Decorating the Small Outdoor Space

Living in an apartment, condo, or town home doesn't mean you can't enjoy the serenity and beauty of a planted outdoor space. With proper planning your balcony, porch, or small patio can come alive.

• Choose the proper sized containers for your space. A wide variety of baskets, containers, and pots are available.
• Think vertical. Many subtle display pieces, such as the multi-hook hanger (pictured above), raise the eye and offer a movable option to best fit your layout.
• Consider your color pallet. What is your goal? Are you looking for a tranquil breakfast spot or a loud presentation of your green thumb? Choose the colors of your containers and flowers that fit your inspiration not just what's easiest to grow.
• Olfactory offerings. Similar to your colors, consider the aromas that best fit your plan. Lavendar is the perfect choice for that tranquil breakfast spot.
• Feed your senses. Herbs grow wonderfully in containers, smell great, taste amazing, and even keep mosquitoes away.

Indoor Plant Ideas: Paper Whites

Bringing plants indoors to brighten things up over the Fall/Winter does not have to be a complicated, labor intensive endeavor. That's why we're focusing on one of the simplest bulbs to "force," the Paper White.

There are many varieties of Paper Whites, but these flagrant, quickly flowering plants generally bloom within 3-4 weeks. However, these plants do not transfer well and should be discard after their bloom.

What you'll need to get started:

• Paper White Bulbs
• Planting Container - no drainage hole (3"-4" Deep)
• Soil and/or Gravel
• Water

That's it. Here are some simple tips to get your started:

1. Spread stone 1-2" deep along the bottom of your container.
2. Securely position your bulbs pointed end up. Paper Whites are vertical growers to don't worry about overcrowding; they look great in bunches.
3. Fill in remaining area with gravel/soil, being careful not to cover the tips.
4. Use enough water to raise the water level to the base of the bulbs. Covering the bulbs can cause rot so do not completely submerge them.
5. The bulbs do not need light at this stage. Keep them in a cool area (ideally 65-70 degrees) and make sure they are watered.
6. Once roots start to develop, move container to well lit window sill.
7. Once bloomed, the blossoms with last longer if lit indirectly so move them to your preferred decorative spot.

And there you have it. The simplest way to grow beautiful flowers for your indoor enjoyment. Stagger your plantings several weeks and have beautiful blooms all Winter!

Late Summer Gardening Tips

Late Summer brings the heat but don't be discouraged from a little hard work. Now is the time to harvest your gardens, sow your fall seeds, and maintain your grounds. Work in the mornings, stay hydrated, and don't over exert yourself. Your garden will thank you.

Maintenance:

• Watering: Water your plants in the morning with the dew to lessen your water usage. Saturating the roots of your plants every 5-7 days promotes deep root growth and is much healthier than a daily sprinkle.
• Trimming: Trim back the spent blossoms on your plants. This is referred to as "deadheading" and it promotes new blossom growth and a cleaner appearance. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves to promote healthier plants.
• Mulching: Mulching provides nutrients to the soil as it decays, retains moisture, and helps keep the soil cool. If your mulch layer has decreased below 2-3 inches its time to reapply.
• Composting: Use extra grass clipping, leaves, etc. between your rows or in spent bed to reduce weeds, add nitrogen to the soil, and prepare the soil for your next project.
• Weeding/Pest Control: It's hot and tedious, but make sure you control the garden invaders. Weed your beds to protect their roots, but also keep an eye out for insects and critters. You can use crushed garlic or red pepper mixed with water to spray on your plants once a week to discourage furry robberies. If the problem persists try using live traps and relocate the scoundrels.

Harvests:

• Harvest your produce just prior to their full ripeness. Corn can be starchy or asparagus can be woody if picked too late.
• Harvest your herbs before their bloom when they turn bitter. You can delay herbs bloom by pinching of buds.
• Don't hesitate to cut back your bouquet flowers to make sure you have one last beautiful collection.
• Make sure to remove cucumber or squash vines to prevent mold.

Plantings:

• Weigh the first frost date in your area versus the date to maturity on your seeds to make sure you have enough time.
• Try these fall garden options: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Lettuce, Spinach, Arugula, Carrots, Peas, Kale and Chard.
• Divide or split your perennials filling in holes or gaps in your beds. This combined with composting and bed preparation will give you a full look nest spring.
• If container gardening, split your perennials between containers or transplant and upsize your pots/containers to take account for your plants growth. Don't forget to plan for your plants that you need to bring inside.
• Pick up bulbs at your local garden centers. Flowers like Daffodils take time to establish their roots. Tulips can wait as they take less time to mature.