Garden of Eden

Come see what's growing in Mini's Garden

Welcome to Mini's Garden of Eden

I hope that everyone enjoyed their 4th of July weekend. Although I was looking forward to some nice hot weather, the temperatures only made it to the 80's so it was perfect gardening weather. 

My Private Front Garden

Unfortunately, one of the things that all gardeners face every spring is the return of our favorite pests. Snails, Aphids, Fleas, not to mention our favorite gopher or mole.

This leaves gardeners with a big dilemma, how to get rid of these pests with the least impact on our fragile environment. I live in a very rural setting and we get more then our share

I have found the use of beneficial insects to be very effective for most of these problems.

 
The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control: A Complete Problem-Solving Guide to Keeping Your Garden and Yard Healthy Without

  I purchased my first "killer" decollate snails two years ago. All my beautiful plants were wiped out almost immediately after being planted. These little snails were a wonder at getting rid of those pesky brown snails. And while clearing out my flower beds this spring I was happy to find a new generation of my wonderful little snails along side of their larger family members. Of course the largest brown snails are too large for these little guys and you may have to use some type of manual control until these are gone. Before placing your snail into the garden be very sure that it is clear of any type of snail bait or poison. This could also kill your decollate snails. 

And Don't forget those favorite Lady Bugs,Praying Mantis and Green Lacewings that prey on those nasty aphids. Be sure to plant plenty of flowers that will encourage your insects to stay put. After all let the neighbors get their own!

Recommended by: MiniEden

As an Earth Day coordinator and an organic gardener, I am always looking for the best new ideas in gardening, check out these great books I found!

 
Insects and Gardens: In Pursuit of a Garden Ecology

 
The Complete Book of Gardening: A Comprehensive Guide to Planting, Growing, and Maintaining Your Garden

 
Gardener's Guide to Plant Diseases: Earth-Safe Remedies

Today's kids are tomorrows Gardeners!

Get Kids interested in gardening. I have found some great books for kids 

 
Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots: Gardening together with Children

Show kids that bugs aren't Yucky!

 
Bug Blast!

What's Blooming

The Gerber Daisies are doing well this year.

I found this wonderful hanging plant holder at this years home and garden show. Since impatiens can become completely covered with blooms, I think this hanger is going to be beautiful.

Pink Elfin impatiens

Spotted in Mini's Garden

My butterfly bushes are in full bloom and the swallowtails visit daily to feed on the nectar.

Plants like the butterfly bush and zinnias will attract butterflies to your garden.

A few monarchs have shown up as well

and as soon as I can get a picture of those darn hummingbirds, I will have those up too. They just won't sit still!

Just remember that along with butterflies come caterpillars. Plant a few bushes that you don't mind seeing a few chewed leaves on to "transplant" any caterpillars you might find.

Garden Checklist for July 2002

1. Create a beneficial insect friendly garden by planting plenty of Zinnias, Alyssum, Cosmos and Bachelor Buttons as well as the herbs dill and mint. These plants provide pollen and nectar for your beneficial insects.

2. Feed your plants now to reduce stress from summers high heat and low humidity .Also add a thick layer of mulch to save on water. This is especially important after this years drought.

3. Replace any tired flowers with summer and fall blooming annuals such as snapdragon and Mums.

4. Add a hummingbird feeder to your garden for those thirsty summer visitors.

 Have a gardening question or comment? Contact me