Welcome to The Tao of Garden

Gardening is simply the practice of cultivating plants. People grow ornamental plants to harvest their flowers, foliage, or to get dyes out of them. They are also grown for their overall appearance.

There are also plants that are cultivated for human consumption. They are consumed as fruits, vegetables and herbs for medicinal purposes.

When we talk about gardening the subject ranges from fruit orchards to long boulevard plantings. Gardening practitioners may specialize themselves in growing only one type of plant or they may also practice mixed plantings that involve many various plants.

Gardening requires active participation of the practitioner and it usually requires intensive works and discipline.
Here you'll find many tips and tricks that are related to gardening.

There are various methods, types and approaches to maintain a healthy and beautiful garden. You can find all of them here.

You may want to learn what's the proper way to landscape the yard, choosing the right soil, maintain the plants, growing indoor gardens, and many many more.

We also look forward to hear your insights, suggestions, and even requests around gardening and landscaping. So please don't forget to leave your precious comments...

Happy gardening... :)

Find Out About The Special Care For Your Bonsai Trees


Like other plants, bonsai trees also require special care. In this content, special caring procedures and tools required for taking care of the bonsai plant are described.

1. Lighting: Bonsai trees are needed to be kept in the outside environment. Only tropical bonsai trees can be kept inside, if you are not residing in the tropical areas. The bonsai trees which are kept outside can get six or more hours of direct sunlight, a day.

Whereas, indoor bonsai tree only het two to four hours natural light. If you are keeping your bonsai plant inside your house, do arrange the full spectrum fluorescent for ensuring the necessary level of light. Plants must be kept between this artificial light for six to eight hours a day.   

2. Watering: The soil that is used to grow the bonsai tree is usually the porous soil. This soil drains water and cause the bonsai plant to dry. So make sure you are giving enough amount of water to the plant and do not let it die because of low humidity. Soil drying procedure depends upon the type of the soil used and size and shape of the pot.

Additionally, different types of the bonsai trees have different water requirement. If you are planting the bonsai tree in your home, then you must have to properly research the water requirement level. It is better to place the pot over the tray of the full of water and some small rocks.

This will increase the humidity around the plant and boost up the growing process. Water the plant once a week and submerge the pot until no bubbles escape from the soil or the pot.

3. Pruning: Pruning is quite essential for caring the bonsai tree. Pruning basically removes all the unwanted branches of the tree and gives it an aesthetic design. You can prune your bonsai tree and can control the growth.

You can adopt the leaf pruning and pinching for helping the branches to grow well and look healthier. You should do pruning after two to three weeks.

After that time analyze that whether more pruning is required by the branches or not. Keep your eyes open for the growth of the trunks. You must pruning the bonsai tree and make the optimum results.

4. Fertilizing: Fertilizing a bonsai tree must be done once or twice a month. In growing season you must fertilize the bonsai tree. Do not apply fertilizer in dry soil and in non-growing season.

5. Soil: You must be familiar with the appropriate type of the soil. The soil affects the deeding, roots and watering of the bonsai tree. It dictates the growth and size of the bonsai tree. Bonsai soils must be designated to optimize the drainage. This soil is specially prepared with gravel or sand with the bark or peat added with the organic elements. Humus must be 70% and girt must be 30% in the soil.

As mentioned above, the care of the bonsai tree is very essential for ensuring the good and healthier life of the plant. For guaranteeing the health, several tools are used. Some of these tools along with their working are listed below.

1. Pruning and cutting tools: These tools are used when scissor is not viable for performing the heavy cuttings.  

a. Concave branch cutter: These cutters are similar to the bolt cutters and are designed to cut the heavy items. They are used for smoothly removing and trimming the fair sized branches.

b. Spherical knob cutters: These cutters are used to cut the pieces in the spherical shapes. They are also used to cut the heavy knots and knobs.

c. Folding pruning saw: This is similar to the pocket knife and used for cutting the heavy branches. These are also used to cut the trunks from the bonsai tree.

d. Shears: Shears are used to perform from light to medium cuts.

e. Woodworking Gouges: For scoring the trunk and for removing the bark woodworking gouges are used. It prevents the bonsai tree from the natural damages.

f. Scissors: Scissors for bonsai tree comes in various sizes and shapes for performing various cutting jobs. They are the staple tools.

g. Leaf Cutting Scissors: These scissors are used for rendering the light cutting work. They are mostly imply over the leaves.

h. Shoot Trimming Scissors: These scissors are designated to cut the midsized branches and shoots.

i. Heavy Duty Shoot Scissors: These scissors work best over the shoots and branches that too large to be cut with the other scissors and too small to be cut with the pruner.

