An Expert’s Approach to an Orderly Border

With the right approach, anyone can prune a crassula ovata like an expert and keep this good-luck plant looking at its best. Note down the details shared below to learn How to Prune a Jade Plant Like an Expert.

This month I decided to tackle one of the weed-coated areas around my pool to update it and make it look much more presentable. I removed all the old garden borders and edging, which were made of wood and vinyl and were disintegrating and cracking from being in the direct sun over the years. I replaced the borders and edging with brick, in addition to pulling a LOT of weeds! You may have seen my previous post detailing the border I made using concrete retaining wall blocks. For this project, I used much smaller bricks to build the borders and edging.

As we approach the second half of summer, borders can start to look tired and untidy, especially if you have packed them with early summer flowers, like irises, lupins and oriental poppies that have now faded. There are some simple tasks you can do now to keep your border looking good for longer. Filling any gaps in your planting and tidying away old flower stems and leaves can quickly restore a border to a healthy and colourful display that can last right through to autumn.

Container gardening is ever-popular with city dwellers and those who do not have much space for in-ground growing. It is also popular with those starting out and growing their own food for the first time.

In permaculture garden design, we often talk about the importance of taking a holistic approach. But if you are unfamiliar with this phrase, then you may question what exactly it means. 

Gardening books are fantastic resources for gardeners of all levels. They offer inspiration, advice, and knowledge from experienced growers who really know their subject matter. You just can’t get that same type of in-depth information from reading a quick online article or social post.

Border plants give your garden a more finished look by defining a space and adding another layer of color and beauty to your landscape. They can soften the hard boundaries of walks and driveways, delineate property lines, and add form and structure to unify your garden’s design.

Spring is on the horizon, and while there still may be a chill in the air, thankfully, there will soon be sunshine, dew-covered green grass, and warmer days, beckoning the first sightings of spring. While we’re waiting, we can plan ahead by stocking up on the right tools ahead of the planting season. When it comes to nurturing a green thumb, working with the correct tools can help make the job—big or small—easier and help us make the most of the season. 

Ken is author and photographer of 20 garden books, including one on plant propagation, and is a daring plant propagator himself. Together since 2021, we’ve co-hosted the Virtual Garden Club, a series of online classes about our favorite subject: plants. Ken gardens in New Jersey, mostly in the shade.Read along as you listen to the March 20, 2023 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) or Spotify or Stitcher (and browse my archive of podcasts here).making more plants, with ken druseMargaret Roach: Hello Ken, over there in the shade

Last year I fancied up my front porch by building a DIY Corner Bench with a Built-in Table (you can find that project here: http://www.pinspirationmommy.com/diy-corner-bench-with-built-in-table/) and a Firewood Rack. This year I decided the rest of the front of my house needs to be spiced up a bit as well.

Pallet projects seem to be flooding the world of DIY! And why shouldn’t they?! If you are lucky, you can get decent pallets for free and save on the cost of lumber for your projects. The problem with pallets… breaking them down. Luckily, this project doesn’t require all the prying (unless you really want to)!

Gardening is more than just a sport, it is a lifestyle – one that helps you relax and unwind, while connecting with the nature that surrounds you, at the same time. Personally, I find myself at peace whenever I plant roses or prune the trees in my backyard, it is a type of calmness and serenity that I never experienced before. Besides, there is nothing more refreshing than watching the flowers you care so much about, growing right in front of your eyes! If you are just getting started with gardening, then here is a collection of 50 useful tips that will help you get the hang of this wonderful hobby and make it part of your daily routine!