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Flowers soften and provide contrast to the harder textures of a rock garden, though planting and maintaining them can require some extra planning and thought. If your rock garden consists of rocks already in place, it may be difficult to plant larger bulbs deep enough in the soil, so take that into consideration when visualizing your end result. Spring bulbs need to be planted in the fall, because they require a period of cold dormancy before the warmer weather awakens them, bringing color and life to your landscape.
A Zen garden brings out the calming influences of symmetry, fluidity and repeated patterns through the use of natural materials such as sand and water and by the incorporation of flora and fauna in a pleasing way. Rocks, from small pebbles to large boulders, play a part in creating the Zen garden, but larger rocks are difficult to move in and out of place. Many gardeners construct lighter weight fake rocks, sometimes called hypertufa, to accent their rock gardens, koi ponds, pathways and other Zen spaces.
If you want to create a peaceful space in your backyard that includes rocks, plants and the sound of tricking water, a falling rocks waterfall fits the bill. Not only do these water features enhance a backyard’s visual appeal, they also attract wildlife to your yard, from birds and butterflies to frogs and salamanders, according to Oregon State University. When planning a rock garden waterfall and the plantings that surround it, consider your landscape’s grade, climate zone, sun exposure and soil types.
Miniature Zen rock gardens capture the essence of the stylized space but on a smaller scale, making them suitable for offices or homes. Featuring basic elements such as sand and rocks to depict water and mountains, the dry landscape gardens promote tranquility and harmony and provide an outlet for stress and anxiety. Place the mini garden on an office desk or a tabletop at home to help you unwind during or after a stressful day.
A dry area in a yard might be the ideal spot to construct a rock garden. Using assorted stones and rocks, create a xeriscape filled with plants that need dry and sunny growing conditions. If you live in warm regions where it does not freeze over the winter, you can place plants in the soil. Otherwise, add container plants to your rock garden. Make a rock garden with cactus for kids to give them a different gardening experience.
When daily stress causes a spike in your blood pressure or if you find yourself seeking a moment of peace and solitude; turn to an oriental rock garden. For centuries, Asian cultures have found tranquility in the beauty of rocks, often combined with water and plants and thereby representing much of the Earth’s natural beauty. If space is limited or you don’t have time to garden, make a miniature Zen garden inside your home. Otherwise, put your gardening skills together with your creative side to build an outdoor Chinese rock garden to enjoy for many years to come.
Rock gardens are a mixture of natural rocks and plants in a common space. You can design a rock garden in areas that already contain rocks or bring rocks onto your property specifically to create the garden. Many rock gardens have a variety of rock sizes to create visual interest. If you want a rock garden that will not only highlight the plants and rock types but also reflect the sun, choose boulders and cobbles that have shiny minerals such as quartz and micas on the surface.
Glacial Acetic Acid is the active ingredient in what is more commonly known as household vinegar. The term "glacial" was originally used for pure acetic acid in its liquid or solid state, but it is now used generically to apply to all acetic acid. It has many uses around the home including being used as a weed killer. When applied to invasive weeds, such as Virginia Creeper, the acid effectively destroys both the stems and above ground foliage. With repeated applications, it also kills the root system.
Virginia creeper, or Parthenocissus quinquefolia, occurs naturally in the woodlands across much of the eastern United States and is widely cultivated as an ornamental vine for its dramatic palmate foliage. The vines live for many years, often maturing to well over 60 feet in height, and although their vigorous nature is welcome in many respects, it sometimes causes the vines to outgrow their bed. Transplanting old Virginia creeper vines is a somewhat labor-intensive task since the roots are often very well developed with advanced age, but it is hardly insurmountable and requires just a few basic tools.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a woody, deciduous vine noted for its fast growth. Native to the United States, Virginia creeper is also called woodbine or American ivy. Virginia creeper grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 7. The vigorous vine is decorative but damages houses due to its rapid growth and methods of vine attachment.
Found in woodlands throughout the eastern United States, Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) makes an eye-catching addition to home gardens. It grows well in sun or shade and does well by the seashore. This fast-growing native needs to be sited carefully, however, as its adhesive tendrils allow it to climb up almost any surface.
