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7 Great Flower Shops near Louisville, KY

CC flickr photo courtesy of Beverly & Pack

Do you need a local flower shop for a special occasion in Louisville, Kentucky or the Jefferson County, Indiana area? Here are seven of the best flower shops we found for your convenience.

We based our research the top flower shops that customers have highly rated in customer service, products, pricing and the over-all buying experience. This saves you time and gives you an opportunity to quickly sort through a variety of top local flower shops in your area.

Below you will find links to each florist. Most of these flower shops are set up where you can order online. And, we have given a description of each flower shop so you can get an idea of the flower services they provide.

Our Picks: Best Local Flower Shops near Louisville, Kentucky

Nanz & Kraft Florists
4980 US Highway 42
Louisville, KY 40222
1-800-897-6551

Family owned and operated, the original store was opened for business in 1850. You can order an arrangement by favorite color, and the floral designers will create a one-of-a-kind array. This traditional floral shop also offers bouquets, tropical designs, roses and a full assortment of seasonal arrangements.

Hedman’s Suburban Florist
10014 3rd Street Road
Louisville, KY 40272
800-928-5725

Hedman’s Suburban Florist is family owned and operated. This local florist can supply all of your floral needs. Their designers are gifted at arranging casket sprays and funeral wreaths. Their professional staff can create arrangements for any personal occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, thank you and more. They carry plants and gifts, as well.

Flower Shoppe of Louisville
2040 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
1-877-334-5459

The Flower Shoppe of Louisville has been family owned and operated for three generations. The floral designers are able to listen to what you want and need, then design an original and unique creation. For birthdays, they can deliver roses in the color of your choice or a happy arrangement in the hues of the season. They also offer a large selection of plants and gift baskets.

Nance Floral Shoppe, Inc.
624 E Spring Street
New Albany, IN 47150
812-945-5225

Nance Floral Shoppe is family owned and operated and has been serving the New Albany area since 1919 with three locations in the Floyd-Clark County area. Their wedding specialists will schedule a personal appointment with you can discuss ways to make the bridal flowers and arrangements memorable. From a simple wedding to a grand affair, their designers will listen to your ideas and create everything from bridal bouquets to centerpieces.

Broadway Florist Inc.
224 W Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
502-583-2846

Family owned and operated, Broadway Florist has been in the same location for over 35 years in downtown Louisville. They offer traditional floral services from weddings to funeral sprays and flower crosses. If you need an arrangement for a birthday, anniversary, thank you or congratulations, their staff can create an artistic arrangement in flowers of your choice. In addition to flowers, they carry balloons and plants and offer great prices.

A Touch of Elegance Florist
12123 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
502-254-7673

Touch of Elegance Florists offers customer service in French, Spanish, and English. They keep a good inventory of fresh cut flowers and are able to quickly serve the last-minute requests. Designers use the season’s most distinctive colors and hues to create arrangements for love and romance, anniversaries, holidays, thank you and new baby arrivals. They specialize in contemporary and traditional floral arrangements and carry other gifts ranging from candles to fruit baskets.

Iroquois Florist & Gifts
7311 Saint Andrews Church Road
Louisville, KY 40214
1-800-636-2255

Iroquois Florist & Gifts is a traditional full-service floral shop with two locations in the Louisville area. Their designers can create sentimental, contemporary or high style arrangements for all personal occasions including weddings and funerals. In addition to a large inventory of cut flowers and tropical, they have blooming and green floor plants for gift giving. They also can provide silk and dried floral arrangements.

Have you found a local flower shop in the Louisville, Kentucky area you like better? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

Good Ways to Grow Daylilies

CC flickr photo by rkramer62

Daylilies originated in Asia, but have become so widely grown in the U.S., that in some places they are considered a weed. Indeed, like most weeds, they tolerate poor soils, drought conditions, blazing heat and frigid winters successfully. But before you compare them to the likes of dandelions and crabgrass, consider their many fine attributes.

