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Showing posts with label United States. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United States. Show all posts

Thursday, March 29, 2012

DIY network's newest “Dirtiest Landscaping” sweepstakes is here

Back yard

If you love watching any of the great shows on the DIY network, be sure to enter their latest sweepstakes. The details of this latest sweepstakes are the winner receives $50,000.00 cash to create the backyard of your fantasies. With a grand prize of $50,000.00 and other giveaways, it is hard to resist entering this sweepstakes.

If you have a landscape that is in dire need of help, this sweepstakes can be the chance of a lifetime to finally get everything you ever dreamed of for a back yard oasis. Your own little slice of paradise. Just think of what you can do with the sum of $50,000.00 to create your perfect yard. Maybe all your yard is missing is a swimming pool, or perhaps you have one that would be beautiful flanked with palm trees and gorgeous tropical flowers and landscaping. The possibilities are endless.

Those who enter will also be eligible for six additional prizes of Sears gift cards in the amount of $1000.00. The Sears gift cards will be given away weekly so if you want to enter you may enter once a day through May 4th, at 5 pm eastern standard time.

To enter simply click on this link: DIY Network Dirtiest Landscape Sweepstakes Entry Form
For more on home improvements see: Dawns Decorating Solutions.
For more on gardening see: The Southern Garden

Suggestions by this author:

How to lighten up a dark space

Furnishing small spaces

Maximizing limited space in your small home

Going retro and getting it right

Hot interior decorating trends for 2012

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

How to grow and care for Dogwood trees

White Dogwood

If you have been bitten by spring fever, you have probably made a trip to your local nursery and or hardware store that sells gardening supplies and flowers. One tree you may have wondered about is the ever present southern bloomer, the Dogwood trees. Lining many streets, and prominently blooming in yards all over the south, the Dogwood tree is a favorite for many homeowner.

Dogwoods can be found throughout the south eastern portion of the United States growing under a thick canopy of taller trees in forests. Dogwoods can be a fickle tree if it isn't happy with its growing conditions so there are a few things that need to do to insure that this tree will thrive in your landscape.

Soil
The soil should be acidic and when planting be sure to plant the root ball slightly above ground level. Replace the soil from the hole dug with a prepared garden soil specifically for acid loving plants,shrubs and trees.

Light
Remember many flowering Dogwoods can be found growing in shady forest locations, so they like a shady environment in your yard too. Try to find a spot that has dappled sunlight, and if you plant them among other trees, try to make sure these trees produce natural mulch on the ground since this will keep the soil moist and provide lots of leaf mold for the Dogwood tree.

Watering
Newly planted Dogwoods should be watered on a weekly basis and during dry periods water regularly.
When first planted be sure to water, wait until absorbed, and water again. Repeat this.

Fertilizing
Dogwoods need a good start in order to thrive in your landscape. Be sure to give new plants a slow release fertilizer to ensure the best possible start.

Pruning
Dogwoods require very little pruning. You can prune them after they have flowered using good quality pruners if you want to manage their overall shape, but too much pruning can invite disease to your new plant and if its not necessary avoid doing any pruning until your Dogwood is well established, one or two years after planting. Be sure to prune damaged and dead branches on your Dogwood. Keep an eye out for disease and pests and be sure to remove any of these beforehand.



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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The Southern Magnolia