Virginia creepers are perennial woody vines considered ornamental plants by some or invasive weeds by others. Gardeners plant Virginia creepers in areas with serious soil erosion problems, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. However, Virginia creepers often escape their planting areas and crowd out other plants in the yard. It is important for gardeners to control their Virginia creepers to prevent them from using up moisture and nutrients meant for their grass and landscape plants.
The term "Zen garden" is a bit of a misnomer that's taken on popular usage by westerners. In Japan, no one refers to the gardens in that manner. According to Sukiya Living Magazine (The Journal of Japanese Gardening), "The correct Japanese name for what Westerners call 'Zen Gardens' is karesansui. A good English translation of this word is 'dry garden.'" And they may or may not have bridges.
Adding rocks can add extra dimension to your garden or landscape. Large rocks can be heavy to move and expensive to purchase. Making man-made rocks can spare you much of the expense, not to mention spare you some possible back strain. Creating man-made rocks may be a bit of a challenge, but it can be done with the help of some relatively easy to find material, like chicken wire and cement.
The only things that American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) share are a common range across much of the eastern United States. Ginseng is a flowering perennial, while Virginia creeper is a vine. Landscapers use Virginia Creeper to climb arbors and trellises, or grow it along the ground. Ginseng provides an interesting "native" species for shady woodland, native plant or herb gardens, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Quickly distinguish these two plants from one another by focusing on their location, size, leaves, flowers and other aspects.
While Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) gains more fame from cloaking the outfield walls at Chicago's Wrigley Field. Boston's Fenway Park and the brick homes in New England, the Virginia creeper (P. quinquefolia) is equally as ornamental. Also called woodbine, Virginia creeper's leaves comprise five jagged-edged leaflets. Native to the eastern United States, gardeners grow it as a sprawling ground cover or a high-climbing vine. Vigorous and large, one Virginia creeper plant can grow 30 to 50 feet tall and nearly as wide on a vertical surface.
The Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a perennial vine native to and commonly grown throughout much of the continental United States. This vine establishes and spreads quickly, a trait that is desirable under certain circumstances. A Virginia creeper vine may raise concerns if it begins growing up or around trees, shrubs or other ornamental plants.
Virginia creeper also is known as false grapes, five leaves, American ivy, woodbine and thicket creeper and typically is planted as an ornamental. It makes a nice addition to walls, arbors or fences and is a fast grower. While no major pests cause significant damage to Virginia creeper, it is susceptible to damage from leafhoppers.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a vine, native to eastern sections of North America. It usually climbs up onto trees, telephone poles, structures and fences, but sometimes trails along the ground when nothing is nearby to grow on. Virginia creeper is a potential landscaping tool, noted for its bright red fall foliage. Similar in appearance to poison ivy, the saying "Leaves of three, let it be. Leaves of five, let it thrive" applies to this particular plant.
Virginia creeper is a woody vine commonly used in landscapes as a ground cover. The vine can grow outside its allotted space quickly. If it begins climbing brick structures, it will damage the brick. You can get rid of existing Virginia creeper through manual removal and the proper application of herbicide, but to completely eradicate it in the landscape you will have to repeat your methods next season to deal with new growth.
Virginia creeper is a vigorous, fast-growing deciduous woody vine most appreciated for its stunning orange-scarlet or maroon fall leaf color. Though its leaves are distinctly different, people often confuse it with poison ivy, also often found growing wild in the woods. Poison ivy has three-lobed leaves and tends to climb trees -- its bush form is known as poison oak -- but Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) has five separate leaflets arranged around a central petiole that attaches to the vine.
Related to grapes, Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a native ornamental vine often confused with poison ivy, which grows under the same conditions. This fast-growing vine reaches 30 to 50 feet tall, supporting itself with twining tendrils and suction cup-like holdfasts. The leaves have five toothed leaflets, not three smooth ones like poison ivy, so the two plants are easy to tell apart. Virginia creeper is bothered by only a few pests.
Virginia creeper is an aggressive but attractive climbing vine with deep green, five-lobed leaves and blue-black berries. In fall its foliage becomes bright red and it can be beautiful cover for unattractive structures in your landscape. While pests aren't typically an issue with Virginia creeper, there are a few that can cause damage to foliage.
