 |
Potted Plants That Repel Mosquitoes |
|
|
|
|
|
Summer is here and everyone is outside enjoying the lovely warm and sunny days. As you start to think about what to pot in your garden containers that surround your home, porch or patio we have a great idea. Did you ever think about potting plants that repel mosquitoes? Potted planters on your patio by the kitchen door or on the front porch. That way the next time you go outside to enjoy the warm summer days or cool summer nights you don't spend all your time batting away bugs.
By potting up plants that can control mosquitoes you can control the amount of poisons that are available to do that same job. What is really neat is that a lot of these plants do double duty, which means they are edible and can be used in cooking while still keeping mosquitoes at bay. Below are some of the best picks.
Basil - good for cooking and you can make your own repellent by drying the herb, then steeping a cup of dried basil in 1/2 cup water. Put in a spray bottle.
Catnip - Potted Catnip is perfect for giving your indoor cats a treat and works well by repelling mosquitoes. Move the pot indoors and outdoors as needed.
Citronella - We all know this one. Place in large garden planters around your patio table. It's got a lemony scent that is pleasant.
Garlic - Crush the bulbs up and mix with water. Spray other plants with it to help repel insects.
Geranium - Potted and placed around the porch or patio where you may want to relax and it will help to control mosquitoes and other insects.
Lavender - Who doesn't want potted lavender around the patio. The smell is heavenly and the insects don't like it. Perfect!
Lemon Balm - Smells a lot like citronella and works the same way.
Marygolds - These magical flowers help banish many types of bugs.
Peppermint - Delicious tasting (iced-t ) and great smelling, make good mosquito repellent.
Rosemary - No body cooks chicken now days without some rosemary. The fragrance is full bodied and the taste heavenly. Pot some up and place around the patio for insect repellent.
So hope you can use some of these wonderful ideas to keep mosquitoes away.
|
| [Read More] Cleaning Tips for Terra Cotta Pottery |
| [Read More] Double Duty Plants |
| mosquito repellents, plants that repel mosquitoes, mosquitoes plants repellents. |
By Arizona Pottery
Post Last Updated: 8/24/2023 1:24:18 PM |
|
|
|
|
Fairy Garden 101 |
|
|
|
|
|
Now that summer is here and you keep trying to come up with ideas on how to keep the kids busy, we have a simple craft idea that may help. Creating a fairy garden in a flower pot or garden planter. It can be as simple or a complex as you desire and probably should be based on the kids age and your budget.
A potted fairy garden is such a playful and magical idea for any outdoor space or indoor area. They are imaginative and creative and can be complex and simple as you desire. The idea of a fairy garden in a pot is that you add little plants, flowers, & items like picket fences, houses, signs, rocks and pretty much anything you desire, to create a magical place where your home and garden fairies can come and bring good luck and blessing to your home.
Beachscapes, tea parties, water fairy gardens and so many other ideas you can incorporate to create a theme with. The first step is to come up with your theme. Then assemble the pieces you wish to incorporate into the potted fairy garden. Always have more than you think you will need. You want the garden to be filled not sparse and having left over items is much easier than the opposite.
Start by selecting container. Is this going to be on the ground or on a table as possible a centerpiece? A low garden bowl makes a wonderful table top fairy garden. It is easy to move, doesn't take up much space and can be viewed over for dinner time conversations. A large garden planter sitting on the patio works where you can plant a pygmy palm at the back so it provides a umbrella awning for all the small fairy home and items. A large tray will work good.
If you are using live plants versus silk or plastic you will need a container with holes for drainage. Next assemble your items. Pine cones, shells, marbles, glass rocks, mini rocks, mini terracotta flowerpots, tiny birdhouse, garden bench, wading pools or birds & rabbits. You can find unlimited items at most craft stores. Stay with your theme and build from there.
Fill the container with potting soil. Next start with the large items and place them first. A church, home, birdhouse etc. Then start to build from there. Add live plants where they can grow freely and not cover your tiny items. Usually around the edges of the garden container works best. Get the kids involved in placing the smaller items. This is the time to add the fun stuff that will make your potted fairy garden magical. String of mini twinkle lights, picket fence.
