall I am wishing to have this vine grow on. I think the are is around only 3 feet wide. IS it possible to contain this planted vine and have it grow very quickly vertically or not?



how do you do this?



Thanks for your answers!

What is a very good vine to grow on a wall?
Ivy will totally cover this area! In a few years you will be trimming and pulling it out to keep it under control. Have you considered a columnar shaped bush such as arborvitae or cypress. Look up columnar apple trees they sound nice.

Vines are nice but they do take over and this sounds like a small area.

Another idea would be an annual vine such as hummingbird vine.

Clematis are nice too and they are perennials.
Reply:Grape. That way, when it grows big enough and produces fruit, you can make your own wine.
Reply:English Ivy will take over everything. If you want to keep it in check i suggest planting it in a raised bed. Other than that you will have to be dilligent about pruning. Have you ever considered a climbing tee rose.

also Ivy growing on a wall may be very pretty but it can eventually harm the mortar of bricks and can do a number on siding. The tendrils that attach itself to whatever will grow into some pretty tight crack which degrades the material....eventually

games hardware

First year flower gardener. What do I do for winter?

I have perennials and annuals. Some things say to "cut back" but I really don't know what that is. Do I cut it off at the ground or just trim it?



Here are some of what I have:

Blue Potato Bush - most leaves have fallen off.

Various Burberry and Boxwood - most burberry leaves have fallen.

Calla Lilies - really would love those back next year.

Foxglove - was mostly leafy this year

Burning bush

Summer Nights Larkspur

Hydrangea

Mums



Various annuals: marigold, cosmos, others

First year flower gardener. What do I do for winter?
your perennials should be trimmed [the cutting back part] pretty decently, depending on the plant.

http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/prun...

for your hydrangeas

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/exten...

and

http://www.plantanswers.com/garden_colum...



for others. Unfortunately with the annuals theres not much you can do, unless you want to pot them and keep them inside over the winter and replant them in the spring. hope this helps


Anyone else feel like running outside and...?

rolling in the catnip?

(hey if you don't have catnip, IMPROVISE! Use the hydrangea or the cactus plant, poison ivy...)

:-)

Anyone else feel like running outside and...?
There's only really the grass, which is littered in dog eggs.
Reply:I fancy rolling down a hill.Are you joining me Snake Eyes.
Reply:Rolling in catnip?? uh huh...your very bored tonight aren't you??
Reply:anyone got any doc leafs (dame stinging nettles)
Reply:rolling in cactus? ouch!
Reply:catnip i can do !!!
Reply:clover maybe....if i did it in catnip my cats would be mental by the end of the night! catnip overdose!!!
Reply:Just did it, now I don't feel too good, will you stop being so domineering, you know I can't resist ya, lol!x!
Reply:No thanks, am quite happy where i am
Reply:First part i get ya, its a nice cool evening why not?



Hmm might pass on the catnip/improvising bit
Reply:ok
Reply:i,m willing if you are
Reply:No way, it's 1oclock in the morning %26amp; on my estate it's safer to stay inside.

I'll do a spot of running on the spot then roll about on the carpet instead.
Reply:a good roll in the haystack would be nice =)
Reply:i LOVE rolling about in mud.

especially when its raining........
Reply:I already have...thats why im such a happy kitty!!


I want to buy a rose bush called, "Rainbows End,". Why is it really yellow in some pics though and really pink

in others? It's a bi-colored rose.Is it like a Hydrangea where it will vary according to my soil or is it's color established already...in which case I'll beg the distributor over the phone 2 send me a "Yellower" one and cross my fingers that they care!Also it's in the climber category so does that mean I have to make a trellis or will it crawl on the ground?

I want to buy a rose bush called, "Rainbows End,". Why is it really yellow in some pics though and really pink
Trellises are a necessity for climbers. Here are some examples of trellised "Rainbow's End" See below



The materials you use to trellis plants will depend on your budget, how much work you wish to do, and available.

spacehttp://www.sactorose.org/gardens/82ville... Beautiful variety climber!
Reply:If it's a climber, it'll need some support. I don't know this particular cultivar, but some possibilities for color differences include photographic reproduction issues, age of flower (often bicolors go redder as they age).



The 'Rainbow's End' I found with google is, however, a miniature rose, not a climber, 16-24" tall and wide.
Reply:You may not be seeing the actual rose. If you buy tomatoes, it's very common to see one picture for every variety out there. And, photography isn't what it used to be. Some colors are hard to capture. And, in processing, they have to alter the tone so that greens are green and reds red. This means unusual colors don't really get justice. Even on slide film.



Or, it's possible you didn't get what you ordered.


Wedding cake with fresh flowers?

I need some help regarding a 4 tier wedding cake using fondant with small bunches of blue hydrangea and white filler flowers to go along with it.

I will have to poke the stems into the cake, will the sap from the stem poison the cake? Or do i have to wrap the stem up with some foil or wrapper?

Wedding cake with fresh flowers?
Before you go out and hurt yourself or your guests you need to know that you should only be using flowers that are labeled "food grade" for cakes and salads.

Flower shop flowers have been treated with pesticides, growth hormones.......and therefore should not be used in food

Furthermore not all parts of all flowers are edible.

Go to a good produce store and see what they can get you from their specialty item suppliers.

Food grade flowers tend not to have the shelf life of their of their flowershop/ home center cousins so you may have to p/u the flowers and decorate w/ them the day of the wedding .

I know for a fact that fg nastursums(sp ?) are really fragile

Edit

As far as what wax use you're back to the requirement of using a food grade product but in this case it's easy because food grade paraffin for canning purposes [jams %26amp; jellies ] is a readily available product.

Honestly I haven't made a wedding cake since school when it was confirmed beyond all doubt that I do not have innate pastry chef talents. I understand it intellectually but the knowledge doesn't quite translate out to my fingers.

Good luck
Reply:Hi,



the cake sounds beautiful!



Hydrangeas are non-edible flowers. I don't think there's enough poison in one stem to make everyone sick but just in case, wipe any sap off and wash, dip in wax and wrap it in florist tape (the green sort) or aluminium foil.
Reply:you could dip the stems in wax.
Reply:You should wrap it up in wrapping that they use at flower shops for corsages and mens flowers to pin to their suits. They will leak into the cake, but are not poisonous. It will look bad though if they leak badly.
Reply:I advise against the floral tape as there will likely be some flavor issues ... go with 2x-wax-dipped stems and cover as much of the stem that will be in the cake plus a little extra ... I think flavor and appearance would be more of a concern that any health affect ... appearance b/c some people would consider a plant stem in their food to be a little uninticing - if you know what i mean ...
Reply:I had hydrangeas poked into my wedding cake this summer. Just to make sure nobody was going to die at my wedding, i called a local flower shop and made sure that they were safe. They said that they are poisonous if eaten in large quantities, but that putting them in a wedding cake would be more than safe.



And it was...



I would not recommend using the floral tape that florists use.... I have bitten it off the roll before, and it has a horribly bitter taste. You wouldn't want it to ruin your cake.



Hope this helped!

gert

Iwould like detailed explanation for placing flowers in the press so that they come out looking as it was?

how should a snapdragon be placed, or an orchid or a daffodil. There has to be a best way for a flower to be placed. So far I have only had luck with single layer flowers like pansy, hydrangea, greenery. I am making some pressed flower greeting cards so silica gell would not work for me. The flowers have to be flat but still recogizable.



