I want to have a small flower bed in my garden but am useless at gardening.
I'd like some low maintinance colourful flowers therefore to brighten things up. What can you recomend?
Flower beds?
I am seriously disabled, and the following are the very low maintenance plants that have won me over.
"Hardy" geraniums (pinks,blues,white) you can't go wrong with them. Long flowering periods, winter hardy, pest free and drought tolerant. They benefit from cutting back in autmn, but it isn't strictly necessary. They can be split and will self-propergate readily, so ask around and you may get some freebies.
Pinks are very reliable, (dead heading will encourage more flowering). They are aviable in different colours and have some lovely scents.
Coreopsis, (yellow). If they like your garden they behave like pinks, but its a matter of luck. Cheap though
Chives(purple) and oriental chives(white). When the chives have flowered, just top the whole plant. They will spread and flower at least once more. The whole plant is edible as well.
Wallflowers. (all colours, reds are most hardy) If your bed is shaded and has some wind protection wallflowers are excellent. May need a littlte watering in summer.
Polyanthus, front of the borders only.
Ornamental nettles. Quicker growing than geraniums but less colourful and less predictable.
Feverfew. (daisy-like flowers and bright leaves). Prefers some shade. Self-propergates.
Poppies. Scatter seed and then they'll seed themselves.
You could also fill the border with a couple of small shrubs. Hebes, hydrangeas and tree peonys are what I grow. They will take a couple of years to reach a good size.
Pineapple mint. For its verriagated foiliage.
French Marigolds are a good annual, if you put slug pellets down occassionally as well. Again pinch off any dead flowers to encourage more.
The most reliable daffs/narcissus are minature ones called "tete a tete". They've produced beautiful classic yellow flowers every spring for over a decade, for me.
Reply:Begonias, petunias, pansies,bizzie lizzies, allysum, lobelia, marigolds, daisies,roses,
I got all these in my garden, i keep forgetting to water and feeed them and they all seeem to be doing well, except where the puppy dug them up!
Reply:Bizy lizzies are not hard to look after and they come in all nice shades.
Reply:Fuscias and geraniums are really nice to look at but not too difficult to look after.
Reply:What you could do is clear the grass away, then see what grows naturally. I know this seems like it won't result in anything particularly wonderful - but if you concentrate on keeping thugs at bay - remove two-thirds of anything that looks like it wants to take over, and all of anything that's spiky or poisonous, or which you think 'lowers the tone' - you'll probably end up with a decent mix of plants that are native or naturalised.
We have vetch, clover, self-heal, sorrel, buttercups, daisies, dandelions, dock, fox and cubs (the flower, not the fauna!) at the moment - all we do is keep the grass from taking over again, pull up thistles, and trim anything that's gone over, to make room for the next month's stuff to flourish.
Helen
Reply:Always put down a black cover so the weeds will be next to nothing. Try some bulbs for early flowers like hiacinths, daffodils, tulips then after they go some good perinniels that always come back such as pintas, vinca, daisies, miniture canna lillies, day lillies, even miniature sunflowers are fun. For a good filler use some cedar chips or pine chips or even colored rock. If you are in hot climate try the succulent family and some cacti with the white rocks or colored rocks or mix.
Annuals only bloom for that season but are fun if you have time to plants every year or add something different each season. Mondo grass is a good border plant. The miniature mondo grass if flower bed is small.
Reply:Go to your local garden centre and they will advise what plants to buy.
Reply:It depends on what growing zone you live in. I think you could do a search online and find your zone and probably lots of info, but if not, go and find The Sunset Western Garden main book that costs about $25, and sit down in the store and handle it with care and look up info about your zone, this book is like the gardeners bible Without good soil nothing grows much, so if you don't have good soil consider pots and raised beds
Reply:Pansies, marigolds, lobeliaand petunias are all low mantinance flowers which should brighten up your garden and they are bedding plants so they wont grow huge
Sunday, November 15, 2009
A web-site that designs flower/shrub beds?
I would like to design my flower beds before I go and spend the time and money on shrubs and parenniels. I can't seem to find one or if there is one.
A web-site that designs flower/shrub beds?
Try the Scotts/Miracle Grow site:
http://www.scotts.com/smg/grow/growLandi...
I use this one a lot.
Reply:Here are a couple more websites to check out:
http://www.markcullen.com/gardening_guid...
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/te...
This website has some links to some interesting sites: http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com...
I hope these help. there are some gardening programs out there that range anywhere from $5.00 and up, but I am sure you will find the information you need at one of these sites.
