Articles about gardening. en-us http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/ admin@davesgarden.com (Dave) admin@davesgarden.com (Dave) http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1786/ This article is designed to give the reader an introduction to some of the more common Ficus species in cultivation, bonsai and general ornamental use. The edible fig, Ficus carica, will not be discussed in this article as one could write several articles on that species alone. Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1786/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1938/ Cinnamon is a scent I associate with winter, and with family holiday celebrations. Whether you sprinkle it on oatmeal or Christmas cookies, or whether you enjoy its aroma in potpourri and scented candles, there’s a spicy warmth to cinnamon that makes you feel comforted down to your toes. I’ve also learned that cinnamon and applesauce can be combined to make wonderful scented ornaments… Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1938/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1939/ The beauty we enjoy in our gardens and indeed, in the entire natural world, seems so awe-inspiring at times that it brings us to speechlessness. But what if you learned that instead of "evolutionary" origins, we should be looking for "iterational" origins of the world and all in it? In this article I will introduce you to the fascinating and wonderful world of fractal geometry as it relates to the natural realm . . . Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1939/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1714/ Participating in seed swaps here on Dave's Garden sure has wonderful rewards. In a swap last season I received seeds for a plant called Job's Tears, <i> Coix lacryma-jobi</i>. A member of the Poaceae (grass) family, it is quite a fascinating plant. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1714/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1913/ When temperatures are extreme, it is important that your poultry stay healthy. A little extra time before the wind turns icy can save a lot of damage and possible deaths to your backyard flock. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1913/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1936/ We have all heard of microbes… acidophilus in yogurt, yeast in bread dough, scrubbing bubbles in the bathtub, and even beneficial microbes for our soil. We hear probiotics are good for our health, and antibiotics cure infections, but what’s the real deal on microbes and our soil? Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1936/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/823/ Tired of all the boring and normal looking gardens? Are you ready for an adventure that will take you into the depths of the soul of gardening and whimsy? Pull up a chair and get ready for the wonderful and exciting world of theme gardens. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/823/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1911/ This is not one of my typical stories, but one that is important in its own way. It involves the relationship that developed between me and the black locust that grew in my mother's front yard. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1911/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1661/ If you live in the arid or high-altitude climates of the Rocky Mountains or the high plains, sometimes finding durable, long lasting plants is a challenge. Even if you don’t live in the Rocky Mountain region, it is likely that your weather is unpredictable and harsh on your plants. Enter Plant Select. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1661/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1821/ May I interest you in a fine selection of fruit and nuts? Choosing the right feed to serve your backyard bird feeders may seem daunting. This helpful introduction to bird feed is a second in a four-part series on backyard birds. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1821/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1885/ Believe it or not, most of the 50 states have their own official insect! For the sake of brevity, I'll present the information by insect rather than state. So you see, you'll have to read the whole article to learn the identity of your own state's favorite. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1885/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1820/ Pick up this curious, yellow golf-ball looking fruit, scratch the skin….MMMMMMM…there is no scent like it in the world. If you’ve ever been to the Florida Keys, this fragrance will take you right back!! Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1820/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1864/ Do you work in an office without windows? Does your office or shop have windows but the view is boring? Have you ever felt shut-in or trapped every day when you would really rather be home working in your garden? If your employer will not make the outside of your work place beautiful, maybe you can find a way to add a lovely display. Click to see beautiful commercial property pictures and ideas to help brighten your corner. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1864/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1737/ Not all gardeners may be familiar with Siberian cypress but this evergreen groundcover is enjoying an ever-increasing popularity due to its hardiness, insect and disease resistance. And to think it was only introduced to Western gardeners in the 1970s! Read on to learn more about this versatile shrub. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1737/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1910/ With all the sales and “free turkey!” promotions, it probably didn’t take much to convince you to have turkey as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner. Domestic turkeys have become such a common holiday purchase that we don’t stop to consider that they weren’t always so easy to obtain… Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1910/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1921/ Fall is upon us, and while you might be tempted to handle the chillier weather by curling up indoors with a seed catalog and a cup of peppermint tea, you should instead pull on those garden clogs. It’s time to get moving, literally...and by that I mean moving plants. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1921/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1925/ The name "Philodendron" means literally "tree loving", which most likely refers to the tree hugging/climbing habit characteristic of many Philodendron species. However, not all members of this genus hug or climb trees, but many of them are eminently suitable as indoor or house plants. And if you are fortunate enough to live where you can grow these in your garden, well . . . Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1925/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1363/ Fall was a wonderful time. I loved the changing colors of the mountains as the trees got ready for winter. I loved the smell of wood smoke as it floated above my head. I loved the crackle of the dried leaves as I wandered around the mountains. I loved my birthday which always came just before Thanksgiving. But I did not love the day after Thanksgiving. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1363/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1870/ As the final blooms of summer fade and the brilliance of fall slowly drifts away on the breeze; our thoughts turn to spring gardens filled with waves of bright colors. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1870/ http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1920/ When I say we have tons of leaves in our yard, I'm not exaggerating. How many leaves are actually in a ton? How many of those plastic bags will it take to collect them all? How many pickup truckloads to haul them off? How much compost will they produce if they're piled up? What about burning? Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1920/