Tips for Growing Rock Succulents

A rock garden improves the landscaping in a garden or lawn by enhancing its character. A thriving rock garden must incorporate rock succulents as they are best suited for this kind of rocky terrain. Rock succulents belong to the cactus family and are fairly easy to grow as they require adequate sunlight, plenty of air and minimal water. Succulents are low-growing and they tend to nestle to the rocky arrangements. However the soil used to grow succulents should be well drained as water-logged soil will damage the root system and result in drying up plants. The best type of soil is sandy soil due to its good drainage qualities.

Giant and Miniature Succulents

Succulents like cactuses hold water in their leaves which come in a variety of colours and shapes. Interestingly, poinsettias, a signature Christmas plant is classified among the succulents, which generally means their ability to store water in their leaves and stems. Other succulents include the aloe vera plant and its variations such as the bitter aloe or aloe ferox, whose leaves grow in the shape of a rosette. Some succulents have beautiful and flashy flowers that brighten up any garden landscape. The unusual shapes and intriguing textures coupled with the striking colours of their blooms make succulents an interesting contrast to the stones in the rock garden.

Succulents vary in height; some grow to several feet high like the aloe ferox which grows up to five feet tall. Such tall succulents are great focal points in a rock garden. The lithop is considered to be the smallest of the succulents and should be planted directly next to the rocks which will act as a background for this miniature succulent. Due to their prickly nature, succulents should be planted in an area in the garden where children and pets do not frequent.

Lawn Care and Christmas Parties

The holidays may be the ideal time to use the garden for a fun party for friends and family. So it is important to make sure that the garden is in good condition for such an event. For starters it is important to ensure that the space is enough for the expected company before setting it up. It is also essential to make extra plans to tend the garden before and after the party. This may include watering and mowing the garden a day before the party and top soiling after the party to encourage a more robust growth. Other colourful plants and flowers in the garden will heighten the festive mood, some of which may be incorporated in table centrepieces.

Stylish Garden Party Décor

Once this is taken care of consider setting up the garden furniture in a party theme if none is already set up. All weather material that is also stylish will be ideal. Shade trees in the garden will make for great umbrellas especially in fair weather and the chairs set around such a tree are a great complement to the garden décor. Holiday décor can also be hung from the trees such as ornaments and even Christmas lights which will come in handy as extra lighting if the party runs till evening.

Christmas garden parties are great for children who will enjoy the freedom of an open space to jump and play around. The open space is also ideal for party games where all participate. For a Christmas barbeque theme, the burner should be placed at a shady area on the garden preferably with a concrete floor since the heat from the burner may be harmful to the grass on the lawn. Trash cans placed strategically within the garden will discourage littering, leaving the lawn garbage-free after the party.

Installing Garden Water Features

A functional way of adding character to any garden and to the interior decorating of a home is by installing a water feature in the garden. Water features could be in the form of fountains, manmade rivers, ponds and water falls and even functional sprinkler systems which water the garden while increasing the aesthetic beauty. The sound of flowing water has been known to be soothing and relaxing making adding tranquility to any garden. Installing such features can be heavy on the budget and so the financial status needs to be evaluated carefully. And since most of these water features require some sort of water pump which may be electric or solar powered, it is important to enlist the expertise of professionals so as to adhere to safety regulations.

Flowing Water Soothes and Relaxes

Ponds greatly increase the ambience and life in any garden especially if colourful fish are added to it. Fish in a pond will greatly reduce the amount of flies and algae that are bound to be attracted to the pond as the fish will feed on these. To take care of the fish, the pH level must be regularized so that they are not distressed and the number of fish should be kept at a minimum to keep the water fresher for longer.

Fountains and waterfalls are a great focal point in a garden, however if there are pets, these features should be high enough to prevent the pets from jumping in for a swim! The design of the fountain could also be one that incorporates a bathing pool for birds which again add colour to the garden. The sound of running water can add to the serenity and tranquility of the garden and accentuate the interior decorating if the fountain or waterfall is installed near a gazebo in the garden.

Lawn Care as an Investment

A beautiful and well-kept lawn is an asset for any interior decorating project since the beauty inside the house has to be complemented by the beauty outside. Certain lawn care procedures have to be implemented if this is to be achieved. The most important and foremost consideration should be in selecting the best turf for the type of lawn being installed. This selection will be influenced by a number of factors including the weather conditions and activities likely to take place in the lawn. Also different turfs require different care procedures so the budgetary investment in terms of time, labour and chemicals among others need to be considered.

Appropriate Lawn Care Procedures

A well watered lawn will maintain a lush green colour and is a beauty to behold. Lawn care procedures should include careful watering several times a week, depending on the turf. Watering is best done in the early morning or late evening when the sun’s rays are not scorching hot. However this may be quite labour intensive especially for large lawns, where a sprinkler system will be the best solution. These now are available as mobile units for convenience. Good lawn maintenance must include feeding the grass with manure and fertilizer whenever necessary to ensure a healthy looking lawn. Top soiling a lawn will encourage growth and give it a thick layer.

Nothing beats the fresh green smell of a newly mowed lawn. It is in keeping with proper lawn care procedures to always keep the lawn in a neat trim length. Additionally, to keep the turf uniform, weeds and pests have to be eradicated. Careful weeding by hand gives the best results as little damage is done to the surrounding turf, whenever necessary chemicals may be used. It is therefore important to include the exterior when planning any interior decorating procedures.