Smart Garden

 Marigold varieties are great for colorful flowers  The marigolds you are most familiar with may be standard yellow or orange in four-packs at the garden center. But marigolds come in a variety of beautiful sizes, shapes, and colors, and have many uses. Some are big enough to cover a trash can, while others barely reach ankle height. Certain types of marigolds make great cut flowers or add flavor to your salad. Other marigolds are great for repelling insects. Here are the best marigold varieties to grow in your garden to enjoy all these beautiful and useful plants have to offer. Varieties of marigolds for the garden Marigolds are generally divided into three types: African, French, and Cygnet marigolds. All of these types of marigolds are fast-growing annuals that bloom reliably from early summer until frost. Deadheading will encourage more blooms and prevent marigold volunteers from appearing the following spring. But each type has its own unique characteristics....

Plants to Help Control Pests  Worried about pests ruining your kitchen garden crops? Learn which herbs and vegetables to plant to control pests and keep those pesky pests at bay! The joy of growing a kitchen garden in your yard is imagining the delicious recipes and dishes you will create using your home-grown herbs and vegetables. Do you know what stands in the way of that happiness? Errors. Gross, invasive, plant-eating, vegetable-killing pests! I see you, tomato horn! I will never forget the first time I grew tomatoes on a large scale. I would come out to look at my kitchen garden and see that some of my tomatoes were chewed up and others were missing leaves or the stems were completely bare. The culprit that year was the tomato hornworm, which cost me almost half of my tomatoes (and my mind). Needless to say, I didn't consider using plants for bug control at the time. I've learned over the years that side planting (or companion planting) is a great way to help ...

Bring a tropical vibe to your home Palm trees are considered a symbol of strength, peace, and prosperity in various cultures worldwide. Their unique appearance, with feathery leaves and impressive trunks, evokes visions of tropical paradises and sandy shores. Therefore, they can add elegance and serenity to any landscape and stand out in gardens, parks, and coastal landscapes. From the graceful areca palm to the majestic date palm, each variety boasts charm and is suited to a wide range of climates. If you are wondering what type of palm trees you should choose to brighten up your indoor space, stay with us to explore this article. 1. Bamboo palm The bamboo palm is not an actual bamboo but belongs to the palm family Araceae. They have slender, cane-like stalks that resemble bamboo stems and feathery, dark green leaves that hang gracefully. 2. Cat palm The cat palm tree prefers medium to bright indirect light and will tolerate some shade, making it a perfect indoor plant. T...

 Ideas for turning broken pots into a succulent garden  Broken pots are often abandoned in the corner of the garden. They may seem oblivious, patiently waiting for the day they will be rejected, but don't reject them right away! Believe it or not, those chipped and cracked pots can be turned into something truly remarkable with a touch of creativity and flair. One such wonderful idea is to plant succulents in broken pots. Succulents are wonderful plants that require minimal care and maintenance, making them a perfect choice even for those who think they don't have a green thumb. In the article below, we explore the enchanting world of these tough plants and explore the beauty of imperfection. 1. Succulents pots made from ceramic shatter This masterpiece was created from ceramic pieces of broken pots. You can combine as many types of succulents as you like to celebrate diversity. 2. A terrace field of succulents These colorful succulents create a living work of art...

Whimsy to your garden One person's trash can literally become another person's treasure, especially in the world of gardening. Gardening has always been a realm for all things re-used and up-cycled, and the trend of repurposing trash into garden products is booming like never before. By thinking outside the box and rethinking the potential of discarded materials, you can create a truly unique and personalized garden that showcases your ingenuity. If you are looking for creative ideas to make your garden more attractive and environmentally sustainable, you should read the article below, where we explore a delightful array of garden ideas that breathe new life into discarded materials. 1. DIY Dragonfly DIY dragonflies can be made from scrap knives. It's a beautiful decoration, adding character and whimsy to your outdoor space. 2. Glass mushrooms You can start this project by finding some glass bowls and vases that fit together to form a mushroom shape. Then, add ...

 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas  Add value to your home by increasing curb appeal with attractive, functional front yard landscaping ideas. Choose traditional front yard landscaping like foundation shrubs, add a modern architectural look with specimen plants, or opt for a breezy cottage plan. Check out these beautiful entryways to discover the secret to putting your best front yard forward. 1 Sidewalk Front Yard Landscaping Ideas Edge your front walk with easy-care plants like colorful hosta and boxwood to make a stylish statement. Add a slight curve to the path and make your walkway even more magical by giving it a smooth, soft look. 2 Fill your yard with flowers Planting colorful flowers is a surefire way to make your yard feel more welcoming. Use bold, bright colors to make a significant impact even if you don't have much space. A cottage-style plan includes a variety of perennials in a small yard. 3 Leave space for entertainment Another great front yard landscap...

 The best hosta varieties  Hostas are classics in the shade garden. These easy-to-grow perennials come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, but how do you choose the best hostas? We can help! Hostas are shade garden staples Hostas are classics in the shade garden. These easy-to-grow perennials come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, but how do you choose the best hostas? We can help! Ideal hosta growing conditions Undemanding and cold hardy in zones 3 through 8, hostas do best when grown in well-drained soil and partial shade, although some exceptions do not mind full sun. Make sure hostas receive about 1 inch of water per week from a shower or hose to get the best-looking foliage without crisp edges. Two inches of organic mulch, such as small bark chips, can help conserve water but should be kept a few inches away from the crown to avoid rotting. Hosta foliage is beautiful Although hostas bloom from late spring to late summer with pale lavender or w...

 Unique garden containers  Gardeners can feel excited and confused. They like to choose different containers of different sizes, heights, and colors to brighten up their garden. But, at the same time, they may find themselves at a crossroads, wondering what is truly right for each plant. So, we've rounded up our favorite ideas for garden containers. From stunning vertical gardens to beautiful recycled gardens like teapots, a wealth of inspiration awaits you here. So let's explore these delightful container ideas that will take your garden to a whole new level! 1. A birdcage container A birdcage blends well with your garden with its rustic beauty. This ancient garden is filled with a wide variety of plants like succulents, kalanchoes, and cacti. 2. Floating container This floating pond garden can make an accent to your garden pond. If you are interested in making your own planters, prepare a pool vogel or noodle. 3. A set of teapots, cups and saucers Teapots, cups,...

Here Are 9 Plants That Act As A Magnet To Dragonflies Dragonflies welcome guests to the garden. They have graceful flights and swift acrobatics, but there is more to their existence than meets the eye. Adult dragonflies are efficient predators and prey on a variety of flying insects, including mosquitoes. They are incredibly agile and use their specialized mouthparts to catch and consume airborne mosquitoes. Amazingly, a single dragonfly can consume anywhere from 12 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day. Additionally, attracting dragonflies to your garden not only helps control mosquitoes but also supports overall biodiversity. Dragonflies act as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem and attract other beneficial insects and wildlife to your garden. When it comes to attracting dragonflies to your garden, choosing the right plants can make all the difference. By incorporating specific plants into your garden, you can create an inviting habitat that attracts these gentle flyers and...