Hanging Birdbath Planter

The folks over at Lowes have come up with a really cute idea for a hanging birdbath planter. Its an easy, inexpensive way to create a personalized birdbath.

Just be careful to choose bird friendly flowers...also maybe no edible plants/herbs... you don't want to eat anything birds bathe near....

To get directions on how to make the hanging birdbath planter click here

 

Flower Tower

 These are on the list for this spring!  We couldn't find where to buy the kits like the ones above, however one person we saw did mention Lowes.  If you don't have a Lowes near by you can use 6" d  or bigger PVC pipe.  We've heard rumblings that some larger hardware stores have the pre drilled pipe, but if not, don't fret; just buy the solid pipe with no holes, then find a drill bit (might want to ask for help to make sure its a bit that will work well with plastic).  It will look something like this

While you are at the store don't forget to get a PVC cap for the bottom make sure the lip is big enough that it can be weighed down a bit, these suckers can tip if it gets windy.  If you are putting your tower in a garden, be sure to bury the pipe deep enough in the soil that it won't tip over.
  So now you have your pipe....if you are drilling the holes yourself, be very careful, round PVC is tricky to drill.  And it makes a mess of plastic shavings.  Once you have your holy pipe with the cap on the bottom, fill the bottom with some gravel for drainage and to keep the bottom heavy to prevent tipping (fill the gravel to just below the first hole). Next pour in some good potting soil level to the bottom of your first hole.  This is where you may need a second pair of hands.....Stick in a flower (or two if your holes are larger), that is to say, put the root end through hole so the roots are all inside.  Then have someone pour in soil until it reaches the next hole.  If you have something to tamp/pack down the soil inside a bit use it after you fill to the next hole each time (this will secure the flower roots in better and keep them from falling out during the planting process... which is super annoying).  So as they say, wash, rinse, repeat... just keep filling the soil in to the next hole, plant the flowers, pour the soil in and so on.  When you get to the top, just plant four of five flowers, same as you would a normal planter.
  That's about it.. make sure to keep it well watered and fertilized... a gentle misting setting on the hose is best to keep the soil from leaking out while the plants root properly.  The tower will take a bit of time to fill in, we are going to do ours as soon as the weather allows so they are ready for summer, but be patient, it will fill in and it be worth it!

Don't forget to visit our marketplace to buy/sell/ trade garden stuff... Lots of plants and accessories listed... I think there is even a flower tower listed! www.trademyflowers.com


UPDATE!  We found where to buy them! Someone saw our post and listed them on our marketplace!
http://trademyflowers.com/category/235/Garden-Accessories/listings/94/Flower-Tower.html

How to use the site- Question from Catherine

We had an email the other day from Catherine asking how to use the site to purchase something from a listing....

Each listing is put up by different sellers. To purchase or trade you need to contact the seller (there is a link on the left side of the listing page and under ad info that says contact seller). Just click on the link and fill out the form and hit send. The seller will send you information on how to trade or pay via PayPal (don't forget to send your shipping information too). Sometimes a "buy now" link will appear on the listing. This link will take you to the seller's webpage where you can order directly.

If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask! That's what we are here for! And thank you Catherine for the question!

The Story Behind White Marigolds

I noticed a listing on our marketplace today for White Marigold Seeds.  I thought I would share the story behind how White Marigold's came to be....

White marigolds were long in the making.....
Burpee Seed Company spent 56 years of searching and breeding
before finding success. After years of trying, David Burpee
offered $10,000 to the first home gardener who sent in the
right seeds to help make a real white variety; thousands of
gardeners responded for years. A lady by the name of Alice Vonk
from Sully, Iowa, sent seeds for 21 years, and in 1975, Burpee awarded her
the coveted prize for her work—after the company had spent
56 years and $250,000 testing during the contest years.

So, there you have it, interesting story behind these flowers.  Not only are they pretty, but they keep the bunnies and other small animals from munching on your plants.

To buy some seeds click here