David's Landscaping Blog December 2006 Archive

Landscaping in Oregon
This week's featured poster in the Landscaping Discussion Forum was seeking some tips for landscaping in Oregon. Specifically, "trees to plant in a pasture next to a fence," with a ... Read More

Sunday December 31, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Becky Shasta Daisies
These are dark days in the Northern Hemisphere. The winter solstice arrived last week, and our only solace lies in the fact that, from here on, we can only gain ... Read More

Saturday December 30, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

10 Ways People Cause Tree Damage
The trees we plant can represent a significant landscaping investment, so tree damage is a lot more serious than, say, losing a marigold. Sometimes, tree damage may result simply from ... Read More

Friday December 29, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

What to Look for When Buying Bamboo Plants
Are you ambivalent over whether or not to buy bamboo plants for your yard? You're not alone. After all, one hears such conflicting stories, it may be hard to decide ... Read More

Thursday December 28, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Patio and Deck Design - Exploring Options
With so many options from which to choose, it can be difficult to decide on that next big hardscape project for your landscaping. The goal is to increase outdoor ... Read More

Wednesday December 27, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Tips for Storing Holiday Lights
Those holiday lights on your shrubs may look great now, but soon you'll have to worry about storing them away again. Unless untangling them next year is a ritual to ... Read More

Tuesday December 26, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Raising the "Glitz and Glitter" Bar for Holiday Outdoor Decorations
Do you have neighbors who get a bit carried away every December with their holiday outdoor decorations? You know, folks whose house ends up looking like something straight out of ... Read More

Monday December 25, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Snow Removal Equipment -- Options for Snow Removal
You have no option when it comes to whether it snows or not. But you do have various options when it comes to snow removal equipment. Will you use a ... Read More

Sunday December 24, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Trees
Dwarf Alberta spruce trees are one of the most recognizable specimens in North American landscape design. You'll often see them used in pairs to flank the entryway to a house ... Read More

Saturday December 23, 2006 | permalink | comments (3)

Tree Pruning Tips
Tree pruning "is essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and desirable form," says Steve Nix. Give your young trees a good start by following these tree pruning ... Read More

Thursday December 21, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Indoor Palms
Plant-Care.com presents some basics on the use of indoor palms as houseplants. Learn how to select and care for your indoor palms. Information is provided on big "upright palms, small ... Read More

Wednesday December 20, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Christmas Plants in Australia
Many living outside Australia have probably wondered, at some time or other, what Christmastime is like in Australia. Without even the threat of snow, the holiday is bound to be ... Read More

Monday December 18, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Christmas Tree Safety and Recycling Information
As About's Guide to First Aid, Rod Brouhard observes in his article on Christmas tree safety, "Burning Christmas tree clippings in a fireplace may result in a chimney fire; pine ... Read More

Sunday December 17, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Types of Palm Trees
Living as I do in a cold climate, I make use of any "warm" thoughts I can think of to help ward off depression this time of year. And being ... Read More

Saturday December 16, 2006 | permalink | comments (1)

Care for Poinsettia Plants
Have you ever received poinsettia plants as a gift for the holidays? They're pretty to look at for a couple of weeks, aren't they? But then you begin to wonder ... Read More

Friday December 15, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

"Holiday Trees" vs. "Christmas Trees" Debate
You can't count on a white Christmas every year, even if you live in a cold climate: Old Man Winter will snow on us only when (and if) he's good ... Read More

Thursday December 14, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

How to Build Japanese Bamboo Fences
Want to enclose a Japanese garden with a fence to match? This site discusses the materials and steps required to build Japanese bamboo fences. I especially like this tip: practice ... Read More

Wednesday December 13, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Christmas Yard Decorations -- Arbor of Christmas Lights
Looking for some novel, inexpensive lawn and garden decor for Christmas yard decorations? How about something natural, but with just enough glitz and glitter added to show up on the ... Read More

Tuesday December 12, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Are Poinsettias Poisonous?
Steve Jones addresses the common question, "Are poinsettias poisonous?" in this timely column. See what the Plant Man has to say on the issue of whether or not poinsettias are ... Read More

Monday December 11, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Gas-Fired Patio Heaters and Safety
This time of year, gas-fired patio heaters will take the chill off a bit, so you can enjoy outdoor living a bit longer than otherwise. But this week's featured poster ... Read More

Sunday December 10, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Water Gardening Photo Gallery
"Water gardening brings a whole new world of plants and animals to your garden," says Marie Iannotti. "If you love birds, a water garden will attract them like nothing else. ... Read More

Friday December 8, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Noble Fir Christmas Trees
Of noble fir Christmas trees, Steve Nix remarks that they are noted for their "beauty, stiff branches and long keepability." About's Forestry Guide reports that noble fir Christmas trees are ... Read More

Thursday December 7, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Deck Construction - Ideas for Deck Railings
Installing railings is the icing on the cake of deck construction. With the hard work already done, you can take your time and come up with deck railings that are ... Read More

Wednesday December 6, 2006 | permalink | comments (1)

Living Christmas Trees
Perhaps you've heard the debate over the merits of real Christmas trees vs fake Christmas trees, from an environmental perspective. But note that we're really talking about two distinct options ... Read More

Tuesday December 5, 2006 | permalink | comments (1)

Christmas Tree Lighting: Safety Tips
Sure, you want to set your winter landscape design ablaze with that snazzy outdoor Christmas lighting -- but not literally! Electrical gadgets always warrant a healthy dose of respect, and ... Read More

Monday December 4, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Christmas Holly and the Winter Solstice
As the winter solstice approaches, I think about its significance, especially for ancient peoples. Celtic mythology relates a wonderful winter solstice story regarding what we now know as "Christmas holly." ... Read More

Sunday December 3, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)

Newcomb's Wildflower Identification Guide
Don't know what to buy for those nature lovers on your shopping list this year? You know, the type of people who are hard to shop for, because their passion ... Read More

Saturday December 2, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)