In the Weeds?

Weeding is never fun.  In fact, for most gardeners it is probably the most despised chore of all.  One of the most important things to keep your beds weed free is ensuring you pull most, if not all of the roots.  To do this, you'll need the best tools for the job.  There are two types of weeding tools, and it has to do with the length of the handle.  The category names are simple enough.  Short-handled and long-handles.  Makes perfect sense, right?  Let me break it down for you.

Short-Handled Weeding Tools.

Cape Cod Weeder
This one comes in both right and left hand versions. With a narrow, hooked blade, this one is great for fitting into tight places. Find out more about this tool at Red Pig Tools.

Hori Hori Weeding and Bonsai Knife
One of my favorites.  This multi-purpose tool was originally used by bonsai enthusiasts, but once introduced it quickly becomes a favorite of most gardeners for not only it's weeding capabilities, but for transplanting, digging and pruning.

Onion Hoe
Also known as a hand hoe or a rock garden hoe, this is the short-handled version of the draw hoe.  It works well for weeding around closely spaced plants.  The one pictured here is an antique.  Keep your eyes open at yard sales and antique shops.

Asparagus Knife
You probably already own one of these, but you may not be familiar with the true name.  And if you have do have one, is it effective?  It's important to buy a good quality asparagus knife, one that is both strong enough and sharp enough.

Long-Handled Weeding Tools

Stirrup Hoe
Also known as a Dutch Hoe or Scuffle Hoe, this tool can accomplish a larger area in a shorter time because it uses a push-pull motion.  The one you find here is a great choice.

Draw Hoe
The Draw Hoe is the perfect tool for clearing weeds from large areas.  It chops the weeds up and then pulls them toward you, as you clear the area.

 Cobrahead
Named because that's exactly what it looks like.  OH MY GOSH!  I love this tool.  You can order your own here.  As a weeder and cultivator, it can't be beat.  It's also available in a short-handled version.

Weeding isn't an easy chore, but you can make it easier with the right tools.  The small investment is worth it, especially when it means you can spend the extra time on more pleasurable gardening.

New for 2013!

The start of a new year always makes me excited to discover what new plants are showing up.  I always relish the chance to be the first in my neighborhood with some of the newest selections.  During the month of January, I scoured websites, magazines and catalogs looking for new varieties that piqued my interest and I felt deserving of a place in my landscape.

My favorites, you ask?  Well, here are a handful.  Perhaps some of these varieties, if you are lucky enough to  located them in your area, will find their way into your yard.

Red Darling Hibiscus.  Gorgeous and deeply red, this Hibiscus will not only brighten your garden, but invite hummingbirds, as well.

Wild Swan Japanese Anemone.  This magnificent hybrid will bloom from June until the first frost.  A great addition to your rock gardens.

Everlasting Revolution Hydrangea.  A repeat blooming hydrangea that will surprise you with blooms of pink, maroon or blue with green highlights as the flowers mature.

Summer Cascade Wisteria.  A lovely addition for a trellis, this wisteria is a hardier variety that will add a whimsical, enchanted touch to your patio area.

Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle.  A new dwarf species with mauve pink clusters of blooms and a deep purple foliage.  It grows quick and top heights are only 12 feet.

Glamouflage Grape Petunia.  Like the grape color.  In love with the variegated foliage!

Plum Crazy Yellow Oxalis.  Bright yellow flowers sit daintily atop mounds of variegated red and pink foliage.

Popcorn Drift Groundcover Rose.  This super hardy groundcover rose gets its name from the way it's blooms start yellow and fade to a cream white, kind of like a kernel of popped corn.

These are just a few new varieties out there to get you ready for planting season.  Feel free to share some of your finds in our comments section.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2013!  It's going to be a great year for gardening,   What are some of the trends for the coming year?  Let's take a look at What's In  for 2013 when it comes to your landscape.

