by Emily Vogler | Jul 21, 2023
Moving houseplants outdoors can be great for their growth and overall health. Especially here in Tennessee – abundant sunshine, high humidity, and plentiful rainfall create ideal conditions for tropical plants. However, it’s important to consider a few other factors that can affect your houseplants outside. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when deciding to move your houseplants outdoors.
1. Increased sunlight
Good or bad, outdoor plants receive more direct sunlight compared to indoor plants. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, allowing them to grow and thrive. Placing your houseplants outside exposes them to natural sunlight, which can enhance their growth and promote healthier foliage. However, keep in mind that not all plants need or can handle full sunshine. For example, most cactus varieties need and enjoy full sun all day, but many philodendron varieties will burn their leaves if left in the sun for too long. Do your research!
2. Natural air circulation
In indoor settings, air circulation tends to be limited, resulting in the accumulation of dust, pollutants, and stagnant air. By relocating plants outside, they can benefit from natural air movement, which prevents the buildup of harmful substances and promotes fresher air, creating an environment conducive to optimal growth. Enhanced air circulation facilitates improved transpiration and nutrient absorption in plants, further contributing to their overall well-being.
3. Temperature and humidity benefits
Outdoor conditions generally provide a wider range of temperature and humidity levels than indoor environments. Exposing your houseplants to these natural fluctuations can stimulate their growth and encourage stronger root development – just like their natural environment. Additionally, increased humidity outdoors can be beneficial for plants that thrive in a humid environment. Philodendrons, Anthuriums, and most other tropical plants absolutely love high humidity, and may even grow out of control with all the extra moisture! Keep an eye out for mildew if your plants are getting too wet, and again – do your research. Not all plants need 60% humidity or more. A good rule of thumb is that plants with thicker leaves – like succulents – need less humidity to thrive.
4. Pest control
Many common houseplant pests, such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, thrive indoors and outdoors. Though there are beneficial insects outdoors – like ladybugs – that can control pests, it’s important to know that pests can still be an issue. You will want to have a pest management regiment in place if you plan to have houseplants outdoors. Using neem oil is a great way to combat any pest issues. The best part about neem oil is that it does not harm the plant in any way when used in the correct way. Here is our blog on common houseplant pests, and how to get rid of them.
5. Larger growth
When deciding to move your houseplants outdoors, be prepared for remarkable growth! If your plants are already thriving, being in an outdoor environment will further enhance their well-being. Anticipate rapid growth, larger leaves, and stronger root systems. However, as the cooler months approach, it will be necessary to bring your houseplants back inside, and some of them might have grown significantly. Be ready to do some pruning if space becomes an issue due to their newfound size.
As we mentioned earlier, please keep in mind that not all houseplants can tolerate outdoor conditions. Some plants may be sensitive to direct sunlight, temperature extremes, or specific weather conditions. Before moving your houseplants outside, research their specific needs and consider factors like plant species, sunlight requirements, and local climate conditions to ensure they will thrive outdoors.
by Emily Vogler | Jul 17, 2023
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As a homeowner, you always want to do whatever you can to increase your home value. If you‘re thinking about selling your home in the near future, or if you just want to make sure your home is worth as much as possible, there are a number of things you can do to improve its value. One of the best ways to do this is to focus on your landscaping.
Here are four landscaping tips that will help increase your home value:
1. Invest in curb appeal
One of the most important things you can do to increase your home value is to focus on curb appeal. This is the first impression potential buyers will have of your property, so you want to make sure it‘s a good one. There are a number of ways to improve your curb appeal, including:
– Planting flowers and shrubs
– Adding mulch or stone to your flower beds
– Power washing your driveway and walkways
– Painting your front door
– Adding new house numbers
Don’t want to do the planting yourself? Schedule a landscaping consultation with us and let the pros do it!
