Year Round Gardening

Nap or Garden

When my kids gave up napping, I had to admit "It is me that loves to nap."  In my home today a nap is as rare as a bubble bath (read "almost never").  However, my preschoolers and I have accidentally fallen asleep when doing something else quietly in our sunny Four Seasons Sunroom living space.  "Ummmm" there is nothing like it on a lazy Saturday or Sunday - any season of the year.  Our room is warm in the Winter and pretty cool in the Summer.

Greener Gardening is Golden

Year Round Gardening

Now I find gardening to be my energy booster.  When I can put away the snow shovel and start digging (in the dirt) I am content!  The snowy days dwindle and are replaced by warm springtime-when renewal signs are everywhere.  Our subdivision literally buzzes with a flurry of happy activity from home improvements and landscaping noises accented by the sound of creaking swings and children laughing. 

True, Michigan summers can truly only be comfortably enjoyed outdoors for four or so months, there are ways to capture that feeling and make it last all year.  Four Seasons Sunrooms and conservatories add light and life to your home year round

Thaw Those Winter Thoughts
When planning landscaping to enjoy from a cozy chair in your sunroom, landscapers recommend keeping visual interest, beauty and year round appeal in mind:

• Annuals for summer color
• Perennials for depth and height
• Shrubs for structure, shape and interest
• Trees and focal points
• Decorative stone and ground cover for richness

In the spring, look for lots of bold color in pots inside and on patios and outdoors, as well.  Consider buying locally grown plants to ensure they'll thrive in our region and the associated sunlight.  Conservatories and sunrooms allow you to quite transferring plants in and out at the end of seasons!

   
Gardening 101
Gardens are fascinating to look at because they are unique - no matter who creates them.  But how do you start a garden when you've never done so before?  Are there popular plants for novices to choose from the endless possibilities of plants, flowers, food?

1.  Cosmos - These flowers can grow 12 inches to 4 feet tall.  They are perfect for cutting gardens and are often used in flower arrangements.
2.  Marigold - Marigolds can be found in yellow, orange, red or a combination of all colors. They bloom within 45 to 50 days from sowing and rarely require additional water than the rain they get.
3.  Morning Glories - Capable of becoming 10 feet high, this flower has heart shaped leaves and comes in many colors including white, red, pink lavender, and blue.
4.  Zinnia - These traditional, old-fashioned flowers are consistently blooming but they do require a lot of watering.  Avoid getting water on their leaves as it can cause mold which can kill the plant.
5.  Sunflowers - The best flower for your garden with the potential to grow to 6 feet or taller.  They are yellowish orange with a black circle in the middle.

With an small investment in pruning shears, watering can, gloves and a spade, anyone can enjoy gardening: alone or to share with young children, older folks, or even to increase your fresh food supply.  Regardless of whether it's done in a Four Seasons Sunroom or outside, gardening adds color to your life and home and reduces your stress level.  Who wouldn't want that?

Many Four Seasons Sunrooms  and conservatories clients enjoy their gardening hobby year round and the intensity of their passion ranges from: specialty efforts such as Orchid growing, to starting plants from seeds, to full blown Master Gardener collections.  Either way, their greenhouses double as comfortable living spaces for their families.

The Right Tree, The Right Place
Make sure your spring landscaping plans don't interfere with your ability to receive safe, dependable electric and gas services, says DTE Energy.  Plan your landscaping carefully before you plant to avoid interference with electric and gas lines.  Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Plant trees and shrubs based on their growth patterns and mature sizes. Trees that grow 25 feet or taller should not be planted near overhead power lines.
• Maintain at least an eight-foot clearance at the front of underground transformer cabinets for maintenance access.  Maintain two-foot clearances at the sides and rear.
• For more landscaping tips, visit my.dteenergy.com/home/clearance/planttree.html