Thanks. Hope someone can help.

Iwould like detailed explanation for placing flowers in the press so that they come out looking as it was?
I had to press plants for horticultural assignments and found that some of the more moist stemmed plants just did not turn out.



I found successful display by carefully cutting all foliage of the back of the item (otherwise the leaves etc become too crowded after pressing).



Be very careful how you put the top layer onto sample, otherwise you find the leaves etc bent back the wrong way later and you can't pull them back after they have dried.



The more time you spend on the sample with trimming and careful laying out the better your results.



I used the white wood glue to stick mine to paper as it dries clear. Only use as much as you need though as it dries shiny. The trick is to lay sample face down on paper towel (after sample has been pressed and is completely dry). lightly paint the back with wood glue with a small flat paint brush (don't go overboard) and then carefully place on paper the right way up and dry of any excess glue with another piece of paper towel. Do a few trials to get your technique right - to much glue can make paper 'ripple'. I don't know if the flowers you mentioned can be successfully pressed. Good luck.


Top five favorite flowers?

Mine are:

1. Calla Lily

2. Sunflower

3. Hydrangea

4. Magnolia

5. Orchid

Top five favorite flowers?
Those flowers are beautiful. My favorite flowers are:



1. Orchids

2. Clivia

3. Water Lily / Lily

4. Cosmos

5. Roses
Reply:1. Snapdragons

2. Lily

3. Belladonna

4. Rose

5. Sunflower Report It
Reply:Daisies

Gardenias

Tulips

Roses

Petunias
Reply:stargazer lily

hydrangea

daisy

lilac

rose
Reply:1. Lillies

2.Roses

3.Tulip

4.Magnolia

5.Pansy
Reply:1. Rose

2. Lilly

3. Sunflower

4. Hydrangea

5. Tulip
Reply:1. Rose.

2. Tuberose.

3.Jasmine.

4.Passion Flower .

5.Orchid.
Reply:Jasmine

only


What amount is good to spend on flowers?

I got quoted 120 for my bouquet (Blue Hydrangea, white gerber daisies and white roses), 60 for maid of honor, 40 each for three bride's maids and we are getting 9 corsages, and 7 boutonnieres ....for a grand total of 424. That includes delivery. Is this a good deal?

What amount is good to spend on flowers?
Comparing it to how much my flowers are going to cost....yes it is. But make sure that these are really what you want and go for quality! You don't want any flowers that are going to start dropping half way down the aisle (ekkk!). Also another question to ask your florist is "when will the flowers be made/arranged?" The closer to your wedding date the better, because then you know your flowers will be fresh and will last longer.

But flower prices really depend where you live and in what season you are getting married. Just to be safe, I would ask for a couple more quotes. Then you can compare the quality v. price. Good luck!
Reply:If you buy the flowers and make them yourself, you will only have to pay 150-200 tops. Online Wholesale Flowers is awesome! Mine was 150, and I use lilies, white roses, and hydrangeas.



Plus, Micheals.com has an internet videa that shows you how to make the boquet. Super easy!
Reply:Depends on how much you would like to spend. If you are okay with the cost, then it is fairly reasonable. If you are on a tight budget, there are ways to get great flowers for a lot less. Costco does corsages for $5-$6 each. Safeway does boutonniere's for %26amp;10 each. If you dont want to spend that much on the girls boquets how about getting them to carry a single flower of your choice. Calalilly, rose, etc. you can get at around $5 each and tie a matching wedding color ribbon around it. The price of your boquet is fair but again if you want to go cheaper you can go to a craft store like Michaels (if your okay with not having real flowers) and have them custom make one for you for less. Its really up to you.
Reply:It depends on your budget on flowers. Have you considered using silk flowers instead? It lasts longer. Not unless you're wanted to preserve them. Best wishes on your day!
Reply:The amount does not matter as long you are happy with it. Specially if it will be used in a very memorable occasion.



Best wishes.
Reply:thats a good deal, in 1968 our flowers were about $600


How long will a white flowering dogwood live for?

What about Leylandi Cypress?



What about a Pin Oak?



And an ornamental Cherry Tree?



Last one, how about a Hydrangea Tree?



Thanks for your answers!!

How long will a white flowering dogwood live for?
The greatest bloom is usually observed in the Early Spring, with fruit and seed production starting in the Spring and continuing until Fall. Leaves are not retained year to year. The Flowering Dogwood has a Short life span relative to most other plant species and a Moderate growth rate. At maturity, the typical Flowering Dogwood will reach up to 40 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 40 feet.



The Leylandi Cypress requires little or no care, is well suited for clay, acid %26amp; alkaline soils, is cold, hardy %26amp; well suited to growers throughout the U.S. is resistant to the majority of insects and diseasesis perfect for ornamentals, landscaping, hedges %26amp; barriers. Very durable tree, and will last forever.



The ornamental cherry will live forever if well taken care of but only blooms in spring.



And on the Hydrangea Flower buds develop on old (mature) wood of the previous year. Can dry bloom heads for added interest indoors.
Reply:My experience with white dogwood in Ohio is that they are not long lived trees. Borers are a particular problem. Leaves have a tendency to scorch when in full sun and they are prone to disease. However they are a beautiful tree and can be utilized where you can't accommodate a larger mature tree such as a pin oak or sugar maple. A possible substitute for a dogwood where size may be an issue would be a Japanese maple.
Reply:well you never said if it was a budded tree it can live for over 50 years the same goes for all trees with the proper care i have worked in a nursery for over 20 years now in tennessee and it all in the care of any tree
Reply:longer than an ant with gout

ada

There are tiny green oval shaped bugs on my Schefflera (hawaiian Umbrella plant). Can you help with ID?

I just noticed that quite a few of the leaves on my large schefflera have tiny oval shaped light green bugs, a little smaller than a sesame seed. There are a some on top of the leaves and some under and they seem to prefer the younger leaves. What are they and how can I get rid of them? It should be noted that I had the plant on the back deck for a couple of months near a huge Hydrangea hedge and just brought it in 2 weeks ago.

There are tiny green oval shaped bugs on my Schefflera (hawaiian Umbrella plant). Can you help with ID?
Yep I agree, sounds like Aphids (size of a grain of rice). Aphids are attracted to the color yellow, so you could - set out a yellow bowl of soapy water - get a yellow sticky trap - 2 chemical insecticides (Systemic-usually applied in spring and work inside the plant- when the Aphids suck out the plant sap (it's what there purpose is) they will die quickly from ingesting the insecticide or Contact insecticide as stated will kill on contact. You will have to see what is available, but follow product instructions.-Natural insecticides, Pyrethrum or Rotenone are made from other plants.

So there you are. Good luck!
Reply:they are the oval sladerhiaven green fly, there has been plagues of them this year due to the warm mucky climate,, dilute some washing up liquid into a spray can and spray under and over the leaves and shoots, no harm to the plant but they will go away,,

let me know how you get on,,

thanks
Reply:Maybe aphids. Spray them with soapy water.


Snowball bush won't bloom?

Probably has another name, it is in the hydrangea family. It gets bigger every year and has beautiful leaves, but no blooms. I got it as a start from another plant, and I have had it 3 years.

Snowball bush won't bloom?
Some varieties don't bloom year after year.



A lack of blooms could be due to pruning at the wrong time or a general lack of phosphorous in the soil, which can be used throughout the growing season to encourage blooms.



The smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), bloom on new wood so if you prune in late winter or early spring, you won't accidentally cut off this year's flowers. Others, like some mopheads and many big-leaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) bloom on old wood, so any late-season (or fall or winter) pruning you do erases next year's flowers. To stay on the safe side, and if you don't know which type you have, prune off only the spent blooms. *
Reply:keep in a shaded area. fertilize in the fall (this will increase the root mass), then fertilize again in the spring, blooms will set on. It is not unusual for a hydrangea to skip a year of blooms, especially if untreated.
Reply:i have 2 hydrangea and snowball bushes, you don't to cut them back. i don't , but i do is feed them with miracle grow very 2 weeks until late sept. they all bloom every year. also you can put a rusty nail or 2 in the ground around the hydrangeas they like what it does to the soil.


Help, soil smells like sewage!?

I forgot to put drainage holes on the bottom of a large pot outside. So when I finally remembered (two weeks later). The water that drained out of the bottom smelled like sewage. And one week later it still does. The plant didn't do so well either. So my question: Can the plant and soil be salvaged (it's a really large pot) or should I start from scratch. BTW, it's a hydrangea

Help, soil smells like sewage!?
If your hydrangea is still alive, it may well survive.. the smell is from anaerobic decay of organic materials and water stagnation. If it has a chance to dry out and air gets to the pores in the soil, it might recover and be fine.



keep watering your hydrangea, because it will need it.. your soil may hold the smell for a while, so you probably want to keep this one outside for a few weeks.



Someone suggested Myke.. that's not a bad idea as it may help restart the proper microbiotics for the soil (because you probably drowned those that were in there before.



You might want to put a little water soluble fertilizer in the pot. The plant might benefit from some extra nutrition as it recovers..



Good luck and remember.. hydrangeas like water, but they can't swim. ALWAYS have drain holes in your containers.
Reply:I haven't dealt with that plant as of now, but I will give you my two sense.



If a plant isn't doing well and smells like sewage something is seriously wrong, so I would assume to start from scratch.



Better to cut yours loses, and move on rather then struggle salvaging this one plant.
Reply:Yes but replace the soil with fresh soil, it should be fine.
Reply:You should not try to salvage the soil. The plant may be salvagable. If you scrub the pot with hot water and soap and let it dry, you can probably salvage the pot. I would wash all soil from the plant's roots and immediately repot it. I use styrofoam (either the packing peanut kind or regular styrofoam broken into bits) in the bottom of all my pots for drainage; it weighs less than rocks. I hope your hydrangea survives!
Reply:I think the plant can be salvaged but not the soil. You could fix the soil but it would be a pain. Buy new soil, lift the plant and gently shake of excess soil and replant. To help it get started again go to your garden center and see if they have a product called MYKE. It should help reestablish the roots. Don't forget the drain holes this time, plus put a few rocks in the bottom to lift the roots out of standing water. BLUE


Do you have any recommendations for bushes/small trees for zone 5-6?

I'm looking for advice for my front flower bed (small bushes/shrubs). I'm considering Rose of Sharon, Hydrangea, Japanese maple. I'd be interested in hearing other suggestions or if these are not good options.

Do you have any recommendations for bushes/small trees for zone 5-6?
These guys have a online plant picker:

http://www.naturehills.com/new/product/p...
Reply:The Bushes should all get over to the fighting zone and see how they like it.
Reply:I would try the Better Homes and Gardens website. . .they were a good resource for me when planning my zone 5 yard. They have some fabulous plans. . .but the site requires a free registration to view a lot of things.

addis

I tried to start a root on a plant, but it didn't work. Should I give up?

I saw a very pretty bush in the trash - it looked like a hydrangea, but it might have been another variety. Anyway, I put it in water, since I left the root ball behind (it was a huge bush, I was taking it out of someone's trash pile!). I was never able to make it root - it's been in water for weeks, and it's still green - but now I've bred mosquitos instead of a healthy plant.



Any advice? Can I just throw it in a trench and expect it to possibly bloom next year??!

I tried to start a root on a plant, but it didn't work. Should I give up?
You need to purchase some plant hormone powder and snip the old end off the cutting leaving as few leaves as possible then wet the end and dip it in the powder and plant it in seedling soil. Leave it in a green house or an empty coke bottle with the top cut off and upturned and moist soil, it should strike well. Hydrangeas are very strikeable.
Reply:The rooting aid powders are usually used in a planting medium. Many plants will root in water but you need to change the water every day or so to avoid mosquitos and rot.
Reply:unless you want mosquitos flying around non stop, i'd give up or try a new kind of plant
Reply:If someone has thrown out a plant, chances are it is dead or diseased. Cut a branch, if it looks like dead wood, it is dead, but if the inside of the branch shows some green or white it is still alive. I would put it in a pot, lots of plant food on top. Outside when it is warm and sunny, inside when cool or cold weather. If it is alive, you should see little buds after a while.
Reply:There are products in store to make it root. I believe one is named Rootone or something like that.
Reply:You can dip the stem in auxin (plant hormone) based solution available from nursery stores and transfer to the soil or clean water. The root growth will take place. Be sure to use not more than recommended concentration of the solution.


How many wedding flowers should I order? Are the flowers from Sam's Club any good?

i have to make my bridal bouquet, my bouquet for tossing, 7 bridesmaids bouquets, 12 boutineers, 5 pin on corsages,cake decorations, 20 larger centerpieces( large fish bowl jar), 40 smaller centerpieces(smaller fish bowl jar), and 2 large topiaries for outside of the tent. I do not want to use anything but pink roses for the wedding party but I plan on using pink roses and green hydrangea for my centerpieces. So tell me what you guys think.

How many wedding flowers should I order? Are the flowers from Sam's Club any good?
Yes. They are beautiful! I got them for my shower for centerpieces, and the planner at the place I had the wedding put them in bowls for me. I got married in Sept. and had fall flowers like sunflowers, mums and some roses. Good luck!!
Reply:Yes they are and also visit pro flowers.com.Their prices are really good.I really am not sure how many to tell you to buy. I think you may get your best deal with them on pink roses.Congratulations.
Reply:Sam's Club usually has nice flowers and affordable. The color combination sounds really nice.



2 dozen roses for your bouquets

4 dozen for bridesmaids

2 dozen for corsages/boutineers

10 dozen for large center pieces (for 6 roses)

4 dozen for small

4 dozen for topiaries

2 dozen for cake

So, get 30 dozen roses just to be safe.



I can't predict on the hydrangeas because I'm not certain of the size. Get more than you think you'll need, they're gorgeous filler.



I also made everything for my wedding...to save money. However, I was up until 3am the night before the wedding finishing. Be sure to get some help!



Congratulations and best wishes!


I accidentally ran over a snake in my driveway, it was pinned under my tire?

i didn't see it until i got out of my car, it was coiled up and part of it's body was pinned under my tire, so i got back in my car and pulled up to free it, i thought it i probably killed it, but when i got out of car and looked it was all coiled up and it's toungue was moving, part og his body was flat where i had ran over him, but after a few minutes, he slithered off into a hydrangea bush, and he seemed like he was fine, he wasn't bleeding or anything, my question is, can a snake survive being rooled over by car, i was going really slow i was pulling into the carport, i just hope i didn't kill it, but if he was able to slither away and did not apear to be wounded, is it probable that he lived and was not injured?

