Orchids

Orchids are popular gift on any occasion, but concern for this beautiful plant is different from other plants. Therefore, in this post we will explain some basics about Orchids`s concern.

First thing we have to know is that Orchids do not grow in ordinary soil for house plants but they grow in substrate.



We transplant them for the first time, two or three year after purchase (after the flowering time). If we find out that the substrate started to disintegrating we have to transplant the Orchid sooner. We cut off all the old and wither roots. We have to transplant Orchids in a special Substrate for Orchids. Later, we transplant them every two to three years or if we notice that the plant needs more space for growth.

We have to water Orchids once a week or when we see trough the transparent pot, that the most of the roots are silver. We can put the plant with a transparent pot for one minute into decorative pot filled with water. Wait a minute and then drain it well. We have to fertilize the Orchid at every watering with half the amount of manure that is listed on the package (liquid fertilizer for Orchids). Every third or fourth watering can be done with water only (without fertilizer).

Orchids need a humid climate and a light room - but not direct sun.

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Cypress - Conifer Suitable for hedge

Cypress is undemanding evergreen tree. Type "Emerald" keeps its fresh green color trough whole year. It is in pyramid shape and is extremely resistant to frost. In a few year it form a dense hedge (it grown approximately 5 cm per year). It should be pruned regularly (it does not tolerate a large cut). You can also leave it to grow natural: Final with below: Approximately 1meter; Height: to 4 meters

You should water it in dry season the first year after planing. Every spring we have to fertilize it with manure for conifers. 

Height of growth: up to 4 meters
It thrives in the sun, half shade and in the shadow.

Related posts:
Deciduous Shrubs - undemanding
Evergreen Shrubs - also good for hedge
May`s shrubs cut

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Evergreen Ornamental Shrubs - also good for hedge

BOXWOOD

Boxwood (Buxus) is an evergreen shrub with strong oval leaves. It is very modest and insensitive. It can be shaped into various forms. We prune it in late spring, when we are no longer afraid of frost. You can also use it to border some flower or other beds. For this purpose are the best low sorts like  Suffruticosa and Blauer Heinz.

If you want the green Boxwood wall it last a decade to grow up. For the hedge is the best Rotundifolia.

Height of growth: 0,50 - 5 m (depends on type)
It thrives on the sun, in the half shade and also in the shade

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CHERRY LAUREL

Prunus laurocerasus. Very beautiful evergreen
shrub with soft green, shiny leaves.

It is also suitable for hedges. It prefers humus,
moist and slightly acidic soil. Generally tolerates heat, drought and cold, but you have to be careful at the purchase, because some sorts thrive only in areas with mild winter climate.

Height of growts: 2 - 3 m
It thrives on the sun and half shade

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OVAL-LEAVED PRIVET

Ligustrum ovalifolium.It is undemanding shrub, suitable for hedges. Is strong and evergreen in mild winter. Suitable for any type of soul.

 








 Height of growth: 3 m
It thrives on the sun, shade and half shade.



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WAYFARING TREE

Viburnum lantana. Is a beautiful ornamental shrub with colorful fruits. It blooms in spring (May - June). Color of blossoms is creamy.

Height of growth: 4 m
It thrives on the sun and half shade.

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 FRASER PHOTINIA "Red Robin"

Photinia fraseri "Red Robin". It is striking with its shiny leaves. Leaves stays on the brush in the summer and winter. It blooms in white. In autumn it is striking with orange-red colored leaves. The fruits are red and remain on the shrub for a long period of time.



Height of growth: 2 - 3 m
Grows best in half shade.

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ENGLISH HOLLY

Ilex aquifolium. Is an evergreen shrub. It has dark, green glossy leaves with spiny edges. The leaves are very decorative. Tolerates shade and pruning. It loves humus, permeable soils. We have to protect it from the sun. In the spring it gets red fruits. (some of the sorts are sensitive and does not tolerate the cold and winter sun.


 



Hight of growth: do 12 m
It grows in the shade.





Deciduous Shrubs - undemanding
Cypress - Conifer suitable for hedge
May`s shrubs cut

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Undemanding Parennial Plants

Let`s say something about a couple of perennial plants, which are unpretentious and suitable for those who would like to have a beautiful flower beds for many years without fear that the plants wouldn`t thrive. I will mention perennial plants that are undemanding about the soil. All of them prefre sunny or half shadow habitat (plants should be at least 5 hours a day lighten by the sun).

We have all those plants on the same place for over a years now and they are still beautiful.

Specific requirements of some plants are described bellow, as well as flowering time and height of growth ;)

 

Candytuft (Iberis)

It is a great perennial plant. It is evergreen cover plant suitable for
rock gardens, toughs,..It covers floor with a carpet of white flowers.

Flowering time: May -June
Height of growth: 20 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maiden Pink (Dianthus deltoides)

It is a beautiful covering plant. It grows really quickly and form a thick "pillows".


