Plant ID Cards Blog

When you look out your window in February and see something that looks like this, its hard to imagine that this is actually the right time of the year to start preparing for your spring garden. First of all, by this point in the calendar, many people across the country have already endured several months of bitter cold and freezing weather. What’s more, for many people there are still several more months of winter weather to come. Many of us are in a “winter mindset” where warm sun, flowers and tomatoes growing on the vine seem like a distant dream.  But the truth is, that there are actually a lot of things you can be doing right now to get ready for your spring planting.

We here at Woodlawn Landscaping are already hard at work preparing for spring and we are excited to help you get started on your own personal gardening journey as well!  First and foremost, it’s important to have a plan in place. To prepare for a spring garden in February, start by planning your garden layout and selecting plants suited to your climate. In order to get this process started, there are two important questions you need to consider. First of all, “What do you want to grow?” There’s no point in going to all the trouble of starting tomato plants from seedlings, transferring them outside, staking, watering, fertilizing, mulching and harvesting the plants if no one in your house really likes tomatoes.  This may seem obvious, but sometimes people get so caught up in what they “think” a garden should have they forget that there is no recipe for an ideal garden.

The other thing to consider is what can you grow?  The answer to this question will be dictated by the space you have for planting, the time you have to dedicate to maintain a garden and the climate you live in. For example, do you currently live in an apartment and plan to grow plants in large pots on your balcony?  Or are you part of a gardening cooperative and have lots of room in which to plant?  Or maybe you are super lucky and have a big yard with virtually unlimited space for creating a large summer garden? Whatever your particular circumstances, you need to first think about your garden space and how you want to leverage what you have. Of course, you will also need to consider how much time you have to dedicate to maintaining a garden.  I have neighbors who plant and nourish a huge, beautiful garden in their backyard each year.  They have sunflowers that reach to the sky and every type of vegetable you can imagine. Every year as I watch across my yard, I confess to feeling pangs of “garden envy”.  But then I remind myself that both husband and wife are retired and that they obviously love to garden. In fact, they are out in their garden for hours each day in the spring and summer months (and even well into the fall), and that is something I simply don’t have the time for right now in my life.

The final thing to consider is climate. Where you live in the U.S. will determine what you should consider planting and when. The entire country is divided into climate zones, and your zone will tell you a lot about what plants and trees will grow well.  But how can you find out what zone you live in?  The United States Department of Agriculture has this nifty site where you can look up your climate zone by zip code. Once you identify your zone, you can use the information to learn more about what grows well in your area.   

Our Plant ID Cards will also help you with this. On the back of each card you will find a lot of practical information about the plant or tree, including the climate zone it grows in. For example, our Yarrow card tells us that this plant will grow in zones 3-9 and will bloom in the spring and the fall.  

So, once you figure out which plants to choose, the next step is to plan out your gardening calendar. When should you start planting ? We can help with that too!    We have some hacks that will help get you on your way that we can share in Part II. . Of course, you can also give us a call if you live in the central Oregon area and would rather have some hands-on help  We are open year round and are happy to help you in any way we can!  Feel free to reach out to us at Woodlawn Landscaping. And stay tuned for more gardening insights.  …….

Much of the country has watched in horror during the last couple of weeks as fire consumed wide swathes of the Los Angeles area. The fires, whether natural or the result of arson, have been hard to get under control due to the dry conditions that act as an accelerant This horrible tragedy is but another example of extreme weather that people all over the U:S are experiencing and it serve as a painful reminder that global warming can have disastrous effects.

For those of us who work every day with plants and trees, we can’t help but
think about these impacts all the time. One question that we often get from our clients at Woodlawn Landscaping is, “Can what I plant in my own yard help to reduce the effects of global warming?” And the short answer is “Yes, it can”. First of all, planting almost any type of plant or tree is one way to combat global warming. This is because plants reduce greenhouse gases by capturing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, then by storing the carbon in biomass and soil. So, any type of planting is a positive in the fight against global warming. But often people are curious about whether there are specific plants and trees that are better suited to helping reduce greenhouse gases? Again, the answer is yes.