Daylilies have a lovely, mounded form and green strap-like foliage that looks attractive even when the plants aren’t in bloom. Their flowers stand on tall stalks above the foliage and come in brilliant shades of orange, red, coral, yellow, and occasionally even more exotic shades, such as purple, white and fuchsia. Here are some ideas that go beyond the traditional planting bed and will help you to really showcase your daylilies.

Ideas for Growing Daylilies

Here are some ideas that go beyond the traditional planting bed and will help you to really showcase your daylilies.

Dramatic Color Effects:
Plant daylilies in a location that will complement and emphasize their colors. For example, daylilies with yellow or cream flowers contrast nicely against a dark house, fence or evergreens. For the opposite effect, plant daylilies with dark flowers against a light house or fence. Select plants whose foliage and flowers complement daylilies, as well. For example, blue iris, purple butterfly bush or lavender are a vivid contrast to yellow or orange daylilies.

Daylilies for Accent:
Planted as a group, daylilies provide an attractive accent or focal point. Plant a clump of them near an entrance or steps, perhaps with an ornamental grass. Their foliage spills attractively over the edges of beds onto paths and sidewalks, softening hard lines in a front yard. Try one or two daylilies in a large planter, surrounded by petunias and trailing licorice plant.

Mirrored in Water:
Consider planting daylilies next to a pond or water feature. Although daylilies won’t tolerate very soggy soil, they’ll grow well in most applications, and their brilliant flowers and gently waving foliage looks lovely mirrored in water. Pair daylilies with iris, grasses and calla lilies. Calla lilies are not winter hardy, but the bulbs can be dug up and stored indoors.

Spotlighted at Night:
Most daylilies produce flowers that bloom for one day and then close. However, the flowers of several varieties stay open most of the night. Plant daylilies along driveways, in planters or on patios where outdoor lighting will shine on them and accentuate their foliage and blooms.

On Banks:
Daylilies are a good choice for steep slopes and banks where grass doesn’t grow well, or is difficult to mow. In fact, they are often found growing wild along roadsides and creek banks. Not only do daylilies make an attractive, low-maintenance ground cover for these areas, but their roots form a dense mat that prevents soil erosion.

Problem Spots:
Choose daylilies to fill those tricky problem spots in your yard, such as the space between the walkway and the house or between a driveway and a fence. Narrow spaces or areas that can’t be accessed by a lawn mower are ideal choices for daylilies. These tough plants crowd out weeds, spread quickly and rarely require supplemental watering.

Tips for Growing Daylilies

• Plant daylilies in full sun. Although they’ll grow in shade, they won’t bloom as prolifically.
• Provide well-drained, slightly moist soil for best growth.
• Divide daylilies every three to four years to improve their vigor and add to your collection.
• Mulch daylilies with 2 to 3 inches of wood chips to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.
• Plant several varieties that bloom at different times to extend the blooming season.

Want to learn more about ways to grow daylillies?

See these helpful resources:
Growing Daylilies from University of Minnesota Extension

Daylilies from Iowa State University Extension

5 Great Flower Shops near Hartford, CT

CC flickr photo by Kain Kalju

Do you need a local flower shop for a special occasion in the Hartford, West Hartford or East Hartford area? We are providing a list of five of the best flower shops we found for your convenience.

Our research is based on the top flower shops that customers have rated very high in courtesy, floral designs, pricing and the over-all buying experience. This saves you time and gives you an opportunity to quickly sort through a variety of top local flower shops in Hartford.

Below you will find links to each florist. Many of these flower shops are set up where you can order on line. And, we have given a description of each flower shop so you can get an idea of the flower services they provide and in some instances, how long they have been serving their specific area.

Our Picks: Best Local Flower Shops near Hartford, CT

Lane & Lenge Florists, Inc
214 Park Road
West Hartford, CT 06119
1-800-832-9554

Family owned and operated, Lane and Lenge Florists opened in 1912. They have been voted best florist by the Hartford Advocate readers’ polls ten years in a row. They specialize in large affairs such as weddings and bar mitzvahs. But, they can also design single arrangements for any personal occasion.

