Landscaping, Landscaping decor

Using Stone and Rocks in your Landscaping

Using stone and rocks in your landscaping gives the area another interesting element. This is called hardscaping, using a material other than living plants. The term rock is much bigger than a stone which is smoother due to weathering.

I have used a large piece of petrified rock as an anchored center to the flowerbed which surrounds it. The use of rocks as a rock bed with native grasses cuts down on the water. Also if weeds come through, use can spray with a 2-4, D which will not harm the grasses.

Different colored stones can be used in planting beds on perennial and shrub areas. The colors separate the areas for a better focal point.

A stone pathway will be attractive and a way of keeping your shoes clean coming in from the garden. Adding different colors of stone provides more interest. You can even use stones landscaping a dry creekbed.

If you can get your hands on a large “field” stone, use it to change a dull area in your back or front yard.

Using rocks as a mulch around trees and borders will not wash or blow away in storms, so lowers the maintenance which in turn lowers the cost over time.

Garden Pests

Two Problems are Happening in Tomatoes

Two problems are happening in tomatoes right now. One is leaf spot diseases whether early blight or Septoria (both are caused by fungi). Things to incorporate in your routine are to stake or use tomato cages to keep the plants off the ground improving air circulation. Keep the plants dry by watering at the base of the plants or water in the morning allowing plants to quickly dry off. Pinch and discard infected leaves. I have found covering the soil with mulch whether plastic or straw helps. Using a fungicide like Daconil on a routine to prevent the spore from infecting healthy leaves.

Leaf Spotting on Tomatoes

The other pest on tomatoes is the tomato hornworm. The large 3 to 4-inch worm is quite hungry and will quickly eat the ends of the plant. They emerge into the large Sphinx moth which does not harm anything. I found handpicking in early mornings (they eat and are visible during cooler temperatures) is the best control. You can use insecticide; however, they will still eat before dying. Some have found planting dill or marigolds with the tomatoes will help.

Tomato Hornworm
The Sphinx moth (the adult form of the hornworm)
Landscaping, Landscaping decor

Hide a Propane Tank

Tired of looking at that propane tank in your backyard?

The easiest way to hide it is to create a flowerbed around it. Use some stepping stones they can have room to refill it. Use easy-to-grow plants like daylilies, peonies, with some taller plants like castor beans or sunflowers to give the area a layered look.

Place potting containers around the propane tank. Use galvanized stock tanks that you painted. This gives your planting height and can be moved around for best effect.

Use a trellis to hide the tank leaving an area to get into it. Plant some annual or perennial vines in front and on the sides like clematis, hops, and runner beans. Just place the corner poles in a cement footing to stabilize the trellis.

If you do not want to go to the trouble in planting, just place an old fashioned picket fence up.