2. Potting Tools: Health and proper growth of the bonsai tree depends upon the size and shape of the pot. Frequent root modification and repotting is necessary for ensuring the development of the plant. Some of the tools that are used in potting are mentioned below:

a. Root Hooks: Root hooks are used to manage the pruning and trimming and separating the root balls. They are sharpened from the fair point and heavy wire bent on the other end.

b. Potting trowel: For manipulating the soil and digging in the bonsai pot, trowel is used.

c. Soil scoops: These are similar to the plastic cups or small metal cups with a handle. The open end of tool has a scoop shape that is used to add or remove the soil from the pot.

d. Brush: Soft brushes are implied over the bonsai leaves, trunk and branches to maintain and clean the tree.

e. Wire tools: In order to give a shape to the bonsai plant, wires are used.

f. Common wire snips: These wires snips are usually used by the electricians. They are used in bonsai plant aluminum wiring.

g. Heavy duty wire snips: These snips are used to handle the heavy wiring.

h. Pliers: For twisting and bending the wires and giving them a proper shape, pliers are used.

3. Miscellaneous Tools: Some other tools that are mostly used are mentioned below.

a. Chop Sticks: These are used for working the soil down and tamping.

b. Gardeners Knife: This knife is used for cutting the heavy non-delicate items.

c. Rake: For cleaning and maintaining the surface of the soil rake is employed.

d. Tweezers: These are necessary for working in the limited space where bonsai tree is installed.

How To Choose A Right Bonsai Plant For Your Home


When you will visit the gardening shop you will encounter many types of the bonsai plant. The matter of fact is every plant that has branches and trunks are categorized as bonsai plant. You have many options to select from and you can buy any of these plants for decorating your home.

Many people prefer to have the tropical bonsai plant for their homes. This is because the tropical bonsai plant look very beautiful and they can keep inside the home all around the year. There are many types of the tropical bonsai plant. These are fig, fuchsia, azalea and bougainvillea.

No doubt tropical bonsai plants are very popular, but still there are many other famous types of the bonsai tree. Some of these are fully grown and kept outside the house. The outdoor bonsai plant includes the spirea, apple, elm, ginkgo and birch.

These types of bonsai tree usually loss their leaves during the winter season. This is due to the fact that in winters days get smaller and temperature becomes cooler. The bonsai plants require appropriate sunlight and temperature for growing. Freezing temperature is not suitable for bonsai plants. The bonsai plants without leaves do not need sunlight and can sustain in the cooler temperature.   

Before buying the bonsai tree, do decide about the place where you want to keep the plant. The place will help you in deciding which type of the Bosnia tree is suitable for you. The tropical bonsai tree can grow under the window light until the temperature is not too much cold.

The tropical bonsai tree requires lots of light and cannot sustain without it. If your windows are not brining sufficient sunlight, do apply the artificial light. You can use the fluorescent artificial light for substituting the natural sunlight and ensuring the development of the plant.

During the winter season the evergreen bonsai plant can be kept in the windows. When temperature is freezing you should move the bonsai plant outside and place it in semi shaded area. The evergreen bonsai plant cannot face the direct hit of the sun, thus they must be placed technically in the shady place. You must bear in mind that sun rays are not directly hitting them, as well as, they are getting enough heat that sustain them from dying.

Tropical Azalea bonsai tree is the best choice if you are not capable of pruning the tree. Bonsai tree requires pruning for mature growth. They must be trimmed timely for having full growth. Only azalea bonsai plant save you from the pruning efforts. This type of bonsai tree is also best for the beginners who are not aware about taking care of the bonsai plants.

There are many other types of the bonsai trees. These are the windswept bonsai plant, upright bonsai trees, forest style bonsai plants and cascade bonsai plants. It is very essential for you to do proper research and gather all the information about different types of bonsai tree, before purchasing them.

This will help you out in growing and taking care of the bonsai plant. Without proper care and affection the bonsai tree will not able to grow and sustain. So, ensure the proper care of the plant.