Backyard walkway
patio
2. Create an outdoor living space
Another great way to increase your home value is to create an outdoor living space. This is a space where you can relax and entertain guests, and it‘s a major selling point for potential buyers. There are a number of ways to create an outdoor living space, including:
– Adding a deck or patio
– Building a pergola or gazebo
– Installing a fire pit
– Installing a water feature
– Adding outdoor furniture and/or a grill
increase your home value
wooden stair that leads to a sitting area
3. Install an irrigation system
If you want to make your landscaping low–maintenance, one of the best things you can do is install a sprinkler system. Your plants will thrive with regular waterings, and our professional irrigation team can help you with that! They’ll save you time and money in the long run, and it‘s a major selling point for potential buyers.
sprinkler watering the plants
4. Use drought–tolerant plants
If you live in an area that is prone to drought, one of the best things you can do for your landscaping is to use drought–tolerant plants. These plants require less water and maintenance, and they can really help improve the look of your property. Read our blog on drought-tolerant plants here.
colorful succulents
By following these landscaping tips, you can be sure that you‘re doing everything you can to increase the value of your home! To start a conversation with one of our designers about your dream landscape, schedule a phone consultation! You can also read more about the property value of plants from this helpful article from Garden Center Magazine!
by Emily Vogler | Jul 6, 2023
If you live in an area that is prone to drought, you know how important it is to have drought tolerant plants in your landscape. Especially if you live here in Tennessee. We’ve got a few ideas for drought-tolerant plants that are able to withstand long periods of time without water and still remain healthy. This also brings up the subject of xeriscaping – the practice of landscaping or gardening in a way that requires little to no irrigation. This can be accomplished by selecting plants that are native to or tolerant of the local climate and soil conditions, and by using mulch, rock, and other groundcover to retain moisture.
One of the primary advantages of xeriscaping is its ability to conserve water. By using drought-tolerant plants, minimizing turf areas, and implementing efficient irrigation systems, xeriscaping reduces water consumption significantly. This is especially important in arid regions or areas prone to drought, where water resources are limited. Xeriscaping emphasizes the use of organic mulches, which help improve soil health over time. Mulching conserves moisture, reduces weed growth, and moderates soil temperature. As the organic mulch breaks down, it enriches the soil with nutrients, enhances its structure, and promotes beneficial microbial activity.
Contrary to the misconception that xeriscaping means a barren or desert-like yard, a well-designed xeriscape can be visually appealing and diverse. By selecting a variety of drought-tolerant plants with different colors, textures, and heights, xeriscaping can create an attractive landscape that complements the surrounding environment. There are a variety of beautiful drought tolerant plants that you can choose from, so read on to can find the perfect ones for your landscape. Some of the most popular drought tolerant plants include:
Succulent blossoming
Succulents
Succulents are a great choice for drought tolerant landscaping because they are able to store water in their leaves and stems. This means that they can go for long periods of time without water and still remain healthy. Examples include Hens & Chicks, Ice Plants, and Agave.
Cacti plant
Cacti
Cacti are another great choice for drought tolerant landscaping because they have a shallow root system that doesn‘t require a lot of water. Examples include Prickly Pear, Barrel Cactus, and Opuntia.
Sedun flower
Sedums
Sedums are also a great choice for drought tolerant landscaping because they have thick, fleshy leaves that store water. There are a lot of examples of Sedums that are drought tolerant, but popular varieties include ground cover Sedum and trailing Sedum.
Lantana plant with flowers
Lantana
Lantanas are abundant bloomers that absolutely thrive in the summer heat. They’ll produce flowers all season long, and are fantastic to grow in containers.
Red Poppie flowers
Poppies
Poppies grow best in full sun, and don’t mind if the soil they grow in is a little less than perfect. Their eye-catching array of colors is sure to provide plenty of curb appeal in a dry summer yard!
drought tolerant plant for xeriscaping
Coneflower/Echinacea
Purple Coneflower is a beautiful perennial plant that is drought tolerant and native to Tennessee. It features vibrant purple flowers and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is well-adapted to hot and dry conditions and requires little watering once established.
