The Perennial Planting of Biennials and Perennials

The planting season is now in full swing and you can find me in my garden whenever time and/or weather allows.  Its is so fun to watch my yard transform as I remove debris , weed and put out new colorful spring garden flags. 

As I pull away layers of leaves and mulch I blanketed plants with for winter protection I anticipate their reappearance.  Its amazing how much satisfaction it gives me when I do see their little pointed heads poking through the ground.  Its equally amazing how disappointed I am when they don't appear.  But I've also learned to look at it as an opportunity to try out a new Perennial or Biennial and there we have it, what is the difference. 

   By definition a Perennial is a plant that lives 3 or more years.  Although many live much longer, that does explain why after having flowers faithfully return for many years they are no where to be found. When planting perennials from seed, most will not flower until the second year. I watched this happen as last summer I watched bunches of columbine plants grow big and healthy from seeds collected from friends' plants. This spring I have been rewarded for my patience with tons of beautiful flowers. 
   Most perenials die to the ground  in the winter but their roots stay alive. There are a few that are evergreens.  Different varieties are chold hardy to different degrees so plants that are perennials in one area may be annuals in another.
 
    Biennials, by definition, only live for two years.  The first year is put into the growth of the plant and like perennials, flower the second year. The hopes are that after the plants flower and seeds ripen the seeds will drop and grow new plants to start another two year cycle.  There again I have had Foxgloves and Hollyhocks both which are biennials come back strongly for years and then again suddenly one year not show up.  My hollyhocks especially, have been greatly missed.  I have since decided a more full proof method is to collect some seeds to plant myself.

Every year I make it a point to try a couple things I've never grown before.  Some are a great success and some wither away without a trace, but its all part of the fun.  I have the best luck going to dedicated nurseries and not the ones connected with hardware or department stores.  They may be a little more expensive but usually have healthier plants and more unique variety and can give you good advice on the care of the plant.  So spread your wings and have fun.

While beautifying your yard, don't forget some new decorative flags.
Come visit us at www.FlagsandGifts.com

Thanks for reading!  Happy planting.

Marilee and Josie
Custom Flags and Gifts

Backyard Makeover for the Love of a Toddler

Many things in my life have been changed and rearranged since the arrival of my grandson over two years ago.  I've had to ease up on my campaign against clutter as my sunroom and cupboards are cluttered with toys.  Dresser drawers once holding guest linens are full of tiny clothes and it doesn't stop there. The changes have slowly started taking place outside.

My back yard used to be adorned with all sorts of lawn ornaments including of course garden flags.  I had lots of small flower gardens dotting the expanse.  As soon as my grandson started walking it didn't take long to see he was an explorer.  He liked to investigate everything within his reach and needless to say typical yard decorations are not made for a toddler to play with. It also became quickly apparent, a flower bed is no different to him than the grassy areas as he tromps from one side of the yard to the other.  So I've made big changes over the last year or so. I've condensed my flower beds down to just a couple larger ones and tried to give them defined borders that he can learn to respect. Where other beds used to dot the yard we are now constructing a huge fort and swing set. 
I've kept my decorative flags that can be displayed within protected flower beds but other than that most of the yard ornaments have been removed .

I'm looking forward to this spring and summer playing with my grandson in my backyard and giving him a little more freedom to run.  Not having to constantly tell him "no" as he grabs on to things that could hurt him or break.  His "little years" will go by so fast I want to enjoy them.

When your child or grandchild goes in to your yard to play, wouldn't it be exciting for him to see his artwork proudly on display.  At Custom Flags and Gifts you can order a flag with your child's very own artwork on it.  What fun!  It also makes a great keepsake. 


Child's Artwork Cusstom Garden Flag
 

Please visit our website and see what other garden flags and house flags we have to adorn your landscape.

Thanks for reading.
Marilee and Josie
Custom Flags and Gifts

Personalized Rescue Dog Garden Flags

We would like to welcome you to our Custom Flags and Gifts blog and Thank you for reading!

Millions of unwanted animals are killed every year in the US and dogs are at the top of the list. A rescue dog is a dog that is rescued from a possible euthanasia after being found as a stray, saved from an abusive or neglectful home by an animal rescue organization such as the ASPCA or cast aside by a puppy mill because they are too old to breed.  Some simply are no longer wanted or can no longer be cared for by its owner.The reasons owners surrender their dogs vary but some of the most common excuses we hear are:

We have no time for a dog.

We're moving.

A family member is allergic to the dog.

The dog does not get along well with children
 

If you are thinking of getting a pet, consider getting one from one of the many rescue organizations out there.  I don't have pets of my own, but have had several friends rescue dogs and they have never regretted it.  They have become extremely loyal and loving  pets.  As if they know and appreciate what they have done for them. 

Once you rescue your dog or if you already have, encourage others to do so by bragging and showing off  your "best friend" with a Custom Rescue Dog Garden Flag.  Look at what we've got at
 Custom Flags and Gifts

 

http://flagsandgifts.com/upload/index.php?route=product/product&path=3&product_id=146