Indoor bonsai trees are basically the miniature substitute of the natural outdoor trees. The indoor bonsai plants were first cultivated in the countries like Japan and China. This was done as an experiment, centuries ago. Now people have opted as a hobby. People all around the globe are applying the indoor bonsai tree in their house. They use them for decorating their houses.

Right care and affection to the indoor bonsai trees guarantee the beautiful and mind grabbing look of the house. The indoor bonsai trees must be bestowed with proper lighting, water and moderate temperature. Moderate temperature means not too much hot not too much cold. If you are residing in the mild climate, you can place your indoor bonsai trees over the porch or patio when temperature allows you to do so.

If you reside in the place where climate is extremely hot, then you have to place your indoor bonsai tree in a room. But, remember do not place it near the window, as burning temperature will kill the plant.

For ensuring the proper care, you must water your indoor bonsai trees. The rule of thumb is to water the plant when the soil begins to dry. Do not let it completely dry. Also give appropriate amount of water to the indoor bonsai trees.

Another crucial element for ensuring the good health and development of the indoor bonsai trees is the use of appropriate type of soil. You must have to apply the high quality and nourishing soil while planting or replanting the indoor bonsai trees.

Moreover, the liquid fertilizers are also the deciding element for the health of the indoor bonsai trees. Use of the fertilizer at proper time and appropriate amount is very necessary. You should educate yourself about the liquid fertilizers and learn which type of fertilizer must be used for your indoor bonsai tree. 

Trimming is also important determining element for the growth and development of the indoor bonsai trees. The non tropical and tropical indoor bonsai trees required to be throughout the year. Trimming of the branches, as well as roots are necessary. For trimming you have to evaluate the growth rate of your plant and trim it accordingly. There will be no general rule for trimming. You can trim the unwanted roots and branches. It must be done very cautiously.

Proper care and maintenance of the indoor bonsai trees can result in growing the healthy and beautiful looking plant. once you have learnt the ways for taking care of your indoor bonsai trees, I can bet you will love to add more and more to your collection. It will become your hobby and you will love to please your eyes from their beauty. Take care of your indoor bonsai trees and enjoy their presences at your homes.

How To Grow Your Indoor Bonsai Tree


Are you interested in growing the trees inside your house? But, lacking from the space for growing the trees? Do not worry solution is there. You can solve your space dilemma, as well as fulfill your planting desire by choosing the right size of the trees.

In this regard, the indoor bonsai trees are the best option. You can cultivate your own indoor bonsai trees, without worrying about the space. They are used as the decorative addition to your house and require only negligible amount of space for growing. 

There are many types of the indoor bonsai trees. You have to decide that which one of them you want in your home. Some of the names of the indoor bonsai trees are Fukien tea tree, Buddhist pine, Chinese bird plumb, Chinese privet, sacred bamboo, fig tree and several others tree. 

You can decide about the size and the shapes of your indoor bonsai trees too. You can put them in small glass container and decide about the growth. Frequently, trim the unwanted branches and make your indoor bonsai tree look beautiful and remain healthy.

If you have decided to grow your Indoor Bonsai trees, then you must take special steps in taking care of them. taking care of the indoor bonsai tree is very essential, as well as, easy step. You can follow some basic growing tips and can have your own Indoor Bonsai trees. Follow these tips and ensure the hassle free growing of the Bonsai trees.

Right growing environment is highly crucial for growing the indoor bonsai trees. Right growing temperature is necessary for the bonsai tree. It should neither be too cold not too hot. The room in which you want to grow the bonsai tree must have natural light coming in it.

So, you should bear in mind that you have to provide such environment for growing the indoor bonsai trees. Place the bonsai tree in the room where there are large windows to welcome the direct or indirect sunlight. This will facilitate your bonsai tree to grow faster.

If your room does not have large windows for ensuring the sunlight, do place your plant in the semi shady location. You can grow your plant outdoor where there are shades to keep the indoor bonsai tree healthy. Without proper temperature and environment the indoor bonsai tree will not grow and they are more likely to die.

Right type of the soil is another crucial factor for the growth of the indoor bonsai tree. You have to prepare amalgamation of different types of soil so to give the highest quality soil for the growth. You can visit the gardening stores and ask the staff members about right type of soil for the growth of the indoor bonsai trees. They will guide you when you will discuss what type of bonsai tree you want to grow inside your house. 

