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2023 Garden Resolutions for Seventh Graders: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Gregory July 16, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

2023 Garden Resolutions: A Guide for Seventh Graders

Introduction

Hey there, fellow gardeners! It’s that time of year again when we reflect on our gardening adventures and set some goals for the year ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, setting some resolutions can help you make the most of your garden and enjoy it even more.

Tackle the Big Projects

Sometimes, we all have those areas in our garden that need a little extra TLC. Maybe it’s a overgrown bed that’s become a tangled mess, or a patch of invasive plants that’s taking over. This year, make a resolution to tackle one of those big projects. It might seem daunting at first, but breaking it down into smaller steps can make it less overwhelming.

For example, if you have a large bed that needs some attention, you could start by dividing and replanting some of the perennials. Then, remove any plants that aren’t doing well in their current spot and replace them with more suitable varieties. Don’t forget to add some color and interest with some new annuals!

Expand Your Herb Garden

Herbs are a great addition to any garden, and they’re relatively easy to grow. They’re also a great way to add flavor and variety to your cooking. If you don’t already have a herb garden, this year is the perfect time to start one.

Start with some of the basics, like thyme, sage, parsley, and cilantro. Then, add some more interesting varieties, like lavender, lemon verbena, and different types of flavored basil and mint. You can even try growing your own chocolate mint for a sweet treat!

Get Creative with Your Herbs

Once you have a variety of herbs growing in your garden, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. Don’t just stick to the same old recipes. Experiment with new ways to use your herbs, like making ice cream with chocolate mint or scones with lemon basil.

Spend More Time Enjoying Your Garden

Of course, the most important part of gardening is enjoying the fruits of your labor. Make a resolution to spend more time simply relaxing in your garden this year. Sit back, take a deep breath, and appreciate all the beauty and peace that your garden brings you.

Additional Tips for Seventh Graders

Start small: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Pick one or two resolutions to focus on this year, and gradually add more as you gain experience.
Make it fun: Gardening should be enjoyable, so make sure to choose projects that you’re excited about.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re not sure how to do something, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, or gardening expert.
Keep a garden journal: This is a great way to track your progress and learn from your mistakes.
Share your garden with others: Gardening is a great way to connect with nature and your community. Share your garden with friends, family, and neighbors, and inspire them to start their own!

Conclusion

Setting garden resolutions is a great way to make the most of your gardening experience. By setting realistic goals, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that you’ll enjoy for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planning your garden resolutions today!

Gardening

Climbing Plants for Wildlife: A Guide to Creating a Vertical Haven in Your Garden

by Gregory July 13, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Climbing Plants: A Haven for Wildlife

Climbing plants are nature’s vertical gardens, offering valuable shelter, food, and nesting sites for a wide range of wildlife species. By covering walls, fences, and buildings, these plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your garden but also create a thriving ecosystem for birds, insects, and other creatures.

Benefits of Climbing Plants for Wildlife

Climbing plants provide numerous benefits for wildlife, including:

Shelter: The dense foliage and intricate stems of climbing plants create a protective haven for nesting birds, hibernating insects, and other animals seeking refuge from predators and harsh weather conditions.
Food: Many climbing plants produce nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths. Additionally, their fruits and berries provide a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.
Nesting sites: The sturdy stems and dense growth of climbing plants offer ideal nesting sites for birds, providing a safe and sheltered environment for raising their young.

Choosing Climbing Plants for Wildlife

When selecting climbing plants for your wildlife garden, consider the following factors:

Wildlife value: Choose plants that provide shelter, food, or nesting sites for the wildlife species you wish to attract.
Growth habit: Select plants with a climbing habit that is suitable for the structure you intend to cover. Some climbers cling to surfaces, while others require support such as trellises or arbors.
Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the climbing plants you choose. Some plants require regular pruning and training, while others are relatively low-maintenance.

