Herbs have been around since time immemorial. Ever since, herbs have served different kinds of purposes. Herbs have been used to treat illness and also in cooking. They were even believed to have magical charms. So if you do you want to have your own herb garden, here are a few ideas on how to create one effectively.

Plan The Layout Of Your Garden

Consider the herbs you want to plant. Think carefully about their types. Would you like annuals, biennials or perennials for example.

How much space will they occupy in your garden? If you want, you can purchase a book that can give you the right information on what specific plants you are planning to grow.

List or draw your garden on paper first. Separate the annuals from the perennials so when the time comes that you have to pull out the annuals, you won’t be disturbing the perennials. Perennials can be planted on the edge of your garden so when it is time to till your garden, you won’t have a hard time.

Another thing to remember is that you have to plant the tall ones at the back and the shorter ones in front. Also, do make sure that you provide your plants with enough space to grow properly. Proper positioning will help you in this area.

Some Design Ideas

You could consider having a square herb bed. You could have your square bed divided into four by making two paths cross at mid point, each measuring 3 feet. You could border it with stone or brick. A wooden ladder may also do the trick. You could lay it down on your garden and plant your herbs between its rungs. You could also choose to have a wagon wheel bed. Planting here is like planting with the wooden ladders. Plant your herbs in between the wagon wheel’s wedges.

Get Your Plants Growing

Of course, different plants have different needs. This is the reason why you have to determine the herbs you want to plant in the planning stage. This can more or less help you find out how you should care for your plants. With starting seeds, remember its germination and soil temperature rules. If you see the seedlings sprouting, check the plants’ air circulation, humidity, and sunlight. When you start to see some leaves appear, allow proper spacing.

Herbs are actually one of the easiest plants to grow. You only need to provide them with an effective drainage, sunlight, enough humidity or moisture, and fertile soil. Even by just meeting these minimal requirements, you will succeed in producing a good harvest.

So as well as the immense satisfaction in cultivating your own choice of herbs, imagine the pleasure knowing that you are using your own fresh produce in your cooking.

Marie K Fisher is an avid gardening enthusiast with a passion for exotic flowers and wondeful colors. She is a regular contributor to Garden Center Showplace a leading online Garden Center. For more details of the superb range of products offered, and also more Featured Articles And Tips on Gardening visit http://www.gardencentershowplace.com

There are many myths which are associated with bonsai. This not only confuses budding enthusiasts, but also gives the pastime a bad name. A bonsai is not a genetically dwarfed plant and is not kept small by cruelty in any way. The techniques of Bonsai are no crueler than that of any other horticultural endeavor. In fact, given an adequate supply of water, air, light and nutrients, a properly maintained bonsai should outlive a full size tree of the same species. It is a common belief that bonsai are only a few centimeters tall. This is not entirely true, although bonsai are small in comparison to their huge life-sized brothers; most are over 20 centimeters tall and up to 1 to 1.2 meter in height.

How to develop a Bonsai There are different ways to develop a Bonsai. Bonsai can be developed from seeds or cuttings, from young trees or from naturally occurring stunted trees transplanted into containers. Most bonsai range in height from 5 centimeters to 1 meter. Bonsai are kept small and trained by pruning branches and roots, by periodic repotting, by pinching off new growth, and by wiring the branches and trunk so that they grow into the desired shape.

Bonsai are ordinary trees or plants, not special hybrid dwarfs. Small leafed varieties are most suitable, but essentially any plant can be used, regardless of the size it grows to in the wild. The bonsai may suggest many things, but in all cases must look natural and never show the intervention of human hands, with the exception of Chinese bonsai which in many cases depicts images of dragons and other influential symbols of the culture at the time of origination. Grown in special containers, bonsai are primarily kept outdoors (with the exception of some plants suited, trained and grown indoors), although they are often displayed on special occasions indoors.

The bonsai with its container and soil is physically independent of the earth since its roots are not planted in it, is a separate entity, complete in itself, yet part of nature. A bonsai tree should always be positioned off-center in its container, for not only is asymmetry vital to the visual effect, but the center point is symbolically where heaven and earth meet, and nothing should occupy this place.