Of course, that’s not to say that shrubs and perennials can’t help in the carbon fight too. Lilac (Syringa) is not only lovely to look at, but is, as it turns out, great at carbon absorption. Another esthetically pleasing choice is the hydrangea (Hydrangea), which is both relatively low maintenance and good at gathering up carbon. Bamboo is yet another example of a plant that is very efficient at carbon collection and storage. In addition, grasses and ground cover are important not to forget. Native prairie grasses such as Gig Bluestem or Switchgrass have deep root systems that can store carbon underground. Even clover is great for storing carbon, and has the added benefit of helping to prevent erosion and runoff.

Overall, trees are the most effective at capturing and storing carbon because of their size, lifespan, and extensive root systems. For example, deciduous trees such as oak (Quercus), maple (Acer) and beech (Fagus) are trees that can lock in a good deal of carbon due to their long lifespans and/or fast-growing character. Evergreens such as pine (Pinus), spruce (Picea) and cedar (Cedrus) are also good choices because they are fast-growing, good in colder climates and grow year-round (all the while absorbing carbon while they grow).
These are but a few examples of ways that landscapers and their clients can help our environment. As a rule, it is always good to remember to choose native species and incorporate a wide variety of plants and trees in your planning process.

A well-planned winter garden is a testament to nature’s ability to captivate in all seasons. While spring and summer bring bursts of blooms and fall dazzles with fiery foliage, winter offers an often-overlooked opportunity to showcase structure, texture, and color. By selecting plants that thrive or remain visually striking during the colder months, you can transform your yard into a serene and vibrant retreat, even when the world outside seems dormant.

Whether it’s the fiery red stems of Red Osier Dogwood, the textured elegance of Paperbark Maple, or the unexpected blooms of Hellebores, the winter landscape can surprise and delight. Thoughtful planting ensures your garden feels alive all year round.

Disclaimer: Plant Hardiness Zones Matter

Not all plants are suited for every climate. Before selecting plants, ensure they are appropriate for your USDA hardiness zone. Choosing plants that match your zone increases their likelihood of thriving through the seasons. To find your USDA plant hardiness zone, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

1. Red Osier Dogwood

• Latin Name: Cornus sericea
• Hardiness Zone: 2–8
• Why It Works: Renowned for its vibrant red stems that stand out against snow, Red Osier Dogwood adds much-needed color to winter landscapes.
• Design Tip: Plant in clusters for maximum visual impact or mix with evergreens to create a dynamic contrast.

2. Paperbark Maple

• Latin Name: Acer griseum
• Hardiness Zone: 4–8
• Why It Works: The Paperbark Maple’s cinnamon-colored, peeling bark provides striking texture and warm tones in winter.
• Design Tip: Pair with low-growing evergreens to highlight the tree’s intricate bark.

3. Hellebores

• Latin Name: Helleborus niger
• Hardiness Zone: 3–8
• Why It Works: One of the few plants that bloom in the dead of winter, Hellebores offer delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, and deep purple.
• Care Tip: Plant near pathways or entryways to enjoy their beauty up close during chilly days.

4. Japanese Camellia

• Latin Name: Camellia japonica
• Hardiness Zone: 7–9
• Why It Works: The Japanese Camellia provides subtle elegance to any winter garden with its glossy green leaves and vibrant winter flowers.
• Design Tip: Choose flower colors that complement your garden’s palette, from classic white to soft pink or bold red.

5. Holly: A Love-It-or-Hate-It Option

• Latin Name: Ilex spp.
• Hardiness Zone: Varies, often 5–9
• Why It Works: Holly’s glossy green leaves and bright red berries make it a classic choice for winter gardens, particularly in festive landscapes.
• The Downside: As a landscape professional, I’ll admit I’m not a fan. Holly often looks better in photos than in real life and can be a maintenance headache. The sharp leaves and tendency to look untidy over time make it less appealing in practical use.

6. Perennials and Winter Planning

• Examples: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Hardiness Zone: Most perennials vary; these examples thrive in zones 4–9.
• Why It Works: Perennials like Purple Coneflower offer winter interest with seed heads that attract birds and provide texture.
• Care Tip: Most perennials should be cut back in late autumn to avoid becoming mushy in the snow, but leaving seed heads intact can add visual interest and support wildlife.