Top 10 Climbing Plants for Wildlife

Here are 10 of the best climbing plants for attracting wildlife to your garden:

Passion flower: With its exotic flowers and evergreen leaves, passion flower provides shelter for insects and birds, and nectar for pollinators.
Honeysuckle: Known for its fragrant flowers, honeysuckle attracts a variety of wildlife, including pollinators, caterpillars, birds, and nesting birds.
Hops: Humulus lupulus provides shelter for insects and leaves for caterpillars, including the comma butterfly.
Ivy: The evergreen cover of ivy offers shelter for nesting birds, hibernating insects, and pollinators, while its berries provide food for birds.
Star jasmine: This woody evergreen climber with fragrant flowers attracts birds, insects, and pollinators.
Wisteria: A stunning climber with clusters of fragrant lilac flowers, wisteria provides shelter for nesting birds and insects.
Clematis: Established clematis plants provide nesting shelter for birds and other species, while certain cultivars also offer nectar and pollen for bees.
Climbing hydrangea: This popular climber provides shelter for various species, including nesting birds, and its flowers attract pollinating hoverflies and other insects.
Climbing roses: Mature climbing roses offer cover and shelter for wildlife, while varieties with single flowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinators and hips for birds.
Pyracantha: Pyracantha flowers in spring and bears berries in autumn, providing two seasons of food for wildlife.

Planting and Care Tips

To ensure the success of your climbing plants, follow these planting and care tips:

Avoid the ‘rain shadow’: Plant climbers at an angle, 45cm away from the base of walls or fences to avoid the dry area where rain doesn’t reach.
Provide support: Climbing plants with clinging habits may not need additional support, but others require trellises, arbors, or wires to climb.
Water regularly: Climbing plants, especially during the establishment phase, require regular watering to develop a strong root system.
Fertilize: Fertilize climbing plants annually with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Conclusion

By incorporating climbing plants into your garden, you can create a haven for wildlife while enhancing the beauty and privacy of your outdoor space. With careful selection and proper care, these vertical gardens will provide years of enjoyment for you and the wildlife that call your garden home.

Gardening

Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden: Simple Tips for a Thriving Ecosystem

by Donna July 7, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Introduction

A garden is not just about plants. It’s also about wildlife, like birds, insects, and animals. Gardening and protecting nature can go hand in hand.

Tips for a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Use Non-Chemical Slug Deterrents: Copper collars around plants can keep slugs away.
Grow Single Flowers: Single flowers have more nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies.
Plant a Pot of Pollen: Even a small pot of pollen-rich plants can help pollinators thrive.
Stop Using Pesticides: Pesticides can harm beneficial insects.
Attract Birds: Put up nest boxes and feed birds year-round.
Let Birds Control Pests: Birds can eat grubs and other pests.
Sow a Patch of Wildflowers: Wildflowers provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Make a Wildlife Pond: A pond attracts frogs, toads, and other animals.
Make a Log Pile: Dead wood provides a home for insects and other creatures.

Wildlife-Friendly Plants

Buddleja (Butterfly Bush): Attracts butterflies.
Lavender: Bees and butterflies love its fragrance.
Flag Iris: Dragonfly larvae use its leaves to escape from the pond.
Crab Apple: Birds eat its berries, and bees love its blossoms.
Hawthorn: A great nesting site for birds.

Conclusion

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is easy and rewarding. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful space that benefits both wildlife and you.

Trees and Shrubs

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’: A Stunning Elder Tree for Gardens and Wildlife

by Gregory July 5, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’: A Beautiful and Beneficial Tree

Introduction

Meet Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’, a stunning elder tree known for its unique black foliage and vibrant pink flowers. This tree is a must-have for any garden, attracting wildlife and adding beauty to your landscape.

Key Features

Height and Spread: Grows up to 6 meters tall and wide
Hardiness: Hardy in most climates
Foliage: Finely cut, almost black foliage
Flowers: Pink-flushed blooms in early summer
Fruit: Red-black elderberries in the fall

Planting and Care

Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained soil
Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Planting Time: Plant anytime from January to June
Pruning: Prune back to ground level in early spring for best foliage color

Benefits for Wildlife

Attracts bees, birds, and other pollinators
Provides nectar, pollen, shelter, and habitat

Toxicity

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is non-toxic to humans and pets.

Companion Plants

For a stunning contrast, pair with plants that have lighter colored foliage, such as hostas or ferns.
To attract even more wildlife, plant it near other pollinator-friendly species like lavender or sunflowers.

Conclusion

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is an easy-to-grow and versatile tree that adds beauty, wildlife benefits, and a touch of mystery to any garden. With its striking foliage and vibrant blooms, this tree is sure to become a favorite.

Wildlife Gardening

Wildlife Gardening in August: A Guide to Attracting Butterflies, Birds, and Other Animals

by Gregory June 26, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Wildlife Gardening in August

Introduction

As summer winds down and autumn approaches, your garden can still be a haven for wildlife. In August, many plants are still blooming, providing nectar and pollen for pollinators. Birds are preparing for migration and are on the lookout for fruits, berries, and seeds. Small mammals are also active, searching for food and shelter.