Gordon Bonetti Florist, Inc.
476 Franklin Avenue
Hartford, CT 06114
1-800-226-6388

Gordon Bonetti Florist is a traditional florist that maintains a large inventory of fresh cut flowers for that last minute need. Their designers can create custom bouquets for love and romance, birthdays, table center pieces, anniversaries and new babies. Their professional staff can even suggest appropriate selections for sending arrangements to men.

Paul Buettner Florist
1122 Burnside Avenue
East Hartford, CT 06108
1-800-528-9587

Paul Buettner Florist is family owned and operated and serves the East Hartford area. They specialize in weddings large and small. Their designers will meet with you and listen to your theme and ideas. Then they will create a custom array for bridal bouquets, floral cake decorations, wedding ceremony flowers and centerpieces.

The Flower District
39 New London Turnpike
108 Glastonbury, CT 06033
860-633-1965

The Flower District specializes in creating unique arrangements and settings for weddings, funerals, private dinner parties, society fundraisers, product launches and meetings. They can also design custom arrangements for personal occasions such as New Baby, Get Well Wishes, Congratulations and Birthdays.

The Avenue Florist
541 Franklin Avenue
Hartford, CT 06114
860-296-2001

The Avenue Florist is a traditional flower shop that maintains a large inventory of fresh cut flowers for any occasion. They also have a great selection of blooming and green plants, floor plants and dish gardens. Their designers can create arrangements for receptions, private dinner parties and holiday festivities.

Have you found a local flower shop in the Hartford, West Hartford or East Hartford area you like better? Leave us a comment and tell us about it.

How to Build a Hot Bed or Cold Frame

CC flickr photo by Positive Transitions

Vegetable gardening is addictive and once bitten, many gardeners look for ways to expand their gardening enterprises beyond the traditional growing season. Enter the hot bed or cold frame. Through these simple structures, gardeners are able to propagate vegetable plants from seed and even grow cool-season vegetables almost year-round.

Easy Hot Bed and Cold Frame Construction

Hot beds and cold frames are identical in construction; the only difference is that hot beds are heated and cold frames are not. Hot beds are generally used to start seeds. Cold frames protect young plants and harden them off until they can be transferred to a vegetable garden. Both hot beds and cold frames are simply a sloped frame that is deeper at the back than the front. To make a basic hot bed/cold frame, you’ll need:

• Materials for the frame, such as rot-resistant lumber, bricks or masonry block.
• Glass, plexiglass or polyethylene plastic film in 4 to 6 ml weight. An old window sash can also be used.
• Drainage materials, including coarse gravel and sand.
• A heat source (for hot beds) — typically electric heating cables — although manure or light bulbs have also been used
• Potting soil or a pasteurized garden soil

Location of Hot Bed or Cold Frame

First, decide where to place the structure. Choose a site that receives southern or western exposure, plenty of sunshine, and protection from the wind. The site must also be near a water source (and an electrical outlet if you’re using electric heat). Decide how large you want it, based on your ambitions, available space and budget. Most home gardeners find that a bed 3 feet wide by 6 feet long is ideal. If you make the bed too wide, it is difficult to access the plants. It is generally 18 inches tall in the back, sloping to 12 inches tall in the front.

Thermostat Controls for Hot Beds

Electric heating cables are the simplest solution. Most systems come with a thermostat to control the heat. To germinate seeds, set the thermostat at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Once seeds emerge, set the thermostat based on the needs of the plants. Cables also come in different wattages. In cold climates, you’ll need to space your cables to provide at least 12 watts per square foot.

Seal Out Weather for Hot Beds and Cold Frames

Glass or plexiglass panels are more expensive to install, but are long-lasting and provide the best insulation from harsh winter weather. Install them with a latch and a system to prop them open for ventilation. Plastic films are inexpensive and can be simply installed, but lose heat rapidly and must be replaced yearly. Use staples to hold plastic films securely in place.