Prized possession Given proper care, bonsai can live for hundreds of years, with prized specimens being passed from generation to generation, admired for their age, and revered as a reminder of those who have cared for them over the centuries. Although these bonsai are extremely beautiful - meticulously cared for over the years and containing such a wealth of knowledge, age is not essential. It is more important that the tree produce the artistic effect desired, that it be in proper proportion to the appropriate container, and that it be in good health.

Overall, bonsai are something that are quite personalized and there are no strict rules to abide by if you undertake it merely as a hobby which to gain enjoyment out of. It does not have to be an expensive commitment, but it is a commitment that requires a great amount of time, patience, skill and endurance. Although things may not go to plan, don’t give up.

Rob Mellor owns http://www.lost-bonsai-secrets.com This website helps people find out more about the bonsai tree. Please visit the site for more information on how to grow bonsai tree

First and foremost think about the conditions the tree will be in. Indoor Bonsai will generally need to be close to a window or be supplemented with artificial light. A small tray with gravel and a little bit of water under the tree will add humidity around the tree. It may not need to be watered every day but it should be checked daily as the small pots can dry out rather quickly.

Steps in bonsai care

Watering
Watering is the most important part in bonsai care. This is the crux of the art of bonsai. Most Bonsai tree that die are lost due to dehydration, either from lack of watering or from being kept in a low humidity environment (indoors) for too long. How often you should water is a common question people ask about bonsai trees. There is no hard and fast rule prescribed for the same. When the soil begins to dry out water your plant thoroughly until the excess water runs out of the bottom of the pot, signifying you’re done. Remember, over-watering is as bad as under-watering, thus all the fuss about getting it just right.

Pots and soil
The soil you use affects rooting, feeding, watering and transpiration, it is where half your tree lives so this is the second biggest consideration in maintaining your bonsai. While the needs of individual species vary greatly a good rule of thumb is 30% grit, 70% humus for deciduous trees, and 70% grit with 30% humus for evergreen-needled plants. Bonsai trees should be fertilized with a water-soluble fertilizer once or twice per month during the growing season. However the choice of fertilizer may vary depending on the species you’ve chosen to miniaturize. Always apply fertilizer when the soil is wet. Bonsai trees are intentionally allowed to become root-bound in their containers, and the roots too, are pruned.

Pruning
A bonsai plant is pruned in two ways viz. branch pruning and root pruning. Pruning of branches is performed in spring. Much, but not all of the new growth is removed. Branches are selected early on as the only branches to be allowed to prosper, while the excess branches are mercilessly pruned off. The main factor in maintaining bonsai is the removal of all but the most important parts of the plant. Bonsai is all about the reduction of everything just to the essential elements. Also Bonsai trees are intentionally allowed to become root-bound in their containers, and the roots too, are pruned. But root-bound plants won’t thrive forever in that condition and, indeed, bonsai trees must be re-potted every two or three years to furnish the roots with fresh soil.

Changing the shape of the tree
Bonsai tree wiring is an advanced skill to grow the bonsai into an art form. Desirable branches are wired to control the direction in which they grow. Wiring can do a great deal to change the shape of the plant, but it can also do a great deal of damage to the plant if done incorrectly.

To sum up
This may seem like a lot to do to just to buy a little tree, but it’s no different than any other informed purchase, just as you wouldn’t buy a fish without having a special home for it you should have a special home for your Bonsai tree.

Rob Mellor owns http://www.lost-bonsai-secrets.com This website helps people find out more about the bonsai tree. Please visit the site for more information on bonsai tree care.

A selection of common flowers/plants and their (sometimes forgotten) meanings

Flower meanings from apple tree blossoms to Zinnia. This list of flowers gives you a good start on understanding the most popular flower meanings.