Best Plants for August Wildlife Gardening

Verbena bonariensis: This late-blooming plant is a favorite of butterflies and bees.
Echium vulgare (viper’s bugloss): This native wildflower has beautiful blue flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators.
Dyer’s chamomile: This daisy-like flower is a magnet for solitary bees and hoverflies.
Honeysuckle: The fragrant flowers of honeysuckle attract hummingbirds and butterflies. In August, look for the sticky red berries that follow the flowers.
Nasturtiums: These edible flowers are a favorite of cabbage white butterflies. Planting nasturtiums near your brassica plants (such as cabbage and broccoli) can help protect them from caterpillars.
Greater knapweed: This wildflower is a late-bloomer that provides food for goldfinches.
Devil’s bit scabious: This meadow plant has purple flower heads that are beloved by pollinators.

Tips for Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden in August

Plant a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the season.
Provide water sources for birds and other animals.
Create a brush pile or rock garden to provide shelter for small mammals and insects.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, which can harm wildlife.
Let some of your plants go to seed. The seeds will provide food for birds and other animals.

Wildlife to Look for in Your Garden in August

Butterflies: Many butterflies are still on the wing in August, including the small tortoiseshell, red admiral, and peacock.
Bees: Bees are busy collecting nectar and pollen to prepare for winter.
Birds: Birds are preparing for migration and are on the lookout for food. Look for robins, blackbirds, and thrushes feeding on berries.
Small mammals: Small mammals, such as squirrels and chipmunks, are active in August, searching for food and shelter.

How to Make Your Garden a Haven for Wildlife

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is a rewarding experience. By providing food, water, and shelter, you can help wildlife thrive in your backyard. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Plant a variety of native plants. Native plants are adapted to your local climate and provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife.
Create a water source. A birdbath or small pond can provide water for birds, bees, and other animals.
Build a brush pile or rock garden. Brush piles and rock gardens provide shelter for small mammals, insects, and other wildlife.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and herbicides can harm wildlife.
Let some of your plants go to seed. The seeds will provide food for birds and other animals.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly garden that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

Gardening for Wildlife

Wilder Gardening: Helping or Harming Wildlife? A Guide for Nature-Conscious Gardeners

by Gregory June 26, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Wilder Gardening: Helping or Harming Wildlife?

What is Wilder Gardening?

Wilder gardening is a trend that encourages gardeners to create gardens that are more natural and less manicured. These gardens typically feature native plants, diverse habitats, and reduced chemical use.

Benefits of Wilder Gardening

Supports wildlife: Wilder gardens provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for a variety of animals, including birds, insects, and mammals.
Reduces insect decline: Insects are essential for pollination and other ecological processes, and wilder gardens can help support their populations.
Enhances biodiversity: Diverse plant life attracts a wide range of insects and other wildlife, creating a more balanced ecosystem.
Promotes natural habitats: Wilder gardens mimic natural environments, providing important habitats for native species.

Challenges of Wilder Gardening

Plant selection: While native plants are important, non-native plants can also provide valuable resources for wildlife.
Intervention: Balancing human intervention and wildlife needs is crucial. Practices like leaving fallen leaves and creating log piles can benefit wildlife.
Tidiness: Wilder gardens may appear less organized than traditional gardens, but this “untidy” approach can actually enhance biodiversity.

How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Plant diversely: Include a variety of native and non-native plants to extend the availability of pollen, nectar, and fruit.
Enhance habitats: Create nesting boxes, leave dead wood, and build wildlife ponds to provide shelter and breeding sites.
Reduce chemicals: Avoid using pesticides and herbicides to protect insects and other wildlife.
Embrace “untidiness”: Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed to provide cover and nesting sites for wildlife.

Conclusion

Wilder gardening can have a positive impact on wildlife populations by providing essential resources and habitats. By embracing diversity, reducing intervention, and allowing a bit of “untidiness,” gardeners can create gardens that are both beautiful and beneficial to the environment.

Gardening

The Best Flowers for Honeybees: A Comprehensive Guide for Gardeners

by Donna June 23, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

The Best Flowers for Honeybees: A Guide for Budding Gardeners

Honeybees are essential pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystem. By planting the right flowers in your garden, you can attract these busy bees and help them thrive. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best flowering plants for honeybees, organized by bloom time and specific needs.