I accidentally ran over a snake in my driveway, it was pinned under my tire?
You will know for sure in a few days! There is nothing that smells worse than a decaying snake!
Reply:Its ok accidents do happen
Reply:LICK IT OFF

YOU CRUEL CRUEL PERSON

***-HER
Reply:It will probably be ok as long as you didn't rupture anything. Don't feel bad. Accidents Happen.
Reply:I'm sure the snake is fine since it slithered away. They are a pretty hard-core reptile. He may have been flat from where you ran over it, but it might take a few hours for him to "pop" back up. No worries
Reply:Unfortunately, he probably will not survive. It actually depends on what part of the body you ran over- if you got some internal organs smooshed, they probably won't survive.



But, there's still a chance it will survive, especially if you got him on the lower part of his body... who knows. I'm glad you are not one of these rude and pathetic people who would kill it or run it over more.. grr.
Reply:It probably had a broken back and died. Snakes are very durable and have been known to bite even after sustaining fatal injuries like being cut in half. Don't worry about it, there are many snakes.
Reply:yea but now u should be very afraid snakes because if its an baby or child snake when it grrows up its gonna come for revenge. Should've killed him when u had the chance. But yeah he's alive and watching.
Reply:Don't worry if it slithered away it's probably fine.......I personally would have ran over it a few more times.....
Reply:its a snake you should have killed it


Planting a potted plant into the ground...?

I want to plant a potted hydrangea into the ground...is thing i need to do to the ground/soil before I plant it? Also, how deep does the hole need to be?

Planting a potted plant into the ground...?
Boarding, is quite right. Can I just add that hydrangeas need quite a bit of water. I have just been given some in Florida and I have had to plant them in the shade and water often. I grew lots in Ireland when I lived there, they liked the cool and wet climate. So depending on your climate, you get the idea. Good luck with them. They can also change colour (of the bloom) depending on the amount of lime in the soil.
Reply:Dig the hole about twice the width of the pot, and the same depth. When you plant your hydrangea, the top of the soil should be level. Don't plant too deep or too shallow. I like to mix the raised soil with some planting mix or good compost, and give it a thorough watering after you're done. Mulch the soil to protect the roots, and thats it!

larry

Sunday, February 5, 2012

People with a green thumb-when do i plant these plants?

I live in eastren KY

I have a forsynthia,

a trumpet vine,

a hydrangea,

and some dahlia flowers(the roots/bulbs)

People with a green thumb-when do i plant these plants?
forsythia, now

trumpet, now

hydrangea, if in bloom, or in leaf, wait until all danger of frost is past.....

dahlia... wait until all danger of frost is past and the soil is warming... mid May or so....read here..



http://www.jrg-dahlias.co.uk/how_to_grow...
Reply:best in may.

i am pretty sure they will all survive the winter.





are thes seeds. if they are then plant inside now. you may need to take care them inside for a year or so if they are seeds so they will be nice and large
Reply:Wait a couple of weeks.
Reply:You plant them after the threat of frost has passed, early Spring....or now!!!! I live in AR and have already planted mine.
Reply:Ummmmmmmmmmm. i dunno.


Wedding centerpieces/orchids - help!!!?!?

I am getting married in August and the reception is in an outdoor/indoor high peak tent. Since the ceilings are very high I bought eiffel tower vases, which are the tall skinny vases. I think they're 16". Me and my fiance met b/c of a trip to jamaica that we both happened to go on and we really want to incorporate jamaica into the wedding in an elegant way. I have quite a few ideas so far but I'm stuck w/ the centerpieces. I've seen alot of great ideas and tips on here but nonetheless - I want to use pretty much all white flowers, orchids, hibiscus, hydrangea..i saw this pic on google

http://i.ivillage.com/relationships/wedd...

and really love it..my vases dont have the open top like that though. can someone tell me what they think this arrangement contains? I can't figure it all out..also any tips on where to purchase inexpensive but nice silk flowers? thank u!! Any other tips are much appreciated as well!!

Wedding centerpieces/orchids - help!!!?!?
They look like a mixture of orchids to me...but I am not positive.

You can try this website for fake flowers. They also sell the eiffel tower vases...so they may be able to offer you some ideas/accessories for your centerpieces.

http://www.wedcrafts.com/silk1.html



Good luck :)
Reply:Hard to tell exactly, maybe orchids, some willow...hmmmm Here's an arrangement in the small mouth Eiffel tower vase. Change the flowers to Orchids and some Stockflower and I think it would be very pretty. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/2228...



Here are some others:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2281...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/2281...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2342/1761...



best wishes...................
Reply:The picture is just so hard to tell. It's really small. I'm using orchids also. You may want to consider some other flowers as well to mix in. Gladiolus for instance are striking, tall %26amp; available in white:



http://www.americanmeadows.com/Images/pr...

http://weddings.theknot.com/ODB/THEMES/S...



Also, definitely consider using stock as a filler because they are cheaper %26amp; really gorgeous:



http://weddings.theknot.com/ODB/THEMES/S...



You probably don't want everything to be tall though. You need some shorter flowers that will add depth to it as well, which is easy. I really like spider mums in white. The following pic is not white but they're great for filler:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/heliotrop3/...



EDIT: I almost forgot to mention Dahlias. I'm using those also to contrast with the height of my centerpieces and the orchid sprays:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/meredithmgr...
Reply:you didnt mention if you needed linens in your question BUT if you do, go to linentablecloth.com


Box Elder Bugs in the garden...Help!?

I have a HUGE population of box elder bugs in my flower garden. In the vicinity where they are, I am growing a few herbs, lamb's ear, hydrangea, and irises. (No box elder plants at all...I live in Zone 7.) Is there is particular plant they are attracted to? I'd like to get rid of them before they invade my back porch. Any ideas or experiences?

Box Elder Bugs in the garden...Help!?
They are usually attracted to trees like boxelder, maple (especially silver maple) and some fruit trees. They are not necessarily harmful but they can be a nuisance, especially if they start getting inside your house. If you want to use chemicals, go to your local co-op and ask for Demon or Permethrin. Here is a link that might be helpful.
Reply:Did you recently apply bark mulch to the garden ? Maybe the bugs came in with the mulch. They like box elders, coincidence, if you have none they will just go away on their own.


The National Animal Poison Information Center..........?

This is the phone number to call for additional help or questions. 1-800-548-2423

This is the current list of what is poisious to cats:

Azalea, bean plants, cactus, crocus, daffodil, diffenbachia, hemlock, hydrangea, ivy, lily, marijuana, mistletoe, mushroom, narcissus, nightshade, oleander, phildendron, poinsettia, potato leaves, rhododendron, tobacco, tomato leaves, walnuts, yew.

The National Animal Poison Information Center..........?
Good information; however, the list of plants that are poisonous to cats is much longer.



