1 Contemporary Furniture

Pink Rose (Roses need plenty of water and sunlight)

Gardening tip

Have you ever heard the comment, "So and so has a green thumb? That comment when said to me is ridiculous, like I was born with some kind of magic. It's not magic. No one is born with any special talent when it comes to gardening. Having a "green thumb" is the result of research and hard work. Here are some helpful hints on how to grow plants successfully without superstition.

Most important, always read the label on a plant and keep it. The label tells you how much sunlight and water a plant requires. That is all there is to it, plants feed on water and sunlight. Your only problem is to provide the plant with the right amount of water and sunlight. The label tells you exactly what the plant needs.

Secondly, read the label on your fertilizer. Most plants grown in pots need fertilizer every 6 to 12 months. Don't kill your plants by over fertilizing.

These beautiful trailing purple Petunias's came from Wal-Mart. $ 5.

Here is another secrete. If a plant isn't doing well, re-plant it in a different planter or pot. These Petunia's came in a hanging basket. Within one week they where dying, so I planted them in a rectangular planter. They suddenly bloomed and grew like crazy. Why do plants like some pots and not others? We do not know. All we do know is that you can save almost any plant by re-planting. The Petunias also like a lot of water. Notice the beautiful Herbs snuggled up safe and secure next to the Petunias (photo above - left of Petunias).

Also, if growing plants in pots make sure the pots have drainage in the bottom so the water can get out. Think about it. If the plant where planted in the ground, the water would run off into the ground and not stagnate under the plant, it drains off into the earth. Your flower pots must do the same. Water you plants often (every day). Plants like water at the end of the day. Do not water while the plants are in hot sunlight. And finally, plants like natural rain water. City water contains chlorine. We leave our watering buckets out in the rain to collect as much rain water as possible. However, you must use city water just try to supplement as much natural rain water as possible.

Black Leaf disease is the only problem with many plants. Ask your garden shop for some good repliant. You will want one that also keeps insects from eating your plants too. This locus (photo above) loves to eat my Chinese palms. Insects are sneaky, when you are not looking, they are eating! Your plants need protection. However, for eatable plants do not use insecticides used for black leaf disease.

And finally, do you know that plants are social creatures? It's true. If you place a plant alone by itself, it will not do very well. Place it near other plants and it will grow strong and healthy. The Pink Rose (above) was grown on my porch in a pot surrounded by other plants and roses.

If you think plants are not aware of their surroundings, think again. The climbing rose knows the fence is near. Try it. Place a climbing rose near a fence (not touching). The rose grows in the direction of the fence and climbs it! Experiment. When the rose begins growing in the direction of the fence, turn it away from the fence. The climbing rose will change direction and grow toward the fence once again. You can't stop it.

Blue Rose (Blue Girl is rare).

I purchased this blue rose bush at Wall Mart for $ 7.00. I raised her in a pot on the porch. The pot I also purchased from Wall Mart (plastic) for $ 5.00. I use Miracle Grow potting soil purchased from the same place. Home Depot and K Mart also cary inexpensive gardening products. Yes, Roses grow just fine in flower pots. Notice how Blue Girl is surrounded by other plants, feeling, touching and rubbing against them as the wind blows. Blue Girl feels safe when surrounded by her friends so she grows strong and healthy.

Just as the climbing rose knows where the fence is, plants can feel if they are in a hostile or loving environment. This is why many experts recommend that you talk to your plants. Say nice things. Tell them how pretty they are. Tell them you love them. Did I read the same advice in Cosmopolitan about talking to women? :)

If you are like me and wonder if talking to plants is a bit silly, I have seen proof that talking to your plants may help. I can imagine someone overhearing this conversation, "Good morning rose, what are you planning to do today? Have you heard the news about the new farm bill?" Scary. However, my mother is a very loving person. She is old now and has become lets say, forgetful. I visit her home and I see plants growing inside with no sunlight. The healthiest plants I have ever seen! How does she do it, I wonder. Is this the result of a loving old lady talking to plants? Maybe the experts are right.

All we know for certain is that plants are social creatures. They like being close to other plants. Plants seem to like my mom too. Finally, why build a garden in the first place? Well the herbs I use in my cooking. And then there was one more reason. On this porch where this beautiful garden grows is where I first kissed my fiance'. This garden is dedicated to love. Maybe people like being next to other people too.