7. Plan for Year-Round Beauty

Winter gardens shouldn’t be a “yard of sticks.” While many people favor deciduous trees for their seasonal transformations, it’s essential to balance them with evergreens to maintain structure and color during winter.

• Design Tip: Incorporate a mix of evergreens and deciduous plants to create a garden that looks alive year-round.
• Blue-toned evergreens like Blue Spruce (Picea pungens, Zone 3–7) add a cool contrast, while shrubs like Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens, Zone 5–9) provide tidy, reliable greenery.

With the right choices, your winter garden can be as enchanting as any other season. By focusing on plants with visual interest like Red Osier Dogwood, Paperbark Maple, and Hellebores, and carefully balancing evergreens and deciduous trees, you’ll create a space that feels alive year-round. Don’t forget to consider your climate and hardiness zone for the best results, and enjoy the unique beauty that winter plants bring to your garden.

Explore more: Learn about these plants and others with our Plant ID Cards.

How time flies! It’s hard to believe it’s already 2022. We’ve all been in this pandemic bubble for the past two years and we’re all hoping that this year will be kinder to us than last year.

We may need more luck than ever as COVID-19 continues to evolve. So let’s attract positivity and good vibes in the new year by adopting plants that can bring luck to our home. You may even have some of these plants in your garden already! Here are some of the luckiest plants for the year 2022 (Year of the Water Tiger):

1. Rubber Tree

Part of the fig family, rubber plants have round, shiny green leaves that symbolize wealth and abundance. Rubber trees thrive in medium to indirect light, make great indoor plants and also promote good feng shui because they purify the air and remove negative energy from a room. Feng Shui experts say that the best place to put a rubber tree is in the southeast part of your living room.

2. Money Tree

Just like the rubber tree, the money tree plant draws prosperity and fortune to a home. Money trees are grown in a variety of different ways. Some come in braided trunks with lush green leaves. There are some with large trunks and variegated leaves and others are grown in smaller pots so they can stay mini money trees (bonsai). Although money trees are grown outdoors, they can also thrive in low light areas so you can keep them indoors too. The money tree is a nice hassle-free plant for beginner plant parents.

3. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is known for its fresh minty scent, and symbolizes cleansing and new beginnings. Its fragrance is reminiscent of a day spa where we used to relax and enjoy the wonders of soothing massage treatments. It’s great to have this plant around as it alleviates stress and also reminds us to stay calm during the pandemic.

4. Snake Plant

Also known as Sanseveria, the snake plant is believed to be lucky because it symbolizes cleanliness and purity. It absorbs all toxins in the air and removes bad energy from a room. It’s also believed to become luckier when it starts to bear flowers. It’s sometimes called the “Mother-in-Law plant” because the leaves are shaped like a sword, or like the sharp tongue of a mother-in-law!

5. Jade Plant

Popular because of its coin-shaped leaves, the jade plant is associated with money and wealth. Since it’s a type of succulent, it is an easy-to-care-for plant. It doesn’t require frequent watering and can grow under low light conditions.

6. Lucky Bamboo

Who could forget about lucky bamboo? Often given as a gift, lucky bamboo symbolizes long life, wealth, success and prosperity. Feng Shui experts say that the luck and blessings associated with this plant are based on the number of stalks in the arrangement. It can be put in a pot with soil or also in a beautiful vase with clear water.

7. Peace Lily

Characterized by big green leaves and pure white flowers, the peace lily is considered lucky and is very pleasing to the eyes. It is said to convert all bad energy in a room to good energy. It a natural air purifier so it’s perfect for homes, offices and business spaces.

8. Njoy Pothos

Njoy pothos is a “trailing plant” with dual-colored leaves (white and green). The white leaves of the njoy pothos symbolize peace and harmony while the green leaves represent luck, money and abundance. Their vines grow long and fast, which symbolizes perseverance and determination in chasing life goals and dreams.