Tips for Using Hot Beds

• Set the thermostat at 65 degrees in the winter to grow cool season greens and root vegetables. Raise the temperature to 75 degrees when germinating seeds. To convert the hot bed to a cold frame, simply turn off the heat.
• Don’t sow seeds too early. Although the hot bed will keep them toasty warm, they should be transplanted when they are 3 to 4 inches high. If you plant seeds too early, they’ll become tall and leggy before the garden soil warms enough to transplant them. Six to eight weeks before the last expected frost is usually a good time to start seeds.
• Sow seeds in rows and label the rows with the type of plant. Sowing in rows keeps the plants neat and simplifies transplanting.
• Water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Seeds will not germinate if the soil dries out; they may rot if the soil is too wet.

Want to learn more about building a hot bed and cold frame?

Building and Using Hotbeds and Coldframes from University of Missouri Extension
Cold Frames & Hotbeds from Cornell University Cooperative Extension

7 Great Flower Shops in Charlotte and Gastonia, NC and Rock Hill, SC

CC flickr photo courtesy of cnishiyama

Looking for a good flower shop in Charlotte or Gastonia, NC or Rock Hill, SC?

We realize finding a good florist can be a challenge, so we did some research for you. We came up with a list of our picks for the 7 best local flower shops in Charlotte area and chose what we think is the best of the best. Our research was based on customer reviews for great service and fresh quality flowers.

See below for a brief overview on why we think these local flower shops are great. And, check out the websites for online portfolios and an idea of what these fabulous florists offer. Most have online ordering.

Our Picks: Best Local Flower Shops in Charlotte, NC

Flowers Plus
301 S. Tryon St. #50
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 342-4529
(800) 824-9620

Flowers Plus has been one of the main independent florists in downtown Charlotte since it opened its doors in 1987. This friendly shop specializes in flower delivery for any occasion, plus weddings, events, and corporate accounts. Only the highest quality flowers are used and the arrangements are true artistry.

Nectar
940 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 905-9808

A love of flowers and a taste of art—these are the guiding principals behind Nectar, a boutique flower shop located in the historic McGill Rose Garden in Charlotte. Walk in the shop and treat yourself to a quality bouquet or stem, or schedule an appointment with the design staff for a wedding or other event. Whatever you take from Nectar, it is guaranteed to be magical.

The Blossom Shop
2242 Park Road
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 376-3526
617 Providence Road
(704) 372-4447
The Shops at Founder’s Hall in the Bank of America Center
(704) 373-1090

The Blossom Shop has three locations in Charlotte from which they offer a full range of floral services, first and foremost of which is wedding and event planning. The staff uses only the finest flowers shipped in from all over the world, and the designs are incredible. Deliveries are available, too, if you want to send a bouquet to someone special.

Carolyn Shepard Design Group
2401 Euclid Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28203-5614
(704) 523-5237

Carolyn Shepard is one of Charlotte’s premier wedding florists, with featured mentions on HGTV, the DIY Network and the Food Network and countless bride’s magazines. These designers work hard to take your ideas and transform them into an unforgettable occasion. They also try to accommodate any budget, large or small.

Party Blooms
(704) 957-0884

Party Blooms is the preferred choice for Charlotte area brides who are working with less of a budget. Their basic wedding package starts at only $300 and that includes a bridal bouquet, 2 bridesmaid’s bouquets, 5 boutonnieres and 2 corsages. Party Blooms also services corporate events and smaller party gatherings at a discount.

Our Picks: Best Local Flower Shops in Gastonia, NC

Fine & Fancy Flowers Inc.
1204 S. York St.
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 867-6369

Located in the historical Brookwood section of Gastonia, Fine & Fancy Flowers, Inc. has become one of the leading full service flower shops in the area after 35 years in business. This shop has quality arrangements and delivery throughout the area. Fine & Fancy also carries an assortment of local North Carolina wines, including those from the Biltmore Estate.

Our Picks: Best Local Flower Shops in Rock Hill, SC

Plant Peddler Flower Shoppe
261 North Anderson Road
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803) 366-4115
(800) 322-5861

In business since 1980, this Rock Hill staple has a large showroom just blooming with flowers, plants and gifts for any occasion. Browse the showroom or order a bouquet online. Plant Peddler also offers arrangements for weddings and other occasions. Winner of the prestigious “Buzzies” award for Best Florist for three straight years.