Flowering time: June - August
Height of growth:15 cm

 

 

 

 

 

Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia)

Undemanding plant. Slightly curved streams with many flowers in shape of the heart. They are great on the sun or in the shade - but they prefer dappled shade.


Flowering time: May -July
Height of growth: do 70 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yellow oxeye daisy (Buphthalmum Salicifolium)

Yellow flower. It prefers sunny places. Habitat shouldn`t be too humidity.

Flowering time: May -July
Height of growth:  50 cm

 

 

Iris

Large bulbs produce bright green leaves and thick flower stems. They have beautiful shapes and they can be found in various colors.

Flowering time: May- June
Height of growth: 60 cm

European peony (Paeonia officinalis)

It is a strong plant that blooms richly every year. It should be on the same place for years, because the transplantation half its development. It has beautiful large blossom (we have to support the heavy blooms in the rainy weather)

Flowering time: June - July
Height of growth: 90 cm

Evening star (biennis)

Its a striking plant, which blooms in yellow. It prefer sunny habitat.

Flowering time:  June - August
Height of growth:70 cm

Phlox

Blossoms are in many different colors from white, pink to the purple and light blue. The plant needs sunny habitat (It can be also grown in light shade). The soil should be permeable with humus (compost, manure bearings). We will admire them trough whole summer. After the flowering we have to cut off withered blossoms and it blooms again.

Flowering time: July - September
Height of growth:80 cm

Goldsturm (Rudbeckia)

Is a welcome enrichment in the bed of perennial plants. It blooms rich with yellow blossoms. It prefers sunny locations.

Flowering time: July- September
Height of growth: 70 cm

 

 

lilioasphodelus

It is undemanding, long flowering perennial plant. The blossoms are large bells - like lily`s. Even when the plant is not blooming, it is a nice decoration with its thick leaves. If the weather is dry you have to water it.

Flowering time: June - Avgust
Height of growth: 80 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunflower (Helianthus )

We plant it on the edges or in the background. It is a tall plant with many small flowers. It is spreading out widely over the years.

Flowering time: August - October
Height of growth: 180 - 200 cm

 Chrysanthemims

Chrysanthemims are very undemanding plants. They fill the bed with their green leaves for the whole year. At the autumn or summer they bloom in different colors and shapes. You should plant some ornamental grasses in the background.

Flowering time: September - November
Height of growth: 70 cm

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Vegetable garden plan - example

I made an example of vegetable garden plan (plants arrangement in the garden). The following example is actually the current layout in our garden. Later I will add other options =)

Example of vegetable garden plan:

Click on the Image to enlarge it!

You can also check the posts about factors that we have to pay attention at when we are making out vegetable garden plan.
Good Neighbors 1. Part - Friendly Plants
Good Neighbors 2. Part - Plants that are preventing diseases and pests
Crop Rotation

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Good Neighbors 1.Part

When we are talking about "good neighbors" in the garden we are of course talking about plants. In the previous post we said something about crop rotation. Now we will learn some more about what plants are "friends" with other plants and which plants do not like others. You will be able to make a perfect plan for your garden. In the next post: Good neighbors 2. part we will say something about preventing diseases and plants. Than you will be able to make a perfect vegetable garden plan.

In the table you can see the major plants on which it is good to pay attention on. Others, you can combine as you like :)

I already mentioned above that we can also prevent diseases and pests with the right arrangement. You can learn more about preventing diseases and pest in the post Good Neighbors 2.part.

Vegetable garden plan

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Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is very important to the productivity and the health of your garden. As we all know it is important that we don`t plant the same type of vegetables on the same place every year. This process is called Crop Rotation. We have to pay attention on the previous year`s plants arrangement.

Here is an example of Crop Rotation:

(What kind of plant is the best for the part of the garden compared to your previous year plant)

Last year: roots, potato...........................This year: salad crops, bulbous vegetables, grain legumes
Last year: cole crops...............................This year. roots
Last year: salad crops, bulbous vegetables, grain legumes, potato,..This year: cole crops

Exceptions:

Last year: leeks, kohlrabi,................................ This year: radicchio
Last year: cole crops........................................This year: salad, cucumbers
Last year: cole crops, radicchio, salad, beans,.....This year: spinach
Last year: cole crops, carrot,............................This year: onion 


For easier decision I`ve made a simple table with Crop rotation rules. I hope it will help you :).

Limitations in the crop rotation 

 

 

 

 

Previous Crop: Crop of vegetables, which we planted in a certain part of the garden

Current Crop: Crop of vegetables, which we want to plant this year

Now when we are familiar with the basics about crop rotation, we can also check some other factors that we have to keep in mind when we are making our vegetable garden plan.



If you have some problems with your vegetable garden plan according to Crop rotation limits and other factors, you can check my Vegetable garden plan. 


Related posts: 

• Good neighbors part 1 - How to decide which plants should you plant together

• Good neighbors part 2 - How to prevent diseases and pests on natural way.

• Plants arrangement example

• Planning Your Own Vegetable Garden | Woman Tribune - How to get started growing your own vegetables in your garden.

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