Spring is all around us, from the blooming redbuds and chocolate chip ajuga (my personal favorite) alongside the cheerful melodies of nesting birds. Let’s bid farewell to winter’s starkness and bring some charm and color to that porch! Stepping into the lively season of spring is easier than you think with the right combination of plants, pots, and process of crafting it. Let’s explore the essentials to help you create a botanical wonder, that elevates your outdoor space and inspires your neighbors!
Plants: Blooms with Color
To create a captivating container garden that flourishes in the Middle Tennessee climate, it’s essential to select plants that not only tolerate but thrive in our conditions. Here are some delightful spring-flowering plant options:
Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana)
Bloom Time: Pansies typically bloom from early spring until the heat of summer.
Colors: Pansies come in a wide array of colors, including purple, yellow, orange, and blue.
Cool Fact: Pansies are not just pretty faces – they’re edible too! These charming blooms are often used to garnish salads or desserts, adding a pop of color and a subtle floral flavor.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Bloom Time: Snapdragons bloom from late spring to early summer.
Colors: Snapdragons are available in an assortment of hues, including pink, red, yellow, white, and purple.
Unusual Fact: The name “snapdragon” comes from the flower’s unique appearance. When you gently squeeze the sides of the bloom, it opens its “mouth” like a dragon’s, revealing a tongue-like structure inside.
Petunias (Petunia × hybrida)
Bloom Time: Petunias bloom profusely from spring until the first frost in fall.
Colors: Petunias showcase a vibrant spectrum of colors, from bold reds and pinks to soft pastels and striking purples.
Fun Fact: Petunias are popular for their ability to attract hummingbirds with their brightly colored blooms and sweet nectar. These delightful visitors add an extra touch of magic to your garden.
Chocolate Chip Ajuga (Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’) Bloom Time: Chocolate Chip Ajuga blesses us with its blooms from late spring to early summer, gracing the garden with its charming presence.
Colors: Its flowers display a range of hues from delicate lavender to deep purple, complementing the rich chocolate tones of its foliage.
Interesting Fact: Beyond its visual appeal, Chocolate Chip Ajuga offers more than meets the eye. Its leaves emit a subtle fragrance when brushed, adding a delightful sensory dimension to the garden. Moreover, like lavender, it holds potential for herbal remedies, contributing both beauty and practicality to your outdoor space.
Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
Bloom Time: Dianthus blooms from late spring to midsummer.
Colors: Dianthus blooms come in an array of colors, including pink, red, white, purple, and bicolor combinations.
Fabulous Fact: The name “dianthus” is derived from the Greek words “dios,” meaning divine, and “anthos,” meaning flower. These charming flowers have been cherished for centuries for their delicate beauty and delightful fragrance.
Pots: Elevating Your Style
When it comes to selecting pots for your container garden, form doesn’t always follow function. For instance, French country pots often feature rustic charm with distressed finishes and intricate detailing, perfect for adding a touch of vintage elegance to your porch. A great example would be this lovely Bergs pot. On the other hand, modern pots boast clean lines and minimalist designs, ideal for creating a sleek contemporary look. At our garden center, we offer a wide selection of pots in store and online here in various styles to suit your taste and elevate your outdoor decor.
Process: Crafting Your Botanical Ensemble
Creating a successful container garden is all about balance and composition, and the “thriller, filler, spiller” technique offers a foolproof formula for achieving stunning results. The “thriller” plant serves as the focal point, adding height and drama to your arrangement. This could be a tall grass like Miscanthus or a striking spike plant such as Dracaena. The “filler” plants, positioned around the thriller, add volume and color, filling in the space between the taller centerpiece and the trailing spillers. Choose plants with contrasting textures and complementary hues to create visual interest. Finally, the “spiller” plants cascade over the edges of the container, softening its edges and adding a sense of movement. Trailing petunias, ivy, and sweet potato vine are excellent choices for spillers.
But don’t forget about soil in our containers. That’s something that most people overlook – they get caught up with the beauty of the flowers. But, actually, the soil is the most important component, because that’s what’s going to feed our beautiful plants and give them nutrients. You want to get the best quality potting soil that you can for your containers with lots of micronutrients. We have great quality soil and different brands to choose from at Gardens of Babylon!