Spring Blooms: A Sweet Start for Honeybees

As honeybees emerge from their winter slumber, they eagerly seek out early sources of pollen and nectar. These spring-blooming flowers provide a much-needed boost:

Willows (Salix species): These trees produce abundant catkins that are a rich source of early nectar.
Hellebores: These shade-tolerant plants offer nectar and pollen from late winter to early spring.
Spring blossom trees (apples, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, blackthorn, hawthorn): These trees provide a feast of pollen and nectar for honeybees.

Summer Blooms: A Buzzing Bonanza

As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, a wider variety of flowers burst into bloom, offering a smorgasbord of pollen and nectar for honeybees:

Sunflowers: These towering giants produce massive flower heads that are a magnet for honeybees.
Comfrey: This vigorous plant is not only a favorite of honeybees but also attracts other pollinators like bumblebees.
Catmint: Honeybees and other pollinators flock to the small but numerous blooms of catmint plants.
Michaelmas daisies (asters): These late-summer bloomers provide a rich source of pollen and nectar for honeybees.
Heathers (Calluna and Erica species): These compact plants offer small but highly rewarding flowers for bees.

Fall Blooms: A Sweet Farewell

As summer transitions into fall, honeybees continue to rely on flowers for sustenance. These late-blooming plants provide a final burst of pollen and nectar before winter:

Wallflowers: Honeybees love the easily accessible blooms of wallflowers, which can flower all year if deadheaded regularly.
Centaurea species: This genus includes a number of bee-friendly species, such as cornflowers, mountain cornflowers, and common knapweed.

Tips for Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden

Choose single flowers over double flowers: Double flowers often have extra petals that block access to pollen and nectar.
Plant a variety of flowers: This ensures a continuous supply of pollen and nectar throughout the year.
Include blue and purple flowers: Honeybees are particularly attracted to these colors.
Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can harm honeybees and other pollinators.
Provide water: Honeybees need access to water to stay hydrated.

By following these tips, you can create a vibrant and welcoming garden that supports honeybees and other pollinators. Remember, every flower you plant makes a difference in the lives of these essential creatures.

Gardening

Late-Summer Shrubs for Beauty and Wildlife | Easy-Care Plants for August Color

by Donna June 11, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Shrubs for a Beautiful August Garden

August is a great time to enjoy the beauty of shrubs in your garden. They provide structure, color, scent, and wildlife value, making them a valuable addition to any landscape.

Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Interest

If you’re looking for an evergreen shrub that will add beauty to your garden all year round, consider common myrtle (Myrtus communis). This Mediterranean native has stunning, scented flowers and aromatic foliage.

Late-Blooming Beauties

For a burst of color in late summer, plant hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus). These shrubs come into leaf around June and bloom from July to August. They’re easy to grow and come in a variety of colors, including ‘Woodbridge’ (blue), ‘Blue Bird’ (lilac), and ‘Lilac Queen’ (lilac with rust centers).

Mediterranean Charm

Cotton lavender (Santolina) is another great choice for a late-summer blooming shrub. It has gray-green foliage and produces yellow flowers from July to August. Plant it in a hot, sunny spot for best results.

Classic and Fragrant: Roses

Roses are a classic choice for any garden, and there are many varieties that bloom in August. Deadheading (removing spent blooms) will encourage more flowers.

Pollinator Paradise: Bluebeard

Also known as Caryopteris, bluebeard is an attractive and well-behaved shrub that blooms in late summer and August. Its blue flowers and silvery foliage make it a standout in the garden, and it’s a favorite of bees and butterflies.

Planting and Care Tips

While summer is not the ideal time to plant shrubs, you can do so in late autumn to mid-spring. Choose a spot with well-drained soil and water regularly, especially during dry periods. Prune shrubs after they bloom to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.

With these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of shrubs in your garden all season long!

Gardening

Creating a Meadow Garden: Is It Worth the Effort? | Pros, Cons, and Tips

by Gregory June 8, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Is Creating a Meadow Garden Worth the Effort?

Introduction

Meadow gardens have become increasingly popular, adorning cities, parks, and even private gardens. However, creating a meadow can be a challenging task. Is it really worth the effort? This article explores the pros and cons of creating a meadow garden, providing tips and techniques to make the process easier.

What is a Meadow Garden?

A meadow garden is a grassy area filled with a variety of wildflowers. Meadows are often found in the countryside, but they can also be created in urban environments. Meadow gardens provide a haven for wildlife, attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects. They can also add beauty and diversity to any landscape.