Virginia creepers are perennial woody vines that grow across the ground, along fences and up trees. They grow rapidly and well in most soil types, making them a choice plant in hard-to-grow areas. They also have attractive foliage that turns red in the fall. Virginia creepers, though, can be invasive if not regularly pruned. If you want to get rid of your Virginia creeper, it will take several tries to completely kill the roots so it doesn't resprout.
Virginia creeper is a climbing vine that spreads and covers its supports quickly. Pruning Virginia creeper annually is the only way to control its size. Without pruning, the plant overruns its supports and may become much larger than the area to which you wish to limit it. It is a hardy vining plant that tolerates being cut back to any shape you prefer.
Throughout the history of China, as well as other Asian countries, the creation of different types of gardens was meant to metaphorically transport the occupant into the larger, natural world. Rock gardens were popular in China by the 9th century. Some were large enough to encompass the entirety of landscapes, and others were of smaller, more manageable scales. Chinese rock gardens typically exhibit certain elements that hold deep symbolic meaning,
The eastern United States historically hosted climax forests consisting of sugar maples, white oaks, red oaks, buckeyes, birches, pines and dozens of other tree species towering over once vast stretches of land. These same forests are home to hundreds of smaller plant species occupying the lower levels of the forest understory and forest floor, including the Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
Cardinal creeper is an evergreen vining plant native to the tropics. It is also known as Lady Doorly's morning glory, or Ipomoea horsfalliae. Gardeners are not likely to come across cardinal creeper in the wild because it is not cold hardy in the United States. You may find it in a greenhouse, or you may inherit a potted cardinal creeper from a previous owner. The bright flowers and palmated leaves make it easy to identify.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is not some monster from a horror movie, nor is this North American vine limited to just the state of Virginia. Growing from southern Canada south to Florida and Mexico, the Virginia creeper is a useful landscaping plant. Its different features are attractive enough to warrant its use to cover things on the ground, or to train it onto trellises, arbors or walls as a climbing vine.
Virginia creeper, or Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a deciduous vine found that is commonly mistaken for poison ivy. A member of the grape family, Virginia creeper has poisonous berries that may be fatal if ingested, as well as leaves that can produce skin irritation, although not as badly as the similar-looking poison ivy.
The United States hardiness zone 8 encompasses parts of Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington state. This band of warmer climate is known for its mild winters and long sunny summers. Home gardeners are generally able to garden year-round throughout this zone, with average low temperatures reaching between 10 and 20 degrees F in the coldest winter months. A wide variety of vegetables, flowers as well as shrubs and trees can be planted throughout the seasons in this zone. Due to this region's unique climate, traditional seasonal…
Parthenocissus quinquefolia, or Virginia creeper, is a climbing plant that resembles ivy. In normal, healthy plants, the leaves are deep blue-green in color with a lighter green underside. Virginia creeper leaves change colors in the fall, but under natural circumstances they will turn deep red, not yellow. Leaves that turn yellow can be an indication of improper growing conditions, pests or disease.
A garden fountain is a gift to any outdoor space. A fountain not only gives your garden an inherent piece of ornamentation, but it fills your yard with the peaceful and tranquil sounds of flowing and falling water -- a soothing sound for anyone who's had a busy, stressful day. However, if your garden fountain is on the plain side, or you'd like to ornament it in such a way that it becomes more eye-catching, you can do that both simply and strategically.
The Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a woody vine much more attractive than its name suggests. Native to eastern North America, Virginia creeper has various uses in landscaping, and it is available in cultivar forms. Virginia creeper grows upward into trees, onto structures or along the ground, giving it versatility that you can take advantage for landscaping.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a woody vine with a mature height of up to 90 feet. The deciduous vine climbs with tendrils with adhesive disks on the ends and has compound, 2- to 6-inch long, palmate foliage. The brownish green new stems develop raise dots and assume a purplish shade as they mature. Virginia creeper has an aggressive growth habit, covering all structures and vegetation in its path as it climbs. If you need to remove a Virginia creeper vine from the landscape, the best way is to use a herbicide, recommends the Ohio State University Extension.
False Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus vitacea), also called woodbine, is a vigorous, deciduous vine that adapts to most soils and growing conditions. The plant is a native of eastern North America and differs from the Virginia creeper with its more sharply serrated foliage with glossy green upper sides. The fast-growing vine climbs with tendrils and can easily get out of control if left unmanaged, easily choking other vegetation. The vine blooms with 4- to 6-inch long inflorescences composed of small flowers. The best way to permanently remove an unwanted false Virginia creeper from the garden is to use a herbicide.
