It is true – ‘if there were no winter – spring would not be so pleasant.’ Looking out at the winter landscape, ideas for the garden begin to develop. New seed varieties to consider, ways to use evergreens, growing Rosemary, sunshine, even Guerrilla Gardening, are all of the things explored in the January 20100 Generations Greenletter. Wishing you all of the best for the coming year.

Read more

The December Generations Newsletter offers information on planting tips for your 2011 garden as well as plants to consider for the winter landscape. As we consider the winter season, be sure to continue the outdoor activities for our good health and overall well-being. That daily dose of Vitamin D from the sunshine may just help reduce the chances of getting the flu this season. One final note – just for fun – think about growing a grass couch! – Wishing you all the best for the holiday season!

Read more

This November edition of the Generations Newsletter talks about why gardening can make you a smarter person. The proof is in the soil. There are suggestions on some new and different bird feeders to add to your garden, as well as resources for composting containers. These and other ideas will provide inspirations for the fall gardening season. Please keep in touch and be sure to let us know if you have ideas for future newsletters. Wishing you all the best.

Read more

We have published the Generations GreenLetter for 12 years and have now embraced this new format. Our goal is to be able to bring you information on gardens in a more timely manner. We welcome your ideas and questions. Please send us an email at Jack@designforgenerations.com. Enjoy all of the fall colors as you spend time in the garden!

Read more

We hope you have enjoyed the Generations GreenLetter over the past 12 years. And, it is time for a change. We have moved to a new format and are looking for new ways how to bring you more information that is current and timely. Please do not hesitate to suggest ideas or ask questions. Please send an email to us at Jack@designforgenerations.com

Read more

I hope the summer is going well. Not too hot and maybe a little rain to keep things green and vibrant. The attached August Greenletter talks about trends and other garden interests, such as rain gardens. We hope that the information on natural weed deterrents, butterfly needs and how best to cut and save sunflowers will be of interest for all of the gardening enthusiasts.

Read more

FLOWERS AND MOOD Researchers at Rutgers University have shown that flowers have a positive long-term effect on a person’s mood. People participating in the survey reported feeling a higher sense of enjoyment and satisfaction with life after receiving flowers. They also felt less depressed and agitated. “Where flowers bloom, so does hope” – Lady Bird Johnson GOT MINT? Gardeners may get nervous when thinking about planting mint in the garden. However, this may be a good excuse to use it more frequently. Adding fresh mint to iced tea and ice cream, it is summer time after all, is one way. Add it to grilled foods such as fish. Mint aids in digestion and helps freshen the breath. And, one way to control it from spreading is to plant it in a plastic pot and sink the pot in the ground. Be sure the pot has drainage holes. RATIONALE A quick reminder—one hour of gardening will reduce stress, help boost bone density and burn up to 300 calories. So, keep in mind that tending to the garden is good for the plants and good for you, too! REPEL INSECTS Looking for more natural ways to help ward off mosquitoes and other insects? Catnip, marigold, rosemary and mint are good herbs to use. Try placing the crushed leaves of these plants in small containers where you sit on the porch or patio. Be sure to replace them with fresh herbs frequently. TOMATOES We know that tomatoes like hot weather. However, those summer heat waves may not always be good for the plants. Most tomato plants will fail to set fruit once the daytime temperatures rise above 95 degrees and night time temperatures exceed 78 degrees. CONEFLOWER The perennial Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a favorite of gardeners and birds. And new varieties are adding additional color choices, with unusual names, such as Tomato Soup (red flowers) and Mac n’ Cheese (orange-yellow flowers). Tennessee coneflower is on the endangered plant species list and would be one another good coneflower to add to your garden. BIRDBATHS When trying to attract birds to your garden, the number one thing they need is water. Be sure to include a bird bath. Make sure it is clean and filled with fresh water. There are many decorative styles that also include water fountains. BLACK-EYED SUSANS A wonderful summer flower to include in your garden is Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia). One of the best varieties is ’Goldsturm’. They are great for using in flower arrangements. Butterflies are attracted to them and birds like the seed heads. This perennials is also tolerant of poor soils and dry conditions. STORING HERBS It is possible to keep some herbs fresh after cutting. To keep basil fresh, trim the stems and quickly stand the stems in water. You can also cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag and keep them out of direct sunlight. You can store parsley and cilantro in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge. Be sure to add a damp paper towel. This will work well with rosemary, chives and thyme, also. GARDEN ART Looking for ways to help promote the garden and outdoor activities? Try hanging these colorful garden posters (@$12). This and other ideas will help prompt people to head outside to the garden. www.victorygardenoftomorrow.com BLOG You can now follow our posts on the blog site: www.designforgenerations.wordpress.com We are transitioning the newsletter over to this format.. The newsletter be available through the Word Press site. We will ask readers to sign up to receive future issues.