Good luck and happy growing!!!
Reply:Garden Gate:
http://www.gardenplans.com/beds.html
Better Homes %26amp; Gardens:
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/
A web-site that designs flower/shrub beds?
Try the Scotts/Miracle Grow site:
http://www.scotts.com/smg/grow/growLandi...
I use this one a lot.
Reply:Here are a couple more websites to check out:
http://www.markcullen.com/gardening_guid...
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/te...
This website has some links to some interesting sites: http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com...
I hope these help. there are some gardening programs out there that range anywhere from $5.00 and up, but I am sure you will find the information you need at one of these sites.
Good luck and happy growing!!!
Reply:Garden Gate:
http://www.gardenplans.com/beds.html
Better Homes %26amp; Gardens:
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/
How do I keep the neighborhood cats out of my flower beds?
Pepper
Works everytime.
How do I keep the neighborhood cats out of my flower beds?
Try cocoa mulch.
Reply:1. There are many herbs that cats don’t like to be around, including lavender, rue, geranium, absinthe, and lemon-thyme. Also, a German professional gardener, Dieter Stegmaier of Essingen, has created a hybrid so repulsive to cats, they stay a yard away from it. It smells like schnapps to us, and is actually a pretty and hardy plant with blue flowers that bloom throughout most of the summer. Its Latin name is Coleus canin. You can order it through various mailorder services in Germany, for example here: here.
2. This mixture is easy to make and can be used anywhere you want to repel cats (or groundhogs, for that matter):
2 parts cayenne pepper
3 parts dry mustard
5 parts flour
Simply mix together and sprinkle.
3. Use large flat river stones in your garden beds to make the soil less diggable, and so less attractive to cats. Besides, river stones are pretty. You can also use them in houseplant pots to keep the furry little darlings out of those.
4. Cats don’t like tea leaves, so empty your used ones onto the garden soil.
5. You could also try using a sprinkler that is activated by a motion-sensor. All it takes is a time or two of getting dowsed with water to deter any cat. It can work for intruders, too.
Reply:I sprinkle ground Cayenne pepper around. It seems to work, though it does have to be refreshed every once in a while.
Reply:A friend has placed chicken wire flat on the ground over her flower beds. I would suggest a very thin layer of mulch on top to make it less unsightly.
You could try large chunks of bark (not the medium or fine bark chips), they would be rather uncomfortable for most cats to walk on.
Cats generally hate the smell of tea tree oil (an essential oil). You could try diluting it into a spray bottle %26amp; spraying it around the area, or soaking something like cotton balls in it %26amp; placing those around the flower beds. You would have to respray/refresh these on a regular basis. I used to use it to keep my cats from clawing certain areas of my rugs (very diluted solution).
You may want to think twice about using cayenne pepper as it could get into any creatures eyes. Squirrels have been known to scratch their eyes out trying to remove the offending "object" - very cruel.
Reply:I've heard ammonia, too.
Reply:I've heard moth balls work pretty well, they also keep snakes out.
Works everytime.
How do I keep the neighborhood cats out of my flower beds?
Try cocoa mulch.
Reply:1. There are many herbs that cats don’t like to be around, including lavender, rue, geranium, absinthe, and lemon-thyme. Also, a German professional gardener, Dieter Stegmaier of Essingen, has created a hybrid so repulsive to cats, they stay a yard away from it. It smells like schnapps to us, and is actually a pretty and hardy plant with blue flowers that bloom throughout most of the summer. Its Latin name is Coleus canin. You can order it through various mailorder services in Germany, for example here: here.
2. This mixture is easy to make and can be used anywhere you want to repel cats (or groundhogs, for that matter):
2 parts cayenne pepper
3 parts dry mustard
5 parts flour
Simply mix together and sprinkle.
3. Use large flat river stones in your garden beds to make the soil less diggable, and so less attractive to cats. Besides, river stones are pretty. You can also use them in houseplant pots to keep the furry little darlings out of those.
4. Cats don’t like tea leaves, so empty your used ones onto the garden soil.
5. You could also try using a sprinkler that is activated by a motion-sensor. All it takes is a time or two of getting dowsed with water to deter any cat. It can work for intruders, too.
Reply:I sprinkle ground Cayenne pepper around. It seems to work, though it does have to be refreshed every once in a while.
Reply:A friend has placed chicken wire flat on the ground over her flower beds. I would suggest a very thin layer of mulch on top to make it less unsightly.