The indoor bonsai tree has requirement for the fertilizers. Unlike the outdoor plant and other house plants they cannot sustain without fertilizers. So, you must be aware about fertilizing techniques and fertilizing methods for making sure the growth of the indoor bonsai tree. It is suggested to use the fertilizers every week in the summer season and once a month in the winter season.

Many beginners commit a common mistake. They do not apply the fertilizers appropriately. This ends in devastating the indoor bonsai tree. Remember that the indoor bonsai trees require mixture of fertilizer and water at frequent intervals. Fertilizer must only be applied on the indoor bonsai trees when the soil is wet. Furthermore, ensure the use of highest quality fertilizer for growing the indoor bonsai trees. 

Watering the indoor bonsai trees is another crucial element for the successful growth of the indoor bonsai trees. The un-watered trees will dehydrate and will die soon. In fact, excess amount of water is also hazardous for the health of the indoor bonsai trees. If you want to learn the rule of watering, check the soil. Only water the tree when the soil is dried out, but do not let it dry completely. Give sufficient amount of water that seeps out the bottom. And wait until the soil is dried out again.

Excess of anything is injuries for the health of the indoor bonsai tree. So, make sure you are aware about the right amount of fertilizers and water to be used. Excess amount of water and fertilizer will have negative impact on the growth of the indoor bonsai tree.

The successful growth of the indoor bonsai trees also depend upon the pruning. There are different steps involved in pruning the indoor bonsai trees. You must remember that in spring season trim the branches of the trees and leave only wanted branches. Others must be cut down. When the roots are bound in the pot, do the root pruning. 

The leaf of the indoor bonsai trees has small buds. You should trim the indoor bonsai trees in the direction of these buds. The new shoots grow from these small buds. If you want to ensure proper growth and size of the indoor bonsai tree, you must trim it accordingly.

You can give your indoor bonsai tree a shape, by bending its trunk and branches. But bear in mind, shapes can only be given during the growing season of the indoor bonsai tree. Later, it cannot be done, so remain alert in the growing season of the indoor bonsai trees. 

You can ensure the above mentioned steps for taking care of the growth of your indoor bonsai trees and can avail the healthy indoor bonsai trees. Enjoy the wonderful indoor bonsai trees at your home by ensuring the caring measures mentioned above.

These plants are very delicate and require special attention and care from you. So you must know the appropriate ways for taking care of them. If planting is your hobby, then you must be knowledgeable enough in taking care of these plants. If not, then you must not plan the bonsai trees inside your house.

Bonsai Trees: Plants and Shops


I have bonsai plant in my home. They are very adaptive and responsive. They change their position with the movement of light. Their stalks and braches bend towards light for ensuring the efficient photosynthesis and growth process.

The growth of my bonsai plants is incredibly quicker. I can cut the bonsai leaves and branches with the help of scissor and can give them any shape. They also have arial roots and hold the soil in their tiny pots.

Mini trees are very fascinating and attractive. They allow the biodiversity. Once I had found that there was a growth of mini creatures like fungi and snail near my bonsai plant’s pot.

These mini creatures are usually welcomed by over watering and unclean environment. That is the reason I always tries to trim my bonsai plant.

Bonsai plants are very precious and they are liked by many people. Bonsai plants not only add color to the room but also give the plenty of oxygen. They perform photosynthesis process and exhale the fresh air that can be enjoyed by the people.

Bonsai tree are very tough and they have power to survive even in extreme weathers. Bonsai plant can be watered so that it barks should remain wet and do not dry. This assures the health and safety of the plant.

As bonsai are the indoor plants, thus they should not be kept in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves. So, when the bonsai plants are buried in the garden, people should take special care. They should make sure that the soil does not dry and sunlight is not directly hitting the bonsai plant.

I usually prefer the plantation of bonsai tree in the homes. They are amazing and have great fun. I can enjoy cutting them in different shapes and sizes.

The first and foremost step in growing the indoor bonsai tree is to gauge the species of the trees. People have to be aware about the climate and geographical location in which they have to plant the bonsai tree. As the weather condition is different at every place, therefore, the selection of the tree is also different for every location.