9. Citrus Trees

A surefire way of attracting luck and good fortune to your home is by growing a citrus tree. These shrub-like plants can be grown both outdoors and indoors and are believed to bring wealth and prosperity to a home. You can choose orange, lemon or lime – or one of each to maximize your luck!

All of the plants on our list are known for attracting luck and good vibes wherever they grow. Let’s surround ourselves with plant positivity this year so we can combat all the negative things that have been happening since the pandemic began.

With right thinking, a great outlook on life, and a a few lucky plants, 2022 will be so much better than 2021. Happy New Year everyone and stay safe!

-Mel

With the COVID-19 outbreak upon us, it is important to keep our minds and bodies healthy. If you don’t already enjoy gardening, you may be surprised to know that it does wonders for your well-being. Here are 6 reasons why gardening is good for you.

1. POSITIVE IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH

Gardening can help relieve stress and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety since it keeps you busy and focused on a project. Having something to look forward to like new sprouts, blooming flowers or even an unfurling leaf can lift your spirits. Gardening will help you take mind off things and help you focus on a goal. I once read that some hospitals even use gardening as an activity for rehabilitating people who have undergone surgeries, injuries, addiction and other medical conditions. Gardening is a natural therapy that is good for your mind and soul.

2. HELPS YOU EAT HEALTHIER

Growing your own food in the comfort of your own home also helps you to eat healthier. You’re getting fresh produce that is more nutritious with no trace (or lower detectable levels) of pesticide. You’ll have peace of mind just knowing that what you’re eating is safe and good for your body.

3. GIVES YOU A BOOST OF VITAMIN D

Exposure to sunlight while gardening increases your dose of Vitamin D as well as your Calcium level. These vitamins benefit your whole immune system and will keep your bones healthy and strong. Just remember to do your gardening in the early morning or late afternoon so it’s not too hot and you get the right amount of Vitamin D. Don’t forget to use sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburns!

4. RESTORES YOUR CONFIDENCE AND EDUCATES YOU

Whether it’s a new or an old hobby for you, there’s always a new skill to be learned learned from gardening to help build your self-esteem and restore your confidence. Gardening is a continuous process and it’s very rewarding because it teaches you valuable life skills such as a sense of responsibility, discipline, love of nature and a better understanding of how everything works in our environment.

5. PROTECTS YOUR MEMORY AND REDUCES RISK OF DEMENTIA

Engaging yourself in physical activities such as gardening can prevent dementia. It stimulates your brain and creates a sensory experience that contributes to your well-being. There were studies that proved gardening daily reduces dementia risk factors by 36%.

6. A GREAT FORM OF EXERCISE

Gardening is a great form of exercise. You may notice that you’re breaking a sweat just by doing simple garden activities such digging a hole, harvesting fruit or pulling out weeds. Gardening is considered a good workout because it allows you to stretch all your muscles and requires movement not just from your hands and arms but including your legs, back and neck. It’s a full body exercise.

In Conclusion

We do not know how long this pandemic will last, but pandemic or no pandemic — we should learn how to take care of ourselves and always think of our well-being. This lockdown has given us more time and opportunities to learn new things and set new goals for ourselves. So, if you want to keep both your mind and body in perfect shape, grab your gardening tools and start digging!

As I was doing some grocery shopping last weekend, I passed by the fruits and vegetables corner and I realized — wouldn’t it be nice to have my own vegetable garden in my backyard? Wouldn’t it be cool to know that if I want to make a salad or a simple power juice, I could always rely on my stash that I could harvest anytime I want to? But how do I start?
If you’re asking the same questions, then please feel free to join me on this journey. I’ve gathered some information on how to grow your own vegetables at home.

As we all know, springtime is the growing season and this is the perfect time to create a vegetable garden in the comfort of your home. In addition to the benefits of gardening as an activity, you can also enjoy healthy and nutritious food that you know is 100% organic and safe.
These are some of the major points to consider before taking on this amazing project.

Finding the Right Location

One of the golden rules of gardening is to find the perfect location for your plants. Since we’re talking about vegetables, these are a lot different from ornamental plants and need extra care and extra space. It is essential that you give your vegetables the best spot so that they have room to grow and can produce the best veggies for your home.