You could try large chunks of bark (not the medium or fine bark chips), they would be rather uncomfortable for most cats to walk on.
Cats generally hate the smell of tea tree oil (an essential oil). You could try diluting it into a spray bottle %26amp; spraying it around the area, or soaking something like cotton balls in it %26amp; placing those around the flower beds. You would have to respray/refresh these on a regular basis. I used to use it to keep my cats from clawing certain areas of my rugs (very diluted solution).
You may want to think twice about using cayenne pepper as it could get into any creatures eyes. Squirrels have been known to scratch their eyes out trying to remove the offending "object" - very cruel.
Reply:I've heard ammonia, too.
Reply:I've heard moth balls work pretty well, they also keep snakes out.
What can I use to keep cats out of my flower beds?
the stray cats keep digging up my flowers any ideas on how to keep them out. We have tried all kinds of things but so far nothing is working. Thanks
What can I use to keep cats out of my flower beds?
I would say moth balls but those are poisonous . try to get to your local lowes or home depot and see if they have any suggestions . good luck .
Reply:They sell the stuff at home depot, loews etc bot it stains cement I use ammonia in spray bottle
Reply:New Critter Ridder® Pepper-Based Granules Repel Small Animals
As the name implies, new Critter Ridder® shake-on granules keep small animals away from flower and vegetable gardens and from garages, attics, basements and indoor storage areas.
The all natural repellent uses a patented formula that repels by both taste and odor. It features a unique patented pepper-based formula with oil of black pepper, piperine and capsaicin as active ingredients.
Critter Ridder is particularly effective in deterring skunks, groundhogs, squirrels, raccoons and even dogs and CATS. It also is long-lasting, based on independent testing, and one application lasts up to 30 days. Critter Ridder is the latest addition to a growing line of humane animal control products from the Havahart division of Woodstream Corporation. The repellent comes in two sizes -- 1.25 lbs. and 2.20 lbs. – and contains a dual pop-open lid for either shaking or spooning. It also features a 3-D style holographic label to draw attention to the Havahart name and product use.
The Havahart brand features a comprehensive line of pet and wildlife control products including live animal cage traps and deterrents, pet electronics and containment systems, and birdfeeders. For more information, visit the company’s website: www.havahart.com or write to Woodstream Corporation, 69 N. Locust St. ; Lititz , PA 17543 .
Reply:Mothballs.
Reply:cayenne pepper
Reply:Put out some chili pepper. That should work. Shake it out on the ground like a salt shaker.
Reply:mix ammonia in milk........they won't be back!
Reply:get a dog. lmao sorry i couldn't resist
Reply:Cayenne Pepper powder...they hate it.
Reply:rub lemon juice around it...they run away from the smell of lemon.
Reply:have you tried a repelant? they sell them in pet stores.
buy web hosting
What can I use to keep cats out of my flower beds?
I would say moth balls but those are poisonous . try to get to your local lowes or home depot and see if they have any suggestions . good luck .
Reply:They sell the stuff at home depot, loews etc bot it stains cement I use ammonia in spray bottle
Reply:New Critter Ridder® Pepper-Based Granules Repel Small Animals
As the name implies, new Critter Ridder® shake-on granules keep small animals away from flower and vegetable gardens and from garages, attics, basements and indoor storage areas.
The all natural repellent uses a patented formula that repels by both taste and odor. It features a unique patented pepper-based formula with oil of black pepper, piperine and capsaicin as active ingredients.
Critter Ridder is particularly effective in deterring skunks, groundhogs, squirrels, raccoons and even dogs and CATS. It also is long-lasting, based on independent testing, and one application lasts up to 30 days. Critter Ridder is the latest addition to a growing line of humane animal control products from the Havahart division of Woodstream Corporation. The repellent comes in two sizes -- 1.25 lbs. and 2.20 lbs. – and contains a dual pop-open lid for either shaking or spooning. It also features a 3-D style holographic label to draw attention to the Havahart name and product use.
The Havahart brand features a comprehensive line of pet and wildlife control products including live animal cage traps and deterrents, pet electronics and containment systems, and birdfeeders. For more information, visit the company’s website: www.havahart.com or write to Woodstream Corporation, 69 N. Locust St. ; Lititz , PA 17543 .
Reply:Mothballs.
Reply:cayenne pepper
Reply:Put out some chili pepper. That should work. Shake it out on the ground like a salt shaker.
Reply:mix ammonia in milk........they won't be back!
Reply:get a dog. lmao sorry i couldn't resist
Reply:Cayenne Pepper powder...they hate it.