The Pros of Creating a Meadow Garden

Beauty: Meadow gardens are visually stunning, with a vibrant mix of colors and textures.
Biodiversity: Meadows support a wide variety of plant and animal life, including pollinators, birds, and butterflies.
Long-flowering: Meadow plants bloom for extended periods, providing a continuous display of color throughout the growing season.
Low maintenance: Once established, meadows require minimal maintenance, making them a great option for busy gardeners.

The Cons of Creating a Meadow Garden

Hard work: Creating a meadow garden can be a lot of work, especially in the beginning.
Challenging: Establishing a meadow requires careful planning and execution, and there is no guarantee of success.
Weeds: Meadows can be susceptible to weeds, which can quickly overtake the wildflowers.

How to Create a Meadow Garden

Creating a meadow garden can be done in several ways:

Native Meadow

Stripping turf: Remove the existing grass to create a bare patch of soil.
Introducing meadow species: Sow a mix of native grass and broadleaf flowering species, such as yellow rattle.
Reducing fertility: Reduce soil fertility to suppress grass growth and allow wildflowers to thrive.

Annual Meadow

Sowing annuals: Sow a mix of non-native annual wildflowers, such as California poppy or Bishop’s weed, into ordinary garden soil.
Blooming quickly: These plants will bloom within 90-100 days.

Feral Lawn

Allowing grass to grow: Stop cutting a section of your lawn and let the grass grow to its natural height.
Planting broadleaf species: Plant broadleaf perennial species, such as Geranium arvensis or Lysimachia punctata, into the long sward.
Competing with grass: These plants will compete with the grass and create a biodiverse meadow.

Tips for Success

Choose the right location: Meadows need full sun and well-drained soil.
Prepare the soil: Remove weeds and till the soil to a fine tilth.
Sow the seeds: Sow the seeds evenly and lightly rake them into the soil.
Water regularly: Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Be patient: It can take several years for a meadow to fully establish.

Conclusion

Creating a meadow garden can be a rewarding experience. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before getting started. With proper planning and care, a meadow garden can provide years of beauty and enjoyment. So, is creating a meadow garden worth the effort? For many gardeners, the answer is a resounding yes!

Butterflies

Red Admiral Butterfly: A Guide for Young Nature Enthusiasts

by Gregory June 5, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Red Admiral Butterfly: A Guide for Young Nature Enthusiasts

Introduction

The red admiral butterfly is a beautiful and fascinating creature that can be found in gardens all across the world. These butterflies are known for their distinctive black and red wings, and they play an important role in the ecosystem by pollinating flowers.

Physical Characteristics

Red admiral butterflies are large butterflies, with a wingspan of up to 2 inches. Their wings are black with red bands and white spots along the tips of their forewings. They also have blue markings at the base of their hindwings.

Life Cycle

Red admiral butterflies go through a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Egg: The female butterfly lays her eggs singly on the leaves of plants, such as nettles, hops, and pellitory of the wall.
Larva: The eggs hatch into larvae, which are also known as caterpillars. The caterpillars are green with a black stripe down their backs. They feed on the leaves of the plant on which they were laid.
Pupa: When the caterpillar is fully grown, it spins a silken cocoon around itself and pupates. Inside the cocoon, the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
Adult: The adult butterfly emerges from the cocoon and begins to feed on nectar from flowers.

Habitat and Distribution

Red admiral butterflies are found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, and woodlands. They are most commonly found in areas with plenty of flowers to feed on.

Red admiral butterflies are migratory butterflies, which means that they travel long distances to find food and breeding grounds. In North America, red admiral butterflies migrate south for the winter and return north in the spring.

Importance

Red admiral butterflies are important pollinators, which means that they help to transfer pollen from one flower to another. This helps plants to reproduce.

Red admiral butterflies are also a food source for other animals, such as birds and spiders.

How to Help Red Admiral Butterflies

There are a number of things that you can do to help red admiral butterflies:

Grow nectar-rich flowers in your garden. Some good choices include lavender, buddleia, and sunflowers.
Leave windfall fruit on the ground. Red admiral butterflies will feed on the fruit.
Grow nettles in your garden. Nettles are the host plant for red admiral caterpillars.
Avoid using pesticides in your garden. Pesticides can kill butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Conclusion

Red admiral butterflies are beautiful and important creatures. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that these butterflies continue to thrive in your area.

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