Have you found a local flower shop you like better in the Charlotte, NC area? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

How to Plan for Planting Tulips

CC flickr photo courtesy of The Glass Beehive*

Tulips are the jewels of the early spring landscape, providing a welcome jolt of bright color. Tulips are hardy spring-blooming bulbs similar to daffodils that come back for several years if given proper care. Although they can be naturalized or scattered at will, a basic plan will create a more cohesive look that makes the most of your tulip investment.

The Right Location for Planting Tulips

Tulips look charming in masses along a fence or planted under deciduous trees and shrubs in a formal bed. Tulips need full sun, but deciduous trees don’t usually leaf out until after the tulips have bloomed, so they’ll receive all the sun they need. Deer love tulips, so plant them in an enclosed area if these uninvited guests frequent your yard.

Plant tulips in masses, or with a collection of other spring flowers, such as pansies, daffodils, poppies and grape hyacinths. Tulips have strap-like foliage that is rather unattractive and drab once the tulips have bloomed. Plant tulips with perennials that will hide the foliage later in the spring. Good choices include daylilies, catmint, wild geranium or lavender.

Planting Tulip Bulbs

Tulips are planted from bulbs in the fall, typically three to four weeks before the first frost. The goal is to plant them after the heat of summer is over, but soon enough that they develop an adequate root system before the ground freezes.

When choosing tulip bulbs, buy them in bulk if possible, so you can sort through the bulbs yourself for the best selection. High-quality bulbs are firm, solid and heavy for their size. Avoid bulbs with dark or soft spots, which may indicate rot.

Because a tulip bed will last for many years, it’s important to prepare the ground thoroughly. Spread the soil with 2 to 3 inches of compost and till it to a depth of 8 inches. A handful of high phosphorus fertilizer dug into the soil aids root formation. Plant bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep, with the scraggly end facing downward. Keep the soil slightly moist after planting the bulbs and water occasionally during the winter if conditions are dry. Moist soil in the spring and an application of bulb fertilizer will get the flowers off to a good start.

Mice and voles may burrow under the soil during the winter and nibble on your tulips. If tulips don’t emerge in the spring, dig them up and investigate. Rodents are often to blame. This problem can be solved by placing the bulbs in metal bulb cages prior to planting. The leaves and flowers emerge through the holes in the wire cages, but rodents can’t reach the bulbs.

Planning Tulip Colors

The colors and layout you select for your tulips will influence the overall feel of your garden. A profusion of bright red tulips is a traditional look, suitable for a variety of garden styles, while a cacophony of colors works better in a casual cottage garden.

Lay tulip bulbs out in a pattern or trail of colors. For example, cluster red and coral tulips for a simple, unified look or plant a colorful path of tulips near a front entryway. Tulips come in many sizes and shapes, which can also influence how the bed will look. Plant shorter tulips in the front of the bed; taller tulips at the back.

Want to learn more about how to plan for planting tulips?

Check out these helpful websites:
Tulips from Colorado State University Extension
Bulbs and More from University of Illinois Extension

7 Great Flower Shops in Columbus, Ohio

CC flickr photo courtesy of Gnist'd

Looking for a good florist in Columbus, Ohio?

We realize finding a reliable flower shop can be tough, so we did some research for you and came up with a list of the 7 best flower shops in Columbus, Ohio. We’ve chosen what we think is the best of the best, based on customer service and fresh quality flowers. Our research was based on customer feedback and customer review websites.

Below is the contact information for each local flower shop. See the websites for online galleries and to get an idea of what these shops offer. Most have online ordering and some have flower specialties.

Our Picks: Best Local Flower Shops in Columbus, Ohio

1. Market Blooms
In the North Market
59 Spruce St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 228-7760
(877) 228-7760

Situated in the North Market, a historic brick building in the heart of downtown Columbus, Market Blooms is reminiscent of an old fashioned flower market. Fresh blooms are put out daily and the display is so spectacular. Stop by and select an arrangement yourself, or have one of the designers put something together using your guidelines and ideas. Delivery throughout the greater Columbus area.