So we hope this give you some motivation and ideas for collecting your little ones and doing this fun potted fairy garden project. Share your photos with us and let us know how you did. Have Fun!
|
| [Read More] Ornamental Grasses In Garden Pottery |
| [Read More] Tips For Creating A Fairy Garden |
| fairy garden, potted fairy garden, fairy garden in pots, pots of fairy gardens. |
By Arizona Pottery
Post Last Updated: 8/24/2023 1:25:20 PM |
|
|
|
|
Roses in Garden Containers |
|
|
|
|
|
Let's say you have limited growing space. Maybe you live in an apartment or condo and you have always wanted to grow beautiful smelling roses. You have never had the yard or garden area to grow them and wish you could. Well, potted rose bushes are easy to do and once and for all you will have your mini sweet smelling rose garden.
Roses are very diverse with many varieties. Many of them can withstand cold temps as well and warmer temps. When purchasing your rose bushes to pot read the tags or talk with the local nursery to find the ones that are best for you area. A favorite for potting is miniature roses. They are easy to grow and are perfect for small rectangle garden planters on a terrace or balcony. They usually don't grow more than 18" high so they will work everywhere.
If you tend to lean toward the exotic, they are hybrid teas that pot up nicely. They have long, straight, sturdy stems and look lovely when planted in a colorful garden planter or pot. These rose are popular because of their large blooms. If you prefer a more bushy rose bush then we recommend Patio roses. They are compact and really like to be potted in your garden container.
When selecting a garden container try to go a bit bigger than you thought. Some roses need deep planters because they have a hardy root system. The mini varieties not so much. When selecting the container make sure there is some room to grow so that you don't have to re-pot in one season. Make sure it has a drain hole. You do not want these roots to sit in water. If they do they will rot. You need well draining potting soil specifically for roses if you can find it. If you buy the rose bare root, pre-soak them for a couple of hours in a bucket of water to loosen them up and make them adaptable.
See how easy that is! Now you can select some beautiful garden containers and planters in colors and styles that you adore. Fill them with the type or roses you desire and create that rose garden you have always wanted.
|
| [Read More] All Around Garden Pottery Tips |
| [Read More] Playful & Simple Pot Tips |
| potted roses, roses in garden pottery, container roses, patio roses
|
By Arizona Pottery
Post Last Updated: 8/24/2023 1:26:04 PM |
|
|
|
|
Get Rid Of MealyBugs |
|
|
|
|
|
No body like bugs on their potted houseplants. There are different kinds that are attracted to indoor and outdoor potted plants. In this post we are talking about the little white ones called mealybugs.
Mealybugs are one of the most common pests that can infect your potted plants and flowers. If you are growing them indoors or out you have probably seen them before. They look like tiny little sesame seeds and they like to hang out in the cracks of your plants. A favorite spot is where the leaves met the stem. You could see a white web looking net that is a trait also. If not treated right away you will eventually have an issue with all of your planted house plants. These things spread.
While there are many products on the market that will kill them we recommend trying a q-tip soaked in alcohol. When and if you first see them on your potted succulents or plants, move fast to quarantine the infected plant. Dab the leaves and bugs with the q-tip and wipe off the webs. Once treatment should do the job but keep the potted plant in a separate place until you are sure. It really depends on how bad the infestation really is.
Now you are probably asking if the alcohol hurts the plants and the answer is NO. It doesn't burn the leaves or damage the plant in any way. Now if you want to error on the side of caution just dab in a small area first to see how it affects the plant. It will not stop the bugs but can still be a good pretest. We have heard of other ways to remove them but with experience we have found this to be the best.
Good Luck!
|
| [Read More] Organic Gardens and Global Warming. |
| [Read More] A Few Helpful Tips. |
| mealybug in plants, potted mealybugs, |
By Arizona Pottery
Post Last Updated: 8/24/2023 1:27:03 PM |
|
|
|
|
Tips For Growing Potted Succulents |
|
|
|
|
|
Everyone is into succulents right now. With there unusual shapes, colors & styles you have such a wide range to pick from that everyone can find what they are looking for. Potting them up and placing them around the home is very popular. Whether indoors or out, these potted plants can turn a OK patio into a patio with pizazz!
Tip 1: You must be prepared to experiment. Some varieties do better than others depending on where you live. If you take the time and invest a bit you will have a greater possibility of success. Even those most potted succulents have the same basic needs you still have to consider the items that make your succulent plants success unique.Like what type of garden container you will use, potting mix brand, and how much light is available.
