grass

Just a quick note as I get asked this daily-the only type of fertilizer that can be used when putting down grass seed is STARTER fertilizer. All other types of fertilizer will prevent seed from germinating. Also note that most pre-emergent fertilizers will state that you need to wait 6-8 weeks before spreading seed, check the bag. Of course you don't have to worry about when to spread seed if you opt to fertilize with my favorite- composted cow manure. Not only are you improving the quality of the soil, you don't have to worry about any potential run-off polluting storm drains or ground water supplies.

more about container gardening

While I love my house, my sloping backyard does prove a challenge when it comes to the usual backyard staples (fire pit, deck, patio, etc). We do have an amazing screened in porch-thank God due to my propensity to attract mosquitoes, but I do want something else. Something that would allow me to sit and enjoy the creek and birds more at ground level. I think the answer is a boardwalk or low deck just below the screened porch. In an attempt to recycle, I am going to use 5 pallets as the base and will attach decking material for additional support. I am going to use grasses, boxwoods, camellias and other shrubs in terracotta pots to decorate and fill the visual gap between the boardwalk and the screened porch. Flowering annuals don't have to be the only container option. Slow growing shrubs and dwarf trees make great container plants-just choose a pot that is 2-4" larger than the root ball to ensure you won't need to re-pot after the first growing season. Clay pots can dry out a bit quicker than plastic or other mediums so be sure to water regularly and often during the hot summer. Pictures to follow.

collecting plants

I am very Martha Stewart when it comes to houseplants-all of the pots have to match. Because my house is from the '70s, a little on the dark side, and I collect Jonathan Adler pottery, white is the only color for pots in the interior. Imagine my glee when IKEA opened this week; white, inexpensive pots ranging in size and price point. I waited in line today, headed straight to the Marketplace and bee lined for the "Green Room." I had a list and only slightly deviated. I'm sure I'll head back for more when I re-evaluate my needs/wants.

landscape plants

I spent the better part of my day in the yard-surprise! I finished (kind of) the right front bed. All that is left is a mix of white perennials and annuals to fill in as my shrubs and tree mature. Currently it consists of a weeping Japanese Maple, two chartreuse False Cypress, five Gardenias (one August Beauty, two Radicans, and two Variegated), two globe Arborvitae, two Azaleas, three Carissa Hollies, one Manhattan Euyonomous, one Pieris, one Ligustrum, three Heuchera, three ferns (one Autumn), three Spirea, one Confederate Jasmine on a trellis, and assorted Hydrangea and daylilies which have yet to sprout. It may sound like a lot of plants, but this spans from my front door to the right all the way to our lower driveway and courtyard. I promise to provide pictures, but today I was a little tired.

spring has sprung...well, not really

Today it was 74 and sunny here in Charlotte. My husband and I spent the better part of our day doing some spring cleanup. Removing the remaining leaves and pine needles, spreading mulch, re-potting some container plants, transplanting, and against my own better judgment-I actually put down some grass seed. Now hear me out, this was old seed that I had from last year; we are going to be in the 60s and 70s all this week; and it was over an area that had previously been mulched. I used my old standby composted cow manure and I'll let you know what happens. Don't let any of my customers know I did this!