Creative_1's Blog at GardenStew.com

Blazing Star Liatris - Modern Cut Flower

Creative_1 — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:40:39 -0400

Author: Creative_1
Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 12:40 pm (GMT 0)

One of my favorite things to do is to cut flowers for vases in my home. If I can get a plant that not only looks good outside, but inside -- perfect.

Recently the Liatris were blooming on the corner of the house. As a native Wisconsin plant, I've always liked it for the lovely spikes of purple.

So, I couldn't resist. I cut one for a vase next to my bathroom mirror. Wow. I couldn't believe the look.

Stuck in a little bud vase all by itself, Liatris is a beautiful and unusual flower. Very modern looking -- I'm sure that with a larger arrangement it would work equally well.

Black Magic Ivy Geranium

Creative_1 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:57:26 -0400

Author: Creative_1
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:57 pm (GMT 0)

Container gardens can sometimes be hit or miss. My best tips for these? Shop for all of the plants at the same time -- preferably at the same nursery, too.

This year, my container garden design has rewarded me with beautiful blooms -- and I've hardly had to do a thing to it (except for the spring panic).

I live in northern Wisconsin, so when I shop for containers I like to see concrete or iron. Why spend oodles on clay pots when I want them to stay outside for more than 5-6 months? Plus, I usually forget to bring in clay pots and they just get ruined.

I remember the ivy geranium -- the dark one -- is called Black Magic. Enchanting. :) The grass has little plumes that actually have a dusting of the dark purple, too. Contrast that with the other geranium and the bridal veil (I think that's what it is) and I'm hooked.

Oh, and the spring panic? My containers weren't draining very well at all. Had to have an emergency surgery -- got out the concrete drill and voila! Drainage. It's definitely an important step for concrete containers when you'll have freezing winters, too.

Here's a 'happy accident' that I am fond of. Lamb's ear grew into the seating rock in our garden. The textures next to each other is great.

Happy gardening!

Meidiland Roses & A Great Website! ...

Creative_1 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:52:25 -0400

Author: Creative_1
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 4:52 pm (GMT 0)

I love roses, but like many people I really don't have the time to fuss over them. That's why landscape roses and shrub roses are so awesome.

If you're busy with family and friends, work, housekeeping and all that other 'stuff' that gets into our daily schedules, try some easy-care shrub roses.

One rose that I've decided is definitely worth a try: Meidiland. I was almost going to try Ruby Meidiland, but decided it was too close to true red for the design I'm working on (which is using blue-reds). Nevertheless -- Wow!

Instead, I'm using Magic Meidiland in the French garden that I'm designing now. A classic plant, roses are hard to resist. My client's guests are going to ooooo and aaahhh over these roses which are really pretty easy to care for. Stunning.

Oh, and check out the rose website I found -- nice information and gorgeous pictures. http://www.heirloomroses.com/index.htm

Deck Design -- Make Yours Unique

Creative_1 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:56:15 -0400

Author: Creative_1
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:56 pm (GMT 0)

Deck design? Doesn't that take some fancy software?

You don't have to have software at all to design a great deck for your home. All you need are a few tips to get you started in the right direction. A few topics to consider when you design a deck:

*materials -- cedar, composite, green-treated?
*layout Is there room for your furniture and the grill?
*placement It doesn't have to be attached to your house
*railing and spindles Have some fun with it!
*function Built in countertop or bench? -- great for entertaining!
*lighting -- works great for all those summer parties.
*built-ins -- Think hot tub, planters, you name it.

Hey, more on deck design at my website...with pictures!

Stone Tile Patios

Creative_1 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:26:33 -0400

Author: Creative_1
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:26 pm (GMT 0)

Patios, outdoor livingrooms, outdoor kitchens -- you love to spend your time outdoors. "Up North", we crave the outdoors. Our growing season, alas, is short, so when it's warm you'll find us enjoying every minute of it.

Patios are a great way to start an outdoor living space. Some material choices have been around for ages:

*crushed granite
*brick pavers
*concrete (stamped, too!)
*cut stone

Some of my favorite patio designs have been with pavers. There are great colors and shapes -- tumbled bricks that look like aged cobblestone. Now, however, there's a new kid on the block. Stone tile.

Cut stone has been around. Locally, we have a lovely cut limestone -- but to get enough to install a good size patio could get pretty hard on the budget.

The newest concrete pavers in our area are made to look like stone tile. Slate, limestone, or travertine, I've seen them up close and love the texture.

They're still an investment... coming in well above your entry-level paver patio. Has anyone tried these? What are your thoughts on the look?