Pro tip: If you have pots that dry out throughout the day, buy some play sand to place in bottom of your containers and this will hold more moisture for you throughout the season!
Ready to bring a splash of color to your porch? Visit the Garden Center to find the right soil, plants, and pots for your project. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you every step of the way. And if you’re short on time or expertise, don’t hesitate to reach out to our botanical design team – we’ll handle all the work for you, from plant selection to arrangement. Let us help you turn your container garden dreams into reality!
Here in Middle Tennessee our temperatures are still dipping low at night, making some of us feel like warmer weather is far off. Rest assured, though, the time for prepping your garden is here. Have you planned yours out yet?
If this sounds like a daunting task, luck for you – Gardens of Babylon offers a unique “personal farmer” service, making your gardening dreams a reality with minimal effort on your part. This service covers everything necessary to have a successful home garden, from raised bed design and installation, filling your beds with premium compost, to planning, installing, and maintaining your vegetables for you if you choose a contract for ongoing maintenance. The garden will still need a bit of individual attention from the homeowner, but a weekly or bi-weekly maintenance visit makes any necessary tending much easier.
So why the hype around raised beds? These elevated wonders are a favorite among busy gardeners. If you choose to plan out your garden on your own, these can make your work load much lighter! The soil in them warms up faster in spring, ensuring an early start to your growing season. They boast superior drainage, keeping your plants happy even during downpours. They also maximize space and minimize pesky weeds. And, a big plus for gardeners who struggle with heavy clay is the ease of improving the condition of soil in a raised bed. Whether you’re gardening on your own or letting us be your personal farmer, raised beds are a win-win!
But how do you go about setting up your own raised bed oasis? Well, the key is in the details. Opt for a width of no more than four feet to ensure easy access from all sides without compacting the soil. And don’t skimp on sunlight – aim for at least six hours of direct sunshine daily to keep those veggies thriving.
As for what to plant, the options are endless! Beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs – you name it, they’ll flourish in raised beds. Just be mindful of space hogs like melons and pumpkins, which are better suited to larger gardens. And don’t forget to get creative with interplanting; mix and match veggies to maximize your harvest potential.
Ready to take the plunge into raised bed gardening but want it handled by a pro? Schedule a consultationhere to kickstart your green journey with your own Personal Farmer! With expert guidance and top-notch services at your fingertips, there’s no better time to turn your garden dreams into reality.
If you’re more the DIY type, the Garden Center at Gardens of Babylon has everything you need to build your own raised beds. You’ll find cedar boards and raised bed kits, along with the soil and plants (in the appropriate season) to fill them, and the tools you need to tend them. Get ready to unleash your inner gardener!
Ready to transform your backyard into a Zen zone of tranquility? Contact our team today!
In the vibrant city of Nashville, TN, where the rhythm of life can be exhilarating, having a peaceful retreat right in your backyard is priceless. Today, we’re sharing five expert tips you can use to make your outdoor spaces perfect for relaxing. We’ll focus on design tips that seamlessly transition your space as the sun sets, ensuring your Zen zone remains a haven from day to night.
Embrace Nature’s Influence
To create a Zen zone in your backyard, start by embracing the beauty of nature. Incorporate native plants, soothing greenery, and natural materials like wood and stone into your design. These elements enhance the aesthetics and foster a deeper connection with the outdoors, promoting a space of tranquility. Creating meandering paths crafted from sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood or locally sourced stone, evokes a seamless blend with the environment. Middle Tennessee offers a variety of native plants that can contribute to a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
A few good choices are: Eastern Redbud – a tree known for its beautiful pink blossoms in spring. American Beautyberry – a native shrub that produces clusters of vibrant purple berries in late summer and fall. Eastern Hemlock – a majestic evergreen tree that provides shade and a sense of serenity with its graceful branches and dense foliage. River Birch – an attractive tree with peeling bark and graceful form, River Birch adds a sense of calmness to landscapes, especially near water features. Switchgrass – a native grass that offers a serene backdrop with its graceful, swaying foliage and airy seed heads, attracting wildlife and adding movement to the garden. Purple Coneflower – a perennial with pinkish-purple blooms, this flower attracts pollinators, contributing to a harmonious garden ecosystem.
