For example, a path leading to a little wooden gate alongside a handsome Blue Cedar and flowering shrubs would hold the prospect of a beautiful garden to the mind’s eye. When planning a house, no detail is too small or irrelevant. For example, a house built on a 10-acre plot of land would have the house built on the highest level.

The sloping area to the North, South and East, would be covered by grass to make rolling lawns. Since the South slope was the largest, the lawns would be part of a landscaped garden, and the house, naturally, would face South so as to get an uninterrupted view.

The driveway would go round the back of the house, or the North side, so that no cars could be parked in front of the house, thus spoiling the view. A major point of consideration would be the kind of soil that you have. Soil-testing outfits are easily available and not very expensive, and this would help in giving you a fair idea of the kind of soil you have in your yard. Many sites consist of rough ground and the builder’s debris.

The topsoil removed during the excavation should be placed on one side of the site, so that it can be redistributed after the construction is over. Many gardens have more than one kind of soil. The house, for example that we talked about earlier, has gravel for driveways near the surface at the top of the garden, while lower down the slope the soil is clayey with rather heavy clay.

In the case of the light sandy or gravelly soil, humus-forming material like garden compost, peat, farmyard manure (less easily available nowadays), leaf mould, spent hops and horn will help in the retention of moisture. Slow-acting fertilizers like bonemeal and hoof and horn would also help.

Once the soil is prepared and the landscaping is done to create an aesthetic garden that highlights the house, you can start planning on the kinds of flowering shrub and trees, creepers and climbers that should be planted to make the house look inviting and comfortable.

Those plants whose texture, color and mood would enhance the garden especially when they bloomed, could be chosen and the place where they would be planted could be decided on. Cozy nooks and bowers created with plants, can create the element of surprise that enhances the beauty of the garden.

The trauma that is associated with change of climate, and environment is the same as that which other beings go through. Therefore when a seed that you have so lovingly planted germinates and the seedlings tentatively stick out their little shoots out of the ground, it becomes a matter of celebration and happiness.

To see it grow to its full form is wonderful. It is the same with cuttings. Planting cuttings is the most widely used method of propagation of trees and shrubs.

There are 2 main types of cuttings, each requiring a different technique and rooting condition:

1. the half-ripe cutting which is done during summer
2. the hard-wood cutting which is done during autumn.

After planting a cutting, the gardener waits to see the first tender growths of green on the stems. This would mean that the experiment has been successful and you will have in your garden a plant that you admired and which carries with it all the memories of the place you got it from.

Grafting is a common method of propagation. You can experiment a great deal with plants using grafting techniques. The basic principle in grafting is that the tissues of one plant fuse with those of another. Of the 2 plants uses, one is selected for its roots –called the stock- and the other for its stems, leaves, flowers and fruits – called the scion.

When the tissues of the stock and the scion fuse together the graft is said to be successful. There are many kinds of grafting: cleft, stub, awl, veneer, and renewing fusion. In natural grafting the roots come into contact with each other and start growing together, Thus a large root mass is formed which is beneficial to all the plants whose roots have joined.

A special form of grafting is budding in which a single bud of the plant that you like is inserted into the stock. Division is a kind of propagation in which plants are separated from the parent plant. Another method of propagation is called layering. Here the roots of a chosen plant are made to form on stems that are part of the main parent plant. Once the root has fused with the stem, it is cut and then planted separately.

A modern technique of propagation is by tissue culture. Surfaces of living plants are cut, sterilized and placed in chemical solutions rich in plant nutrients. With careful tending plant shoots finally emerge and are sliced off and rooted to produce what is called a plantlet. This plantlet when mature is transplanted to the potting soil to allow it to grow as a normal plant.

In the case of those plants that are to be grown from seeds, or, if you are planning on seedlings, it is important where these are acquired from. They should be bought from a reputed nursery so that their health is guaranteed. Likewise, examine the roots of the seedlings carefully. They should be complete structures and neither damaged nor diseased. Preferably the roots will be fibrous in nature.

