The Quick and Easy Guide to Landscape Tools

 

Landscape tools are very important when it comes to landscaping projects. Landscaping projects can help improve the look of your yard considerably, but there is a good deal of work required.

Many tools available can help make these jobs easier, or in some cases, even possible. There are a few basic groups of tools that can help you perform a multitude of task. They are listed below.

• Group 1 is the shovel.
• Group 2 is the rake.
• Group 3 is the lopper, shear or pruner.
• Group 4 is the garden cart or wheel barrel.

The first tool group is the shovel, which is a flattened piece of metal attached to a handle. The main use for a shovel is to move material from place to place. There are many different variations of the shovel. The main types are the rounded or pointed tip shovel. This type digs into material well, and is perfect for digging holes in the ground. The second type is the flat shovel. This one has a wider surface area, and is perfect for scooping from rock or gravel piles. The last shovel is the narrow shovel. These are perfect for digging in tight quarters or for making small holes in the ground.

The second tool group is the rake. There are two main varieties. The bow rake is a thick and sturdy rake, and is used to move heavier items around, such as rocks. The second type is the leaf rake. This has long prongs that flex, pulling leaves along without damaging things under, such as grass.

The third tool group is the pruner, shear or lopper. These cut, trim and clip things to size. Small pruners cut through small, but tough, material. Long grass shears are used to trim materials such as tall grasses or shrubs. Loppers are powerful tools used to cut through thick and tough material such as tree limbs. 

The wheel barrel or garden cart is the fourth group of tools. Both of these items are used to transfer large amounts of heavy and/or bulky material around. Garden carts roll on two wheels, which reduce its maneuverability, but increase its stability. Wheel barrels are the opposite, balancing on one wheel and having better maneuverability and less stability.

If you plan to undertake any landscaping project, whether big or small, you will need some tools. The basic tool groups listed and explained above will give you the ability to perform many tasks outside, and successfully complete your project.

Giving A Lift For Dahlias And Begonias

 

October may provide brilliant color in the landscape but it also signals an end of another growing season. Let’s look at some of the things needed to be done in the landscape.

Dahlias can remain in the ground until after frost. Cut off the stems six inches above the ground and lift carefully, for the tubers are brittle and break off easily. Discard any that do. Place the clumps in flats, stem side down, and let them dry off before storing.

Just before storing cut off the fine roots and cut the stem back to within an inch or two of the crown. They are best stored in a cool place (about 40 degrees) but may be stored at a warmer temperature if covered with peatmoss or sand. Line the storage boxes with paper. A dusting of sulphur before storing will prevent rot. Be sure to tie labels to the clumps so you will know what is what next year.

Tuberous begonias are lifted after the foliage has yellowed, but don’t remove the foliage until it is dry. Remove the dried stems and clean off the dry soil. Store the tubers in flats in a warm place (50 to 60 degrees) and cover them with peatmoss. They need good circulation of air to prevent rot.

Cannas should be lifted after the first frost and stored in a cool place. To prevent shriveling cover them with dry peatmoss or sand. Many, however, no longer store canna roots over winter, preferring to buy live plants each spring.

Lift Gladiolus corms as the leaves begin to turn yellow. After lifting, cut the foliage to within three inches of the corms and then let them dry off in the sun if possible for a little while each day. When completely dry, dust them with an insecticide to prevent thrips injury. Store them uncovered in a cool place.

Ismenes (Peruvian daffodils) must be lifted very carefully to preserve the root system. So, dig deeply. Spread out the plants indoors to dry. Remove the tops but not the roots. Store them uncovered in a place where the temperature will not go below 50 degrees.

Montbretias may be left in the ground if given a heavy covering of leaves. If lifted they should be removed from the ground in clumps with the soil clinging to them. Don’t let the soil dry out.

Tuberose bulbs should be lifted in clumps and dried off for storage in a warm dry place. Divide into single bulbs during the winter or use a second year without dividing the clumps.

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In The Greenhouse

Repotting is one of the round-the-year jobs. When in doubt about the need for repotting, knock the plant like the watermelon peperomia out of the pot. If the ball is well covered with roots it is time for repotting. Don’t repot flowering plants that have flower buds forming. Soak new flower pots in a tub of water for at least a half hour before they are used.

Freesias that were potted and placed in the coldframe should now have several inches of growth. Bring them into a cool part of the greenhouse before frost. For better results give them a weekly feeding.

Watering.

Don’t just turn on the hose and water everything in sight. Water plants when they need it. When in doubt give the pot a sharp knock with the handle of your pocketknife and if the pot rings water is needed. A dull thud indicates the soil is still damp. Soil in benches that feels dry and somewhat crumbly needs a thorough soaking with the hose or watering pot.

Fall Decorating Ideas – 5 Classic Ways to Get Ready for Thanksgiving & Halloween

 

Looking for the perfect fall decorating ideas? Here are 5 terrific ideas that can’t miss when you are wondering what to do to make your home more festive for Halloween, Thanksgiving and the fall harvest time.

#1 – Pumpkins & cornstalks. The classic fall yard decoration is cornstalks and pumpkins and gourds. It is so easy to do. Visit your local nursery or farmer’s market. This time of year they are sure to have everything you need. Buy an inexpensive sheaf of cornstalks, a couple of large pumpkins and some colorful gourds or giant squash and you have all you need for the perfect fall yard display.

 #2 – Construction paper cut-outs. Don’t overlook your windows when it is time to dress up the house for fall. Some simple decorative cut outs taped in the windows is a festive site for anyone inside or out of the house. Grab some construction paper in fall colors (orange, black brown, yellow, gold & green). Now draw or trace some simple fall outlines on them like leaves, pumpkins, tractors, bats, cats, witches (and other Halloween shapes). Cut out the shapes and tape them in your front windows to show off your seasonal spirit.

#3 – Gourds, squash & straw. How about the perfect fall table centerpiece? At this time of year there are many small colorful gourds and squash that are just fun to look at. visit your local supermarket to pick up a small armful and get a handful of straw to put them on. This little display in the center of any fall holiday table adds visual interest and charm at very little cost.

#4 – Goblins & ghosts. The kids favorite fall holiday is of course Halloween. And what would a Halloween be without a few ghosts and goblins around? An old white sheet, some newspaper and twine is all you need for the ghost. Stuff the middle of the sheet with a ball of newspaper for the head and tie the twine to make the neck. Hang your ghost from the nearest tree limb and let him float in the breeze for that perfect ghostly effect.

Goblins are easy to make with some old cloths, shoes, hat and newspaper. Stuff the clothes with newspaper and put a basketball under the hat for a head. Sit him in an old chair or give him some backbone with some broom sticks and you have the perfect goblin to lurk around the shadows of your home and delight your trick-or-treaters.

#5 – A witch and her cauldron. Last but not least, why not invite your own personal witch to partake in the holiday festivities? All you need is an old black dress and hat from the costume shop, attic or local Salvation Army store. Stuff the dress with newspaper and broom sticks for support and cut out a cardboard face with a wicked grimace. Put her in a chair or prop her up in a dark corner of your front porch and watch the kids jump when they notice her.

The finishing touch is her steamy cauldron made from a tub or old pot and some dry ice. Place this at her feet with maybe a small paddle to stir her brew and the mysterious potion is ready for action. Just don’t let any of your kids fall in and become witch’s food!

And that’s all you need to dress up your house and yard for fall festivities. Halloween, Thanksgiving and all fall long your house will be the hit of the neighborhood and the local children will flock to your door on on candy night.