Tip 2: We always recommend terra cotta garden planters because the clay breathes which makes the root system of the succulents healthier. Terra cotta is a natural product and even though it is not the most decorative it adds a natural looking beauty to any plants or succulents that are potted in them. However, if you live in a dry environment it means you will have to water more often. Make sure what ever container you select, it has a drain hole.
Tip 3: Use a potting mix that is made for succulents. Never use soil directly from the ground. This is true for all potted plants not just succulents. If you have soil already then add some pumice to it before potting. It retains water and yet dries out quickly. Potted succulents are drought tolerant so you can be a bit abusive to them but if they are drying out in one day you may want to add more organic soil to the mix.
Tip 4: Lastly, you may realize that you will not have 100% success. This is normal and should not discourage you. Like we said in Tip 1 you must be up for experimentation or you could be disappointed.
|
| [Read More] What Pots Are Made Out Of!
|
| [Read More] Grow Beets In A Garden Planter
|
| potted succulents, succulent tips, pot succulent, tips for succulents.
|
By Arizona Pottery
Post Last Updated: 8/24/2023 1:28:34 PM |
|
|
|
|
Grow A Tree In A Pot |
|
|
|
|
|
You might think the idea of growing a tree in a garden planter is overwhelming. Where do you start, how does this work? All good questions that are easily answered. Growing a tree in a garden pot is not as difficult as it sounds. Container trees are an easy way to add size, and color to your garden area, patio or porch. Don't have a lot of room at your home or living in an apartment and want something besides the flowers you find at a local nursery center, then a potted tree is the solution for you.
Of course the most important place to start is selecting the garden planter. Any planter no matter what it is made from must have a drain hole. Fill the base with pot filler so that the drain hole remains open and doesn't become clogged with soil. We recommend a light container since the tree itself will add the weight needed to keep it from blowing down. The lighter weight containers will make it possible to move it around if necessary.
Make sure the planter is twice the volume of the tree's roots. Plant it at the same depth as the nursery pot it was growing in. Use a good potting mix made for trees. When it comes to watering, fertilizing and care of the tree refer to the tag that comes with tree from the nursery.
We recommend a few types of trees. They maybe dwarf varieties or just ones that don't mind being potted and tend to do pretty well.
Japanese Maple - Because of their slow growth rate these do well in containers. With a smaller root system you can limit the size of the planter needed. Just don't place the pot in direct sunlight or they will burn.
Dwarf Fig - These are adorable and if you and if you want it to produce fruit get a self-fertile one. They like the light so place that pot where it will get 7 hrs of full sunlight. Yellow leaves mean to much sun not over watering.
Olive Tree - These types of trees love pots and lots of sun. They have a long life so make sure you place the planter in a spot you really like. Once it grows you won't want to have to move it. If you live in cold then bring it indoors or at least the garage for protections.
Bay Tree - These are really pretty with bright flowers, berries and lush leaves. They make great topiary trees and love being potted. Lets the pots soil dry out a bit between waterings.
So, find a large pot that you truly love, take a trip to the nursery and get a nice healthy potted tree and come home and create a look you thought you could never have.
|
| [Read More] The Best Shrubs That Bloom All Year |
| [Read More] Potting Olive Trees |
| potted trees, trees that are potted, pots of trees, pot up a tree, planters
|
By Arizona Pottery
Post Last Updated: 8/24/2023 1:29:59 PM |
|
|
|
|
Potted Madagascar Dragon Tree |
|
|
|
|
|
With it's long name and unusual look the Madagascar Dragon Tree is super easy to care for, uses little light and water and can take a bit of abuse. We would love you to pot one up and see how happy it will make you.
The Madagascar Dragon Tree looks like a palm tree. With it's long narrow leaves that look spiky it looks just like a palm and with the dark green and purple edges it looks lovely and colorful. These potted trees can grow up to 18" in length along a woody cane base, and they can grow to a average height of 8 feet.
When selecting a pot for planting, remember that they do well when root bound. This means you still want to select a planter that meets your decorating needs along with a size that gives your plant some room to grow. Just remember that you are in no rush to re-pot it once it becomes root bound.
Dragon trees like partial shade. Place the pot by a window but if it starts to get a burned look to the leaves it is getting too much light. If the leaves start to fade in color you are not getting enough light.