This would clearly ensure that the tree would ‘take’ quickly. Remember that a tree is a source of great comfort and enjoyment for many generations. Large trees should be at a distance of 20 to 30 feet from a building, so that they are not cramped for space.

Be careful of the power lines if any. Also, make sure that the roots are far away from any sewer or water lines. Next is the preparation of the soil. The soil should be studied and examined, and the pH value determined with a soil-testing kit which is easily available in the market. Depending on the kind of plants that you have decided on, the soil will have to be treated with organic matter and mulch, so that growth of the plants is optimal.

For good tree growth, the mulch should consist of shredded wood chips and twigs. Once the soil is prepared, the hole has to be dug. This should be wide enough and deep enough to accommodate the roots without the roots getting damaged. Newly planted trees should not be fertilized. Their roots need to grow down in the first season. As you fill in the hole, the loose soil should be gently firmed so as to remove any air pockets. Water the trees. This will settle the soil around the roots, and give the tree the nutrients it needs.

The trees and shrubs that you have just planted might need to be supported. Stakes can be used to do this. If you are using a cloth with the stakes, make sure that the cloth is soft. Trees need their roots to grow outwards. For this to happen they have to be watered regularly. It has been established that what the tree needs is frequent watering and not large quantities of water being given once in a way.

During cool weather, or if it is the rainy season, then once a week watering is fine. If, however, the weather is dry, hot and windy, then water your trees and shrubs twice or thrice a week. Soil makes a difference. Water will drain very quickly from sandy soil, while clayey soil holds the moisture and so trees planted in clayey soil will not need as much watering. Remember that after the plant grows, it will have to be pruned to ensure a full growth.

For the first few weeks after plantation it is always a good idea to spray them over-head with plain water during the evening time. It is always best to water your plants during the evenings during sunset, as at that time the soil does not get hotter. Plants are never watered during the afternoons for this very reason.

Methods of watering:
If plants are watered during the afternoons then hot soil makes the sprayed water more hot and in the process damage the tender plant.

Hence always water your plants in the evenings. Some tender plants can be covered with a polythene tent for the first few weeks, to keep them fresh.

Thus newly planted trees and shrubs benefit greatly from this as this helps to retain the moisture in the soil during the dry periods.

Besides watering the plants, one should also ensure the plant receives proper nutrition in the form of farmyard manure, garden compost, peat (that is the dropping of birds). Animal dung is an excellent and easily available form of manure which is commonly available in the countryside.

Young trees and shrubs, particularly some of the evergreens may be slightly on the tender side during their initial growth period.

Tender plants which are very delicate at their stems may need support during their initial growing process.

Hence a support, in the form of a long piece of wood which is inserted near the plant and then tied with a thread / or twine helps the plant to maintain its stability for sometime, till the trunk attains its desired growth. Also strong winds may make it difficult for the tender plant to hold on to the soil, hence, a kind of a screen could be erected on the windward side of the plants, to break the strong force of the wind.

The screen should be partially open in structure as its purpose is to filter the wind to break its force, as a solid structure will definitely cause severe damage to the plants. The screen can then be removed at the onset of milder weather.

So now you could grow your plants in containers. Pot plants are plants grown in containers. During adverse weather the mobility of the pot-plants allows you to moves the plants to protected areas, thus protecting the plants from extreme weather. Suitable containers varying in different sizes are available for pot-growing.

The best container to use is the one which fulfills all the requirements of endurance, size cost and portability. One can decide the size of the container according the size of the plant to be grown. The frequency of watering and need for cultivation of the plant would depend solely on the size of the plant, size and location of the container and the soil.

Whatever the size of the container, adequate drainage of water should be there, wherever the plant is feed with excess water. Only those plants which give the maximum benefits from a very limited growing space should be considered for container plantation.

