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Written by Leena Oijala
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Layered composting or aerobic composting is the most efficient, effective and quickest way to turn your garden weeds and grass clippings into rich, nutritious soil for your garden beds. Layered lasagna compost offers a delectable feast for the bugs and bacteria that aerate and nourish a compost pile, acting as industrious decomposition farmers. So close the loop on your garden feeding methods by learning how to build layered compost and create all the fertilizer and planting soil that you will need for a season.
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Read more... [Plant Food for Your Garden: How to Make Layered Compost]
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Written by Leena Oijala
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Have you ever wished you could walk through the Hedge Maze described in Alice of Wonderland? Well, the team behind the Miracle Garden in Dubai, United Arab Emirates has brought that very experience to life.
A mirage of colorful flora, brilliant botanical showcases and playful displays of shapes and optical illusions, this garden artfully demonstrates how plants can sculpt a Fantasia-like landscape. Wave-patterned flowerbeds, cars filled with plants, multi-colored pyramids and domes, heart and star shaped plantings, candy striped walkways and fountains bring the fairytale to life in the most beautiful and awe-inspiring way.
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Read more... [Verdant Wonderland: Dubai's Miracle Garden]
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Written by Emily Monaco
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Apartment dwellers already know that they have more than enough tools to create a fantastic kitchen garden, but as you get ready to make your selections for this summer's bounty, consider the fact that not only is a garden in your reach, but composting as well! Some may already have taken to apartment composting... but you can still take advantage of these fantastic tips to make apartment composting even easier!
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Read more... [3 Surprising Composting Tips for Apartment Dwellers]
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Written by Jen Wallace
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For many of us, it is grass cutting season again--and that fact is not bringing joy into our lives.
Lawns first originated with the aristocracy in Europe and were a sign of wealth and status. The trend was transported to the Americas and is certainly still with us today. The lawn, and its rigorous care, is without a doubt one of the status symbols of the American suburbs.
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Read more... [How to Green Your Lawn: 4 Natural Grass Alternatives]
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Written by Leena Oijala
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Squash belong to two main families: winter squash, which is characterized by its hard shell, and summer squash, which has a soft, edible skin. Summer squash produces prolifically all summer long, providing plenty of starchy freshness for summertime barbeques, salads and breakfast breads. Winter squash has a longer growing season and requires ample growing space and warmth in the summer. However, growing winter squash is well worth the effort, as just a few squash can provide several pounds of food. Use our guide on how to grow squash and get squashed this gardening season!
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Read more... [Get Squashed: Grow Summer and Winter Squash Varieties]
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Written by Kirsten Hudson
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We all need a retreat to escape to every once in a while. For those of us who can’t take off on a vacation very often, creating a refuge in your backyard can be its own kind of paradise. Consider creating a Zen garden for meditation and stress relief. Designate a section of your backyard or side yard to use. Choose a space away from noise and fence off the area to keep out children or pets. Even better, use a fence made of natural elements, like bamboo. After you clear the area of weeds and debris, you can start designing your garden. Planning is key, otherwise the space will feel out of balance—and that will affect your mood. Wherever you decide to put your garden, there are several basic structures to include for a serene space.
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Read more... [Outdoor Oasis: How to Make a Zen Garden]
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Written by Leena Oijala
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More than 1,000 plant varieties are found in the allium family, which includes garlic, onions, leeks, chives and several decorative flowers. Alliums have been cultivated for decorative and edible uses as far back as 1594, and wild varieties have been foraged for millennia. The allium family provides at least one of the staple foods in nearly every culture, as onions, garlic and their relatives often provide depth to nearly any savory (and some sweet) dish. Check out our guide on amazing alliums to learn more about the different plant types and how to grown and use them!
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Read more... [Amazing Alliums: Decorative, Edible and Easy to Grow]
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Written by Baza Novic
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As the world turns in the West, we are becoming more and more aware of the negative impact our consumer problem-solving mentality has on the environment and humanity's future. It is becoming increasingly important that we be on the lookout for ways to creatively upcycle and begin to practice fostering a pragmatic do-it-yourself philosophy. And one fun-tastic way to do both is with your approach to gardening. More specifically, with container gardening, by making (and repurposing) your own pots and planters.
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Read more... [The Art Of Container Gardening Part 2: 4 Designs for Happy Artisan Container Gardens]
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Written by Leena Oijala
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Anyone can start a garden, whether big or small, in containers, raised beds or in the ground, indoors or outside. But becoming a successful gardener can take some time, as it requires ample knowledge of plant types, soil science, pests and diseases, and various methods of plant care. To help you delve deeper into the world of horticulture and gain these skills, we’ve rounded up the top five online gardening courses so you can learn from home. Whether you’re looking for a Master Gardener certificate or quick courses for hobby gardening, these resources will provide ample information on keeping a healthy and bountiful garden!
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Read more... [Cultivate Your Green Thumb: The Top 5 Online Gardening Courses]
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Written by Leena Oijala
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Hops are most commonly known as the flavoring agent in many beers, but are in fact a beautiful vine that can enhance the landscape of any garden. Hops plants are hardy perennials that are very easy to grow and maintain in most climates. These plants are especially suited to chillier winters and warm summers, making them the perfect garden addition in northern states. If you’re thinking about becoming a home brewer, or are just curious about this viney plant, its time to learn how to grow your own hops and use them in numerous ways!
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Read more... [How to Grow Your Own Hops for Beer and Other Uses]
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