May it be your backyard, front yard or even indoors, ensure that the location has ample amounts of sunlight, humidity and a water supply. As much as possible, stay away from areas that are windy as the wind can knock over some plants, especially those that are leafy or have very soft and fragile stems.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

You can start by brainstorming the vegetables that you really love to eat and often use in the kitchen. If you choose to start with seeds, take time to check out the back part of the pouch where general information about that vegetable is listed like plant characteristics, the plant hardiness zone it belongs to and daily care.

If you’re planning to buy readily available vegetable seedlings from nurseries and garden centers, please check out the foliage and look at the roots first. You want to make sure that you’re buying a healthy one with no signs of root rot. Choose and inspect closely because some seedlings have multi-plant cells, which means it has more than one seedling per cell. You’ll get to bring home more seedlings for the price of one!

Also take into consideration if it’s a climbing type of vegetable like squash, cucumbers and beans. You might need to prepare a plant support for the climbing vine such as a trellis or a cage. Be ready to make a vertical garden to maximize those trailing veggies!

Preparing the Soil

For your vegetables to thrive and grow healthy, you need to prepare the right garden soil. From what I have gathered, the best soil suitable for veggies includes a mix of compost and organic matter. It can be kitchen scraps, composted shredded leaves or aged bark. I’ve also seen videos that they mix coffee grounds with the soil before planting. Some go as far as using water-based sardines or fresh fish before placing the plants as it is proven to help the vegetables grow faster and healthier.

Planting at the Right Time

As mentioned earlier, springtime is the growing season — so better start now while spring is in full swing. Go ahead and start planting the seeds/seedlings you bought. Just make sure that you give your plants enough space so there’s room for them to grow. Check and take note of the planting dates so you can monitor the progress of your vegetables. It would be great to document weekly changes by taking pictures and notes for future reference.

Using the Right Fertilizer

There are several fertilizers available on the market that you can use in your vegetable garden. It’s best to stick to organic fertilizers, or even better, you can make your own natural fertilizers at home. Check out my previous blog about homemade fertilizers for your garden that are very easy to make and cost-free.

Giving the Right Care

Gardening is a continuous process and you must be consistent in everything you do. Watering and fertilizing your veggies are part of this process and you need to do this religiously to make your garden a success. Give your plants extra love and proper care. Soon, you will see yourself harvesting the fruits of your labor.

In Conclusion

I guess that’s it. With this ongoing global pandemic, it’s just practical to grow your own food. It will lessen the number of times you have to go out to do grocery runs and it will also help you save money during this difficult time. As Ron Finley (famously known for his guerilla gardening) once said and I quote, “Growing your own food is like printing your own money.” So yeah, let’s start printing our own money now by vegetable gardening! 😊

Are you thinking about setting up a garden but have very limited space or a limited budget? Then this article is for you! Let me share some tips and tricks on how to create a garden even if money is tight and your space is small.

If you live in an apartment or a small house with a limited yard, you need to start by visualizing how to situate your plants so they don’t look too crowded. If indoor space is all you have, look for a “dead corner” inside your home that you don’t really utilize and transform it into something special.

If you’re outside and don’t really have much of a yard, then maybe you can come up with a spot for your plants on the stairs or near your door or window.

Check out inspiration on Pinterest boards to gather ideas and plan a certain look for your house and houseplants. Think of an arrangement that will be convenient for you when you start taking care of the plants that you’re bringing home. It’s nice to have a concept so that you know which direction you would like to go in with your gardening. You can even create a “theme” for each corner or spot. For example, place tropical plants near the window so you feel like you’re on a tropical island vacation whenever you look outside.

If money is tight, you can make use of things you have at home to serve as planters or containers for your plants. No need to buy special pots when you can recycle the stuff that’s been lying around your house. Here are some unique and creative ideas for plant containers:

1. Fish Tanks, Fish Bowls, or any Glassware

Why not make a Glass Garden? Re-use old fish bowls and fish tanks to make a cute terrarium that you can basically place anywhere without it taking up too much space. Glass gardens are ideal for those living in small spaces – they’re easy to set up, and very low-maintenance.