You just visited the islands and want to bring home a souvenir lava rock for your garden but are plagued by local accounts of horrible bad luck bestowed on those who take rocks from the islands without permission. If you believe in Hawaiian myths, you should seek permission to bring home a rock from the goddess of fire, Pele, who punishes those of arrogance and disrespect, according to the legend. Whether you believe in the myth or not, it cannot hurt to err on the side of caution.
Blue star creeper is a groundcover native to Australia that features tiny dark green leaves and abundant small blue flowers. It forms a dense mat over the soil and is low maintenance, making it a wonderful plant for trouble spots in the garden. The groundcover blooms for long seasons, often from spring all the way through fall.
Virginia winter creeper, or simply winter creeper, is a shrub with evergreen foliage and a trailing growth habit. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 9 and can survive temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Virginia winter creeper grows in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to heavy shade and does well in any well-drained soil. It is propagated from tip cuttings taken during summer, which root readily when provided with the right conditions.
The Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a deciduous woody vine native to woodlands, brush and riparian areas in North America. Enthusiasts grow them for their attractive foliage. Virginia creeper vines work well as ground cover plants and help control erosion on hills and slopes; they also make attractive fence, trellis and arbor coverings, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden.
A native North American vine, the Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), grows like a woody perennial vine. It tolerates shade or full sun. The shrub grows rapidly to a height of up to 50 to 90 feet. During the fall months, the vine's foliage displays brilliant shades of red. The vine also sports blue-black berry clusters that birds and wildlife adore. It requires virtually no maintenance to survive and prosper.
Rather than maintaining turf grass in shady areas or clipping grass in between stepping stones, some gardeners plant blue star creeper (Pratia pedunculata) as a ground cover alternative. As long as the soil is fertile and well drained and foot traffic doesn't occur too frequently, blue star creeper quickly spreads its low stems that root to the soil. The green leaves look nice, but the starry blue flowers magnify visual appeal in spring and summer.
Virginia Creeper is a fast-growing wood vine often used as an ornamental. The vine can grow virtually anywhere, quickly covering a wall, trellis or a fence with colorful leaves, yellowish-green blooms and purple berries. The Virginia Creeper grows well in shady areas, making it a natural choice as ground cover under tree canopies. Manage the vine consistently or it can become a parasite, overtaking and killing the tree or shrub it attached itself to, requiring you to get rid of the Virginia Creeper to save your plants.
Sometimes, one gardener's weed is another's prized planting. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is one of those plants. A tough, creeping deciduous vine, Virginia creeper tolerates just about any amount of neglect and continues to creep and cover and smother anything in its path. Green in the summer, it provides lovely fall color with blue berries and purple foliage. Grow Virginia creeper in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3b and above. The best time to take a Virginia creeper cutting for propagation is in summer.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a woody vine that is native to the United States. It can climb up trees, walls and other supports or creep along the ground as a ground cover. Virginia creeper is a fast-growing vine that can be aggressive. Growth must be controlled to keep it confined to a specific area. If you want to permanently eliminate or kill your Virginia creeper, note that it will take several persistent herbicide applications to get the job done right.
Every part of a garden can't be blessed with full sun. In fact, much of a yard will likely be in shade, be it from mature trees, fences or structures. That doesn't mean these areas have to remain bare, however; there is a wide variety of tough and beautiful plants for shade gardens. Some will brighten an area with flowers and others with long-lasting, interesting foliage.
Rock gardens work in difficult landscape areas like slopes, dry spots or hard-to-reach crannies. Commonly designed to resemble a natural environment, rock gardens often contain wildflowers and alpine plants because these plants are hardy, easy to care for and adaptable to changing conditions. As you design your garden, create a naturalized effect by incorporating various sizes and types of rocks and plant species, then repeat some of the plants throughout the garden to visually tie it together.
Shrubs add a variety of elements to gardens. A good shrub will provide purpose to the garden like color, fragrance, shelter, attract animals or form hedges. Some shrubs are even groomed into topiaries. Choose a shrub that is suited for your climate, soil conditions and individual preferences.