2. Bloomtastic
2136 Arlington Ave.
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
(614) 538-1010

Bloomtastic imports the freshest and highest quality flowers from all over the world, from tulips in Holland to premium roses from the Andes. Fresh flowers, creative designs and attentive customer service are the formula that’s been keeping this business hopping since 1996. Flower deliveries throughout the greater Columbus area, along with weddings and events.

3. Hilltop Florist
201 N. Wilson Rd.
Columbus, OH 43204
(614) 272-1234

Generations of Columbus families have used Hilltop Florist for all their floral needs since this neighborhood flower shop opened in 1942. Order a pre-made flower arrangement for a birthday or other occasion or let the three designers on staff create something for you. Same day delivery is available most days, provided you get your order in by noon.

4. Designs by Doe Floral Studio
1110 Michigan Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 795-9826

Designs by Doe strives to give you something you can’t find anywhere else, such as their beautiful multicolored Rainbow Roses, along with excellent customer service and timely deliveries. While this florist does weddings and events, everyday floral arrangements are a specialty. Same day delivery is an excellent option, and, if you order online, all deliveries are free.

5. DeSantis Florists Inc.
865 Desantis Ct.
Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 451-4414
(800) 452-9110

DeSantis Florists has been family owned and operated since 1927, so it’s only natural that they treat their customers like family, too. With four radio-dispatched and air conditioned vans, the entire business is geared toward timely and dependable delivery of their quality flower arrangements. Their motto is, “When you want them to remember…you remembered them.” Look up DeSantis for birthdays, Mother’s Day, anniversaries and other occasions. Weddings, too!

6. Griffins Floral & Event Design
32 N Fourth Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 579-0309

Perhaps it’s an autumn bouquet filled with pheasant feathers or maybe bowls of water filled with colored roses, but, rest assured, when it comes to your wedding day or big event, Griffins promises floral decor that is unique and distinctive and within your budget. More than that, Griffins provides lighting, invitations and linens to guarantee perfect coordination. Griffins really is a full service event specialist that delivers memorable results every time.

7. Twig Garden & Home
495 South 3rd Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 732-4947

Twig is decidedly at the higher end of the spectrum of florists in Columbus, with clients that include Nordstrom and Victoria’s Secret. Their floral design is exquisite and finely tuned for your needs, be it everyday, special occasion, wedding, a corporate party or any other event. We especially like the gallery images showing bouquets of delicious chocolate Calla Lilies!

Have you found a local flower shop you like better? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

Fast Growing Vegetables

CC flickr photo courtesy of Kasia

Sometimes, you just don’t want to wait for your veggies to grow. If you’re growing indoors, or in a greenhouse with limited space, this is can be especially true. Sometimes, you just want to maximize your garden by growing fast veggies first and then planting slower growing ones afterward.

“Fast growing” is a subjective term, of course. How fast is fast? For the purposes of this article, “fast growing” means it takes 60 days or less to bear ripe fruit.

Reasons to Grow Fast Growing Vegetables

As stated, fast growing vegetables are a great way to maximize your yields. Many greenhouse growers stick with faster growing vegetables in order to get as many crops as possible in one year. A greenhouse is much more expensive to maintain, per square foot of growing space, than an outdoor garden is, so getting the most “bang for your buck” is important.

Finally, if you have a limited season (perhaps you live in a colder growing zone like Zone 3 through 5), then you can help maximize your garden’s output by growing fast-growing vegetables first or last to get more crops in the same amount of time.

Whatever your reason, it’s easy to choose varieties and get them producing quickly.

Fast Growing Garden Vegetables

Going with our 60-day limit, we have a lot to choose from:

Vegetables ready in 40 days or less include loose-leaf lettuce, mustard and spinach, as well as chives and radishes.

Vegetables ready in 60 days or less include zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, broccoli, peas, bush beans, kale, early cabbage, cauliflower, beets, turnips, kohlrabi, scallions, collards, kale, and Swiss chard.