* Apple tree blossom - preference;
* Lemon balm - sympathy;
* Basilica - hatred;
* Calla - feminine beauty;
* Damascene rose - shy love;
* Fuchsia - humble love;
* Gardenia - ecstasy;
* Hyacinth - sorrow;
* Lilac - first feeling of love;
* Horehound - virtue;
* Indian cress - patriotism;
* Pansy - you fill my thoughts;
* Buttercup (crowfoot) - you are attractive;
* Rosemary - memory;
* Salvia - respect;
* Snowberry - heavenly thoughts;
* Viola (violet) - loyalty;
* Zinnia - thoughts of far away friends;
* Forget-me-not - will write;
* Lily - soon you’ll meet;
* Marsh marigold - hatred;
* Rose - love;
* Dianthus - he/she likes you;
* Phlox & Gladiolus - getting married;
* Tulip - wants to meet you;
* Narcissus - asks a question;
* Hepatica - your love makes me happy;
* Globeflower - forever yours. *

Rose color meanings:

* Red rose - love, beauty, courage, respect;
* White rose - purity and innocence, silence, secrecy;
* Pink rose - appreciation, grace, perfect happiness, admiration;
* Yellow rose - joy, friendship, delight, promise of a new beginning;
* Orange rose - desire, enthusiasm;
* Red and white rose - given together, these signify unity;
* Red rosebud - a symbol of purity and loveliness;
* White rosebud - a symbol of girlhood. *

There are a lot more flowers and meaning(s) given to them. Sometimes the meanings differ from location to location. This list should give you a good start on understanding the most popular flower meanings. Remember, the best gifts are personal and that’s what makes them memorable!

Flowers make a perfect gift and now you know why.

More Flowers and Gift Ideas from MyGiftGadgets.com Contact - admin@mygiftgadgets.com

These steps are designed for the lower elevations of the desert southwest.

1. Water - This is the biggest problems of all. You will need to water all trees and shrubs on a daily basis for at least the first 2-3 weeks after planting them. 3-5 gallons or water per 5 ga. tree. This is very critical during the summer months.

2. To ensure successful planting do NOT fertilize right after planting your tree or shrub. Use a good root stimulator to stimulate root growth. Do not fertilize during the winter months. Use a good all purpose tree or shrub fertilizer right after the last frost ( usually after march in the southwest ) Water about twice per month during December, January and March. Typically you should fertilize once in the spring, summer and fall.

3. Most southwestern soils lack acid, use a good compost with some acidity to help root development during planting.

4. If you are using a drip system be sure that the emitter is directly over the root ball of the tree or plant. A couple of inches off may result in insuffcient water to your plant. Many plants have gone to "plant heaven" because of this one mistake.

5. Fertilize your tree or shrub with a good all purpose fertilizer anything close to a 16-8-8 analysis will work great. Leaves turning yellow are sometimes a lack of iron in the soil. Add a fertilizer with iron, liquid iron or ironite.

6. Remember most trees and shrubs need about 6 monts to about 1 year before they are established. Once established Almost all plants will require less water.

7. Native plants need as much watering as other plants during the first year. Once established they will usually thrive with much less water. Once a month during winter and about 1 per week during the dry hot summer months.

8. Be sure the root ball on all container plants are intact when planting them. Do NOT expose the roots. The plant will go in extreme shock and may die.

9. Remove and clear any and all weeds and rocks that may be in the area. Weeds will suck out water and nutrients from the soil. Large rocks or debris will hinder root development.

10. Continually check and observe your tree, shrub or plant making sure there are no signs of diseases or insect problems. Insects love new leaf growth. Diseases are usually fungal. Signs are usually wilting, slow growth, leaves turning yellow during the summer months. Not sure what the problem might be? Trim off a branch, limb or leaf and bring it in to your local nursery or greenhouse. They usually have the most knowledgable gardening employees around.

The above tips are generally for the Southwestern United States.

Following the steps above will help ensure a healthy tree shrub or plant for a lifetime of landscaping experience.

You can also read the article online at: http://guzmansgreenhouse.com/successful-planting.htm

Paul Guzman is the manager of Guzman’s Greenhouse and webmaster of http://guzmansgreenhouse.com Visit his site. You are welcomed to use the article as long as you provide a link back to http://guzmansgreenhouse.com

Do they really exist? Where is the black orchid? These questions and others have on orchid hobbyists minds for centuries.

Orchid growers and hobbyists have been trying to grow this orchid for a very long time. They have tried many different orchid plants and hybrid varieties to get to this orchid.