2. Milk Crates, Fruit / Vegetable Crates

These containers are great for growing herbs and vegetables. If you have several crates in your home, you can line them up and put different herbs in each crate or you can stack them up to make a vertical garden that can also serve as a unique provacy fence.

3. Wooden Pallets

You can create a raised bed garden using wooden pallets. You can also make a living accent wall by placing a wooden pallet in a wall, then incorporating hanging plants or herbs. Just make sure you select the right kind of wooden pallet because some of them are treated and can be very harmful to you and your plants.

4. Coffee Mugs (and other Ceramic Bowls)

Coffee mugs can also be used as planters and they are great for succulents and cacti. You can easily transfer a small plant into the cup (make sure that you drill a hole at the bottom for drainage), add a little bit of soil and fertilizer, then you’re done! Easy-peasy!

5. Gardening Tools

You can use old, dilapidated wagons, wheelbarrows and even watering cans as planters. Just like mugs, you would have to drill holes for proper drainage so you can prevent over-watering and root rot. Old gardening tools are perfect for flowering plants such as marigolds and daisies.

6. Metal Boxes and Metal Canisters

Time to review your toolboxes and rusty metal canisters and turn them into unique planters! If you don’t like the rustic feel then you can re-paint them for a pop of color. This can be an accent piece on your table or garden area.

7. Cinder Blocks and Concrete

Who would’ve thought that you can repurpose these as planters? They can be stacked just like Legos and are perfect for vertical gardening. Cinder blocks are unique because you can adjust for size depending on how you arrange them. They can easily fit in corners and other tight spaces. If you are looking into making a keyhole garden, cinder blocks are the way to go!

8. Baskets

I’m sure you are hiding some baskets around the house that you always thought you’d need to use again someday. The best baskets to use are thick and heavy-duty ones that are wide with a bit of depth to them, like laundry baskets and picnic baskets. As much as possible, stay away from baskets that are made from sea grass or any natural material because they might break down in time. Keep in mind that before using the basket as a planter, you should line it first (garbage bags or cloth works great) and put some holes in it for drainage.

To Sum Things Up:

To be honest, there are a lot of other things you can find in your home that you can use as a planter. The list goes on and on. You just need to think creatively and the possibilities are endless! As Cathy James said in her book The Garden Classroom:

“Your garden, no matter its size, is an outdoor classroom waiting to be explored.”

Start your exploration now! 🙂

-Mel

Don’t you just love seeing your plants flourish and thrive? If you’re someone who’s really into gardening, you know what a joy it is to witness your plants develop from a seedling (or a cutting, if you already started propagating) to fully grown plants — branching out, multiplying its leaves, starting to grow flowers for some and for others, beginning to bear fruit.

It means that you’re taking care of them correctly — watering them properly and giving them the right amount of light. But plants, just like us humans, need other nutrition to stay healthy and strong. Sometimes water and sunshine are not enough, and we need to give them some much-needed vitamins and minerals, also known as fertilizers.

Since I’m not really a fan of chemicals, I usually go for an organic method and use all-natural fertilizers for my garden. We can make use of simple items we have in our home and backyard to create them. Nothing compares to homemade products if you ask me!

Homemade fertilizers are easy to make, fun to create and best of all, they’re cost-free! So why spend money on synthetic or chemical fertilizers when you can whip up your own eco-friendly recipe which is as effective as the ones you buy from the store? No need to look or go very far. Let’s start saving time and money by trying out these simple fertilizer recipes for your garden!

1. Kitchen Scraps

What better way to start your own compost is there than by saving all your kitchen scraps! Compost is filled with essential nutrients for plant growth. It also improves the quality and structure of your soil so that it can hold the right amount of moisture, nutrients and air. So, while you’re prepping and cooking your meals, may it be breakfast, lunch or dinner — keep those non-meat food scraps in a plastic bucket with lid and let nature take its course. Or you can directly bury your scraps in your garden soil and let them compost underground.