Various kinds of containers made of clay, metal, wood, ceramic, and plastic are available, breakable as well as unbreakable. These trees containers have drain holes at the bottom to enable excess water to drain off. If the container you buy does not have the drain holes then simply drill many small holes in the bottom. If the holes made are large then there is a possibility of the soil draining off too. It is very easy to look after a container plant.

They can be given regular individual attention every day, they can be groomed well, they receive enough water from time to time, and they look good too!! Plants can be pruned, picked, pinched and trimmed thus enabling you to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. Bonzai plants are big trees which are planted in very small pots, so that it looks like a fully grown tree in a small pot. Such plants need a lot of care and attention, which means the soil, the size of the pots etc, need to be changed from time to time. The tree needs to be groomed into such a shape that from a distance the tree looks like a fully grown tree, but in a miniature form. Bonzai is an art, a skill which has to be learned over the years.

Then you must consider that having fresh cooking herbs in your garden or backyard. Yes, you can begin with your plans of gardening fresh herbs near your kitchen and eventually, dry them to use later, as in winter period.

Tips on Herbs For Cooking
Prepare the adequate place. Fence it if you have pets,keep free of weeds and pest and choose a site where your plants can’t be affected by wind,frost, or even, hail.

Know your herbs
Many herbs need abundant water and sunligh,others need their soil has good drainage and be under the shadow most of the time, evens oil quality and kind must be  according to the herbs you plant.

There are short list of herbs and their needs
Herbs that are ideal for cooking :

• oregano
• basil
• hyme
• lemon thyme
• rosemary (and rosemary organic)

All of them have in common that  are perennials, they have a very fragrant and have their special scents that invades pleasantly our garden. If you look for fill your gardens with their thick foliage as their colorful shades of green, they are great for that. That kind of herbs are well adapted to all types of soil,require little care, enduring drought climatic conditions,only commentary: take care with acid soils,seek advice with your local gardening shop to improve your soil.

Annual plants has a Wide variety as interesting as Melissa, mint, chamomile or parsley. The Melissa is known for its relaxing properties and is drunk in  infusion, while the mint, mint and parsley have numerous applications in the kitchen, as to give their distinctive touch to dishes and desserts,also mint and chamomile match in their digestive benefits in sweet infusion or teas.

Plants and pest
If you have garlic plants next to your rose plant, it will protect it from aphids.
Against flies carrots use rosemary and sage or wormwood. Against ants, nothing better than sesame plants located at the ends of the rows in orchards.

• Basil: dry soil, good drainage. Loves sunlight places.Avoid frost.
• Anise: warm soil,good drainage.Sunglighted places are preferred .When the  seed is gray, cut the branches and leaves hanging to dry.
• Rosemary: sandy soil and dry. The bunches of rosemary can be collected after the second year of planted.
• Dill :any type of soil. It can be under moderated sunlight. Cut when the plant reaches the height of 20 cm-

Ready to Cooking With Herbs Supplies

When you have gathered your herbs, you can dry them to keep on glass jars and so enjoy the richness of a good living and cooking all year around,keep the jars from sunlight and open and close quickly after you have take what you need out of your jar.

Avoid that children and pets get them, they can take too much and have mild intoxication,keep on a cupboard cool and dry.

It is important to label them and add some words about what it is their best uses( fishes,meat and other ideas is to make little paper packages and fill them with dry herbs, this way the scent will stay longer.

Besides the original seeds other kinds of hybrid seeds are also available. These can be sown in early spring that is about the month of March. Seeds can be sown either in seed boxes or pots filled with seed composts.

The containers where the seeds will be sown, should be properly drained, by placing a good layer of rocks at the bottom of the container. Once them are sown, you can cover them sufficiently with fine compost. The containers should then be placed in a cool place or an unheated seed greenhouse.

The pots have to be well watered or else the drying out of the soil will inhibit germination. If preferred, some seeds may be sown in drills in a prepared bed in the open garden.

Once the seeds germinate and the seedlings are large enough to handle easily, they can be pricked out into other seed boxes.