There seems to have been a fascination for black anything. You have people striving for black gladiolus, black canna- lillies and yes even black corn. (I’m not sure if they ever got the black corn.)

There are many other references to "black orchid" in detective mysteries, in names of clubs and restaurants as well as on the stage. In fact, go on to Amazon and look at the book "Black Orchid" by Dave McKean.

As far as I can judge from the reviews growers were close but still didn’t accomplish what their goal was. Some of the orchids that do come close include the Laelicattleya Lc Mem. Robert Strait "Blue Hawaii" which has a black lip.

The Vanda David Gardner #1 has purplish areas under black speckles. There is a black tongued orchid, the Epigeneium amplum. Another example is the Liparis nervosa, a Japanese version of this orchid plant but when you look at it you can seen it is not really black.

There are still a lot of misconceptions about orchids. Some of the myths that still persist include that orchids are difficult to grow. This can’t be further from the truth. In fact today orchids like the phalaenopsis or cattleyas are very easy to grow.

Another misconception is that all orchids need to grow in a greenhouse. Once again, some of the best places for orchid plants is in the home where there is bright light. Some of the orchids do well near a West facing window.

It seems that all the hard work by hybridization specialists still have been alluded them and the orchid has not really been developed. It remains a hope for any grower or hobbyist to get the crown that says, "I did it".

Did you enjoy this article? If you did sign up for more in our monthly newsletter. You will recieve free "All About Orchids" e-book, a 10% discount on an orchid plant, and awesome tools to find profitable keywords, RSS capabilities, and a lot more. All for one price (saving thousands) and no monthly fees.

Making fires outdoors is not just a primordial instinct. Homeowners have the campfire bug and it just seems to keep growing. With the trend towards creating outdoor living spaces and spending more time outside relaxing or entertaining friends, outdoor accessories such as an outdoor hearth make the backyard experience that much more enjoyable. However, it is important before you shop around for an outdoor fireplace that you check with your local city hall or firehouse to learn about all necessary codes and restrictions.

While choosing between the many different outdoor fireplace options may at first seem daunting, there are ways to help make your decision easier. For example, it is good to know that an outdoor hearth can serve not only as a center piece where people enjoy surrounding the fire, but it also has a functional role such as providing a source of outdoor heating when in close enough proximity of the fire’s radiating heat. This is true of both gas and wood burning fires. In addition, features such as an attachable grill grate cooking surface makes it possible to cook outside, another added benefit. Here are some ideas to help you decide what works best for your space.

The easiest to maintain outdoor fireplace

Gas modeled outdoor hearths and fire pits are an excellent choice where a clean burning fire is desired. With gas, either natural or propane, burning more cleanly than wood, you will not have to deal with smoke, sparks, cleaning up ashes or gathering wood logs. Another benefit: you can create an instant fire with the click of a button and enjoy a faux wood fire any time of year. This is very appealing to many folks, especially where convenience and low maintenance pits and hearths are valued. Some gas outdoor fire pits fueled by propane gas are designed for portability. In fact, there are fire pit models that include rear tires and pull handles so that you can move the pit to the destination of your choice including a summer cabin.

The permanent outdoor fireplace

By far the most permanent outside hearth is the cast iron chiminea. This is an excellent outdoor fireplace choice when a sturdy year round outdoor fireplace presence is desired, such as permanent architecture around the patio or pool area. However, as with metals in general, other than aluminum, iron is prone to rusting over its lifetime but maintaining with special paint from time to time and covering with a chiminea cover will help. Another choice for permanence includes the cast aluminum chiminea. While not nearly as heavy as cast iron, these outdoor fireplaces will definitely add a sense of year round presence, if desired. One thing to note, metal can get dangerously hot when the fire’s burning. It’s best to supervise young children when the fireplace is in use. You can also use your chiminea for grilling and the outdoor fire as a source of heating. (visit http://www.outdoor-fireplaces-and-patio-heaters.com/chiminea.htm)

The designer and focal point outdoor fireplace

If you desire a fireplace that looks like an outdoor art work or furniture when not in use, consider fire pits made from copper or the slick contemporary look of steel. Copper fire pits are very popular. If you prefer the lustrous shine of new copper you can maintain this effect with the right products. Some copper pits include an area to store wood logs beneath them which is very attractive as well. Another option, but certainly more expensive, are some of the fine furniture looking gas fireplaces such as the Luminarium. You can choose between several different finish options and some of these pieces look as if they belong inside the home.

