Meet Boris đ voted sheep most likely to find himself caught in a bramble bush and eating the lace off my sleeves. There hasnât been much flower content lately because, well, Iâve made some good friends @blacklionvodka and theyâve graciously entrusted me with their Swiss Valais Black Nose Rams, 10 of them, and goodness does it feel good to have animals back on the farm.
My newest gardening co-worker đȘż
#gardeninglife #organicgarden #organicgardening
The summer is getting hotter, the hydrangeas even prettier â you go to cut them to bring them in to enjoy and just like that theyâve wilted. I wrestled with this for years, until someone let me in on the secret đ€«.
Ok, well thereâs not just one but a few tips to keep your cut hydrangeas *perky*
1. What time of day you cut them, matters.
Cutting these beauties as early as possible in the morning is the most beneficial. This is the case for all flowers. I always suggest to never cut during the heat of the day, the flowers are quite stressed at that time and youâll find yourself with happier cuttings in the morning.
2. How you cut them matters.
Youâll want to cut your hydrangea stems at a 45-degree angle, just above a set of healthy leaves or buds. This angle increases the surface area for water absorption and helps prevent the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase.
3. Give them a good, full-body soak.
THIS is the technique that youâre here for. I like to take a large plastic bin and fully immerse the cut hydrangeas in LUKEWARM water. Yes you heard that right. Hydrangeas are divas and they donât love the cold at first. Hydrangeas, unlike most flowers, absorb water from top to bottom which is why you experience wilt with them faster. Immerse the cut hydrangea stems in a container of lukewarm water immediately after cutting and let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour before arranging them in the vase.
Why lukewarm water?
Hydrangeas prefer lukewarm water over cold water when youâre cutting them because it helps to prevent air bubbles from forming in the stems. Air bubbles can block the flow of water and nutrients, causing the flowers to wilt prematurely. Lukewarm water also helps to stimulate the uptake of moisture, promoting longer-lasting blooms!
As peak hydrangea season approaches â go give it a try! Happy cutting đż#gardeninglife #gardentips #organicgarden #cutflowers #cutflowertips #hydrangea #hydrangeaflower
Whether youâre into âchaos gardeningâ or a more organic approach to the typical rows of vegetables â Companion planting can help you consider what to grow and where and without the aid of pesticides.
Companion planting is a gardening technique where different plant species are grown together to provide mutual benefits â involving plants that have compatible growth patterns, nutrient requirements, and pest-repellent properties (think Marigolds or Mexican Sunflowers for keeping bugs at bay)
Letâs talk the benefits of companion planting:
đȘČPest control: Some plants emit natural compounds that repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. By planting compatible species together, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
đ Improved pollination: Certain plants rely on pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, for fertilization. By planting flowers and vegetables that attract pollinators near your crops, you can enhance pollination and increase yields.
đ„Ź Nutrient enhancement: Some plants have deep roots that can draw up nutrients from the soil, making them available to neighboring plants with shallow roots. This helps improve soil fertility and overall plant health.
đŸ Weed suppression: Dense planting can shade the soil, preventing weed growth and reducing the need for manual weeding.
đȘŽ Space optimization: Companion planting allows you to make efficient use of garden space by combining plants with different growth habits. For example, tall plants can provide shade for sun-sensitive crops, while vining plants can be grown vertically to save space.
Ready to give it a try? Companion planting can promote a healthy and balanced ecosystem in your garden, leading to stronger plants, increased biodiversity, and higher crop yields with an organic touch â all while brining a balance of beauty to your garden.
#gardendesign #gardeninglife #gardentips #organicgardening #nashvillegarden
The beauty of perennials is incomparable and so worth the wait to see a dream garden come to fruition. Itâs so hard to see what your garden can give you when you first start the journey, but when you hit the 3 year mark with some of these plants, youâll be astounded at what magic they can create. This garden has been a work of love between my mom and I for years, bringing in favorite plants here and there to find their perfect places â and this year it seems it all came together.
#perenniallandscape #gardendesign #gardeninglife