Zone 7 garden plants are hardy at temperatures as low as 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Zone 7 dips south from Chesapeake Bay into parts of Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma and then runs through New Mexico and Arizona before creeping in a narrow band up through California, Oregon and Washington.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5 tolerates temperates as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the northern United States and parts of the Midwestern states have Zone 5 growing requirements. Zone 5 plants thrive in areas with cool autumn months, cold winters and short growing seasons.
Fill dirt is appropriately named: It's used to fill in or build up large areas of your yard. Fill dirt is usually subsoil left over from construction sites. It contains little organic matter or other nutrients. Purchase fill dirt screened or unscreened.
Dry landscaping, alpine plant display and small-scale landscaping are all genres of the rock garden. Growing rock garden plants from seed is a way to acquire varieties that are not available from local sources.
Molding for interior decorating can be made of resin, plaster, wood or plastic. Molding lends a finished and professional touch to walls, doors and window frames. Latex plastic, also known as liquid latex casting compound, slush latex or mask latex, is a compound used for making masks, special effects, toys, dolls and a host of other projects. Make your own homemade plastic molding from latex plastic and a homemade simple mold for a fraction of the cost of buying numerous sections of traditional molding.
Buddhist monks constructed the first zen gardens in the sixth century. These early zen gardens were high-concept gardens. In using them, a zen gardener heightens his meditation experience and comes to a greater understanding of the principles of Zen Buddhism. Every element in a zen garden is designed to mimic nature on a smaller scale. Crushed limestone stands in for water, while large stones represent mountains or islands. A garden bridge may be added to create a feeling of distance or give a viewer the ability to contemplate the garden from multiple perspectives.
Campsis grandiflora, or Chinese trumpet creeper, is a deciduous vine native to roadsides and hilly landscapes in Asia. It works well in woodland gardens or as ground cover, according to Plants for a Future.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, is located in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5a. The last average frost date in the spring is June 5, and the first average frost date in the fall is Sept. 30. The hardiness zone and average first and last frost dates are important to remember when choosing frost-sensitive plants for a flower garden. The types of flowering plants for a flower garden in Colorado Springs should be well-adapted to the area. Native plants save time as well as money used for additional irrigation, pest control and fertilizer.
If you want to promote feelings of peace and tranquility around your home, designing a Japanese garden will help accomplish this. The shapes and angles of the garden are elaborate and visually appealing, and are sure to make your front or backyard space especially impressive.
For gardeners, rocks buried within the soil are the bane of any gardener. The rocks can lay in the soil undisturbed until they are encountered by the blade of a rototiller, a rake or hoe. Finding stones in this way may lead to broken tools. When you encounter a rock, the best method of removal is to dig the rock from the ground. But once it is out, deciding what to do with it can be challenging. The solution is to repurpose rocks in the garden.
Use fake rocks in a garden for decoration or to conceal spare house or shed keys. Use fake rocks made from plastic latex in planters or indoor plant pots as well. You can make fake rocks easily from a clay mold and liquid latex casting compound. After you master the latex molding technique, you can make a variety of fake rocks and experiment with different sizes. Choose a palm-size rock with lots of definition to make a mold from which to make your first fake rock.
A rockery is a garden where rock or stone is its predominant feature. In a rockery, plants are strategically placed to complement the rough textures of the rock. Traditional rock gardens follow a theme that closely mimics nature. Sloping areas, often the bane of the gardener, are ideal spots for a rockery as the uneven ground, when accented by the curves and edges of the rocks and dotted with plant life, can become a real showplace with the right design.
Given today's harried lifestyles, most people yearn for some measure of tranquility. Buddhist monks have perfected their peaceful state of mind in Zen gardens since 500 to 600 AD. You could create such a garden in your own backyard. But you could also create a miniature version of a Zen garden at work or at home. With items scavenged from around the house, you can start on your path to mindfulness and well-being.
Panning for gold can be a lucrative and relaxing hobby. Creek beds where gold is found offer a place of cool solitude on a hot summer day. Gold is the heaviest material in the creek bed and will sink to the bottom of layers of lighter gravel and sand, explains Dave McKracken, gold prospector. Swishing away the lighter materials leaves behind the heavy, bright specks of gold. A few simple tools found around the house and a shallow, sturdy gold pan can be the start of a fun new adventure.