Eastern Redcedar
Eastern Redcedar
The Eastern Redcedar is a hardy evergreen tree that can tolerate drought conditions well. It is native to Tennessee and can grow in various soil types. Once established, it requires minimal watering and can withstand dry periods.
Blue Star blossom
Blue Star
Blue Star is a native perennial plant that is known for its delicate blue flowers and feathery green foliage. It is highly drought tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil. Blue Star can withstand hot and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for Tennessee gardens.
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When choosing drought tolerant plants for your landscape, it is important to choose ones that are native to your area. This is because they will be better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. It is also important to choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of sun and shade in your landscape. This will ensure that they get the proper amount of sunlight and water to stay healthy. If you are looking for drought tolerant plants for your landscape, stop on into the garden center – we’re stocked on all kinds of drought-tolerant plants that will thrive in your landscaping. Our staff can help you choose the perfect plants for your area! Or, to start a drought-tolerant xeriscape design, schedule a phone consultation!
by Emily Vogler | Jun 8, 2023
June is a great time to finish planting gardens, containers and hanging baskets and then spend time relaxing on your deck, porch or patio enjoying the beautiful colors. Here’s a few tips to help you start summer on the right foot!
- Put down an organic fertilizer.
- Apply extra pine straw or shredded bark mulch around newly planted trees and shrubs. The extra mulch will reduce water loss and heat stress to the new roots.
- Prune out any dead or broken branches of trees and shrubs but avoid major pruning during summer heat.
- Apply extra pine straw or shredded bark mulch around newly planted trees and shrubs. The extra mulch will reduce water loss and heat stress to the new roots.
- Cut back spent flowers of annuals and perennials to encourage new blooms.
- Pay attention to hanging baskets and containers, because they dry out more quickly with the warmer temperatures.
- Irrigate plants at dawn and dusk to reduce water loss from evaporation.
- Watch for the water needs of new lawns, trees, ornamentals and new plantings as hot dry weather sets in.
- Plant perennials such as coreopsis, salvia, yarrow, coneflowers, peonies, bee balm, ferns, hosta and many others.
- Check ornamentals, flowers, and vegetables for spider mites, prevalent in warm months. Watch for bagworms on junipers, arborvitae and other conifers, and treat as needed. Watch for webworms on trees and treat as necessary.
- Apply fungicide as necessary to control black spot and powdery mildew on roses.
To begin your next project, schedule a phone consultation!
If you would like to work with your existing designer, simply fill in their name in the “Project Details” section.
by Emily Vogler | May 30, 2023
At Gardens of Babylon, we know to have a healthy and happy life, you need to incorporate nature into your living spaces. The problem is that most people don’t know where to start when it comes to adding plants and landscaping to their in or outdoor spaces, leaving them feeling stuck and uninspired. We believe you should be connected to nature and draw life and strength from it. Over the last 20 years, we have helped thousands of customers across Tennessee turn their yards into beautiful retreats of inspiration. Our eco-friendly approach ensures you get nature’s full benefit – the way it’s intended.
Check out some of the five-star Google reviews we’ve received about our outstanding service:
“As a houseplant enthusiast, I’ve heard legends of this place, and it was even better than I’ve heard!! So many rare plants all in one place, definitely more expensive than some other places but it’s clearly worth the money for the convenience! Their staff was helpful and friendly, while giving us plenty of space to browse on our own. They have such a wide selection of all plant care needs, indoors and out. I also loved the living wall, and they had a great selection of unique pots!” – Jess
“Working with GOBL was a pleasure! Eric V was great as our lead contact helping us with landscape design ideas, project planning, phasing and scheduling. Val led the teams that did the work and she and her team, including Victor and Jaime, worked hard to the plan and gave us a yard much improved and something we are very pleased with. Thank you to the GOBL team, much recommended!” – Avery