Gardening for the Birds and Bess is In. 
Sure they're a fun addition to your garden.  Interesting to watch and add some color and beauty, too.  But there's a more important reason to play for the birds and bees.  Hummingbirds, butterflies and bess are responsible for many good crops and keep life growing.

Water in the Garden is In. 
It doesn't have to be a large water feature or a running stream, a bird bath, a small fountain or a tiny pond can make a difference.  Water is relaxing, it's pretty, it helps filter the air and it will attract animals and birds. 

Buying Local is In.
Using native plants in your landscape are cost-effective, easier to care for and also provide natural habitat for native wildlife.

Easier, lower maintenance Gardening is In.
 Low maintenance gardening allows you to enjoy the time you spend tending to your plants because you won't suddenly find yourself in the middle of an all weekend project.  It all comes down to what you plant.  Plants that don't require a ton of care. 

Eco-Chic Gardening is In. 
Green, sustainable and eco-friendly.

Curvaceous is In.
Curves are in when it , but sometimes a clean neat line still works.

Well Lit Gardens are In.
Not only does lighting set a mood, but it also extends the time you can spend working on your landscape.

Before and After

There are times when a Before and After image can really help you understand exactly what can happen when you transform a yard.  Here are a few of our favorite Before and After shots.  Enjoy!

Okay, so we've been slack with blogging...

But we've been anything BUT slack when it comes to our work this fall.

Here's what we've been up to.

Told you we've been busy!

Just Peachy

When I think of August and summer fruit harvesting, I think of peaches.  After all, August is National Peach Month.  Biting into a super ripe peach, juices dripping down my chin, on my hands, over my wrist and all the way to my elbow.  It's all part of the love for my favorite fruit.  While nothing beats a freshly picked peach, the recipe choices are abundant.  Everything from appetizers, salad, main dishes, desserts and even beverages.  Peaches are plentiful in August and so are the ways to use them.

If you want to start your morning with peaches, consider Peach Pancakes.  This simple recipe from the folks at food.com will certainly bring a smile to the faces of the peach lovers in your home.  Make sure to save some peach slices to top them with, too.

By now, most of us have tried that pre-made Peach Iced Tea, but when peaches are plentiful then it's time to make it fresh.  Not trying this made from scratch recipe from Food Network would just be wrong!

If Iced Tea is not your drink, then a peach smoothie might be just the thing to tempt your taste buds.  Taste of Home's recipe is delicious and the small amount of effort is more than worth it.

Need that adult kick in your beverage.  Crank it up a notch with this Peach Mojito recipe from MyRecipes.  That perfect blend of peaches, mint and rum will make you feel like you're in Cuba, relaxing by the Caribbean.  

If you're hosting a little get together and Peach Mojitos are the drink of the night, why not whip up a batch of  Fresh Peach Salsa and tortilla chips to completely keep the peach theme going.  Southern Living's recipe will have your guests liberally tossing out the compliments.  

Peaches have a perfect spot in salads.  One of my favorite salads is a good caprese.  The Refined Chef has a great caprese salad, smartly referred to as Georgia Caprese.  Try it out for a new take on a well known favorite.

The flavors of peaches and pork mingle well together.  This Roasted Pork Chops and Peaches dish from Real Simple is sure to be a hit during peach season.

Seafood, particularly fish, also compliments a good peach.  Real Simple is on target once again with this Gingery Salmon with Peaches recipes.  Your grilling skills will most assuredly win kudos when this recipe makes an appearance on your table.

And now for dessert!  Can I just say that I LOVE peach cobbler.  A warm bowl of cobbler topped with a cold scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream may just be my favorite dessert in the entire world.  An August without it is just incomplete on so many levels.  This recipe is from Big Red Kitchen and it's easy, quick and delicious.  (You're on your own with finding the right vanilla ice cream.)

It's National Peach Month. Celebrate! From the words of those Classic Rock favorites, The Allman Brothers, Eat a Peach!