Gardening-An Expression..

Give the same plants to several people, you will see several arrangements. Each one distinct and different, yet, using the same plants.
This is the ultimate reward of gardening- a means to express, to create with the help and inspiration from the gifts of Nature.
Gardening is not just physically and aesthetically rewarding. It enriches the spirit. It awakens one's creativity that lies dormant from neglect, or lack of motivation, or a popular excuse, not enough time.
Gardening is fast becoming a popular hobby of the times. From the tropics , to the frigid climes, gardening centers are offering more choices to tantalize even the most conservative taste.
Each year, gardeners look forward with excitement to their gardening; a hobby they take passionately. What new plants are being introduced? What variety of surprises awaits them? The ornamental gardener will be glorious with the new plants or hybrids for the present growing season. The vegetable/herb gardener looks forward with anticipation at harvest time.
With so much variety to choose from, what factors determine which plants to buy? After considering the soil, weather, sun/shade location factors, the choice is all about self- expression.
No two gardens are alike, given the same set of plants.
Colors are as revealing as the plants. A conservative gardener will opt for traditional plants. At times, you see the same plants, the same arrangements year after year. Aha!! Perhaps the gardener does not adapt to change too quickly. It may be lack of time, or change of physical health.
Vibrant colors in the garden reflect a vibrant gardener. A garden bursting with colors is very attractive and pleasing to look at. It is inviting.
What about passion? They say red is a color of passion, of energy and courage. Add white to the reds, and the garden beckons the passer-by to take a look. Someone said this combination looks like a candy cane.
My garden is overcome by burst of yellows and orange, not really by choice. Somehow, it gives out a golden glow as the blooms bask in the sun. It reflects my enthusiasm for life. Many of my plants are gifts from friends, treasures for my garden. Yellow flowers remind me of my mother.
Purples and blues in the garden are colors of reflection, of peace and calm. Add white flowers to this and it invites a meditative mood.
After colors, the arrangements of the plants reveal something of the person. I have a friend whose flowerbeds are symmetrical, weed less, picture- perfect, right out of a magazine. Indeed, this expresses her organized way of thinking and living.
A gardener who loves to re-arrange the plants and loves to add new plants and ornaments shows an enthusiastic and energetic spirit, ready to welcome change, eager to experiment.
What about an overgrown garden? Perhaps it reflects someone with scattered energies, at times, a full plate, or one who does not have the time or energy to tend the garden. It may well show one that starts with a burst of enthusiasm that wanes quickly after the planting is done.
No matter how you plan your garden, it is a creative tool that allows you to express yourself. Gardening is therapeutic, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Happy gardening. Don't forget to talk to your plants.
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Want To Succeed With Herb Garden Designs?

Before you start putting your ideas of herb garden designs onto paper do ask yourself the following questions. Believe me it is to your advantage to know the answers to these questions as they will help you to shape your herb garden designs into that ideal herb garden for you and your family.
Ask yourself:
1. Why do I want to create an herb garden?

Is it because I wish to start a new hobby and herb gardening sounds really exciting to me? As a result of my herb gardening, I will be able to harvest real herbs again and again. And with this constant supply of herbs I will be further able to embark on yet another herb adventure like Italian cooking. It is one hobby that is limited only by my imagination!

Am I fascinated by the thought of being able to wander through my aromatic herb garden, pluck a few leaves, brew myself that pot of calming chamomile tea and then sit together in the cool of the evening, sipping my herbal tea on that slightly humid summer's evening? This can be a real memory building hot spot!

Have I just become a fan of Italian cuisine and need to have a variety of Italian herbs at my disposal, preferably right here in my kitchen when I need them?

Or is it because I have, besides a few minor ailments, a really bothersome problem. My spouse has insomnia and both of us cannot asleep as a result. I need a reliable supply of valerian tincture that will put my spouse to sleep! As valerian tincture in the market is rather pricey it will save a lot to make my own.

Or would I like to find out if the different poultices and herbal remedies will work for my other ailments, making life more comfortable for us.

And I could go on. The answers to the above and other questions you can ask yourself will help you determine the plants you would want to grow and they in turn will determine where you can locate your garden and what type of garden you can create, depending on the conditions the plants require for flourishing.
2. Will my current herb garden designs ideas work in the plot I have available for locating my garden in?

Does the spot have full sunlight or more shade. Many herb plants need a minimum of 10 hours of full sunlight.

What kind of soil is there - well-drained or heavy and compacted? Heavy and compacted soil may need reworking and mixing with some organic matter and coarse sand, to improve its suitability for growing herbs.

c. How often does it rain? If there is not enough rain, how will I be watering the plants and with how much.