Seeds having the hard outer coverings have to be stratified before sowing. Fleshy berries and fruits must be stratified during the winter, preceding sowing, in order to soften the hard coats of the seeds.

This speeds up germination in the spring. First make small holes in the lid of the tin so that air can get to the seeds. Then place alternate layers of equal parts of moist peat and sand and berries in the tin.

Finally, the tin is buried in the ground for the winter. Of course, put one species or variety of berry in any one tin and be careful to label each tin with the appropriate name. Many gardeners like to use ordinary clay flower pots for stratifying seeds.

Again, the berries are placed between layers of moist peat and sand and the pots are placed under a north-facing wall for the winter. It is essential, though, to cover them securely with wire netting to pre-vent vermin from disturbing the seeds.

The hybrid shrubs and trees will not come truly from the seed, but nevertheless there is always the chance that a very different kind of a plant may be produced. Nowadays there is a trend to produce different and rare kind of hybrid plants and trees thus making available, rare and unusual kinds of flowers and fruits.

There is nothing different about this type of gardening except that the plants are potted in specially designed and manufactured containers. These container-grown plants can be potted during the year, with no special limitations on the months.

The plants from a nursery can be integrated with the existent ones in the garden even when they are in full leaf or flower mode. The saplings are grown either in tin containers or those made especially for the purpose from polythene or bituminized paper. The transplanting process to integrate the saplings into the existent garden needs to be done with careful consideration about the rooting system.

Ideally, since their containers are artificially and synthetically created, you need to build up a good fibrous root system within the new container. This ensures that the young saplings do not suffer much disturbance during the transplanting process and enough moisture is retained. There are a number of service providers who deal specifically with these gardening requirements. There are special moisture retaining gels, manure and pesticides. The benefits of container gardening include the fact that they are easily transported within the indoor or outdoor garden and you can really indulge in some serious changes to the decorum desired.

This helps a lot in kitchen gardening. With the addition of a new herb sapling, the existent varieties can be successfully relocated for the much needed segregation and identification. In container gardening, you can even label your plants and maintain a kind of botanical garden. One never knows where a simple and humble beginning could culminate. A container garden offers a lot of versatility to the home and environment.

The containers come in lively colors and can be coded. The whole process of kitchen gardening can thus take on a new dimension. The containers add color, raw appeal and a lot of space than the traditional clay pots and flower beds. Container grown plants are as, if not healthier, than those grown in the other pots.

How To Care for Flower Beds
Caring for flower beds has one important secret which is to maintain the flower beds free of grass and weeds. They are the major problems: if the grass or the weeds are conveniently managed, they will end ruining your flowers beds. Begin with some simple tasks like to pull out weeds and grass that daily pop up in flower beds. This is very important when we talk about how to keep flower bed as beautiful and healthy as you wish.

Weeds are an important problem when it comes to flower beds. Daily weeds appear in flower beds and some of them are very resistant to any treatment you apply. On the other hand, your lawn grass may currently spread over the flower beds and you may have to cut it off frequently.

You must develop strategies to combat these problems in your flower bed and the solution is simple: make the flower bed an uncomfortable place for weeds and grass to grow on. But you may wonder if that will have an effect on the flowers? Not at all. There are things that will help flowers grow and bloom and others that won’t hinder their growth, but would be unfriendly to harbor weeds. Try a mulch cover over the soil between flower plants: you will be discouraging weeds and grass to grow.

Weeds and grass need sunlight to live, and mulch will obstruct the light needed by weeds but mulch won’t damage your flower plants if you place the mulch around them, not above them.

Applying Strategies To Care for Flower Beds
Preventing the growth of grass on your flower bed consumes little time but renders good results: prevent the grass from producing seeds. How? Reduce the quantity of grass on your flower bed; this is the most effective way to avoid extra grass on your flower beds.

The last and traditional measure you can take is to pull out grass by hand from the flower bed, maybe this is bothersome, but you will save your flower bed from an excessive grass growth that will take all nutrients from your soil. This is the most effective way of getting rid of weeds!