From the ASPCA website:



A

- Aloe

- Amaryllis

- Andromeda Japonica

- Asian Lily (Liliaceae)

- Asparagus Fern

- Australian Nut

- Autumn Crocus

- Avocado

- Azalea



B

- Bird of Paradise

- American Bittersweet

- European Bittersweet

- Branching Ivy

- Buckeye

- Buddist Pine



C

- Caladium

- Calla Lily

- Castor Bean

- Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron)

- Charming Diffenbachia

- Chinaberry Tree

- Chinese Evergreen

- Christmas Rose

- Clematis

- Cordatum

- Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant)

- Cornstalk Plant (aka Corn Plant)

- Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman)

- Cycads

- Cyclamen



D

- Daffodil

- Day Lily

- Devil's Ivy

- Dumb Cane

- Deadly Nightshade (See Nightshade)



E

- Easter Lily

- Elephant Ears

- Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern)

- Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather)

- English Ivy



F

- Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

- Flamingo Plant

- Florida Beauty

- Foxglove

- Fruit Salad Plant



G

- Glacier Ivy

- Gladiolas

- Glory Lily

- Gold Dieffenbachia

- Gold Dust Dracaena

- Golden Pothos

- Green Gold Nephthysis



H

- Hahn's self branching English Ivy

- Heartleaf Philodendron

- Heavenly Bamboo

- Holly

- Horsehead Philodendron

- Hurricane Plant

- Hyacinth

- Hydrangea



I

- Iris



J

- Japanese Show Lily

- Japanese Yew (aka Yew)

- Jerusalem Cherry



K

- Kalanchoe



L

- Lace Fern

- Lacy Tree

- Lily of the Valley



M

- Macadamia Nut

- Madagascar Dragon Tree

- Marble Queen

- Marijuana

- Mauna Loa Peace Lily (aka Peace Lily)

- Mexican Breadfruit

- Mistletoe "American"

- Morning Glory

- Mother-in-Law



N

- Narcissus

- Needlepoint Ivy

- Nephthytis

- Nightshade



O

- Oleander

- Onion

- Orange Day Lily



P

- Panda

- Peace Lily (aka Mauna Loa Peace Lily)

- Philodendron Pertusum

- Plumosa Fern

- Precatory Bean



Q

- Queensland Nut



R

- Red Emerald

- Red Lily

- Red-Margined Dracaena (aka Straight-Margined Dracaena)

- Red Princess

- Rhododendron

- Ribbon Plant (Dracaena sanderiana)

- Rubrum Lily



S

- Saddle Leaf Philodendron

- Sago Palm

- Satin Pothos

- Schefflera

- Spotted Dumb Cane

- Stargazer Lily

- Striped Dracaena

- Sweetheart Ivy

- Swiss Cheese Plant



T

- Taro Vine

- Tiger Lily

- Tomato Plant

- Tree Philodendron

- Tropic Snow Dumbcane

- Tulip



V

- Variable Dieffenbachia

- Variegated Philodendron



W

- Warneckei Dracaena

- Wood Lily



Y

- Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

- Yew (aka Japanese Yew)

- Yucca
Reply:Thank you.
Reply:thanks

Chemicals

Deer eating Lanscaped Plants!!?

Hi what can we do to deter deer from eating landscaped plants? My parents just moved into a brand new neighborhood - had the entire yard landscaped and now deer are eating everything to the ground. Oak Leaf hydrangea, hibisus, hosta, everything literally to the ground. This literally happened in a matter of weeks. We are sure it is deer b/c they have seen the shadows pass the bedroom window. They are eating plants right next to the house! Anyone have any ideas of how to deter this behavior? Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

Deer eating Lanscaped Plants!!?
First off, Plant some Geraniums cause deer dont eat them. Then sprinkle some Milorganite around the plants, it gives off a subtle smell deers hate. Milorganite is also a fertilizer (that u can buy at Home Depot) so it will nourish your plants and keep the deer away at the same time.
Reply:What are those common deer-resistant trees and shrubs?

http://homegarden.expertvillag... Report It
Reply:My wife said to put human hair down. Ask your local salon to save some and spread it around short of a 12 ft fence this is something I heard of too a long time ago.
Reply:umm... it may sound gross but if there is human urine in an area deer won't go around it.....
Reply:I encounter this problem every day. I'm a landscaper. I've researched this problem for a couple of years out in the field with my own yards. The only way to keep the deer away is to change there feeding habits. You need to immediately start spraying your yard with deer repelant. You can find it at your local feed store. Also use netting as much as possible to make it more difficult for the deer to eat your plants. Another deterant would be to install motion detection lights into your yard. This will scare the deer away as they come up to the yard. Set the motion sensor for low setting so the deer have to get close and they will get spooked. Deer feed on habit, so if you keep them away, they will eventually find somewhere else to eat. If all this doesn't work....the last solution would be to go to your local barber and ask for hair cuttings. Place the hair cuttings under your mulch and the Scent of humans keeps the deer away...I've seen it work...Other than that use plants that are deer resistant check your local nursery.
Reply:There is a product out called liquid fencing that is supposed to keep deer away from landscaping when you apply it the only downside is that you have to keep on reapplying it.
Reply:I would first contact the landscaper and ask them to help out. The problem of deer should have been considered as a matter of professional integrity. While I'm not suggesting a law suit, I would expect that your parents' trust in this "professional's" expertise should allow for such an obvious issue to be covered. The BBB might be a worthwhile bet if they won't make good. Several other answerers have good points about the human hair and predator urine, motion sensing lights and even Fido. There is a fertilizer product called Milorganite made from human waste. I've personally had good luck with it. Replacing plantings with variegated varieties may also help to reduce their plundering.
Reply:Shoot the deer, it will take a while to get them all but eventually you will. Very important though is to leave the rotting carcasses on your front lawn as a reminder to the other deer. Afte that youll want to smear your face with the blood of the last kill and run through your neighborhood shouting, "I great hunter".
Reply:Tie a dog next to the landscaped area. A dog or fence it all in with netting.
Reply:Here are several products you can try from High Country Gardens. They are a fabulous nursery in Santa Fe and any number of these items can solve your problems! Good luck!



http://www.highcountrygardens.com/browse...
Reply:So Brother is blaming the landscaper for the eating habits of the deer? Now thats rich!



You can purchase "Big Cat" (lion and tiger) manure from the garden centers. This practice was discovered in China and is just now catching on in the states. They have learned that spreading this "dung" around your property scares off Rabbits, Bear, Raccoons, Groundhogs, and even Deer.
Reply:Well human urine deters them, or you can hang cd's from your foliage.
Reply:A dog is a nice idea,but then you have a dog to take care of ,it does not have to be a huge dog, but my dog used to ignore the deer and they ignored her.Venison stew,another nice idea except for the hunting regulations,the neighbours,the trouble and effort of skinning and butchering and disposing of offal. The sad truth is that there are deer and the luscious growth that they just adore. Higher fences wont help unless you intend to make them over ten feet tall, deer have been able to clear twelve foot tall fences. The idea of planting plants that deer wont eat doesn't work and once you see what things deer are willing to eat it is really understandable. Smearing everything with human excreta,urine or blood? I think I would rather just feed the deer. That is another option. Convince the next doors to plant stuff the deer like even more than what you have. In the end good luck. ps deer like clover and alfalfa also, but regular timothy hay is actualy better for them. Sorry, but until people get over the death of Bambi's mother ther is not much you will be able to do, electic fences are expensive , do not work and if you have ever contactes one by accident ....
Reply:use preditory urine found in any sporting goods store. they will ster clear if they smell danger
Reply:There is a product call Repellex deer repellant. It is not harmful to the deer but will keep them away from the plants. It comes in tablet form and you put it around the plants. It is costly. I think you can get 500 tablets for around $200, but I have heard it is effective, and is cheaper than replacing plants a couple of times a year or so. Hope this helps
Reply:There's a product called Liquid Fence made of putrescent eggs and garlic which is excellent at keeping deer (and any neighbor for that matter) away from your plants.
Reply:Tobasco. Put some tobasco and water in a spray bottle and squirt the plants they've been eating. They don't like hot things. Tobasco also keeps away lots of insects.