It is only after you have made some decisions on your requirements and expectations of your herb garden that you will then have a better idea of the different aspects you will need to incorporate into your herb garden designs. When you know what you want and you have the requirements to start with, then only should you start drawing out from your mind the herb garden designs that you now have a clearer picture of.
There is one easy to follow resource that will help you with all the practicalities of herb garden designs together with lists of herbs to choose from, how to grow each plant and so on right down to the poultice recipes that can make your life so much more comfortable.
This e-book, "Successful Herb Gardening ~ Step-by-Step" will save you loads of research time besides providing guaranteed expert guidance. Why not check it out at the Herb Gardening Site.

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growing herbs indoors

Growing Herbs Indoors Year Round

When it is cold outside, most people do not want to go out to try to garden. But even though it is cold, people still want to garden all the same. This is one reason why indoor gardening has become so popular. Plants that are fairly easy to grow successfully indoors are herbs. Not only beautiful to look at and fragrant, you can also eat them. Give year-round indoor herb gardening a try, and you will be hooked.

You can either start your herbs from seed or purchase plant starts at a nursery, or even hardware and grocery stores in season. Starting seeds is very cost effective, and you have a much wider selection of varieties from which to choose, but it does take longer to get from a seed to an edible plant. If you want to enjoy your plants sooner, then look for plant starts instead.
Some herbs can grow in a sunny window with just the natural light that is available. Herbs like mint, rosemary and oregano work well in this type of light. However, if you wish to grow plants like basil or cilantro, then you will need to make sure that you give them extra artificial light, or they will not survive in the lower-light levels.
Grow lights can work well for this purpose, as can metal halide HID lamps. Other specific types include solarmax grow lamps, chrome dome grow lights and hortilux grow lights. Both fluorescent and HID types of light offer the blue color spectrum needed for early plant growth, and the red and orange spectrum, which plants need to flower properly. Both types of lights require electrical ballasts or digital ballasts to control the flow of the electrical current in the bulb, and they can be included inside the light fixture or they can be a separate component used in conjunction with the light bulb and light fixture.
Herbs can be annuals, biennials or perennials. Annuals complete their entire life cycle of germination, growth and reproduction in one year, whereas perennials will live for many years and repeat their life cycle. Biennials live for two seasons, where they grow in the first and bloom in the second. To help you decide which ones to grow, think about the types of foods you enjoy cooking, and what types of herbs you typically use to flavor them as a good way to start. Some herbs are fairly easy to grow, including annual basil, dill and summer savory. Parsley is a biennial, and also easy to grow. Beginners also usually have good luck growing perennial mint, thyme, winter savory, marjoram and chives indoors. The perennial herbs can survive for several years, and they like to go outside in the summer if possible.

Alison Agnock is an expert in gardening topics such as hydroponic gardening, fluorescent grow lights and hydroponic grow lights.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Agnock

10 Herbs You Can Grow in Containers

Growing herbs has become a very popular hobby today. Not only are they decorative, but growing herbs yourself gives you an ongoing fresh supply of herbs for cooking.
A good thing about growing herbs is that they can be done indoors. This way, they can be enjoyed even if you are living in the city and do not have room for outdoor gardening space.
Helpful Tips for Growing Herbs in Containers
1. Herbs ideally thrive in the ground, but with proper choices and the right precautions, they can flourish in the indoor garden. They have to be positioned inside the house where they can grow well.
2. You can combine herbs of different colors to create an atmosphere inside your house. For example, you can get calendula or lemon thyme, herbs with sunny colors for a brighter effect.
3. Let the herbs grow together. They can create a climate among them that will further encourage their growth. They also create a fuller and healthier appearance.
4. Limit the amount of herbs you will plant in a container. It should depend on the size of your container. There should at least be an allowance of four inches square in between each type of herb.
5. Get a clean container to start with the hobby. The container must allow good drainage for the herbs. Use also the type of soil that is porous enough to let water easily go down to the roots.
6. Try to pick commercial potting mix instead of the usual garden soil. They especially contain minerals that can support the needs of your herbs in containers.
7. Check out regularly your herbs, especially if they need some watering. Different herbs will have different moisture requirements.
Just make sure that they do not get too much dry. At the same time, do not drown them either.
10 Herbs to Grow in Containers
There are many kinds of herbs to choose from for your indoor garden. It is best to choose those that can be arranged together. Here are some of them that should be in your top 10 consideration.
1. Silver Plants
Most herb growers would choose according to a color scheme. The herb containers can have an arrangement according to the hue of the plants.
There are herbs that give out silvery hues. They are best for creating an elegant look in the corner of your house and perfect for a garden to be enjoyed in the evening.
You can use artemisias, curry plants and santolinas.
2. Golden Herbs
There are also golden herbs that can add a bright attitude in your mornings. They are perfect for days when the sun shine greets you inside the house.
Your golden garden can have lemon thyme, calendula, nasturtium and even the variegated sage and lemon balm.
3. Blue Garden
If your favorite color is blue, then you can have your indoor herb garden in all blue also. Choose or combine borage, hyssop, rosemary and catmint for that blue collection.
4. Italian Choices
People who love anything Italian can make use of the Italian selection.
Sweet basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme and the Italian parsley can perfectly grow together and respond to your Italian needs anytime.
5. Salad Bar
To vegetarians out there or people who simply enjoy salads, planting herbs like garlic chives, salad burnet, celery and rocket will be a good choice. You need not go to the market to enjoy a bowl of salad.
6. Go French
People who enjoy French cooking can also tend tarragon, parsley, sage and chervil.
7. Enjoy the Scent
Some households can make use of a lovely scent to set the mood. Lavender, lemon thyme, pineapple sage and the rose scented geranium are some of the perfect choices for a pleasant garden.
8. Insect Repellent
You can also grow herbs in your container that can function as insect repellents. This is especially useful for a household with kids.
9. Culinary Herbs
It is also nice to grow and tend culinary herbs inside your house. It is like having your own kitchen needs at hand anytime you want them.
Some of these culinary herbs that can be grown in containers are rosemary, mint, chives, or sage.
These are good seasoning for most of your cooking. The lemon balm is also perfect for your barbecue afternoons.
10. Loner Herbs
There are herbs that have to be kept and maintained in their own containers. They tend to overpower other herbs if they are put in a group.
Oreganos, lemon balm or bee balm and even mints are herbs that must be on their own or else they will overtake all the plants in your indoor garden.
Conclusion
Planting herbs in containers will definitely let you enjoy the delight of growing herbs even if you do not have any space outdoors.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.herbs-home-remedies.com where you can learn more about herbs and their uses