Rock gardens can be created in nearly any area of your yard, but utilizing shady spots is the best way to brighten up an otherwise drab space. Designing your rock garden to fill shady areas helps reduce the erosion of soil and provides an opportunity to add color to your yard. Choosing plants for a shady rock garden should not present a problem, as there are a wide variety that can grow under the conditions of a rock garden.
Zen gardens are small sand and rock gardens commonly used in feng shui home decor. Place your Zen garden on a work desk, or in a reading place to create a relaxing atmosphere. While Zen gardens can be bought, they can also be made easily, if you're aiming for a more custom look.
Rock gardens provide a tranquil landscaping feature for your yard. Typically, rock gardens will feature ground-cover plants and shrubs around the outer edges and build up to taller shrubs near the middle. This progression in height can add striking visual appeal to any property.
White marble landscaping rocks can be an attractive addition to your garden or landscape project. Over time, however, the rocks can be dirtied by exposure to mulch, dust and general wear. Restoring white marble garden rocks to their original white color is a simple project that can be completed in a couple of hours, but it requires some dedication to complete. Cleaning your garden's white marble rocks is one way to keep it looking beautiful.
Building a natural rock waterfall in your garden is a challenging task that requires a good deal of preparation. For safety purposes you will need to contact your local utility company to find out where any underground gas lines or electrical wires might be in your garden before digging. You will also want to decide how large you want your waterfall and basin to be, because the larger the basin, the louder the sound of water will be. All in all, even though building a natural rock waterfall is challenging, once you've completed the task you will have a beautiful…
Rock gardens are a natural choice for Colorado Springs, Colorado, landscapes. The best plants for a rock garden are low-maintenance perennials that will tolerate occasional dry spells. Low-growing plants that will spill over the rocks are especially attractive in this type of setting.
There are many different shapes and types of rocks used in gardens by landscapers and homeowners. Rocks have played an important role in decreasing the use of water in landscapes in the Southwestern states where water is a very grave concern. Rock allows the gardener to maintain beauty without having a lawn.
Topsoil has many uses. Whether it is for a lawn or garden, there are different types of topsoil available. When it comes to choosing topsoil, deciding whether to get screened or unscreened soil is a big decision that can make a difference in how you are able to use the soil. For some uses, unscreened may be fine, but for others, screened topsoil will make the process easier and more effective.
Rocks and other objects embedded in the ground can make working the soil difficult in an area you wish to garden. According to Colorado State University Extension, removing rocks from a garden next to a house has the additional benefit of eliminating habitat for creepy crawlies such as spiders. Getting rid of the rocks will require some physical labor.
Zen is a concept of Buddhism that encompasses self-discovery, relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness. Zen gardens are a physical representation of this concept and were originally used as a learning method for Buddhist monks. These so-called dry gardens have no grass at all, and are usually surrounded by sand or water. The kinds of rocks and how they are placed have an effect on how good the garden is at making people feel calm and relaxed.
Rocks can be used in a perennial garden to help the focal plants stand out even more. Learn how to design with rocks for a garden of perennial plants and flowers with help from an experienced gardener in this free video on growing perennials.
Rock garden walls serve as a strong, low-maintenance way to delineate property lines and enclose specialty gardens. Some rock walls use mortar, but others are simply dry stack walls where the stones are balanced on top of each other. These walls are easier to make, especially for the novice wall builder. They are also easier to remove and replace if necessary. Though you can use round or square stones, flat stones like flint and slate stack more easily and create a sturdier wall. You can also choose between naturally-shaped stone with asymmetrical edges or shaped stones that come as perfect…
Pick up any of the home and garden magazines on the newsstands and you'll find that fantasy has replaced practicality when it comes to gardening. In place of rows of tulips rimming lush lawns, water gardens have become trendy in all areas of the country. At first blush, many rock and water gardens look too complex to tackle, but they're easier than you may imagine if you've got the right tools and some time.
Zen gardening was developed by Buddhist monks in the 11th century. Karesansui, the Buddhist name for this style of gardening, translates to "dry landscape." In contrast to western gardens filled with plants and blooming flowers, Zen gardens seek to establish balance and harmony with large, open spaces and a few well laced, symbolic elements. Zen gardens imitate the look of vast spaces even if in smaller enclosures.