I have just built a raised bed in my garden and need advice!?

The bed is approx 3m wide and 5m long and triangular. I have a Rhododendron in the corner and an Escolonia in the short side and down the long side are a Euphorbia and a Hydrangea! I am now looking for shrubs to fill it with which will be smaller than these when fully grown so that I can taper the heights of the plants down to the Lavandula and some annuals at the front edges! Do you have any suggestions please?

I have just built a raised bed in my garden and need advice!?
I'm assuming this is for partial shade.

For shrubs maybe some bottle brush and viburnum. Some Hosta would look nice in that arrangement as well. Also, some begonia and impatiens for your annuals.
Reply:Hebes, roses, rosemary. Do you like flowering plants? Evergreens? Cistus. Foxgloves.
Reply:Although they tend to grow big I love Camellias. For smaller plants try Hostas, Lavender for a nice scent. White arabis gives you a nice display. For summer Livingstone Daiseys, Lobellia and bizzy lizzies.
Reply:Alberta Spruce!
Reply:personally i like potentilla. it doesn't grow too high. low maintenance. plenty of flowers and a lovely silvery tinge to the leaves
Reply:There are many hardy Fushias in many colours that need no maintenance hardly. Also Cana can be dotted between there are many varigated leaved varieties with gorgeous vibrant flowers The tubers can be left in all year round. Roses, Scabious( chocolate, mauve, pink, white), Hardy mesembryanthemum, these are very vivid and striking colours and will go through the winter without problems excellent at the edge of a border intermingle with stocks for a glorious scent on a summers evening.
Reply:alpines.very cheap.very low maintenance.

ask your garden centre for advise.


What is the best way to preserve my wedding bouquet?

I was married this last weekend. My bouquet consists of hydrangea and roses, what steps do I need to take to dry it while keeping it looking beautiful afterward?

What is the best way to preserve my wedding bouquet?
Hang them upside down making sure you wrap them with thin paper so they dont get dusts. When they are dry, buy a special frame that has space inside that resembles an aquarium but not as deep and place your dry bouquet there. Arrange them as if they are in a vase. Actually, here in Australia, there are people that preserve wedding bouquets and frame them. I don't where you are but its worth asking around.
Reply:Borax is used to preserve flowers.



You might want to search.



http://www.blingo.com/search?q=preservin...


How do I shade a shade garden artificially? I have a shade garden under a red maple tree but the tree died.?

I have hostas, bleeding heart, and climbing hydrangea that have done well but now the tree that shaded them has now died.

How can I keep them shaded till I get them moved? I live in Kansas and the sun gets hot in July and August.

Help me please.

How do I shade a shade garden artificially? I have a shade garden under a red maple tree but the tree died.?
....................Use Shade Cloth.....................

I use this over my kois and goldfish pond to keep the water cooler.

It comes in different degrees of shade I use 70% over my pond but you might not want more than 40 or 50 %.

..................I Live in Missouri.....................

This is what garden centers and nurseries use.

http://www.catalogclearance.com/depts/sh...
Reply:Get some old white sheets from the salvation army store, some old broom handles or anything that will stand upright, and make them a little tent to camp out in till you get them a new home.



Just watch, I'll bet someone will give you 3 or 4 paragraphs.

(smile)
Reply:You don't have to move those plants to shade, they will be fine in full sun.



But if you want artificial shade, try getting one of those canopys that they use a flea markets. Usually a 10 ft X 12 ft runs about $20. and it will provide your shade.



I have the same plants you have and I have them in full sun.

My hostas are huge and my bleeding heart is 3ft tall and growing taller. My hydraneas are nice sized too.



I live in Indiana and we have about the same temperatures that you have in Kansas.
Reply:I'd think a simple dining fly like you use when camping should give you enough shade till you can transplant your plants, just make sure it's big enough to cover the area you have your plants growing in.
Reply:Set up an umbrella, an awning or a tent.

miriam

Bringing up the acidic level in the soil?

what would bring up the acidic level in the soil so that i can get blue flowers on my hydrangea bushes

Bringing up the acidic level in the soil?
nope.. pine needles won't do it.



Aluminum sulfate will lower soil pH. Iron Sulfate will drop soil pH and garden Sulfur will lower soil pH. this list is in order of potency and also in also in the difficulty to find. Go to a garden center (not a wal-mart) and ask their recommendation of the right product and rate of application for soil in your area.



good luck.
Reply:citrus peel like lemons limes oranges, multch it up and mix it with the soil let it sit for a week then plant. hope that helps
Reply:I think pine needle mulch will work!
Reply:You need to treat your soil with lime. You can find this at any yard store.


What is you favorite Easter plant?

Lily, Hydrangea, Spring Bulbs, Calla lily, Pot Mum. just a few options.

What is you favorite Easter plant?
Calla Lily
Reply:cannabis sativa : )
Reply:Calla Lily
Reply:Cala Lily
Reply:lily most definitely
Reply:ones that eat kids.
Reply:Lily is my favorite but any thing like a Daffodil or Tulip is pretty too.
Reply:Hyacinth, Tulips, Lilies and Daffodils.
Reply:Easter Lilies are my favorite.
Reply:My favorite Easter plant is the hydrangea because they remind me of my grandmother.
Reply:lily
Reply:My favorite Easter Plant is tulips.
Reply:tulips, red...
Reply:I love star gazer lillies! I love the color. I love the fragrance. I love them!
Reply:the pure white stargazer lillies.they smell just awesome!!have a blessed Easter!!
Reply:Lily
Reply:Lilies! But i really like tulips too. They are adorable.


Today (9/13/06) on Martha Stewart...?

She was doing a demonstration on how to replant a Hydrangea bush, she took the stem and dipped it in something white, what was that?

Today (9/13/06) on Martha Stewart...?
Rooting hormone. Get it at Wal-mart or any home improvement store that has a garden center. Dip stem in water then in hormone. I find plants root the best if you have 3 gallon pots to put a bunch of cuttings in, as if you forget to water them for a day or 2 they will not die. I also use cheap soil, organic humus or compost to root in, not fancy soil. And put the plants you are trying to root into part shade, morning sun, afternoon shade so they don't die from the stress of too much sun. Easy!
Reply:Sugar water?
Reply:root hormone is also used to start antique roses from a clipping.
Reply:she dipped the stems in a rooting hormone
Reply:Rooting hormone. it can be purchased at home improvement stores and garden nurseries.
Reply:I didn't see it, but I bet it was rooting hormone. It's a product you can buy at home and garden centers, to help cuttings from plants take root better.


Compost, granular fertilizer, miracle grow....all of them? Or just one of them? Very confused HELP!!?

We bought our house three years ago and the flowerbeds had been severely neglected, bone dry with horribly dry, hard NC red soil. We mixed in lots of horse manure the first year, planted a few things which died. Last year we pulled out a ton of dirt and put in topsoil and compost, planted and everything lived (yay!) but didn't really grow much. Now, everything planted last year is coming up, covered in new growth, leaves, and some flower buds. I am so confused on how to feed them, there are so many options and I don't want to overdo it. We mowed over all the leaves that fell off our trees in the fall and put them in the flower beds, then covered with a thick layer of mulch over everything. The leaves are breaking down into the soil, so that is considered food I guess? I have osmocote pellets I used last year, and wanted to get miracle grow and add compost on under the mulch...is that too much? Plants are hydrangea, lilac, rose, azalea, rhodies, going to plant camellia in there in week

Compost, granular fertilizer, miracle grow....all of them? Or just one of them? Very confused HELP!!?
Slow down. Too much too soon.

