Planting a Victory Garden 2.0 is a good way to preserve your sanity in a crazy world. Plus, you get vegetables! Victory Gardens were vegetable and fruit gardens that people planted in their yards during World War Two. Not only were Victory Gardens a great way to provide homegrown food, but these gardens were morale boosters during the war. In 2020, the Victory Garden idea was brought back to life when the COVID-19 outbreak forced millions of people worldwide to quarantine and stay at home. Instead of feeling helpless, thousands of people retuned to gardening by starting a Victory Garden 2.0. That's because growing plants and tending a garden provides stress relief, a healthy outdoor activity, and food security. Many people don’t realize that gardening has a history of being a coping tool during times of national crisis. During the first World War more than 100 years ago, the U.S. government encouraged Americans to plant vegetable gardens. (Back then, they were called Liberty … [Read more...] about How to Start a Victory Garden 2.0
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Best Black Plants for a Goth Garden
A goth garden is an increasingly popular garden style which captures the essence of gothic aesthetics with its eerie atmosphere. This type of garden is characterized by dark foliage, dramatic flowers, and Victorian-era architectural elements. A goth garden can remind one of an old, overgrown graveyard or a haunted Victorian garden. The revival of gothic elements in garden design taps into a love for the moody, the romantic, and the macabre. It is often inspired by gothic literature, architecture, and modern goth subcultures. By the way, despite the photo above, you cannot grow black roses in a goth garden. Why? Because black roses cannot yet be grown on a rose bush. Typically, any black rose you see is a white or red rose that has been soaked in black dye. But don't worry, rose breeders are busy developing roses with darker and darker petals. Why Goth Gardens are Growing in Popularity Goth gardens are growing in popularity for several reasons. They offer an aesthetic … [Read more...] about Best Black Plants for a Goth Garden
Garden Mulch: A Comprehensive Guide
Everything you need to know about the benefits of garden mulch, organic mulch, wood chips, the best mulch for vegetable gardens, and what makes the best mulch. Gardening is a rewarding activity that allows us to connect with nature while creating beautiful, thriving outdoor spaces. A key element that plays an important role in the success of any yard or homestead is garden mulch. Mulching is a simple yet effective technique that offers a number of benefits for garden beds. In this article, we will explore the significance of mulch, the various types of mulch available for purchase and for free, how to apply mulch, and the long-lasting impact it can have on the health and aesthetics of your garden. The Benefits of Garden Mulch Mulch serves as a protective layer that covers the soil surface around plants. Its primary functions include moisture retention, weed suppression, temperature moderation, and soil enrichment. By acting as a barrier between the soil and the … [Read more...] about Garden Mulch: A Comprehensive Guide
Healing Gardens: How to Grow Medicinal Plants
When you grow medicinal plants, you can literally cultivate your own health. Being out in the fresh air and digging in the soil is good for your soul. Relaxing in a blooming garden is for your health. Cultivating medicinal plants in your garden can be incredibly beneficial to your health. The Benefits of Growing Your Own Medicinal Plants Growing and using medicinal plants is a great way to be proactive about your health. You’ll eat much healthier, which keeps you physically fit, preventing future medical issues and boosting your overall internal health. As a result, you won’t have to visit the doctor as often. And you won’t see as many major surgeries or chronic illnesses as you age. Fortunately, that can mean spending less money on healthcare expenses. You can also live more sustainably and use fewer resources when you grow your own plants. You also decrease your carbon footprint because you don’t have to visit the store as often. Finally, growing your own medicinal … [Read more...] about Healing Gardens: How to Grow Medicinal Plants
Drought Tolerant Plants for Xeriscape Gardens
Here’s how to grow drought tolerant plants for xeriscape gardens that save water. Xeriscaping, commonly known as drought-tolerant gardening, can be spectacular water-saving gardens when planned properly and maintained regularly. In a nutshell, xeriscaping is landscaping using plants that do not require additional watering above normal rainfall. These gardens are typically advocated in areas prone to drought, such as Arizona. A xeriscape garden is also perfect where the pace of development is outstripping water reserves, such as Los Angeles. Xeriscaping provides a great way to have a great-looking garden without overtaxing the water supply. Drought Tolerant Plants Save Time and Water Xeriscaping and desert gardens require a design that minimizes rainwater runoff and evaporation. Fortunately, an interesting selection of flowers, grasses, cacti, shrubs, and trees can do very well in low-water environments. This plant variety provides many exciting design opportunities for a … [Read more...] about Drought Tolerant Plants for Xeriscape Gardens