Blog posts of '2012' 'February'

Watering roses is more than just turning on the hose and giving them a good dousing for a few minutes. Frequent watering in such a manner can cause black spots and mildew to form on those beautiful petals. Watering frequently on the petals can spread disease, too.

When it comes to roses, the key to good watering is to water deep and infrequently.

Have you heard about community gardens? That’s right…community.

According to the American Community Garden Association (ACGA), a community garden is simply a piece of land that is gardened by a group of people. It can be for flowers or vegetables or simply to spend time with others who love gardening.

Here’s a sampling of community gardens making headlines across the country.

• In South Florida, there are various community gardens on city-owned land. These gardens help needy folks learn to grow their own food. Many are in areas that need beautification or are undergoing revitalization. Others are in urban areas. 
• In Greer, South Carolina, the local hospital started the project. Soon, sponsors donated tools and irrigation equipment - even seeds - to get gardeners started. 
• Portland has 39 community gardens, many with open spots waiting to be rented.  Each 100-square-foot area rents for $21. Volunteers have “work parties” to tend to area gardens. Some plant beds are handicapped-accessible. And they also offer scholarships for low-income families and individuals. 
• In Kalamazoo, Michigan, the success of one community garden has sparked interested in starting other gardens around that area. Plans also include compost heaps, a greenhouse for year-round gardening, and classes for those needing a little extra help getting started. 

These are just a few of the community gardens making news around the country.

As springtime approaches, think about joining a community garden in your area. You can search for existing gardens. Better yet, start one!

Join the discussion:

Are you interested in community gardening? If so, tell us about it. If you’re already participating in a community garden, share some information with us. Who participates? What do you grow? How do you maintain it?

In the past month alone in areas throughout Florida, droughts have had an impact on:

• Fires, 
• Relief, response, and restrictions, 
• Tourism, and 
• Water supply and quality. 

• Plant more shrubs than annuals. Shrubs grow deeper roots than annuals and can withstand drier weather. Annuals do not develop deep roots as easily and are more susceptible to changes in weather.
• Plant strategically. Evaluate your house and the natural flow of water surrounding your property to identify areas that naturally get more water than others. Position plants that require more water in high water traffic areas (for example, below the gutters). Those that don’t need as much water can be placed in drier areas of your yard.
• Install drip irrigation. Products such as Mister Landscaper’s 50 ft. Micro Sprinkler Starter Kit keep the ground moist and provide continuous water supply to plants, shrubs, trees, gardens, and flowers.
• Finally, don’t forget the mulch. It serves a greater purpose than just being visually appealing - it also maintains moisture in the soil.