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Grass Seed Mixtures - Cheap mixtures are largely composed of the less permanent grasses, the kinds least costly for the seedsmen or packager to buy. It has to be that way. Good seeds of desirable varieties are comparatively expensive. They cannot be sold to compete with cheape... more

Lawn Sods - Instant Lawn - The quickest way to make a lawn is by laying sod, to carpet the ground completely with living turf. If you must buy the sod, it is also the most expensive method, but sometimes the sod can be taken from another part of the garden. Possibly a building, a p... more

Sowing Seed in Cold Frames - If cold frames are used and the seeds are sown in pots, pans or boxes and placed inside the frame to germinate, the procedure is much the same as already described; the only difference being that there is no artificial heating and therefore the germinatio... more

Repotting Houseplants - Frequent repotting of house plants is unnecessary, and generally plants placed in containers 5 in. or larger in diameter can stay in the same pots for 12 to 18 months. Most kinds will thrive in pots that appear too small for them, and many that have fille... more

Feeding House Plants - Food should be given only when light intensity and temperatures are high enough for growth. Applying plant food that cannot be used can damage soil and plant. This can be minimised by leaching the soil before feeding. Soak the pot for 10 to 20 minutes in... more

Scale and Perspective in a Japanese Garden - The mountains, hills, lakes, streams, waterfalls and seashores of Japan have inspired its traditional gardens. Scale and proportion are very important Most Japanese gardens are created on comparatively small areas, and every effort is made to establish th... more

Know Your Tree's Soil - A most important factor and one that determines the success of your garden is knowing what kind of soil you have and then choosing shrubs and trees that will be suited to it. Many plants will not grow well in acid or alkaline soils, so it is wise to take... more

Bonsai Propagation - Bonsai may be created from any woody or semi-woody plant, and there are several ways to obtain good material. Plants may be propagated from seed or cuttings, by layering or any other technique, or they can be found already grown in nurseries or naturally.... more

Potted Roses - Rose-bushes, growing in various kinds of containers, are sometimes available during late spring and summer. These plants are useful in filling bare spaces in rose beds or other parts of the garden.... more