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| Issue No. 1 |
February 2010 |
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| Warner's Nursery eNewsletter |
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I don't know about you but this has felt like the longest winter ever! The sun has finally begun to show itself a little more each day, giving a feeling of hope to all of us that maybe spring will come!
But when I step outside, not only can I not see any sign of my wonderful plants (even the evergreens are hidden under the snow!), I can't even see the earth! What I really want is to go play in the dirt.
While we wait for the snow to melt, I thought of some great ways to garden - indoors. Until we can get outside and play, here are some fun winter gardening projects to keep you (and the kids) playing in the dirt. |
Indoor Custom Color Bowls
I love to create color bowls and planters every season for myself and anyone else that will let me, so this idea seems so obvious; create a color bowl for inside. I'm not sure why this never occurred to me before, but what a great idea! Houseplants don't have to be limited to one plant in one pot, get creative and make a living piece of art for your home by pairing a group of plants together. The picture here shows an example of a custom houseplant creation that our Bedding Plant Manager, Peg, created for Little America.
Things to remember when creating a custom color bowl are:
- Choose plants with the same care needs, ie; watering, light, fertilizer needs.
- Choose plants that have textures and colors that are not too similar but that will compliment each other.
- Choose plants with different heights. I like to have one tall plant, several medium height and of course some creeping plants that will trail over the edge of the pot.
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| Terrarium Gardening
Another great indoor gardening idea is to create a terrarium. Whether you have a little creature to put in it or not, terrariums are fun and easy to make. They also make a great project for kids!
- First decide what type of container you would like to use. Anything will work, from a recycled plastic soda bottle, a glass vase, canning jar, or even an ice tea container!
- Next, decide what type of terrarium you are interested in, tropical or desert. If you are planning on incorporating a creature be sure to find out what it's needs are prior to choosing plants.
- Select your plants. Any plant labeled as "hardy", and which grows less than 6" high will work in your terrarium. Again, choose plants which require similar watering and lighting conditions, so they will all get along!
- Build your terrarium:
- Starting at the bottom, place a layer of pebbles, about one inch thick. This will ensure good drainage.
- Place a layer of activated charcoal directly on top of the pebbles about 1/2" thick. The charcoal acts as a water filter, and is optional.
- Next, place a layer of Spaghnum moss atop the charcoal (or pebbles). The moss will keep the soil from seeping down into the rocks at the bottom.
- Place a layer of soil on top of all of this. The soil layer should be at lesat 2-3" deep, but will vary based on the size of the container. (Taller containers will require quite a bit more. Gauge how tall your plants are and how deep their root ball extends, then add soil from that point).
- Poke small holes into the soil and transplant your plants into the container.
- Add interesting colored stones or miniature figurines if desired for an extra flair.
- Water a moderate amount and cover your terrarium. Monitor the humidity and moisture closely during the first few days. If the soil is too wet (appears soggy), remove the cover so the moisture will evaporate. Water if it appears to dry out.
- Caring for your terrarium:
- The type of plants you are using in your terrarium will determine how often you will water. Water droplets forming on the side of the jar are a good sign, but soggy soil is a sign of too much water. When the soil is dry and very few droplets are forming, add water.
- If sunlight only comes in from one direction, rotate the jar occasionally.
- Prune and trim as needed - especially any dead branches.
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If you're like me and fighting Spring Fever, stop by the nursery for a vist; or attend one of our Seminars. We have lots of ideas for winter gardening projects! I look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Misti Warner-Andersen
Warner's Nursery |
 1101 E. Butler Avenue Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 928-774-1983 |
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