The easy to transport outdoor fireplace

To make it more accessible for people to take their outdoor fireplace with them: camping, the beach, summer cabin, tail gate parties and so on many outdoor fireplace models, especially fire pits, are designed to be lightweight. They include features such as lids and tires for convenient transport. Another reason to purchase a portable fireplace is that if you prefer to store the unit during winter. You will have no problem tucking a unit such as this inside your home. The good news is that you will find many lightweight outdoor pits and fireplaces available. Portable outdoor fireplaces may also include features such as gas or wood burning options, grill attachments, spark screens, lids, wheels and can come in many different materials: copper, steel and aluminum.

Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.outdoor-fireplaces-and-patio-heaters.com an online resource that provides you with information, articles of interest and reviews of the best outdoor fireplace and patio heaters online.

First origin

Bonsai first appeared in China over a thousand years ago, where it was the practice of growing single specimen trees in pots because it was considered as an expression of the harmony between heaven and earth, man and nature. These early specimens displayed sparse foliage and rugged, gnarled trunks that often looked like animals, dragons and birds. Through growing a bonsai plant a person experiences a new rhythm of the seasons, and nurtures within him the power of creativity as he shapes and miniaturizes his trees. No doubt, cultivating a bonsai tree requires some care and attention, but as a reward it brings tranquility to the mind, a feeling of being refreshed and, inner peace.

Travel to Japan

Many years later with Japan’s adoption of many cultural trademarks of China - bonsai was also taken up. Once bonsai was introduced into Japan, the art was refined to an extent not yet approached in China. The word bonsai also is actually taken from a Japanese word ‘pun-sai’ which means a tree planted in a container without any landscape. But over time, the simple trees were not just confined to the Buddhist monks and their monasteries, but were also introduced to be representative of the aristocracy, a symbol of prestige and honor. For the Japanese, bonsai represented a fusion of strong ancient beliefs with the Eastern philosophies of the harmony between man, the soul and nature. The ‘Japanese elite’ also brought bonsai indoors for display at special times.

Evolution as an art form

Over time, bonsai began to take on different styles. Finally, in the mid-19th century, Japan opened itself up to the rest of the world. Word soon spread from travelers who visited Japan of the miniature trees in ceramic containers which mimicked aged, mature, tall trees in nature. Due to this phenomenal upsurge in the demand for bonsai, the now widely expanding industry and lack of naturally-forming, stunted plants led to the commercial production of bonsai by artists through training young plants to grow to look like bonsai. Several basic styles were adopted, and artists made use of wire, bamboo skewers and growing techniques to do this - allowing the art to evolve even further. The Japanese learnt to capitalize on the interest in this art form very quickly - opening up nurseries dedicated solely to grow, train and then export bonsai trees. Different plants were now being used to cater for worldwide climates and to produce neater foliage and more suitable growth habits

Importance as of today

In Japan today, bonsai are highly regarded as a symbol of their culture and ideals. The New Year is not complete unless the tokonoma - the special niche in every Japanese home used for the display of ornaments and prized possessions - is filled with a blossoming apricot or plum tree. Bonsai is no longer reserved for the upper class, but is a joy shared by executive and factory worker alike. These complex plants are no longer permanently reserved for outdoor display but have become an important part of the life of all by being displayed on specially designed shelves.

Rob Mellor owns http://www.lost-bonsai-secrets.com This website helps people find out more about the bonsai tree. Please visit the site for more information on bonsai care.

Christmas and holidays are coming and it is frequent to travel away to meet with family and friends. What happens to your plants when you are on holidays?

You may have asked your neighbours if they can take care of your plants at that time, just to find that they are similarly going away. However, you can ensure your plants are going to be well taken care of by following these useful tips.

Some time before you go on holidays you can take some precautions to help your plants go through this period without the daily care they need. Even though you may find some minor damage in the plants when you come back, these can be minimized if you follow certain guidelines.