1). leaves need to be well rotted to be benefical to the flower beds. Leaf molds. They take about 3 years to rot in the compost pile before adding to the beds. -rotting leafs stink. Plus the pull the nutrients out of the beds- allow them to rot.

2). Osmocote is good to start new plantings with.

3). Amend the soil with 1 part sand, 1part peat/topsoil-humas/loam and 1 part your garden soil. Then plant.

4) Add bonemeal to flower/rose beds. Check your PH.

5) Add compost (well rotted - store bought or on 3rd year post) to established beds in the spring to add nutrients lost over the winter and when you removed you winter mulch.

6). Miracle grow works best when used on existing beds.

hope this helps.

7) Try Posie Power - you can order from the internet.
Reply:TwinC is right. Too much too soon and too high an expectation.

Go to your local Nursery and purchase a Granular 10-10-10 with minerals fertilizer. Apply it now, again in mid-June, and in Mid-Sept. A little goes a long way so one bag will last you the season for a garden setting. It also does wonders for turfgrass when applied in late fall. It is also cheap!

Stop using leaves from trees in your garden! You are looking to spread diseases and pests from such trees into your bed. A good shredded hardwood mulch is much better and decomposes much quicker. Take a soil sample to your nursery for Ph examination. Most of your plants want acidic soil and they can recommend the right additive given the Ph of the sample. Good Luck
Reply:three things will help you

Lime powder type

compost and mericalgrow fertilizer,

Lime will sweeten the soil,compost will keep the roots cool and hold the moister the plants need and add to the soil in time,fertilizer will feed them but only feed them well once a week once the plants start to bloom stop the fertizer and only fertilize once a month unless you have drowt then do it more often good luck your plants need the graybox acid type mericalgrow,they all like acitic soils.

irene

When is the best time for transplanting in Zone 5?

I have a young hydrangea that I want to move to a different location. When would be the best time to do this? Thanks!

When is the best time for transplanting in Zone 5?
Move as soon as the gound has thawed and before the shrub leafs out (When dormant).



Tips:



1. Cut the roots with a deep spade. In essence you will be cutting an inverted cone shape under the plants. Try to get as much root and soil as possible but not so much that you cannot easliy move the plant.



2. Dig a hole roughly the same size and shape as the root ball of the Hydrangea.



3. place Hydrangea into the new hole. Firm the soil with your foot so you have good contact between the root ball and the new surrounding soil. Water to eliminate any air pockets.



4. Some Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrnagea serrata) should not be pruned in the spring. If you do you have to wait a year to get blooms.



General rule - If the flowers are blue or pink do not prune until after they flower. If the flowers are white, the odds are better the plant can be pruned in the spring.
Reply:Most shrubs can be transplanted when the ground is not frozen. It is better to transplant it when it is dormant. Also u might prune it back 1/3, that way it gives the plant the energy to get the root system growing and set. But it might cut the buds off for the year. U might want to wait til after it blooms.
Reply:As soon as the soil can be worked. It's best to move it while it is still dormant. That will lessen the transplant shock, as it will not lose as much water as it would after it has leafed out. If the snow is gone, and you can get a shovel in the ground - you're good to go.



Water it with a little root stimulator. Hold off on the general fertilizer. You want it to put it's initial growth energy into re-establishing the roots, rather than putting out new top growth.



You might also prune it back a bit to make the move eaiser (if it needs it). It should be mostly recovered by the time it wants to flower. If you transplant later in the spring - it may have to split its energy bwteen re-growing feeder roots, and producing flowers.
Reply:May 10, but look ahead in the paper to be sure there isn't an expected nightly low below 32F.


I'm cleaning up my yard at the moment to get it ready for winter, do i cut my perennials down to the root?

I have some hydrangea and the flowers are all dead. Do I cut just the heads off or should I cut down to the root? What about tiger lillies? Will they grow better if I cut them short?

Thanks!

I'm cleaning up my yard at the moment to get it ready for winter, do i cut my perennials down to the root?
Leave the leaves on the lillys till frost then snip off, they are still manufacturing food for plant now. Hydrangea dont prune untill frost. It's too early yet! Don't go crazy to the ground, the plants might not survive! Just trim neatly, leaving main frame without lots of lengthy twigs and you will get good new growth next spring.


Which of the following may be influenced by the environment?

(a) ability of plants to grow

(b) color of hydrangea flowers

(c) how people ahndle stress

(d) fur color in Himalayan rabbits

(e) all of these

Which of the following may be influenced by the environment?
e..
Reply:All



Heat affects photosynthesis, affecting how well plants grow.



ANY type of color is affected by the color of the enviroment changes. (If an animal blends in, less likely it is to be eaten). The less it is eaten, the population of an animal with a certain color goes up. (Moths in the 1800's is a great example)



And stress is common sense. You know you act differently when it's 110 degrees outside and your AC just isn't efficient enough.
Reply:e) All of these.



Hope this helps!
Reply:all of the above are correct


How difficult is it to create a garden the old fashioned way?

How does one till a patch of land next to the foundation of a home to plant flowers? When I was a little girl my daddy would grow a garden using only a shovel and a hoe (dark ages) and I have very few tools myself being new to home ownership. I have a wall facing south that gets a lot of sun and I'd like to plant flowers that would put you in mind of what a grandmother of the 40's or 50's would plant....iris', peony, hydrangea, crepe myrtly, etc. Any suggestions on how to do gardening before modern conveniences came along would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help!

How difficult is it to create a garden the old fashioned way?
You could do it with a shovel and hoe. Mark out where your going to plant. Then using the shovel dig deep and turn the soil over. Leave it like this for a while this will kill what ever is growing there right now. The when your ready to plant bust up the soil that you turned over with either tool. Then even it out with your hoe. You can use news paper as a cheap ground cover to help keep weeds down. Just cover it with mulch It will decompse and wont cause problems when you dig in the future.

As far as plants go with what you would like. You'll learn what grows best in the site you picked.
Reply:Get a Dung Fork or Spading Fork and start breaking up the soil. Strenuous, but not impossible work. Easier if the soil is somewhat mosit. Pull out grass/weeds (shake soil off roots). You might want to mix in some compost or manure. Plant away. I also recommen mulch to keep the weeds down.
Reply:Like another poster alluded to, foundations plantings have their issues but if that's where you want to put your plants, I would suggest using a layered-garden technique. Using cardboard and/or newspapers, put down about a 1" layer on the spot you want to plant. It doesn't matter what's already there (except for concrete) and you don't have to dig anything. Wet this thoroughly. Then cover it with soil--bagged, free, whatever (about 6" deep). If it's a relatively small area I would buy a good, bagged soil mix and add some compost. You'll end up with a "raised bed" that's good for drainage but it will settle eventually. Then you can put in your plants or seeds and when they are tall enough you can mulch around them to keep the weeds down and make it look neat and tidy. Be careful that the soil doesn't touch the bottom of the siding otherwise you can have rot problems and/or pests infiltration--both reasons not to plant next to your foundation. Another reason is watering next to your foundation--you want your plants to grow deep roots but you don't want water sitting next to your foundation--difficult paradigm.
Reply:PLEASE remember if you till next to your foundation to keep the ground sloping away from your home. All water should roll away from your foundation. When you plant you will be watering and it will rain. This is good for your garden and as long as the excess can roll away from your foundation it is great for your home as well.

