You Take The Vacation - Not Your Garden

If you are planning to go on vacation, there are some important tasks that you really must undertake to ensure that your garden continues to maintain that well cared for condition which you constantly strive for.

After all, because you have spent so much of your time during the rest of the year trying to achieve perfection, it would be a great pity if some of that good work were to be undone.

You do deserve that well earned vacation however, so I put it to you that you will enjoy the break even more, in the knowledge that you will not be returning home to any unpleasant surprises.

Here are a few simple steps that I would advise you to take to help to make sure that all remains well.

Just how much you need to plan in advance depends entirely on how long that you intend to be away from home.

Even if you are only going away for a week or just over it, I strongly recommend that you make the time to attend to those basic garden chores the day before you leave.

For example, I always mow the lawn, deadhead all my flowers, and I make a point of moving any house plants that I might have temporarily placed outdoors to blossom, back indoors.

Naturally I make sure that they are watered thoroughly.

If you intend to be away from home for two consecutive weeks or longer, I suggest that you make some provision well ahead of the time, especially for the care of the lawn.

Perhaps you know a reliable teenager looking for some extra money in your neighborhood. If you do, strike a deal with him to cut the lawn once a week during your absence.

Whether he uses his lawn mower or yours though, do make sure that he knows to cut the lawn at the highest setting on the mower, which will usually be about three inches or so.

If you have an exceptionally large area of lawn however, or you intend to be away from home for a much longer period, you would probably be best to hire a professional Gardener, or a Garden Maintenance Company to attend to this. (funds permitting of course)

The day before you leave, preferably in the late morning, prune just recently opened blossoms, taking long stems with the cut flowers. I suggest that you also carry a container of water and water thoroughly.

On the same day prune flower buds also, as the blossoms will have most likely have opened and wilted during your absence.

Check your annuals and perennials for blighted foliage, removing any discolored leaves.

Your house plants will also need to be cared for as well while you are away. If you intend a long break, then you really should arrange for someone to attend to their needs if at all possible.

A good friend or neighbor will most likely be more than willing to oblige, especially if you offer to return the favor.

Your plants should be fine though, if you are only going away for a few days or so.

However if you have a situation where you simply cannot call on anybody to assist, or perhaps you do not want to impose on anybody, then I have outlined a few useful steps that you can take, particularly if you are intending to be absent for an extended time.

Move all those plants that are summering outdoors back inside, but place them in a shaded area first. Do this during the week before you leave, so as to let them acclimatize to the change in conditions.

Then bring them indoors, and place them in a spot where they will be most likely to get the benefit of indirect sunshine. In the morning before you depart, spread sheets of newspaper on the floor of the room where your plants are situated.

Water all your plants thoroughly, (whether they need it or not), and then place them on the newspaper sheets.

Place four large bowls of water around the plants, and cover them with a large white sheet. Make sure that the sheet drapes down beyond the plants onto the newspaper.

This will help to keep your plants moist and healthy.

Remember that the first priority is to have a fantastic vacation.

If you are like me however, you will enjoy it all the more, because you know that you have taken the time to make sure that your cherished garden and house plants have been well looked after.

Marie K Fisher is an avid gardening enthusiast with a passion for exotic flowers and wonderful colors. She is a regular contributor to Garden Center Showplace a leading online Garden Center. For more details of the superb range of products offered, and also more Featured Articles And Tips on Gardening visit http://www.gardencentershowplace.com

---

8 Simple Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running

1. If you have a non-electric mower which runs on... Read More

Perfume Your Garden and Home with Gardenias

One of my favorite plants is the large white-flowered Mystery... Read More

The Incredible Daylily

Some people have referred to daylilies as the poor man's... Read More

Garden Makeover On A Budget

There's been a huge increase in the popularity of garden... Read More

The Truth About Tulips

Roses may be beautiful but Tulips are magnificent. The huge... Read More

Flowers Wilting? Tips for Making Your Flowers Last Longer

We all know one disadvantage of flowers is that they... Read More

Who Sells Flower Bulbs?

Flower bulbs offer some of the most distinctive, unusual flowers... Read More

Vegetable Garden Layout

The size of your yard will determine your final vegetable... Read More

Using Push Reel Mowers

If you're not familiar with push reel mowers or if... Read More

Nontoxic Pest Control for Your Home and Garden

Pesticides are toxic and, while often effective against pests, can... Read More

Planning a Water Garden...

A water garden is the area of your landscape that... Read More

Why Teak Coffee Tables Are Essential For Your Outdoor Space

One of the best ways to bring together the many... Read More

Seeds and More Seeds...What Your Garden Needs

Seeds are the most important ingredient in all gardening. Without... Read More

Teak Furniture - The Proper Way to Care For & Clean It

Teak furniture is tropical hardwood that has a rich, golden... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Make Amends...Your Plants Will Love It

A wild flower garden, just like any garden you wish... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Plan to Plant

In the previous article I discussed design for your new... Read More

Ten Considerations Before You Buy A Bird House

When you decide to buy one bird house or more... Read More

Lawn Care Information

Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us... Read More

Fall is the Time to Get Your Garden Trees and Shrubs Ready for Winter: Heres What to Do

Tips for winter care of trees and shrubsWith the garden... Read More

You Cant Beat Perennials For Glorious Color All Season Long

When you start gardening with perennials, it's easy to think... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Yours to Design and Plan

To design a wild flower garden, you do not need... Read More

Marjoram: The Herb of Happiness

Called the "herb of happiness," Origanum majorana, commonly known as... Read More

Grow Herbs in your Garden for Pleasure and Profit

Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden... Read More

How to Grow Basil

Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs... Read More

Garden Fencing

I made my very first garden when I was six... Read More

Hot-Weather Fish Feeding Facts

Summertime provides the best time of the year to water... Read More

Italian Vegetable Seeds

Some might ask, "Why grow Italian vegetable seeds?" Why bother... Read More

Tips For Successful Backyard Grape Growing

Growing grapes in the backyard or garden can be a... Read More

Easter Lilies, and the Number One Gardening Question Right Now

Everybody asks about Easter lilies! Can they go outside; can... Read More

All about Tulip Gardens

As the curtain of winter lifts, tulips are one of... Read More

Growing Organic! Herbs, Flowers and Fruit

Creating no dig gardens on top of the soil gives... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Landscaping Schemes - Do They Add Value-Is It The Chicken Or The Egg?

Have you noticed how everything looks great at the moment... Read More

How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes

The tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the... Read More