Squirrels digging in your flowerpots?

Come on who doesn’t think squirrels are cute?  When you went out of the porch to water your flowerpots you noticed some digging in the potting mix or a few nibbles off the leaves is taking place.  Well, we don’t believe in harming animals when there are perfectly natural ways to keep them away. It just takes a few simple steps for you to achieve results.

Many animals don’t like the scent of different types of herbs & spices.  So, let’s start there.  Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the plants and the scent will keep them away.  Sprinkling ground herbs around living plants are used a lot and will not harm the plants at all.  Paprika or Red Pepper Flakes work also.  Of course, after a bit of time more will need to be added but if it works, then why not!

If you have thought a time or two about potting some herbs try mixing your garden planters with potted flowers and herbs.  Mix Mint in with other plants and the scent will keep squirrels away.  This not only looks beautiful but if you like the smell of mint having a bit in your garden containers will only add to your enjoyment.

If the digging is getting out of hand, try laying a layer of mulch, hay, toys, nuts in the shell, seashells, colored rocks or marbles on the top of the potting mix.  The squirrels won’t want to touch them and dig around them to get to the roots of the plant and will move on to an easier next victim.  This can also be fun and give your flowerpots a finish almost decorative look.

Winter and Garden Pottery

Not everyone lives in the same type of climate.  Like us here in Arizona have pretty mild Winters. It does get cold but the sky is mostly blue, clear and sunny.  Back on the East Coast, we know that is not the case. Well, where you live can dictate what types of garden planters you choose to grow in and decorate with.

If you are one of the lucky ones that can move large or small containers into a garage or potting shed there are a few steps you need to follow.   Start by removing all plant materials and potting soil.  Now is a great time to compost but whether you do or not doesn’t make a difference. The pots need to be cleaned out!

Start by scrubbing the outside and inside with a soft brush and 10 parts water to 1- part bleach.  Let them dry completely.  Then move them for added protection.  It is not always possible to move extra large pots, so follow these instructions instead.  Clean them out if possible and lift them up off the ground with pot feet or wood boards.  This keeps them from freezing and cracking.

For large pots with plants that are not seasonal, you will need to lay a layer of mulch across the top. This creates a layer between the cold freezing weather and the potting soil, where the plant's roots live.  It also helps if you can wrap the planter with burlap or bubble wrap. This also creates a barrier of protection between the cold and the fragile planter.

Pots and garden containers can be expensive.  Unless you don’t mind replacing your pottery on a regular basis it’s best to provide any protection you can so that the pots will last and last for many years.

Terracotta is meant to retain moisture so these are the most likely to crack.  You need to keep them covered with a plastic bag so water doesn’t seep into the clay. If it does and the weather freezes then these types of garden containers will crack.  Materials that do well in Winter are concrete, sandstone, frost proof glazed planters or fiberglass and polyresin.  These materials are meant to repel water.  But, as a caution remember if a glazed pot cracks or chips, water will find it and seep in. Then it’s just a matter of time before the pot will break down.

So, hopefully, this information is helpful.  Take care, be wise and you will help your home and garden containers last for many years!

There are so many unusual plants out there that will make unusual Valentine’s Day gifts so we thought we would list a few.

* Bundle of Love Rose Plant
* Sweet Heart Bamboo
* Classing Budding Rose
* Hoya Heart
* Heart Ferns
* Lavish Lavender Rose
* Anthuriums

Most of these plants listed can be potted in bold bright red containers or precious pure white planters and make an easy and loving gift for those special folk in your life.  We recommend that you visit your local garden center or nursery and purchase the plants first.  Then figure out what size of decorative pot you will be able to drop the grow pot into. This way you won’t have to re-pot the plant just drop it inside the lovely garden container.  Then add a bow and bam! The perfect personalized and jazzed up Valentine’s Day gift.

We love Hoya heart succulent.  It is small and perfectly formed to love like a heart.  Right now, succulents are so popular that everyone, boy or girl, young or old will love these.   Since they are usually pretty small you won’t need a very big container which saves on space and money.

Heart Ferns are dwarf plants with waxy glossy heart-shaped leaves on think black stems.  If you don’t want to place it in a terrarium them place the pot in a steamy bathroom because these types of potted houseplants really need humidity.

Who doesn’t like Anthuriums – they look just like hearts and come in bold reds and soft whites.  Each heart-shaped flower is elegant and fancy.  You can’t put this into any plain old terracotta flowerpot. No way, these need to be in a glossy high shine container with lots of bright colors and simple elegant lines.

Don’t let Valentines’ Day come and go with a mediocre attempt at something overpriced and awful.  Search out these plants, purchase a nice garden pot and give a gift of beauty and love that someone will truly appreciate.