2. Weeds or Grass Clippings

Check out those unwanted weeds and excess grass in your garden. It’s time we put them into good use! Weeds and grass clippings are great fertilizers as they are very high in nitrogen and they release water and nutrients back into your garden soil.

3. Coffee Grounds

Like weeds and grass clippings, coffee grounds are filled with nitrogen and they also help increase the acidity in your soil. Make use of your leftover coffee grounds by placing them into the soil at the base of your plants. It will surely perk them up, and keep them healthy!

4. Manure

This can come from horses, cows and chickens. Composted manure is best since raw manure can be highly acidic and may be harmful to some plants. If you don’t have any farm animals, there may be some people who are willing to give away composted manure for free. Composted manure has been used for centuries because it is filled with essential nutrients for your plants and improves soil’s water retention without putting your plants at risk.

5. Tree Leaves

Aside from having significant minerals, tree leaves also attract earthworms that help retain moisture in the soil. So next time you sweep up fallen leaves from your tree, try to collect and mix them into your potting soil. Crushed leaves can also be used as mulch to prevent weeds from building up in your garden.

6. Banana Peels

Bananas are a good source of potassium and potassium contributes significantly to your plant’s proper growth. Simply bury the peels under the soil and let them compost naturally. You will surely see more blooms for flowering plants and fruits on fruit-bearing trees/shrubs.

7. Eggshells

Who could forget eggshells as fertilizer for plants? Eggshells have been used widely on plants and are great replacement for lime. After breakfast, save those eggshells and crush them to put into the soil. Eggshells contains lots of calcium carbonate and prevents the roots of plants from rotting.

8. Fireplace Ash

Just like banana peels and eggshells, fireplace ash is also a good source of potassium and calcium carbonate. Before planting, amend your soil by adding fireplace ash.

9. Cat or Dog food

Got any pets who don’t finish their food? You can now recycle those leftovers by placing the dry dog or cat food on the garden bed, covering it with soil and then watering. Let the pet food decay naturally. Just make sure that the pet food is covered to keep your pets from digging it up and eating it! Pet food contains proteins and other micronutrients that can benefit the soil.

-Mel

A lot of succulent arrangement ideas have been circulating online and they look very pretty planted in a pot, or a terrarium and even a fancy tray. But how do we maintain them and keep them as fresh looking as they are in the pictures you see on Instagram and Pinterest? Well, stick around! We’ll give you tips, do’s and don’ts and hopefully this article will help you your Insta-Worthy succulents flourish!

Let’s start this journey by using the following guiding questions:

1. Are you a beginner?

Is this your first time taking care of succulents? Although it’s not that really complicated to grow succulents, it’s still best to start with easy-to-care-for varieties if you are a first-timer. You need to decide if you want the indoor or the outdoor type of succulent so that you can prepare their spot accordingly, and of course, to understand their watering needs. If you’re choosing indoor succulents, you will most likely have to put them near a window with sheer curtains to avoid direct light. Or, place them somewhere far away enough from direct sunlight so they won’t dry out. Please do read the labels when picking out a succulent. The good news is that when you go for indoor succulents, you won’t be needing to water them often since they do not like retaining too much water or moisture. Sunlight is the best source to help your plants to thrive, retain their radiant colors and maintain their healthy leaves.

2. What are the easy-to-care-for varieties of succulents?

You can start off with succulents that are naturally green like Jade Plant or Aloe Vera. Haworthia (more commonly known as Zebra Cactus) and Gasteria are also excellent choices. If you like hanging plants, you can also try String of Bananas and String of Pearls.

3. Have you decided which container to use for your succulent arrangement?

Whether you pick out a cute ceramic pot or a durable plastic container, it’s important that you select the one that has a great drainage hole that will help your succulent breath when you water them. I know that you’re dying to put them in terrariums or glass containers just like the ones you see on social media. That’s great too, but it’s not the ideal container if you’re hoping to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. Pick out a container that has right amount of space for your succulents to grow and thrive. Good drainage and breathability are very important factors to maintain healthy succulent roots, stems and leaves.

