Weekend Plant Project Ideas
When you think of all the plant projects you'd like to complete, it may seem overwhelming and seem like you'll never get to all of it. Think of projects in terms of a weekend craft, however, and you're set to tackle your plant and garden aspirations, slowly, over time. Get the first project done, and you'll feel inspired and geared up for next weekend's challenge. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Craft Seasonal Arrangements
-
Freshen up your home with seasonal arrangements in your main living areas, bedrooms and baths. Feature poinsettia, holly and eucalyptus for the winter months and bulbs and fragrant flowering plants during the spring and summer months. Snip the cuttings from your own plants, or search your local farmer's market for spots of color. Though you'll find prearranged bouquets, you can always mix and match. If you don't have enough vases, use old bottles, jars or glass milk jugs for a homey, rustic look. Remember to keep your cut arrangements in fresh water.
Clean Up
-
Though it's not the most glamorous of weekend plant projects, weeding, pruning and giving your garden plants compost is essential for them to fully thrive and give back delicious vegetables and gorgeous blossoms. Wait until a weekend a day or two after it's rained, so you have soft, but not muddy, soil. Start with the worst area. You may need to dig out weeds using a spade or hoe, but some may just come out by hand. Try to remove all of the root so the weed doesn't grow back. Prune your shrubs, trees and plants only if the time is appropriate -- something that's particular to each plant. Check with your local nursery if you're unsure. Many plants need to be pruned after they bloom, in the winter months. You can also take this time to make sure you're soaker hose system is working or create a new brick or rock border for your favorite bed.
Decorate Your Patio
-
Make your patio or outdoor lounge area a more soothing place to be with some plant treatments. If you have a dining table outside, hang a plant chandelier above to fit your style. You can hang single fresh-cut flowers upside down from twine tied to crossed branches for a mobile-style chandelier, or you can make use of your large dead branches from the previous weekend's pruning project by turning them upside down and wrapping Christmas lights through them for a rustic chandelier. If you have an empty spot on your porch, fill it with a miniature succulent garden, complete with a tiny fountain or rock garden.
Plant an Edible Garden
-
Planting a vegetable and herb garden doesn't take long, and if you use raised beds, you don't have to worry about amending your soil first. Use an old chest of drawers with the bottom knocked out, or create a larger bed with railroad ties or metal scraps and line some mesh wire along the bottom to keep out gophers. Line the bottom with pebbles, then a mixture of compost and gardening soil. Plant your favorite veggies based on your family's needs and the amount of space you have. Carrots, summer squash and herbs take up less space than pumpkins or asparagus, so ask your nursery how much space you need. Plant seeds or seedlings, water them and you've started a garden that will save you money and help the environment.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