Water randomly. Once dry water it good about 1/2" inch of the pot. Let it dry out again before watering. They don't like cold temps or hot above 80 degree tempts so watch that if possible.
If potting this tree and placing indoors they will tolerate most indoor temps and humidity. Misting once in a bit will help. Nothing special is needed for soil care. Just use a well draining potting soil. Make sure your planter has drain holes and add rocks to the bottom of the pot for better drainage.
As we said earlier these are easy and beautiful plants to pot up. Give it a go and let us know how you did.
|
| [Read More] Playful & Simple Garden Tips
|
| [Read More] Repotting and Potting a Plant
|
| potted trees, madasagar palm tree, pot trees, trees for pots, planters
|
By Arizona Pottery
Post Last Updated: 8/24/2023 1:31:10 PM |
|
|
|
|
Faux Shrubs In Garden Planters |
|
|
|
|
There are a few times when trying to take a short cut when planting around the house works pretty good. This time we are talking about the new choices you see every where of fake or faux silk or plastic garden shrubs. Now we aren't recommending you re-plant your whole yard or landscape. What we are suggesting is that you give them a try and below are the reasons why.
In years gone by we use to see really bad charlie brown plastic shrubs and plants for your garden planters. We even went thru a pretty ugly stage of plastic fruit. With today's new manufacturers the plastic and silk industry has stepped up and create some pretty life like plants. You can now find them in all sizes and shapes at most home and garden centers. They are found in plastic pots that are unsightly. So we want to re=pot them to give them a realistic look and elegant feel.
Since you will be using silks or plastics you can use pretty much any type of garden container you choose. From bold bright colorful glazed planters to earthy terra cotta and clay flower pots, you get to choose. If you live in an apt or condo we recommend trying a light weight poly resin planter to help with weight. Since the tree is light weight the dirt will be the only part that has some weight to it.
Why do you want dirt if the shrub is silk? Well we recommend that you surround the faux shrub with real flowers or trailing vines like ivy or vinica. The real plants offset the plastic making your garden planters look natural and lovely. No body will really know unless they walk up and touch them.
Fill the bottom of the flowerpot up with potting soil and then sit the faux bush inside. Surround the bush with more soil and then add the real plants and vines. Easy and perfect!
Anderson + Grant
|
| [Read More] Welcome guest properly to your home.
|
| [Read More] Tips that help potted planters.
|
| fake shrubs potted around the house. fake potted shrubs, tips for using faux shrubs, potted planters gardening |
By Arizona Pottery
Post Last Updated: 8/24/2023 1:32:04 PM |
|
|
|
|
Oreo Dirt Cake In A Flowerpot |
|
|
|
|
We have all seen these cakes in a flowerpot for parties, brunches, showers, wedding or any special occasion but we wanted to add a few fun tips to help recreate these. Watch your guest light up when they see this creations in a clay garden pot. They think they are real and don't know they can really eat it. Once you tell them the fun begins.
You can use one large flowerpot like the recipe below you break the pudding & cookies up into individual small clay flowerpots. Both work great.
Serves 12
Have a clean new terra cotta clay garden pot 8" x 10"
Cover the drain hole in the bottom of the flower pot with wax paper circle so the pudding doesn't drain out. Or place a whole oreo cookie over the hole as shown.
In a food processor crush cookies till fine. set aside. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and sugar till smooth. In another bowl, mix pudding and milk till blended. Fold into cream cheese mix. Fold in the whipped topping.
Start by alternating layers of cookie crumbs and pudding mix. End with cookie crumbs on top so that it looks like dirt. Chill the cake pots for several hours or overnight.
Now is the time to decorate. Use silk flowers, rock candy and gummy worms. You can cut a straw off and insert into the pudding first, then stick the silk flowers into the straws. They are stiffer and hold up better. Have fun with decorating. We have seen all kinds of fun ideas.
1 -15 1/2 oz pkg Oreo cookies
1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese
4 T butter softened
1 C confectioners sugar
2 - 3.4 oz pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
3 1/2 C cold milk
1 - 12oz carton frozen whipped topping thawed
|
| [Read More] All Around Garden Pottery Tips |
| [Read More] Thrillers, Spillers, Fillers |
| dirt cake flowerpots, clay garden pots used for food, cake in a pot.
|
By Arizona Pottery
Post Last Updated: 8/24/2023 1:32:50 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