4. What is the best type of soil to utilize when planting succulents?

We mentioned that good drainage and breathability are important when picking a container; this also applies to soil. Succulents do not like soggy or super dense soil, they prefer soil that dries out quickly. It’s best to combine half potting soil with other inorganic particles like coarse sand, crushed granite or pumice/perlite to maintain airflow and the right level of moisture.

5. How do you know if your succulents are thriving or dying?

When you see the lower leaves of your succulents dropping, you might think that means it’s starting to die. But that’s not necessarily true! It may be that your succulent is just adjusting to it’s new environment and there’s no need to worry. However, if the topmost leaves are turning brown or starting to fall off, pay attention! It could be an indication that there’s overwatering or there are pests/diseases invading your plant. Try to investigate and adjust the soil, and the container you’re growing it in.

Those are the basics! I hope these questions somehow help as you start your own succulent garden at home. Don’t be afraid to try new things when taking care of plants. Janet Kilburn Phillips once said and I quote, “There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments.” So go on, be brave and just enjoy gardening. You can do it!

By Mel

Looking back on my elementary school days, on of my favorite science topics was pollination and pollinators. Today, the first pollinator that comes to mind is bees! While bees are the main insect pollinators, there are several other insects as well as animals that contribute to pollination. This includes butterflies, birds, flies, beetles, moths and even small mammals like bats!

What is pollination and why is it important?

Pollination is the transfer and production of seeds that are necessary for a new generation of plants to be produced. Pollination is beneficial to plants, pollinators and definitely, humans. Pollinators are essential components of our habitat and ecosystem. So, when you take care of your garden, also keep an eye on the pollinators that help your plants bloom. Make your place more inviting to pollinators. Not only you’re keeping your garden healthy and beautiful, you’re also contributing to the environment by keeping the pollinators busy!

So, without further ado, here are my basic ABCs to bring more pollinators to your garden:

A. Add Assorted, Attractive and Aromatic Plants and Flowers

Just like us humans, insects and birds are easily drawn to attractive colors and delightful scents. Play around with brightly colored flowers in your garden and creatively group them based on shade or shapes that can easily catch pollinators’ attention. Be bold and mix a variety of aromatic and pollen-rich flowers that your pollinators can indulge in. Add on some flowering herbs like bee balm, rosemary, lavender and basil. Their flowers bring out fragrance and flavor that bees and butterflies cannot resist. As mush as possible, stick with your local and native flowering plants since these are the plants that your pollinators are most familiar with. Make your garden a paradise for hungry and hardworking pollinators.

B. Build a Bath for Birds, Bees and Butterflies

Provide a bath that can be beneficial to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators in your garden. They need water to drink, cool down and clean themselves up. It can simply be a shallow plastic basin or a fancy circular tray with rocks, pebbles and sand so that birds can have better footing. Just make sure you put fresh clean water and it’s well maintained. You can put the bath in a nice protected location near trees or a flowering patch so you can see them gather around on it while you enjoy the rest of your garden. Keep it out of direct sunlight so that it won’t dry out quickly and the water won’t get too hot for the birds and other pollinators to handle.

C. Choose to be Chemical-Free

Pesticides and herbicides are harmful to pollinators and can potentially kill them. Pesticides can also cause human health issues so choose to be chemical-free and avoid other substances that can be toxic to you, your pollinators and other beneficial organisms. In this manner, you can have a healthier garden with abundant pollinators.

D. Dedicate a Dwelling Place

Your pollinators need a home where they can feel secure and comfortable. Dedicate a dwelling place where they can nest. This shelter will serve as a hideout from their predators or just a nook if they simply don’t want to be disturbed. You can make use of rotten or decomposing logs with holes in them for bees, butterflies and other insects. Grass cuttings, small piles of branches and hollow twigs can be used as nesting materials so make sure that you keep some of those too. You can even go as far as making customized nesting boxes where birds can lay their eggs or bats can raise their young. This will give them the feeling that they are welcome to stay, and they can multiply.

E. Enjoy and Expect to Entertain more visitors!

Feel free to continuously edit and enhance your new sanctuary— the main goal here is to keep both your plants and pollinators happy and healthy. Enjoy your garden and expect to see more pollinators every single day! Happy gardening!

-Mel