Reply:rub lemon juice around it...they run away from the smell of lemon.
Reply:have you tried a repelant? they sell them in pet stores.
buy web hosting
How do you keep cats from using the flower beds and get rid of the smell?
Add a few chili pepper plants, and some other fragrant flowers. Cat hate the scent of the chili peppers and avoid the area. Since you can't really scrub or flush the area, its best to cover the odor with other scents. Mulching may help block some of the odor.
How do you keep cats from using the flower beds and get rid of the smell?
There are repelants you can buy. Cat Stop® Cat Repellent will effectively deter cats from your yards, gardens, cars, or anywhere you would rather them not be.
Reply:It's easier to train a young cat than an old one. Before going to bed try lock the cat inside the toilet %26amp; let him spend the night there for a month. You will notice that everytime it would pee or dirt he'll go to the toilet to do his thing.
How do you keep cats from using the flower beds and get rid of the smell?
There are repelants you can buy. Cat Stop® Cat Repellent will effectively deter cats from your yards, gardens, cars, or anywhere you would rather them not be.
Reply:It's easier to train a young cat than an old one. Before going to bed try lock the cat inside the toilet %26amp; let him spend the night there for a month. You will notice that everytime it would pee or dirt he'll go to the toilet to do his thing.
Stray cats and flower beds?
how can i stops cats and dogs from useing my flower bed as a bathroom?
Stray cats and flower beds?
Orange peels skin side up laid on the area they use. Before you put them down but while you're in the spot squeeze the peel to release the oil. Cats hate citrus. You don't have to completely cover the area but about the skin from one orange for every 2-3 square feet. This works on cats but I'm not sure about dogs.
Reply:the only way I can think of is to build a fence.
I am having the same problem. My pool just "died" so all I have in its spot is a bunch of sand and stray cats keep coming and using it.
Reply:My mom sprinkled pepper around the outer edges to keep her cat out of her flower beds. Worth a try. As for dogs, watch to make sure that it isn't someone who is walking their dog, some people will allow their pet to do their business in flower beds...rude! Anyway, if they are step out and nicely ask them to please quite doing that, if that doesn't work then, remind them that they are trespassing.
Reply:There is LIQUID FENCE on the market now........try it..
Stray cats and flower beds?
Orange peels skin side up laid on the area they use. Before you put them down but while you're in the spot squeeze the peel to release the oil. Cats hate citrus. You don't have to completely cover the area but about the skin from one orange for every 2-3 square feet. This works on cats but I'm not sure about dogs.
Reply:the only way I can think of is to build a fence.
I am having the same problem. My pool just "died" so all I have in its spot is a bunch of sand and stray cats keep coming and using it.
Reply:My mom sprinkled pepper around the outer edges to keep her cat out of her flower beds. Worth a try. As for dogs, watch to make sure that it isn't someone who is walking their dog, some people will allow their pet to do their business in flower beds...rude! Anyway, if they are step out and nicely ask them to please quite doing that, if that doesn't work then, remind them that they are trespassing.
Reply:There is LIQUID FENCE on the market now........try it..
How do I stop all the wild buttercups spreading in my flower beds?
The easiest method is to carefully spray the leaves with a systemic weed killer. Make sure it is done on a wind free day though, to avoid other plants getting sprayed.
Buttercups (Ranunculus), can be very thuggish in the flower beds, and seem much stronger than those in the lawn.
You could try digging them out, but I experienced long underground roots, all because I had planted their attractive "relations" once!!
Hopefully after a few days you will notice them dying off, but leave taking them out until they are really gone, so it gives the weedkiller time to get to the heart of the roots...
Good Luck!
How do I stop all the wild buttercups spreading in my flower beds?
Dig them up with a trowel and leave no trailer roots behind.
Reply:The most effective way to stop them in their tracks would be to dig them out. As long as you get the crown out you will succeed in getting rid of them.
Buttercups (Ranunculus), can be very thuggish in the flower beds, and seem much stronger than those in the lawn.
You could try digging them out, but I experienced long underground roots, all because I had planted their attractive "relations" once!!
Hopefully after a few days you will notice them dying off, but leave taking them out until they are really gone, so it gives the weedkiller time to get to the heart of the roots...
Good Luck!
How do I stop all the wild buttercups spreading in my flower beds?
Dig them up with a trowel and leave no trailer roots behind.
Reply:The most effective way to stop them in their tracks would be to dig them out. As long as you get the crown out you will succeed in getting rid of them.
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