Magnolia blossom- photo by Dawn Gagnon

This is the queen of all flowering trees. A common fixture in the south and in many southern landscapes, the Magnolia is a magnificent giant flowering tower capable of reaching nearly a hundred feet in height. One of the largest blooming trees around, the Magnolia is slow growing, and able to produce dozens of dinner plate sized, fragrant blossoms during the summer months.
Southern Magnolia flower budImage via Wikipedia
Once the flowering season is done, the blossoms leave behind large pods that produce brightly colored red seeds. Birds and squirrels are particularly fond of these and having a Magnolia in your landscape will definitely attract wildlife. If you love supplying wildlife with a great source of shelter and food, the Magnolia fills the bill.
 Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflo...Image via Wikipedia
Lumber from all three species is referred to as “magnolia”, and can be found in some types of furniture, boxes, pallets, venetian blinds, sashes, doors and used as veneers. Southern magnolia has yellowish-white sapwood and light to dark brown heartwood that is tinted yellow or green. The wood has a straight grain and tightly space rings and is an attractive choice for veneers.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Goliath', known...Image via Wikipedia
The wood is ranked moderate in heaviness, hardness and stiffness; moderately low in shrinkage, bending and compression strength; it is ranked moderately high in shock resistance. Its use in the southeastern United States has been supplanted by the availability of harder woods. Symbolic of the south, the Magnolia grandiflora is the state tree of Mississippi and the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana. The flower was also used as an emblem of the Confederate army in the US civil war.
 Magnolia grandiflora, family Magnolia...Image via Wikipedia
Southern magnolia grows in warm temperate to semitropical climates. Average January temperatures along the coast are around 50° to 55° F in South Carolina. Temperatures below 15° F or above 100° F are considered unusual within the species natural habitat. A well established and healthy southern Magnolia can often withstand more extremes in temperatures than the younger ones.
Magnolia seedsImage via Wikipedia
Because of its showy flowers and big glossy evergreen foliage, southern magnolia is considered by many to be a highly prized tree. That being said, don't expect grand results for many years if you are purchasing one. It takes a long time for the to fully reach their glory in size, and flower production. However there are many who consider the tree a nuisance due to the fact it's leaves are very bothersome as mentioned earlier the large older trees drop leaves (many) and the seed pods in great numbers and can cover a massive portion of the yard it is planted in.
Magnolia blossom- photo by Dawn Gagnon
photo by Dawn Gagnon

In many urban areas where other species do poorly, the Magnolia can grow because of its resistance to damage by sulfur dioxide. The seeds are eaten by squirrels, opossums, quail, and turkey. Red Cardinals particularly love the seeds produced by this tree. Once a Magnolia has been established in your yard, it will withstand anything nature can throw at it. These trees are tall, strong, and require little care. Just make sure you have a rake...you're going to need it.
Magnolia leavesImage via Wikipedia
The Magnolia is a tree that speaks to southerners on a deep level, it not only is a symbol of the south to many, but there is something about it's strong willed, defiant nature that seems to almost define the southern constitution, and our southern men. Its beauty and sinfully subtle fragrance lingers a hint of our southern belles. The southern Magnolia is a piece of living history, and should be respected as such.
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Monday, April 25, 2011

The Stella D'Oro lily: a keeper for your southern garden

Daylily - Stella de OroImage via WikipediaA Southern garden would not be complete with out including this wonderful daylily. The gorgeous, fragrant Stella D'Oro daylily is a keeper. This compact bloomer offers year after year beautiful gold trumpets of fragrance. It does best  in sunny to partially shaded locations. It is also a versatile grower, and can do well in zones 3-9. With such flexibility, the Stella D'Oro can do well in many areas of the United States. Disease and pest free, it is a no fail plant for even the palest of green thumbs.


Here is the run down on this wonderful lily and why you need them in your garden this summer.


Botanical Name: Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'
Form: Herbaceous perennial
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade/Full Sun
Height/Habit: 15 - 24"
Spread: 18 - 24"
Spacing: 18 - 24"
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9(-40° F)
Foliage Type: Strap like, medium green. Dormant in winter.
Flower Form: Trumpet-shaped 2 - 3" flowers.
Flower Color: Deep, golden yellow

Flowering Date: Peak in late spring/early summer, sporadically throughout the summer with a heavier repeat bloom in fall

Planting Requirements: Able to plant anytime the ground is workable. At least one month before a severe freeze going into winter.

Soil Requirements: Adaptable to most soils except water-logged heavy soil.
Growth Rate: Fast
   
Unique Characteristics: Showy, deep golden yellow blooms on dwarf day lily plants are perfect for a front border location. The initial blooming begins in late spring to early summer with a profusion of blooms followed by sporadic blooming throughout summer and into early fall.

Pruning: To remove spent flower stems to tidy up plants.

Time of Pruning: Throughout the summer.

Additional Information: Stella d' Oro translates to 'star of gold'. 1985 Stout Medal Winner, the highest award for a day lily. If you like to order online, you can find great deals from Spring Hill Nursery. Spring Hill Nursery is currently offering a deal on all orders of $100.00 or more, a free Perennial grab bag. Check it out today!
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