Simplify Your Design
To truly embrace the essence of simplicity in your design, consider adopting the principles of Japanese minimalism, where every element serves a purpose and nothing is superfluous. Emphasize clean lines and functional furniture, opting for pieces crafted from natural materials like bamboo or rattan, which gracefully evoke a sense of tranquility and age, further enhancing the timeless appeal of your oasis. Create visual continuity by incorporating a limited color palette inspired by nature, such as soft earth tones or muted greens, fostering a seamless integration with the outdoors. Prioritize open spaces and allow for natural flow and movement when placing pots, furniture, and plants.
Cultivate Cozy Comfort
Comfort is key when designing a Zen-inspired outdoor space. Choose cozy seating options like plush cushions, oversized pillows, and hammocks to encourage relaxation and lounging. Create intimate seating areas tucked away in secluded corners of your backyard, perfect for quiet contemplation or enjoying a good book on a lazy afternoon.
Harness the Power of Water Features
Water has a remarkable ability to induce a sense of calm and tranquility. Incorporate a water feature such as a fountain, pond, or babbling brook into your backyard design to add an element of serenity. The gentle sound of flowing water can drown out unwanted noise and create a peaceful ambiance that soothes the soul.
Beyond its aesthetic allure, incorporating water features into your backyard oasis can significantly improve air quality. As water flows and evaporates, it releases negative ions into the air, which can purify and cleanse the surrounding atmosphere. This natural process enhances the overall ambiance of your outdoor space and contributes to a healthier environment, promoting well-being and vitality for you and your loved ones.
Illuminate with Soft Lighting
Extend the enjoyment of your Zen zone into the evening hours with soft, ambient lighting. Incorporate LED fixtures, lanterns, or string lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Avoid harsh or bright lights that can disrupt the natural serenity of your backyard oasis, and instead opt for soft, diffused lighting that enhances the overall sense of calm. Strategically placed lighting enhances the visual appeal of your landscape and extends the usability of your outdoor retreat into the evening hours. Soft, ambient lighting can accentuate the movement of water, casting mesmerizing reflections and shadows that dance across your garden. Additionally, illuminating pathways and seating areas ensure safety and allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of your Zen-inspired sanctuary long after the sun has set.
You may not know that soft lighting not only enhances the ambiance but can also have psychological benefits. Studies have shown that gentle, warm lighting can promote relaxation and reduce stress. By incorporating soft lighting into your outdoor space, you create an environment that looks inviting and fosters a sense of peace and tranquility, providing a haven for unwinding after a long day.
Transforming your backyard into a Zen-inspired oasis is within reach with these expert tips. By embracing nature’s influence, simplifying your design, cultivating cozy comfort, harnessing the power of water features, and illuminating with soft lighting, you can create a tranquil outdoor space that soothes the senses and rejuvenates the soul.
Ready to transform your backyard into a Zen zone of tranquility? Contact our team today for expert guidance and personalized solutions tailored to your needs. Start designing your own slice of serenity right in your backyard, where peaceful moments await from day to night.
Spring is Coming, Make it Greener with a lush, vibrant lawn! Now is the time to schedule lawn care!
Gardens of Babylon is Nashville’s leading provider of biologically advanced lawn care services and we’re committed to sustainability, without sacrificing quality.
Maintaining a lush and vibrant lawn in Tennessee requires more than just regular mowing and watering. To truly achieve that enviable green carpet, it’s essential to understand the key nutrients your lawn needs to thrive. From nitrogen to potassium, each nutrient plays a vital role in promoting healthy growth and resilience against the challenges of the Tennessee climate. Let’s explore the essential nutrients and how they contribute to cultivating the lawn of your dreams.
Nitrogen
Often referred to as the backbone of lawn fertilization, nitrogen is crucial for promoting lush, green growth. This essential nutrient fuels the production of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the vibrant color of your grass blades. With Tennessee’s hot summers and occasional droughts, providing an adequate supply of nitrogen helps ensure your lawn maintains its vitality even during periods of stress.