People can encounter the best results from the trees and plants when they have chosen the right one. Some people add the exotic species in their tree. This may have adverse impact on the growth of the indoor bonsai tree. They must have to wait for the proper development of the tree, before introducing the exotic species. 

Size is another important aspect to be considered before planting the indoor bonsai tree. People have to understand the different sizing phenomena and nature of same type of the bonsai tree. For this, they have to first analyze about the place at which they want to place their bonsai tree.

They must also consider that how much big plant they can afford at their home.

Once, selection of the size is done people can go to the nursery or the bonsai tree shop for purchasing the suitable tree for their home.

If there is no nursery or bonsai tree shop, they can buy the bonsai tree and plant it in their homes.

If people are starting from seeds then they have to plant these seeds in the seed bags. They have to wait until the seeds turn in to seedlings.

When seedlings are prepared, people have to take them out and have to transfer them in to pots. This is the tricky process and requires attention.

People have to take special care in transforming the seedlings. They must have to ensure that the roots are safely transferred to the small pots. While cutting some of the roots, mostly people kill the whole plant. The transforming process will require the people to place some wires in the roots of the bonsai plant.

These wires will support the plant to get fixed in the new pot. Put enough amount of soil in order to cover the bonsai plant’s root. This will help the roots to sustain the moisture. People must be cautious about adding the soil. They must not add excess soil. Right amount of soil over the roots are required.   

Bonsai are not the dwarfed plants, genetically. They can be created from any shrub or tree species. They remain small until people confine then till the pot. They have to prune them and keep them in shape. Almost all of the shrubs and trees species can be turned to the bonsai plants, with some care and training.

However, some rare trees and shrubs require special bonsai materials to be converted in to the bonsai plant. This is due to the fact that these trees and shrubs have appropriate requirement to be converted in to the smaller designs of the bonsai tree. 

There are many different methods of growing the bonsai tree. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Grafting
2. Cutting
3. Growing the bonsai tree from seeds
4. Air layering

Some of the bonsai tree gardens are located at the following places:

1. Bonsai trees are showing a great variety of different styles in Sydney, Australia.
2. Bonsai garden at pagoda Yunyan Ta (which is the Cloud Rock Pagoda, located at Suzhou, China)
3. Pine bonsai in the informal upright styles. These trees are more than thirty years old, located at Hidden Lake garden collection.

Bonsai have different styles based on their characteristics. Some of these are mentioned here in English. These are informal upright, semi-cascades, cascade, upright, raft, slant, group or forest, and literati.

People can try any of these above mentioned styles and designs in their home. They have to ensure proper care and attention for these indoor bonsai plant. These plants are very good decorative items. They are used to add special glory in their homes.

Diversify the homes with these beautiful creations and let the people amazed at collection. But, make sure special care is a fundamental in acquiring the indoor bonsai trees. So, be careful.

How To Design Your Own Oakland Garden

Roaming around the garden during beautiful summer days leaves good memories in your mind. It is always good to walk in gardens.

This is because when you go out in your garden, you get some warm sunlight and the other thing is that you spend some time away from the TV which reduces much of your mental activity and depression and thus helps in relaxing.

There are many elements to consider while you are visiting the garden. Look around your garden and think about the modifications that can be done.

First decide what would be the theme of your garden. Theme is very important for designing a garden as it provides you a layout of the work that you will do.

Would you like it to be formal and structured or loose and whimsical? Japanese gardens mostly have formal and structured look, due to which it gives limited appeal to many Americans out there. In addition the environment of most American homes is not favorable for formality as it occurs in Japanese.

This logical transition between pop’s BBQ set up and white combed rocks are not so easy. It is very difficult and sometimes impossible to do.

On the other hand there are Oakland gardens. The Oakland gardens are majestic gardens which everyone would like to watch. If someone is looking at the Oakland gardens for the first time, they would be inspired by its colors, designs and multicolor pieces of art.

At first look they might feel that they are looking at a patch of weed, but when they would look closer they will find that this Oakland garden have been made after spending a great amount of time, effort and money. It gives a majestic look.

This Oakland garden was first developed in the piedmont area of Oakland in California. Since then this style of Oakland garden has spread very quickly. An author spent his whole time in finding out that how this style developed. According to him,”whoever designed this garden was a genius”.

In creating this Oakland garden, an effort has been made in order to use the plants that are available in that particular place where the garden is present. To increase the overall effect of the garden, natural looking features or constructs are used.