Gardening Tips for Fast Growing Vegetables

Also try growing herbs. Most herbs have a 45-60 day maturity window (with the exception of those harvested for seed), depending on variety, so you can try many of them to get great results. Basil and cilantro are fast growing herbs to try in your garden.
Some traditionally long-growing vegetables can be hurried along with a little pruning and nipping. Cucumbers can have their vines trained upwards and trimmed to keep them short (4 feet or so). When growing on a trellis, they usually get more sunlight and so mature faster and keeping the plant growth short hastens fruit bearing. This also works for squash. You can also keep creepers trimmed on strawberry plants to encourage fruiting.

Another popular choice are garbanzo beans (chick peas). These can be hastened with extra water and by trimming the bushes to keep them smaller.

Want to learn more about fast growing vegetables?

Check out these websites:
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/basics.cfm
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1227.html

Shopping for Sprinklers for Gardens and Flower Beds

CC flickr photo by Kumaravel

Some people don’t give much thought to which sprinkler they purchase — which is rather unfortunate considering it plays a key role in your landscaping and water usage. Then, there are others who really want to buy the right one — but who knows which variety that is? Do you need an oscillating one? And what is a hose drip? If you are like many others, you may have set out to buy a sprinkler and came home empty-handed, full of confusion and with a lot of questions.

Importance of a Good Sprinkler

While it can be tempting to simply buy whichever sprinkler is on sale, there are qualities you should be looking for. The sprinkler you choose should get the job done without being wasteful. You don’t need a sprinkler that has a mind of its own and starts watering the sidewalk after a few minutes of vibration. All this is doing is running up your utility bill and wasting valuable resources.

A good quality sprinkler will generally have a metal filter where the unit connects to the hose to reduce the risk of clogging. Additionally, it will often be made of brass or zinc for longevity so you’re not replacing it after one season. When possible, choose one with minimal moving parts; the fewer things there are to break, the better!

Understanding Types of Sprinklers

Sprinkler Soaker-hose

These types of sprinklers are really designed with the environment in mind. The hoses have tiny holes in them that allow water to seep into soil, directly to the roots, so less water is lost to evaporation and is the best way to water a garden. Ideally, a sprinkler soaker-hose will not be larger than 100 feet and you want to keep it as level as possible. If you have a lot of hills in your landscaping this may not be the best option for those areas.

Oscillating Sprinklers

Most people are familiar with this variety and it is a preferred choice by many gardeners because they’re readily available, budget-friendly and cover a broad area. Oscillating sprinklers spray water in a fan shape to cover a large rectangular area, often as big as 30 feet. You attach the hose to the connector, adjust the spray pattern and it’s ready to use.

Traveling Sprayers

If you have a lot of ground to water and you currently have to go outside to move your sprinkler every hour, traveling sprayers may be just what you need. They don’t use gasoline or electricity but they do move around your yard all by themselves. Water from your hose has a lot of force behind it which powers gears that move the wheels and allow these sprinklers to travel.

Hose Bubbler

It can be tempting to just allow the water to run from the house when watering tree roots and shrubs but this can result in divots. A hose bubbler avoids causing erosion while allowing water to soak into the ground. They’re also ideal for delicate plants and hanging baskets.

Hose Drip

This is an ideal option for gardens as it slowly applies water to the roots of the plants where it’s needed. This encourages deeper root formation, saves water by reducing runoff and evaporation and maintains moisture levels. A hose drip can be used not only in your garden but also in greenhouses with baskets and pots, agriculture for orchards and crops, commercial landscape and nurseries.

Nozzle Sprayer

These devices disperse liquid in a variety of different ways. Some will have one or two settings while others can have as many as a dozen. A nozzle sprayer simply attaches to your hose and you physically water your plants as needed. They cost as little as a few dollars up to well over $100 depending on the quality you’re looking for. More costly ones will often have a trigger lock which is helpful for continuous spraying.

