photo credit: clkohan

In the fall a holding bed is one of the most useful garden tools I have. Yes, it’s a garden bed or sorts but a necessity if you’re diving and moving plants.

I usually make a quick raised bed out of any wood I can pick up for free and match its measurements to old windows or shower doors. (Just in case I have to cover the holding beds against frost or cold.) Old dresser drawers also work well and since I usually use these beds for a few weeks any old dresser drawer will work.

Set you holding beds up in an area of the backyard that is close to water and will get some shade, since theses are transplants and need protection for all day sun.

I use these holding beds for perennials I am diving, new perennials, flowers I am moving and for cool weather annuals that I want to add color to the backyard.

I have also used a holding bed for sick plants while I am nursing them back to health.

The nice thing about a holding bed is that it temporary. I usually put it in a place in the backyard that needs better soil and create the bed. After I am done I remove the bed and rake toe soil over the top of the ground, add compost and I have a area with better soil that I can either plant in the following year or reseed with grass.

Tip: If your nights are cooling down to less than 50 degrees it time to start bring in any indoor houseplants you moved outside for the summer. I also start moving in geraniums, which I over winter for the following year

Technorati Tags: backyard design, Backyard Garden, backyard oasis, perennials, plant care

The front yard had become difficult to mow with the slope it has and tree roots popping up, so I decided to move the rock around and create a terraced garden to hopefully prevent more flooding and make the yard easier to work with.

Tomorrow I am going to get perennials for the garden area. It’s not ready to plant yet but I will get the plants now at a reduced price and pot some up and put the rest in a holding garden until I am ready to plant.

If your thinking of creating a terraced garden first you need to identify the slope of you yard and plan accordingly.

There are four basic yard slopes.

Easy slopes are slopes less than 1-foot vertical to 4 feet horizontal (25 degree slope or angle). Such a slope will not require special landscape treatment. You can terrace the area without steps or walls, unless you feel its necessary for safety. Riding mowers may be used safely and efficiently.

A moderate slope ranges from 1-foot vertical to 4 feet horizontal (25%) to 1 foot vertical on 3 feet horizontal (33%). A slope with this range creates a bank where only hand movers are manageable. Its best to plant grass where accessible and use mulch and ground covers for difficult areas.

Avoid single specimens of trees and shrubs on these grades in the grass due to the problems of mowing around them. They can be use only in groups or in mulched bed areas.

Steep slopes will take the most planning but make stunning terraced gardens. A steep slope has a range from 1 foot vertical to 3 feet horizontal (33%) to 1 foot vertical on 2 feet horizontal (50%). Gradients of that kind create banks where only hand movers are not easily manageable. These areas are usually weed wacked, covered with ground cover or have built in terraces.

When dealing with a severely sloped site you have to remember to consider where you want excess water to flow. Make sure it does not flow towards your home, garage or into the neighbor’s property.

If the area you are landscaping has a steep slope, you may want to build terraces or steps made of logs or old railroad ties across the slope to divert water and prevent soil erosion. Between the steps spread a thick layer of wood chips to protect the soil. If the slope is gentle, seeding grass may, using ground cover or using rock may be the answer.

Severe Slopes are slopes 1 foot vertical to 2 feet horizontal (50%) and steeper. Vegetation and plants, including grass and groundcovers, are difficult to establish and demand frequent and skilled maintenance to prevent erosion and unsightliness.

Its best to build terraces if possible and you may want to consider a landscape of hardscape.

My yard is a cross between a sleep slope and a moderate slope. I have had challenges working the design between the two slopes but soon I will have a finished terrace and photographs to show you.

Technorati Tags: landscape design, slope grades, terraced garden plans, terraced gardens, terraced yards

I like this pond because it made use of a small space in a backyard that more than likely was not used.

This small pond creates a relaxing feel to the home, adds color and interest and fills a corner in such a way to add personality to the backyard.

I could see a patio table nearby with night lights and a small fountain to turn this space into a real oasis.

Technorati Tags: backyard design, koi fish, small koi pond, small spcae design

So how do you landscape the yard to be beautiful and meet your dogs’ needs at the same time?