Check out the special needs of your specific type of plant. With the right preparation, some interior pot plants can live by themselves for up to two weeks.

1. It is very important to take the plants away from direct sunlight, as they can get easily burnt with too much light. However, the lack of sunlight is equally dangerous, so it is best to place your plants in a room with tenuous light, not too bright nor too dark. The best is a room facing North.

2. Your plants need to be well watered at all times. Nowadays, there are automatic watering systems that do not require electricity, and which guarantee your plants enough water while you are away.

3. You can also create a home-made system to ensure your plants are watered in your absence. Place a large container or a bucket with water next to the plant, and place one end of a piece of cotton rope in the water, and the other end about half an inch into the soil.

The water will moist the cotton rope and will reach the soil. If you experiment with how much water your plants need before you go, you can ensure you will be using a big enough container so that they have water for a long period of time.

4. You can prevent the evaporation of water of your plants by placing them inside a transparent plastic bag with holes. If the temperature of the room exceeds 25 degrees Celsius, it is advisable to place a large container with water in the room to ensure it has enough humidity.

5. The plants can also be placed in the bath and covered with a transparent piece of plastic with holes. Very importantly, remember to always water your plants abundantly just before leaving!

Sign up for my newsletter, The "Beautiful Gardens Email Club", for more useful tips to care for your pot plants. Enjoy your gardening!

Cristina Diaz Garcia is the Author and Founder of the "Beautiful Gardens Email Club". Visit her page for an useful Pot Gardening free report at http://www.soapystuff.com/free-garden-reports.html

When you landscape cautiously, you can save money by maximizing the energy efficiency of your home. This means that you can save money on heating and cooling costs by carefully planting trees, shrubs and even some grasses and vines. Landscaping can not only help decrease the amount of energy you use in both winter and summer, but can also provide an eye-pleasing surrounding for your home. This means that you can have an attractive home environment and save money on energy costs. And that is of interest to just about everyone.

When you carefully position your trees, you can save money in both summer and winter. Large deciduous trees are great additions to any home for this purpose. These trees have large leaves and create shade during the summer. They block the sun, and this reduces how much money is needed to cool the home. Vines growing on the house and shrubs near the home (protecting basement windows) only help further. Now, here is the great thing about deciduous trees: they lose their leaves in the fall. This means that as the leaves fall of during autumn, they let more sunlight in. This means that natural light and even some warmth from the sun will filter into your house during the winter, lowering heating costs. And the best part about these trees is that an eight foot tall deciduous tree costs about the same amount as a window awning for one large window. You can have the beauty of nature protect you and save you money in a way that an awning very could.

Another reason that landscape design with special attention to tree placement is a wise choice is the fact that they act as windbreaks. Without the wind whipping around the house, there is less energy used for heating. There is not even a need to place trees all around the house to achieve energy savings in windy areas. Simply plant trees on the windward side of the house. This will act as a barrier and can result in you spending a quarter less for your energy bill if you live in an area with high winds. In some areas, the savings increased to one third. Fences can also act as windbreaks, as do some other landscape elements.

The United States Department of Energy estimates that energy savings due to the proper placement of just three trees can be between $100 and $250 for the average household. This means that with a properly designed landscape your initial investment can be returned in less than eight years. If you are buying a home, it is a good idea to choose one with energy efficient landscaping. Then you can experience that savings, and still add other features to make the landscape your own.

Proper landscaping also results in other benefits that many people associate with types of conservation. You can reduce air and noise pollution around your home with landscape. Greenscape elements actually absorb sound, and so if you have plants around your house you can actually help block the sound of a nearby road. Additionally, plants are natural air cleaners. While they will not completely rid the air of harmful pollutants, they can create a little pocket of cleaner air around your home, and that can reduce costs due to respiratory illness.

Energy use related to caring for a landscape can also be reduced with a carefully planned out landscape. When you have features that reduce lawn space, you do not have to use as much water to keep it healthy. Additionally, if you set up an automatic sprinkler system, you can save money in electricity to run it and water used by sensibly setting the times for two or three times a week for fifteen minutes at each station.

Carlo Morelli is an author and contributer to OnlineTips.Org, where you can find info on Organic Landscaping.