You build an alpine rock garden in such a way that it resembles an alpine meadow full of small colorful flowers. Building and maintaining one is a relatively easy project, although if you use large stones, you have to manhandle them into place. Select plants for a rock garden that grow no higher than a foot.
Finding the right kind of mulch for your garden can be a daunting task. With so many different choices available, like cedar mulch, pine needles, pebbles and sand, how do you know which is right for your garden? Lava rock is one of the less-thought-of mulch options, but will provide several benefits to your garden.
Rock gardens typically feature one particular geographic type of rock, but multiple varieties of plants. Ideally, all of the plants you use should form clumps and provide some color and ornamentation for your rock garden. Creeper plants, such as Virginia, trumpet and blue star creepers, as well as bignonia venustas and brass buttons, are some of the best plants for this application.
A garden waterfall is a welcome addition to any garden because it adds the dimension of sound to the garden. Falling water can create soothing white noise that seems to draw in visitors by creating a tranquil environment to relax. Not all of these visitors are two legged either. Gardeners who place a waterfall in their garden can look forward to seeing birds and butterflies as well. Because waterfalls are a principle of gravity at work, building one is simple.
A common sight in many gardens and landscaping designs is the addition of rocks. Because of their various shapes, sizes and colors, rocks can create a variety of designs. They can bring that much needed element to any landscape or garden. Since rocks are continuously outside, they are naturally going to become dirty and grimy. To keep your rocks looking their best, they will need a thorough cleaning a few times a year.
Making hollow garden rocks can take some time, but the process is simple and the ingredients are inexpensive. Hollow garden rocks can be used to line a garden path, surround a water feature and edge plantings. The size, color and appearance of each rock is your choice, and limited only by your imagination. Hollow garden rocks weigh less than their natural counterparts, are easier to arrange in the garden, are durable and require little maintenance.
Rock gardens are a great way to landscape your yard with minimal maintenance. Replacing a flower garden with a colorful, beautifully designed rock garden is a great way to enhance your landscape, particularly if you live in a dry climate. Preparing your landscape for a rock garden starts with killing and removing any grass or weeds from your garden site. With a little time and preparation, you can easily remove any unwanted grass and begin designing your low-maintenance landscape.
A successful rock garden is more than just a garden with rocks: It is a garden that will reflect the natural beauty of alpine terrain. Another typical attribute found in mountainous landscapes are gurgling streams and splashing waterfalls. You can make your own waterfall rock garden that will be the envy of your friends and neighbors.
Perhaps nothing makes a bolder statement to join two levels in your garden than a meandering, ancient-looking rock staircase. The look of steps hewn into the earth is appealing in an almost primordial way, yet is contemporary and elegant at the same time. Rocks offer the added incentive of being earth-friendly and widely available, not to mention varied enough to offer colors that complement any setting. Whether your staircase is tall and winding or a few simple steps, building from rocks is an excellent and affordable way to add a touch of grandeur to any garden.
Nothing adds beauty to a garden quite like shining, bright, white garden rocks. However, over time, dirt and other staining substances can get on the rocks and tarnish their appearance. Rather than buy new rocks, you can clean the dirty rocks and make them bright and white once more. All it takes is a few days and a few chemicals. Children should not be allowed to complete this project.
Rock gardens are customarily filled with various textures, from soft moss to scruffy juniper bushes entwined with the harsh gray coolness of rock features. This blend of colors and textures makes having a rock garden a unique and enjoyable experience. Adding a waterfall allows all aspects of nature to come together in your environment and creates a harmonious, relaxing backyard. With a little planning and preparation, you should be able to complete this project in one or two weekends.
I created a layered rock garden on a the side of my house about 15 years ago, and it keeps evolving each year and keeps getting fuller. Because of the slope, it seemed only reasonably to add some sort of layering project. I chose rocks.
Creating a home garden requires planning and preparation. Most garden plants prefer a loamy soil because it provides a good balance of drainage, moisture and nutrients. A garden soil that contains a high volume of rocks can disturb the balance of drainage and moisture retention. Some rocks, such as limestone, can affect the pH balance in your soil and may create an unfavorable environment for some plants. As you prepare your garden, you can find and remove native rocks to help develop the optimal planting soil.
Rock gardens are good additions to any yard, whether the rocks are already present or need to be brought in. Most plants work well in a rock garden. This article will give you the basic steps necessary to create a simple rock garden.
