One of the first steps in planning a garden, and an important one, is to examine carefully the soil on the block chosen, noting any special points such as depth or apparently wet areas. It might prove advantageous to submit a sample of soil to a soil-chemist for analysis. The information gained will be of great assistance later, when, for instance, manuring treatment and future selection of shrubs and trees are being considered. The information will indicate the type of soil to be dealt with and, since different soils are dealt with in different ways, this will be useful in soil management.
Now make a rough sketch of the boundaries and the proposed layout. Consider first the utilities, the most important being the footpaths. These can be constructed in straight lines leading directly from one place to another, or they can be curved. Each type has its advantages, but a free-curving path can add greatly to the beauty of the finished garden.
Once paths have been put down they are costly to remove, so take care in arranging them. All paths should lead to some object, such as a garden seat, a clothes-hoist or a summer-house. The size of the path is determined by the amount of traffic it is to receive. A path can be made of stepping-stones placed at turf level or of concrete or gravel.
A clothes-hoist is necessary in most homes, and it should be placed so that it functions efficiently but is not conspicuous. The area round the hoist may be paved in such a way that dwarf plants can be inserted in pockets, and a low rockery constructed round the area for growing rock-plants. You can make this part of the garden very interesting. Provision might be made to grow a number of culinary herbs in the hoist rockery; these will make the area attractive and at the same time help fulfil kitchen demands.
If the hoist area is to have a rockery, you can plant succulents such as Crassulas, Kalanchoes, Mesembryanthemums and Heeria elegens. Idriope, an ornamental grass, can be given a place, and Variegated Ajuga and a horizontal Cotoneaster are also good rockery plants.
What has been said about clothes-hoists can be applied to the area round the barbecue and septic tank. A few well-chosen plants make these areas quite attractive. The barbecue calls for special consideration, since it is a place for social affairs and eating. Here a moderate-sized deciduous tree or two can be planted. This will give shade in summer and allow the warm sunshine to penetrate to the eating area in winter.
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Growing Mangoes and Lychees from Stones -
The Lychee can grow , ing Tomatoes 6 feet of leafy stem in a year; the Mango produces extraordinary contortions of stem initially and then lovely long leaves. Both need plentiful moisture , Permaculture Zones as well as warmth. The steam of a bathroom , Hedges - Growing a Hedge is ideal, provided the room , Acclimatising House Plants remains fai...
Cactus Pests and Disease -
It is very important to watch your plants, , Bonsai Containers and keep them healthy , Home Grown Tomatoes and vigorous, and never too crowded. It is much easier to prevent infestation than to cure it. Window , Home Improvement - s collections are ideal places , Hedges - Growing a Hedge for insects, and it is therefore natural , Bonsai Containers that pests , How to Pick Flowers increas...
Containers for Bonsai -
The bonsai , Permaculture Zones container is always selected to complement the mood and colour , Growing Hydroponics of the bonsai. , Indoor Garden Planters It must help to present the tree , Bonsai Planting and never detract from it. There are traditional colours , Know Your Tree's Soil that are used with certain species. Muted earth , Light Requirements for Home Gardens colours such as darker reds,...
Tree and Shrub Propagation -
Propagation. Trees , Growing Passion Fruit and shrubs , Terraces are increased by: 1. Seed; 2. Division, layers or cuttings; 3. Budding and grafting. Seed: This method is slow and in some cases impossible for trees , The Potato Moth because many foreign species fail to produce seed , Sowing s in Patches until they are quite ol...
Plant Reproduction and Propagation -
The most common method of raising plants , Reproduction and Propagation is by seed, , The Illusion of Age in Bonsai but there are other methods that are equally successful. Many plants , Bonsai Tools can produce a new stem and flowers , What is a Ground Cover? from a portion of their root-stock by vegetative reproduction under the right conditions....
Growing Beans -
Beans are one of the most satisfying vegetables , Feeding Roses to grow. , Great Potted Plant Ideas They require so little attention, usually crop within eight weeks from sowing, and fresh Beans are very palatable and nutritious....
Planter Herb Gardens -
Some favourite herbs , Green Manure Crops to grow , Plague Thrips in your home , Conditions Required for Australian Native Seed Germination planter boxes. Why use the ground when you can mvoe your herbs , Temperature and Humidity all around the house , Building & Renovations to make them even more easy to pick and use!...
Insects and Pests -
If something does begin to bug your plants, , How to Pick Flowers don't panic. First step is to temporarily isolate the plant , How Much Should I Water Indoor s? so the pests , Tomato Mite won't spread to other plants. , How To Grow Beans In most cases, the non-chemical controls listed opposite will eliminate the problem. If they don't, try spra...
Green Manure -
In a large garden , Growing Orchids a good plan , The Black Peach Aphid is to rest one seventh of the area devoted to vegetables , Growing Pumpkins and cut flowers , Grafting every year, and to sow this seventh with a green , Spring Bulbs manure or cover crop which can be dug or ploughed in at the end of the season. , Pumpkin Beetle A more intensive program...
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