Irrigation Systems

Some gardeners set their lawn irrigation system to include watering flower beds and gardens. This can be a great idea especially when the watering timer is set to the early morning. Keep in mind not to pick a garden shortly after being watered as it can spread disease.

Also, keep in mind it is healthier to vegetable plants to be watered at soil level. Check into Drip Irrigation Systems to water a garden. These can be installed under the mulch or just below soil level to water the roots of the plants.

Not many people really think twice about a sprinkler until it comes time to buy one. Although there are a lot of questions that may arise and options to explore, taking your needs, landscape and climate into consideration will help you make your buying decision.

Want to learn more about sprinklers for gardens and flower beds?

Check out these resources:
Landscape Irrigation Equipment from Clemson University
Operating and Maintaining a Home Irrigation System from Colorado State University

Flowers You Can Eat

CC Flickr photo by Maggie Hoffman

Many people are unaware of the vast number of flowers that are not only edible, but actually good for you! Just be sure to never eat a flower you haven’t identified and be cautious if you have hay fever, allergies or asthma. Stay clear of flowers that may have been exposed to pesticides.

Aim to harvest flowers at their peak, early in the morning. Short-stemmed varieties should either be refrigerated or used within a few hours, while long-stemmed flowers can be kept in a vase of water. You will also discover that some varieties can be dried and stored for future use.

List of Edible Flowers

Roses

Believe it or not, roses contain more vitamin C than any other fruit or vegetable. Rugosa roses or other older varieties typically offer the most flavor. They are often used to make jam, syrup and tea, or used as a garnish.

Chives

Not only are these pinkish-purple flowers stunning in your garden, they offer a mild onion flavor you may have enjoyed on a loaded baked potato a time or two. Chives are also ideal to add to cream cheese and dips, casseroles, sautéed vegetables and salads.

Lilacs

These are one of the most effortless flowering bushes to grow. The distinct, fresh fragrance compliments their beauty. They can be used to garnish a plate or a drink or blend them in your vanilla protein shake.

Squash Blossoms

Do you have squash growing in your garden? If so, don’t dismiss those vibrant yellow blossoms that the plants offer. These are the perfect flowers to stuff as an eye-catching appetizer. Alternatively, you can dip them in egg and flour and fry them like a fritter.

Daylilies

These elegant blossoms may seem like they would be hard to grow but they’re not. Since they grow in nearly any type of soil as long as it drains well, anyone can enjoy them. Similar to squash blossoms, they can be fried or stuffed with soft cheeses. Daylilies are also an essential ingredient if you want to make hot and sour soup. If you’re having guests over, float them in the punch bowl or dress martinis with them.

Dandelions

Some call them weeds, others refer to them as invasive, but you will come to love them for their health benefits. Dandelions are extremely rich in calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. They may be used for urinary disorders, acne and skin care, weight loss, jaundice, anemia, high blood pressure and more.

Borage

The exotic-looking flowers from this plant taste refreshing, like a cucumber. They can be candied for decorative pieces on baked goods, used as a garnish or tossed in salads. Borage does have a diuretic effect and should not be consumed in large quantities.

Kale

These bright-yellow flowers can be added to salads and or the leaves can be steamed or added to stews. This is one of the rare edible flowers that contain vitamin K as well as organosulfur phytonutrients, which are shown to reduce the risk of cataracts and certain cancers.

Calendula

These flowers taste a lot like saffron but without the high price tag. They are tangy, peppery, spicy and offer a golden hue to the dish that they are cooked in.

Nasturtium

These long-lived, late summer buds are often pickled. Some people enjoy using them in place of capers as they are sweet, peppery and mildly pungent.

Mint

The blossoms for mint plants are ideal for tea but they can also be used in salads or as a garnish. Other members of this family include bee balm and lemon balm.

If you do all of your shopping in the store or at your local farmer’s market, you are missing out. When you grow your own plants, you are able to make use of all edible parts.

Want to learn more about flowers that are safe to eat?

See these helpful websites:
Wild and Cultivated Flowers You Can Eat – University of Vermont
Edible Flowers – Iowa State University