If the water seeps to your foundation you will have trouble in a few years.

The best way to start a garden like this is to break the ground rake or shovel the loose dirt in a mound along the foundation while raking toss any grass or weeds or roots out of the dirt and in to a trash can. Once the dirt is mounded against the wall of the house start raking it back out at a slant still keeping the highest part by the foundation wall. Once the dirt is graded at a slight slant, put down seeds or plants that are good for your area. The ones you mentioned should come with the instructions on the proper time to plant in your area.

If you want a raised flower bed this can be done by purchasing a roll of this black garden mess. This will be blanketed over the area where you want the garden. Lay it over weeds grass and all. Then take old rail road lumber or other choice or lumber or bricks up to 6 or 12 inches. Fill this in with top soil, or garden soil of your choice and plant the flowers you seleced acording to proper planting times for your area.

Wisdom Teeth

Moving an established mock orange?

I have a mock orange shrub that was placed in a less then ideal location by the previous owners (it is planted 2 feet from a huge hydrangea) and I would like to move it. has anyone had good luck moving a mature large shrub?

Moving an established mock orange?
I would move it either in the fall or early in spring time, when it is dormant. If done later this year, its roots will get a chance to settle down, and start growing, over the winter time, ready for next spring's growth spurt. The older the plant, the greater the shock it will get, so moving it now, in growth, would add more stress to it. My mock orange is in bud, probably flowering in 2 or 3 weeks, and it would knock it really hard if moved right now.



I've moved many mature shrubs, and a nursery near to me only sells ground growing large shrubs - but they will only move them in fall(autumn) through to spring, not during winter time when there are freezes etc. You're never guaranteed of success, but giving them as little stress as possible really improves your chances. I also prune many of the shrubs after transplanting, as this means the plant has less leaves etc. to support, whilst its root system has been impacted by the move.



Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
Reply:Hire a professional to move it. It's not a good idea to try moving it yourself.


Property in zone 5, a few gardening questions?

Hi

We are in zone 5 (south eastern Ontario, Canada). I am wondering how to take care of some Hydrangea I planted last fall. The flower heads were left on all winter and now these shrubs are brown and dry. Do I cut the flower heads off now? should I cut the whole plant down or.....do I just leave it until I see the leaves come back? Also, my lawn (if you can call it that) is just mowed weeds. The soil is sandy in most parts. Where do I begin to improve my lawn to something I can walk on barefoot someday (short of ripping it all up and putting down sod). Its almost 2 acres of cut weeds and we are surrounded by a forest.



Any help with where I should begin would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Property in zone 5, a few gardening questions?
1. Hydrangea

http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/hydra...



2. Lawn

It would be best to let a professional lawn service or landscaper put in a lawn for you the first time. Be sure to ask them how to take care of it.



It would also be best to put in an automatic lawn sprinkler system because water is what makes a lawn pretty. It is a must to have a good weekly watering and mowing schedule.



But if you want to do it yourself, go here:

How to grow a lawn, click this link

http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Lawn-Easil...
Reply:for ur hydrngeas- cut them back after the frost has gotten it and made it wilt - they will come out even bigger in spring
Reply:keep the heads and what ever you do DONT EVER cut off the stems. hydraneas bloom only on old wood so if the stalks were cut it wouldnot flower that entire year. they make new leaves from the stalks when 70s and 60s are seen as day temps. this will happen in your area around may and your bush will have blooms but early july





for your lawn maybe some soy grass . this grass is so ugly in the winter and looks nothing more than straw. then in mid may your lawn will be the GREENEST lawn on the block. the only bad thing is is that it is the last to come back and the first to die, but it is worth it. the grass is like a rug.



for planting the grass you may need those carpets with grass already planted on the rug.



for watering although a bit costly a underground sprinkeler system will keep your grass greener longer.


Flowering bush for zone 6?

what flowering bush would you suggest that

looks good all year round to plant in front of my house.

I live in zone 6 new england area.

I do not want azalea or hydrangea or hyacinth I'm

hoping for something different out of these three

because I have them around my house already.

I heard burning bush is great even though it doesn't

flower it still looks good all year round.

Any suggestions would be so appreciated

thanks!

Flowering bush for zone 6?
Burning bush needs pruned constantly to keep from getting HUGE. Even the dwarf is big.



Try one of the new National Arboretum crape myrtles for northern gardens. I have had Hopi for several years now, in Ohio.

Hopi is also a perfect match to the knockout rose "Blush".
Reply:I love goldflame spireas! The plants in the spring are a lime-ish green and knew growth is yellowish and they flower A LOT of purple flower, they are in clusters. During the summer this new growth turnes a nice red-rusty color and sometimes purple. then in the fall they are a beautiful gold yellow. I LOVE them!
Reply:Burning Bush is a very good choice and as stated it doesn't bloom all the time. What about a magnolia bush not the tree.

Carpet roses will bloom all summer, and the reblooming lilac will flower from spring until frost.
Reply:Look through this site, the zones are listed and pics provided. Then go to a local nursery. And once again, it is now illegal to sell burning bush in NE.
Reply:How about lilacs or forsythia?


Wedding Flowers?

Hi Everyone, I am having eggplant bridesmaids dresses and I have met with a couple of florists...I really liked this one lady I met the other day and this is what she came up with for the bridesmaids....i want to know your opinion...



dark purple lisianthus

lavendar (blue curiosa) roses

green hydrangea



I'm just not sure what this is going to look like, so anyone that knows anything about flowers, please let me know!! Also, if anyone can find a picture of what this might look like, that would be awesome!

Wedding Flowers?
This sounds perfect, actually! Lisianthus is a beautiful flower that resembles a rose but has more detail, is more delicate and has more aroma. Lavender roses (also called sterling roses, I believe) are perfect with a deep purple and the green hydrangea will add just the right touch! This florist really knows her stuff!
Reply:I was looking at the links posted by the first poster, and I think the green hydrangeas will be a little too much for the bouquet. Instead I would see if the florist will add some baby's breath, and throw in some white roses too, or go with white hydrangeas because they will look better with the purple.
Reply:Here is a similiar arrangement with white flowers thrown in.. sounds beautiful!



http://www.flowersbyanne.com/cgi-bin/lis...
Reply:http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/Harbaughpubs/P... to see the lisianthus



http://www.rosesource.com/250_Roses_40cm... to see the lavendar (blue curiosa ) rose



http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/gree...



Some white mixed in the boquets would be very nice also... maybe some baby's breath or something light. The green hydrangea may be too big for the delicatness of the other two flowers.
Reply:I think that sounds beautiful! I am also having lavender roses, they are really pretty and I love green hydrangea. That will be a very elegant look. Go for it!
Reply:The flowers will look lovely. One suggestion though - you may want to mix in some whites or cream color flowers... otherwise your bridesmaids may end up looking too 'purple' with an eggplant color dress and a purple bouquet. Just my two cents.



Congrats!
Reply:beautiful go with it or look up pics of those flowes online

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