The garden art has been used effectively in order to give the garden a natural look unlike that of Japanese gardens which give a very formal look. Most people love the beauty of nature, so this is a good way to keep you in touch with nature. A main feature of the Oakland garden is that the native birds, butterflies, bees and other forms of life returns back to one’s native garden.
One thing to notice about the typical Oakland garden is that there is an extensive use of garden art in developing these gardens. The garden art has been placed thoughtfully which is a key to discern an Oakland garden.

The use of garden arts in making gardens is not new. It has been used since the days of King Louis XIV. The garden art reached its peak during the rule of this king and since then it is unbeatable all the way back to Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians.

The garden art has been there since long times but it has made a great revival in the past 25 years. It is used extensively these days by many peoples who want to give their garden a natural and beautiful look.

The skills in garden art can be achieved and reaches its full potential through studying, visiting purveyors of fine garden art and visiting all the beautiful gardens present in your neighborhood which are making use of garden art.

Nowadays online resources are also available through which you can study and learn the methods for employing garden arts. An entire two volume work on gardening is present on the United Kingdom website.

They have the entitled history of garden art by Marie Luise Gothein of the year 1912. By reviewing this volume you will get to know many things related to garden art that a beginner must know. Go through these volumes and extract out the useful tips that will help you to design your own garden.

In the well known west coast center, inner gardens are present which features the garden art. It has got two locations in the greater Los Angeles areas. The inner gardens were made by Stephen Block in 1990, he had a great passion for plants, flowers and garden antiques.

Since the day when inner gardens were made, these gardens have become the West Coast leader in garden art. Because of their great beauty, these gardens have grown into two showrooms in the Los Angeles area. The original showroom was Melrose showroom which has now been joined by Jefferson showroom.

This showroom covers about 15,000 square foot. It features a vast selection of garden containers, ornaments, vintage and antiques. It also includes a line of containers and accessories that features contemporary and antique reproductions and exotic flora. You should visit these gardens.

When you walk through these gardens you might not feel as comfortable as your own garden but try to pick up the tricks, ideas, tips and techniques. This will help you to design your own Oakland garden.

When you have visited different places that use different forms of garden arts, try to put all these ideas together and come up with something new to decorate your garden. If you cannot visit different places due to lack of time, then you can also get help online from different websites that will provide you useful tips and ideas to create a beautiful garden.

In this way you can make your garden a beautiful place to sit and walk and to enjoy the beauty of nature. The neighbors might start wandering around your house. When this occurs, you should understand that you have been successful in creating an Oakland garden which has got beauty and splendor, showing garden arts.

The Importance Of Mulching

Mulching is a very important part of gardening. It plays an important role in keeping down the weeds. Weeds need light in order to germinate, so mulch blocks this light and in this way stops its germination.

The other important thing that mulch do is that they protect the soil from drying out by preventing the evaporation of water from soil. In this way the soil retains its moisture and do not form a crusty soil.

The earthworms feed on organic matter like mulch and produce castings. When earthworms move in the soil they create tunnels which helps to aerate the soil and thus improves its textures. Other organisms also do the same thing. So mulch helps to increase the amount of such organisms and these in turn makes a nutrient rich substance which is needed by plants.

This process is called decomposition and it increases the organic humus in the soil.

Simple steps to mulching:

1.    The first step is to distribute the mulch material equally. Distribute it to a depth of 3 to 5 inches. The reason is that the more coarse the material the more you add.


2.     Spread the mulch around the plants but make sure that the area around the base of stems of annuals and perennials are free of it.


3.    Now the third step is to moisten the mulch.

If you are mulching the tree and shrubs then it is necessary to keep the mulch approx 5-10 inches above the base of the tree. Mulch on the trunks even if it is organic matter can cause many problems down the road.

To maintain an even soil temperature, wood mulch can be used which helps to keep the soil cool. If you are using bark chips and sawdust, then put some nitrogen to the soil before laying down the mulches. This is because the bark chips and sawdust can eliminate the nitrogen from soil when they decompose.

Try to use organic wastes such as seasoned sawdust, peanut shells, wood shavings, rice husks, grass clippings, ground corn cobs, unused vegetable waste, seaweed, cocoa bean hulls, shredded tree barks or light pruning.