When creating a dog friendly backyard, security and safety are top priorities.  You may want to include an attractive well-built fence in the backyard landscape plans. Build a sturdy fence around the perimeter of the backyard and put in gates for easy access. Place the gate latches high out of dogs and children’s reach. You may also want to use
Childproof latches.

And make sure that the fence and gates extend all the way down to the ground to discourage crawling underneath. If you have a dog that digs you will have to check the fence line to make sure he is not digging a tunnel to freedom. Yes, I have an escape artist residing at my residence so I have a sturdy dig proof fence!

You can also create a doggie-digging pit to meet your dogs digging needs. Taz the Spaz, my Australian Shepherd Cattle dog has his own dogging pit located near a pine tree.

If you rent or a fence is not an option a dog run may be the perfect solution. Whatever path you choose you need to know that your dog will remain in the yard and not wander off or get in the road and injured.

Other safety tips for a friendly backyard dog retreat.

• Make sure there is plenty of room for the dogs to exercise. If a dog has room to play and run they will not get bored and will be less destructive in the yard and to plants.
• Choose safe plants and shrubs for the yard.  Use grass, shrubbery and flowers but avoid tulips, lilies, rhododendrons and other plants that can be toxic.
• Place a doghouse or shelter in an area of the backyard that is protected from wind, rain and sun during the hottest part of the day. You may want to coordinate the color and style of doghouse to match the backyard-landscaping theme.
• Tall leafy or evergreen plants and bushes in the backyard will provide shade for the dogs on hot summer days. And a tall shady tree may be the dog’s favorite spot in the afternoon.
• Leave a grassy area of the backyard free of flowers and plants to allow the dog a romping and running area.
• Use both soft ground cover and hardscape materials in the backyard. A concrete patio or flagstone walkway will absorb sunlight and provide a warm spot where the dogs can lie on chilly days. And doggie digging pit will provide a cool spot on a hot day.
• Eliminate brambles and sharp stones from the backyard to protect the dogs from scratches and footpad damage.
• Remove any toxic liquids like pool supplies or anti-freeze from areas the dog my wander into.

With planning the backyard will be a pet friendly area that the entire family will enjoy.

Technorati Tags: backyard, backyard oasis design, dog friendly backyard

Herbs are also a great alternative to salt and may also have crafting uses. Herbal soaps are one of my winter projects I like to create.

Decide which herbs you will use the most and buy either seeds or seedling plants. There are certain herbs I seem to be able to grow from seeds and other I struggle with. (Hint: In the fall you can find great prices on perennial herbs.)

Some popular cooking herbs are basil, dill, oregano, rosemary, cilantro, chives, parsley, sage and thyme. Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs for both seasoning and crafting but this is an herb I seem to need to grow from a plant.

To grow an outdoor herbal kitchen container garden you will need one to three containers. I prefer clay pots but ceramic and even plastic are fine. I also like handcrafted pots. Its just adds color and interest to your garden areas.

Choose a container that is big enough to hold all the herbs that you are planting. I find I like one larger container like an 18-inch container and two smaller containers.

Make sure your container is deep enough that you can go several days without watering. If your planting container doesn’t have holes in it, drill a couple of holes in the bottom to aid in proper drainage.

Place about an inch of pea gravel or broken pot shards in the bottom of the container for drainage. Fill the container with potting soil up to ½ from the top of the container and position your herbs. Make sure you give the plants room to grow and do not overcrowd them. Most seed packets or plants that are bought will give you spacing instructions. I fins 6 to 8 inches work well for most herbs.

Once you have your herbs in place pat the soil down and water the herbs. Take tender care of them for the first few weeks until the herbs are settled and start to grow. Often during this time I will cover the container with plastic at night to add more warmth and control the climate around the plants.

Enjoy your new kitchen herb container garden.

Herb Tips:
1.  Pinch the leaves back to encourage new growth.
2.  Do not let the herbs flower because it takes away from the flavor of the herbs.
3.  If you containers are large you can place them on a roller or moveable stand to bring them indoors during the fall if you have cold nights.

For a chance to win a Kitchen Herb Garden check out the Gardeners Rake herb contest.

Technorati Tags: Backyard Garden, container garden, herb contest, small sapce garden