The Casual Gardener
Why You Should Get A Rain Water Cistern – A Green and Sustainable Choice
Written by Shawna CoronadoRecently, I had a rain water cistern, called a RainXchange System, installed on my front lawn by Aquascape, Inc.
Above you see a photo of the final product which features a gorgeous water fountain that is made partially from recycled materials.
It is a fantastic green and sustainable solution for my garden—I use it to wash my car and water my front lawn vegetable garden and plant containers.
How to Make a Flower Pot from an Old Wicker Loveseat
Written by Shawna CoronadoWhen I discovered one of my clients was throwing out an old wicker loveseat, I snatched it up and turned it into a special feature in my back garden, a flowerpot—and it has remained there through multiple seasons.
A Few Easy Tips on Sustainable Gardening from Rob Sperl
Written by Shawna CoronadoThis year, my big challenge is to again grow an ornamental veggie garden in my front yard, something I started last year.
Since we live in Warrenville (Zone 5), some vegetables need to get a head start indoors. Of course, you can purchase these plants at a local garden nursery or greenhouse, but it costs next to nothing to start your own plants from seeds.
Christmas Amaryllis Can Also Offer Year-Round Joy
Written by Shawna Coronado
Bringing a bit of nature inside with a special blooming plant is a great way to lighten the emotional load, and it is also a wonderful gift to give during this holiday season.
Green-Gift Giving—Gifts That Continue to Give Love to the Earth
Written by Shawna Coronado
We live in a materialistic society and often take all our ‘stuff’ for granted. As our community goes through difficult economic times, it is important to pull back on the gift giving and push forward with giving from the heart. It is not about how many gifts we give; it is about the love in our hearts when we give them.
When you do give, consider giving a good-for-the-earth-gift. Green and sustainable gifts are the best gifts because they keep on giving even after the holidays are over. Try gifting your friends and family with green and sustainable presents this season and make a difference for our world. Below are a few of the best green gift-giving guides online, great resources for you and your family to tap into this holiday season.
White Licorice, My Garden Plant of the Year
Written by Shawna Coronado
This plant is incredible. It outlasted almost every other plant in the garden, surviving drought conditions and multiple frosts.
In May, I planted it as a baby. Its arms were less than the length of my fingers. The tag that came with the plant said it would only grow to a height of 12 inches. Some of the vines hang at least 24 inches from the edge of the pot down to the ground.
Save Money—Tips For Reducing Energy Usage in Your Home
Written by Shawna CoronadoAmericans waste over $130 billion annually on energy. This means we are spending far too much money due to inefficiency in our homes. During difficult economic times, watching our utility usage is so critical, it can sometimes mean the difference between losing and saving a home. Below are the Top 10 Tips for Reducing Energy Usage—my personal recommendations for running a household that saves money and energy:
Share Those Aging Perennials With Friends and Community
Perennial plants often begin to die out after several years of growth. Dividing the plants rejuvenates the growth and stimulates roots, so the plant will continue to perform.
Dividing perennial plants gives you healthier, longer-lived plants, and the bonus of more plants to share. It is a great way to build community also, as once you divide a plant in half, you now have two happy perennials to utilize—one for you and one for a friend.
For most plants, spring or fall is a good time for division. Peonie’s and Hosta’s, in particular, like to be divided in the fall.
Maintaining the shape of a plant is desirable, and this is difficult when half of the plant has been removed. However, the following spring you will see the plant re-form into a fantastic clump with no evidence of the prior removal of a portion of it.