Phosphorus
Essential for strong root development and energy transfer within plants, phosphorus is another key nutrient for maintaining a healthy lawn in Tennessee. By encouraging robust root systems, phosphorus enhances your lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, making it more resilient to drought conditions. Incorporating phosphorus into your lawn care regimen promotes overall plant vigor and improves the ability to withstand environmental stressors.
Potassium
Often overlooked but equally important, potassium plays a crucial role in regulating water uptake and maintaining overall plant health. In Tennessee’s fluctuating climate, where periods of heavy rain can be followed by prolonged dry spells, potassium helps your lawn better cope with moisture fluctuations. Additionally, potassium strengthens cell walls, making your grass more resistant to diseases and environmental stresses.
Calcium and Magnesium
While often present in sufficient quantities in Tennessee soil, calcium and magnesium are essential secondary nutrients that contribute to overall lawn health. Calcium aids in cell division and the development of strong cell walls, while magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll production, helping to maintain your lawn’s rich green color.
Sulfur
Often overlooked but equally important, sulfur is essential for promoting enzyme activity and nutrient uptake in your lawn. It also helps maintain optimal soil pH levels, ensuring that other nutrients are readily available to your grass. In Tennessee’s acidic soils, sulfur can play a vital role in achieving the right balance for healthy plant growth.
Micronutrients
In addition to these primary and secondary nutrients, micronutrients such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese are essential for maintaining optimal plant health. While required in smaller quantities, micronutrients play critical roles in various metabolic processes, enzyme activation, and disease resistance.
At Gardens of Babylon, customers interested in lawn care have the option to select between two comprehensive programs: Standard or Premium. Both programs are designed to infuse your lawn with a tailored blend of macro and micro nutrients, alongside potent bio-stimulants and beneficial biology, ensuring optimal growth and health. The Standard Program includes five treatments strategically scheduled throughout the year, targeting lawn weeds with each application. Our Premium Program offers an enhanced level of care with seven treatments annually and tackles tough grassy invaders like nutsedge, dallisgrass, and goose grass with precision. The Fall Treatment introduces a special “Turf Revitalizer” formula containing seaweed, beneficial bacteria and fungi, molasses, and humic acid, which work together to rejuvenate your lawn after the summer heat. Additionally, a Winter Treatment is included to provide extra weed control against winter pests like henbit, chickweed, and wild violet, ensuring your lawn remains pristine even during the colder months.
As spring approaches in Tennessee, now is the perfect time to sign up for our biologically advanced lawn care programs. Let us help you cultivate a lawn that not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also promotes environmental sustainability for future generations. Our team can give you a free quote and make this spring the season your lawn truly shines.
If you want to have a hands-on terrarium-building experience, check out our upcoming Terrarium Building Workshop!
Terrariums hold a special place in our hearts because they transport us into the realm of creating our very own miniature world—a world we can nurture and cherish for years to come. They’re not just stunning decor pieces; they’re living pieces of art, capable of thriving for years, and even decades, in the right conditions. If you’re yearning to embrace your green thumb but space is a concern, a lush, beautifully crafted terrarium might just be the solution. Perfect for those in compact living spaces, beginners dipping their toes into the world of plants, and even busy plant parents, terrariums are both space-efficient and easy to maintain. They offer not only a fulfilling hobby but also a touch of sophistication to your home decor.
The Perks of Terrariums
Terrariums seamlessly blend nature and design, offering a harmonious coexistence of the two. They provide a nurturing environment for plants that thrive in high humidity, overcoming the challenges of growing them in dry conditions. Moreover, they offer a charming, confined space for a miniature garden to flourish. Harnessing artificial light effectively within their glass enclosures, whether it’s the warm glow of LEDs or the crisp radiance of fluorescents, is an added bonus. The low-maintenance nature of terrariums ensures that you won’t be tethered to your watering can. Beyond their practical benefits, there’s an undeniable joy in curating and caring for your very own miniature living ecosystem. It’s a gratifying experience that brings the outdoors indoors, creating a tranquil connection between nature and your living space.