Read more

BENEFITS OF NATURE British researchers looked at ten various studies on the effects of activities performed outside in nature. Activities such as walking, cycling and gardening had positive effects on the 1,200 people surveyed. According to Jo Barton, co-author of the study, “There would be a large potential benefit if people were to selfmedicate more with green exercise.” The largest positive health changes occurred when people exercised in the outdoors. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es903183r CONTAINER GARDENS Planting in containers makes it easier to garden, especially if space is limited. You can grow most all of the same vegetables, flowers and herbs in containers that grow in the ground. Be sure to use a light weight soil that is specifically created for containers. You may have to water more often, as containers can dry out faster. The height of the containers allows you to garden while sitting and makes it easier to reach. Another advantage is that you can bring them indoors for the winter. SHARING A great way to share the fun is to make gardening a group effort. Have other gardeners plant companion plants that can be used to create a meal. You can swap some of your produce with other gardeners. GARDENING TRENDS Gardening, like many things, can be stylish. You can stay ahead of the curve and even be the first on your block. One way is to become a ’locivore’. Start growing your own organic vegetables. Rather that ship lettuce, tomatoes and other produce across the country, start growing it in your own garden. Trading lawns for vegetable gardens has become popular. In fact, people are replacing their lawns with perennial gardens and raised vegetable planters. More than three-fourths of people are motivated to grown their own, because the vegetables will have better taste and nutrition (Garden Writers Survey-Spring 2010). BASIL Basil brings fragrance, beauty and flavor to any garden and may be one of the most essential plants to grow. One of it’s most important properties is to be used in cooking. Try planting Lemon Basil which adds a tangy flavor to recipes. Lime Basil can be used where you need a hint of lime. Or try growing Thai Basil for a licorice flavor. Basils like sunny well drained soils. They also grow well in containers. “Gardening is an exercise in optimism. Sometimes it is the triumph of hope over experience.” -Marina Schinz COMPANIONS Certain plants work well together. Planting garlic among the roses will help keep away aphids and Japanese beetles. Planting mint with cabbage and tomatoes will repel aphids and fleas and even attract earthworms. Marigolds are the best to plant because they help keep away bad insects from most vegetables. LEMON BALM We have often heard about the beneficial properties of using herbs. The herb, Lemon Balm, has been shown to have many positive effects. It is said to dispel anxiety and improve mood. It has a lemony flavor and can be used in teas. This herb is easy to grow and be sure to give it lots of space. KEEP BLOOMING Removing the dead flowers from flowering plants will encourage new flowers. This is called ‘deadheading’ and should be done as soon as they look brown or wilted. Pinch the stalk right above the bud or set of leaves for perennials and annuals. This also applies for flowering shrubs, such as roses. You will need a pair of hand pruners to remove the spent flowers on woody plants. BLOG You can now follow our posts on the blog site: www.designforgenerations.wordpress.com We are transitioning the newsletter over to this format.. The newsletter be available through the Word Press site. We will ask readers to sign up to receive future issues.

Read more

RELAXATION Gardening is relaxing. The research indicates that nature does reduce stress and helps to lower blood pressure. Why not think about your garden as your own private sanctuary! Spending time in the garden is good for your health. So, take a little extra time to pick some flowers or just smell various fragrances as spring emerges. In fact, find a comfortable chair to sit in for a while and watch as nature unfolds before your eyes. “To get the best results you must talk to your vegetables.” – Prince Charles DAYLILY’S The botanical name for Daylily is Hemerocallis. This is taken from the Greek word hemera, which means day and kallos which means beauty. It is called this because the flower of this perennial plant only lasts a day. The flowers were used as food in China and Japan. They were dried or pickled in salt or cooked as a vegetable. Daylilies are not a native American plant and were brought here by settlers. They were a popular garden plant in colonial times and escaped to grow along roadsides. NATIVES There are good reasons why we should look to plant more native varieties of local plants in our gardens. The plants that are native to the region where we live, typically require less water. They are less prone to disease and easily adapt to the growing conditions. These plants require less maintenance, which means spending more time enjoying them and doing less pruning and weeding. In fact, some native plants may be very attractive to birds, butterfly’s and other wildlife. There are good environmental and aesthetic reasons for using locally grown trees, flowers and shrubs. LOCALLY GROWN The idea of growing your own vegetables can be as simple as container planting on your patio. Often, we think that to have fresh produce we need to start a large garden. However, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers and other vegetables can be grown in pots outside the back door. This includes fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano and mint. Make sure the pot is placed in a sunny location and there is a hose near by. So, think of local produce as coming from your own backyard. INTENSIVE GARDENS The idea of using raised beds became popular in the 1800’s as a way of intensely using the soil for growing plants. The idea is to plant in narrow rows that are easy to reach from each side. Raised beds make it easier to weed, water and provide better drainage. RIGHT TREE Selecting the right tree can help ensure it will live a long life. Understanding how tall a tree will grow and it’s characteristics will help you determine the best location for planting. Being able to amend the soil at the time of planting and giving it enough room to grow should is important. When selecting a tree, be sure to purchase one that is sold in a burlap bag (B&B). The Arbor Day web site has a tree quiz to help you select the best tree for the location you are considering. www.arborday.org TREE FACTS Did you know that one tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen a year. Two trees can supply enough oxygen for a family of four. FRIENDS If you are new to gardening, a good way to ensure success is to make friends with other gardeners. Gardeners love to offer advice and most people have an idea how to help. Their experience can help new gardeners solve some of natures riddles. You will make them feel good, too, by asking questions. BLOG You can now follow our posts on the blog site: www.designforgenerations.wordpress.com. We are transitioning the newsletter over to this format.. We will continue to email the newsletter and it will be available through the Word Press site.

Read more

Information in this newsletter about: Anticipation, Spring Vegetables, Narcissus, Carrots, Rosemary, Companions, National Arbor Day and Ergonomic Tools

Read more