When designing a rock garden, use plants that are drought resistant and plant them in a sunny area. Design a rock garden with tips from a sustainable gardener in this free video clip on gardening.
A rock garden has traditionally been the place to grow lower profile plants that like more mountainous terrain. The idea of a rock garden is simply to mix these plants with nice-looking small to medium-sized rocks. Here are some tips on how to build a rock garden.
Rock gardens have spread their charm in landscapes all over the world. The basic concept is to emulate the terrain of high mountain plants in their natural, rocky surroundings. Here is some information on how to build and design a rock garden using succulents.
After the garden beds are laid out and the lawn has been manicured, your property only needs a few elegant additions to be complete. There are a variety of decorative landscaping accessories to enhance any property, and those accessories are as close as your nearest home improvement or garden center.
A rock garden is a wonderful start for your old beds.
A rock garden structures space and adds a pleasing, low-maintenance yard feature. A simple rock garden design can echo nature, providing an area of tranquility. A rock garden without plants, or incorporating drought-resistant plants, saves water and labor. Rocks offer a range of colors and texture, allowing you to evoke a creek bed, a desert, an alpine trail, a zen garden, a beach or almost any natural or designed setting you prefer. The space you have available and the rocks you choose can guide your design.
How many people think of rocks when they think of gardening? Well one very common and beautiful form of gardening is called Rock Gardens. Here are some tips to create beautiful rock gardens.
A rock garden fountain provides a focal point and visual style to any living space or garden. Rock is a naturally formed mineral that comes in a variety of shapes and unique designs. Weather and the way the rock is retrieved also result in the individual design. These fountains provide the tranquility of water with the body and backdrop of rock or stone.
Japanese rock gardens are easily recognized by their gravel or sand pits that require raking. These gardens are often associated with peace and serenity. Today, office workers can buy mini Zen gardens for their desks to rake when they feel stressed. However, the tradition of rock gardens in Japan goes back centuries and contains much deeper meanings than you may realize.
Garden landscaping has become increasingly popular over the last decade. Many gardeners now see their gardens as not only a source of food but also a source of beauty and relaxation. One of the ways to achieve this feeling is through a rock garden fountain. Though simple in operation, rock garden fountains are a great way to add atmosphere and beauty to any landscaping project.
With a little effort you can turn a tired rock garden into a charming retreat for meditation and a focal point in your landscape.The key to a beautiful rock garden is simplicity and symmetry. Make this your rule for designing your garden.
Fountains are a beautiful addition to any rock garden. A rock garden fountain not only adds a visual flair, but also the gentle sound of trickling water. They can be as pedestrian or ornate as you so desire or can afford. Being subjective is the key here, but ideas can point you in a direction that you want to go. When designing your rock garden fountain, keep these tips in mind to achieve a desirable outcome.
Your yard can become truly unique if you forgo the traditional rock gardens and instead opt to make a skull rock garden. The skulking skulls can be happy-go-lucky, angry and evil or a mixture of all personalities. The affect of the skull rock garden is up to you, but know it will be dashing no matter what kind of attitude your skulls effuse. You can make a skull rock garden with a bunch of rocks and a handful of steps.
Adding decorations to your garden can enhance your plants and flowers. Learn how to add garden rocks in this free garden decorating video.
Just as a house needs a strong foundation, a garden needs a little structure to make a strong statement. One great way to show off your garden is by incorporating rocks into your design. This helpful article will get you started!
Have you always wanted a fountain in your outdoor space? Making a rock garden fountain might be easier than you think. A fountain adds an interesting visual focal point to any garden, and also adds the element of sound--trickling water has an inviting and tranquil sound that can help you relax. Follow these instructions to add a rock garden fountain to your outdoor space.
Rock gardens can be striking, and with a little planning, you can make a rock garden that's relatively low maintenance. Choosing the colors for rocks and plant accents will create a cohesive rock garden design that can also reduce invasive weed development with the addition of stone mulch.
Recreate the look of a rugged mountain landscape in your backyard by creating a rock garden. If landscape is sloped, rocky, shaded or extremely dry, a rock garden may be an ideal choice. Traditionally, rock gardens were created to cultivate mountain plants found in the Swiss Alps. For a minimalist and calming effect, a Japanese zen rock garden may be the right choice.