A Terrarium for Every Occasion
Terrariums come in two distinct types: sealed and open. Sealed terrariums, equipped with removable lids, are ideal for tropical plants like ferns, calathea, nerve plants, and even carnivorous specimens. In contrast, open terrariums allow air to circulate within, making them perfect for plants that require good ventilation, such as succulents, cacti, and air plants. Some enthusiasts take it a step further, introducing beneficial insects or other fauna to create a vivarium—a symbiotic relationship that allows all elements of the ecosystem to thrive in unison.
Getting Started with Terrariums
terrarium workshop gardens of babylon
Before diving into the world of terrarium crafting, take a moment to explore various styles and designs that resonate with your unique aesthetic. Be deliberate in your choice of terrarium type, container, and plants to bring your vision to life; we recommend selecting 2-3 plants to maintain harmony. With your design in mind, gather your supplies in advance to ensure a serene and stress-free crafting experience. Now, let’s embark on the step-by-step journey below, turning your creative vision into a tangible masterpiece that seamlessly blends nature with your distinctive style.
Begin with a layer of drainage rocks, ranging from half an inch to 2 inches deep, depending on the vessel’s size. This layer acts as a reservoir for excess water.
Add a thin layer of activated horticultural charcoal, approximately half an inch deep, to filter water, break down harmful bacteria, and absorb plant pathogens or toxins.
Follow up with your chosen potting soil, tailored to the type of terrarium you’re creating, whether it’s a tropical houseplant mix or a cactus mix. Each soil type offers optimum aeration, drainage, and microbial support for healthy plant roots.
Arrange your plants within the vessel as per your creative whims. There are no rules when it comes to creating and placing plants in your terrarium. Craft pebble walkways, whimsical nooks for fairies or gnomes, or tranquil desert oases reminiscent of your favorite vacation spot.
Now, it’s time to introduce your plants! Start with the largest one and work your way to the smallest. If you’re handling prickly plants, consider wearing gloves. Gently unravel the roots before nestling them into the soil to allow them to find their way through the container without entwining.
Once you’re satisfied with your plant arrangement, it’s time to add some personality. Incorporate decorative elements like preserved moss, gemstones, figurines, driftwood, top rocks, or desert sand to make your terrarium truly unique and aligned with your aesthetic.
Caring for Your Mini Ecosystem
Terrariums, with their captivating greenery encased in glass, bring a slice of nature into our homes. While they typically demand minimal upkeep, a few thoughtful measures can ensure their longevity and vitality. Think of it as nurturing a piece of the great outdoors within the sanctuary of your living space. Let’s delve into some tips to foster your terrarium and keep it thriving:
Watering Needs:
– For open desert terrariums, gauge watering needs by feeling the leaves or foliage of succulents and cacti. Limp, wilted, wrinkled, or pale leaves indicate thirst. Once the leaves regain their plumpness, firmness, and vibrant color, the plant has had enough water.
– Closed tropical terrariums require checking the soil and noting any condensation on the glass. Drooping leaves may signal thirst. A well-watered closed terrarium exhibits condensation inside the glass and a slight sheen of moisture on the soil’s surface. Lack of condensation or signs of dryness may necessitate adding moisture.
Light Requirements:
– Most terrariums thrive in well-lit rooms with indirect sunlight throughout most of the day. Placing them within 5 feet of an east or west-facing window works well for most terrariums, while desert terrariums, accustomed to brighter light, benefit from a south-facing window with a sheer curtain or dappled afternoon sun. Be cautious not to subject glass terrariums to excessive direct sunlight, as it can magnify sun rays and potentially harm your plants.
Pest Control:
– Open terrariums may require monitoring for pests like gnats or mealybugs. For closed terrariums, consider periodically removing the lid to allow fresh air in. Excessive moisture can lead to issues like root rot or mold, making it essential to open the container and let it dry out a bit if you notice heavy water droplets and consistently wet soil.
Other Tips:
– Rotate your terrarium periodically to ensure even growth on all sides of the plants.
– Remove yellow and brown leaves promptly to prevent the accumulation of dead organic matter, which can potentially spread pathogens or harm your plants and soil.
In conclusion, terrariums offer a delightful fusion of nature and artistry, and their care can be a rewarding and calming experience. Embrace the chance to create your own miniature world and watch it flourish, bringing a touch of the outdoors into your cherished living space. And, don’t forget to check our latest workshops to learn more about your favorite plants!
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