Garden Tips

By Thomas Green

Okay, I probably shouldn't start out by telling you what my top garden design tip is but I just can't help it. My absolute favorite broad leaf evergreen is the Carol Mackie Daphne. Now that I have let the cat out of the bag, here in more detail are my top three broad leaf evergreens.

Number 1 - Carol Mackie Daphne. As I mentioned the is my favorite but it's worth mentioning again, I LOVE this shrub. Its Latin name is Daphne x burkwoodii and it's hardy to zone 4. It can get up to 3 feet wide with a mounded shape. The fragrance it gives off when flowering in May is simply incredible. A quick pruning after flowering keeps this spectacular specimen compact and beautiful for about 7 years. Yes it's unfortunate but they do have short life span. I promise however you won't be disappointed!

Number 2 - Green Gem Boxwood. Everyone has to have at least a few Green Gem Boxwoods. The Buxus mic. var. insularis 'Green Gem' is a staple for any border hedge. It's rated zone 5 and can grow 2 1/2 feet tall with a slightly wider spread. The dense dark green foliage stays pretty much all year around.

Number 3 - Golden Spirea. I know what you are thinking; this is a classic 'industrial' plant. Yes the Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is usually spotted in mass plantings around factories and corporate buildings but there's a reason for this. They are VERY low maintenance and can take quite a beating. Good to zone 2 these 3 foot tall and 3 1/2 foot wide shrubs are never a bad choice.

Now then, I actually did have a tie for the top spot. The Carol Mackie Daphne won the coin toss but there's one other broad leaf ever green that I love and it works in so many gardens and locations. It is Pachysandra or Japanese Spurge. This ground cover words best in shady locations but is also great under evergreens! Hardy to zone 3, the only thing to consider is Japanese Spurge requires rich, acidic soil.


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By Dan Courtois

In order to live off a garden, you practically have to live in it." Frank McKinney Hubbard

Sprouts are the least expensive vegetable to produce and are plentiful. With only a supply of seeds it is entirely possible to eat for a year or more from your kitchen garden. When preparedness and sustainability are considered the pantry sprout seeds are a staple. Sprouts help to under gird a struggling budget. They are easy to use utilize, easy to prepare and require no fertillizer. All that this economic, nutritious, bountiful crop needs is a little moisture, a little air and a small nook in which to do their magic.

Sprouts can be a quality substitute for lettuce and other greens if the supplies or affordability becomes such that the produce is longer readily available. There are a variety of sprouting seeds available that will grow year round when the vegetable garden is not as hardy or bountiful. Sprouting guides have extensive information as to measuring quantity, soaking hours and sprouting days. Daily care and harvesting recommendations are also listed on the charts available. Use only untreated or organic grains, seeds or beans may have been treated and could be toxic

The largest relative amount of nutrients per unit of intake in comparison to other food sources is found in sprouts. This concentration of nutrients is used by the for the development of the seed. When the sprout is harvested at the proper time these nutrients have not been completely utilized by the growing plant and are optimized. They contain enzymes which aid in digestion, proteins that aid in digestibility, fiber, vitamins and other minerals. There are however several important.... http://tinyurl.com/y8b4ljk

Farmer Dan Rn is a blog that offers simple solutions to a variety of simple livings being gardening, pest control, poultry management and wholesome entertaining. Our intention is to consistently present relevant articles that are applicable to the small farmer and those who have chosen a frugal lifestyle. We address some of the political problems faced and their direct affect on this community without offending our audience.

Farmer Dan RN. is a registered nurse where patient care is his passion. With the blog the same care is given to each article. Farmerdanrn.com is the quality internet magazine that can meet the needs across generations and political lines.

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