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

pictures of herbs in containers

Herbs are widely used in many vegetable and many people like them growing in their homes. Growing herbs usually need space. But even if you don’t have much space in your house you can grow herbs in container. Best thing is that these containers are portable and you can move them in and out while winters. You cannot grow all herbs in container but most common herbs like mint, pain, tarragon etc can easily grow in side a container. This pictures of herbs in container beautifies your home and also fulfills your kitchen needs.

Herbs are very useful. Below are certain herbs which you can grow in container:

1. Mint: Mint is most widely used herb and it can be grown inside a container. Mint grows very fast and it needs its growth to be controlled. Therefore they can be best grown inside a container.

2. Thyme: This herb loves to be grown inside a container and also need very small continuance.

3. Rosemary: This herb do not need much water and very well grow up in dry conditions. You can grow this herb in container without any hesitation.

4. Sage: This herb need maintenance as it gets converted into wood. It also needs to be replanted after 3-4 years. But for this time it can be grown inside a container.

5. Basil: Basil loves to be at airy places and it also need much water for its growth. You can grow it inside a container but do not forget to place it at an airy place.

Pictures of herbs in container arouse your nature love and also fills your kitchen demands. Herbs are very good for health and they must be a part of daily diet. Grow herbs In container and live healthy.

Herbs in Containers - Five Herbs to Consider

Growing herbs in containers is an excellent way of saving space. They are transportable so can be brought inside for winter and easily maintained. You will also have much more control over their growth and boundaries. Container herbs are available for use for cooking if they are situated close to your kitchen door. Not all herbs take to containers, but many will absolutely thrive. Some herbs, like mint, it actually make more sense to use them.

The best herbs to use are probably the one you use most often so I have taken five different herbs that would be ideal in containers.

* Thyme just loves a container environment and will absolutely when planted in one. It needs hardly any watering and a very small amount of maintenance.
* Sage needs to be pinched and cut to keep it from turning woody too soon and replanted after 3-4 years as the quantity and quality of the leaves will not be as good.
* Rosemary doesn't like too much water and occasionally likes to 'dry out' a little, again ideal when in a container controlled environment. I personally have been growing rosemary successfully in containers for years.
* Mint needs its growth to be controlled so this is the biggest advantage for growing mint in containers making. It can be used more often if it is handy. It has to be the first choice for container systems.
* Basil likes lots of water to feed its stems and tender leaves, but can be infected with mildew it too much is given. In a container, you can avoid mildew by giving it an airy position.

There are many other herbs you can grow in containers, in fact some people I know love this way of gardening and have all their herbs in containers. I can clearly see the appeal, but I still like to see a mix of 'free range herbs' in borders and on the main vegetable growing areas.

Growing herb in containers is ideal for kids to start off their lifetime of gardening. Being so manageable is it a great way to educate and on top of this, the containers can be decorated to the children's own personal design including giving the plant a name, like 'Sammy the Sage' or 'Mandy the Mint'. What a fantastic pastime you will be giving them.

Whatever methods you use to grow herbs, they will benefit your health, your environment and your cooking efforts with fresh and home dried herbs all year round.

Martin Miller-Yianni
http://www.bulgarianslivatree.com
http://www.herbsways.com

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Martin Miller-Yianni - EzineArticles Expert Author