Black Plastic Sheets

If you don’t want to use organic matter then you can use black plastic sheets which are also used for mulching the soil. If this is done properly, then you will get excellent weed control and moisture conservation. The right method for doing this is:

1.    Spread the plastic mulch on the top of the soil or beds.


2.    Now cut x-shaped slits in the plastic bags.


3.    Now fold back underneath the flaps to plant.


4.    When you are doing this, keep in mind that you don’t have to fill the hole in plastic sheet completely with plant.


5.    In order to make a passage for water and air, place the slits or holes on the sides of the plastic. In this way the roots can benefit from water and air. Also make extra slits which will help to drain excess moisture and will prevent water logging during wet days.

Compost:

Mulching is the process by which we make use of the organic matters like dried lawn clippings and strips of newspaper to create humus matter for nourishing plants.

We do this by spreading a layer of organic matter on the surface of the soil and as the time passes this matter decomposes due to action of various agents like bacteria, fungi etc present in the soil, thus creating humus matter.

You can also use animal manure for mulching purpose. It is nutrient rich mulch but it should be used along with other materials like straw or lawn clippings. In order to create a good humus and to provide needed nitrogen to the soil, the mixture should be well rotten.

Living mulch is mulch in which compost is mixed with rough mulch. This form of much is excellent for mulching the soil. The best form of mulch is compost.

Mulch-mowing Method:

Mulch-mowing is a method in which fallen leaves are used for the purpose of mulching. The best Melcher which you can easily find is a good sharp mulch blade on a lawn mower.

This mulch blade will cut the grass blades. The leaves will be cut in to tiny pieces and will be left there. If you use the shredded leaves at the same time, it will produce mulch which has a rough texture to cover the soil.

If you want to get the maximum benefit from mulching on the ground then use this method every week. This will make your task much easier for every week and will provide your plants with a fresh supply of mulch that will start decomposing and will form new organic matter. This organic matter will then feed the soil and will also help in retaining the moisture.

Mulch-mowing is a very good technique because your drain system won’t clog because of leaves on the street and it also protects the community from other hazards.

If you mulch properly then you won’t have to face problems during hard times like lack of rain or too much of rain. Mulching is a very critical part for lawn maintenance and gardening because it requires proper methodology to create good humus for your plants.

It is a good way to prepare your garden for unexpected weathers that can destroy your plants if proper mulching is not done. Anyone who wants to make their plants and garden look beautiful should start doing mulching so that the plants can get better nutrition and can yield much better flowers, fruits or vegetables.

This is also cost effective as you can use the normal garbage materials like vegetable wastes, peanut shells, barks of the tree or the garbage of your kitchen. Many people buy expensive fertilizers for growth of plants because they don’t know that simple garbage materials can be used for mulching and creating a good and nutritious soil for their plants.


Landscaping In Chicago


People who are living in Chicago and are interested in getting some landscaping then the best choice will be Chicago native plants.

If you are going to use the native plants for the landscaping then it would be much easier to take care of them as the time passes by.

Initially when people start working in the yard they are very keen to work but then they start loosing their interest and take their yards for granted, so landscaping no more remains a fun for them.

These plants can also be used for solving the drainage problem. Chicago gets different types of weather so it affects the plants more than you might have thought before planting them. Chicago also has a problem for drainage.

So before starting landscaping keep all these points in your mind. Consult your landscaper for all these problems and ask him about which plants will be better for your yard. Don’t be careless towards landscaping and find the plants that you think would be better for your yard keeping in mind the weather of Chicago.


If you have noticed any drainage problem then tell this to your landscaper so that he can suggest you the native plants which can also help you in solving this problem.

Before agreeing for using a plant see a picture of it, so that you know that the plant you have chosen is the right one for your yard and also everyone do not have the same taste so it’s better to see the plants before getting them.

Do look around you before choosing the plants. See what type of plants does your neighbor have? What type of plants do you like and what you dislike? Tell the landscapers what type of plants you like to see in your yard.

The landscapers in Chicago are open to ideas and they do take care of your likes and dislikes. You have the right to give your views to the landscaper because after all this is your yard and you are also paying them for the job.

Chicago perennials are a good option for landscaping. If you will use this you will not have to plant new flowers each year, so this will save your time as well as money. People in Chicago don’t have much time to waste on these things so it’s a better option for them.