Rosemary is a great plant to add to a fresh herb garden. While many people will opt for complete separation of the herb, it is a great herb to grow among other plants because of the look and smell it permeates throughout the garden. If you choose to grow rosemary among other plants, there are certain precautions you can take to keep the plants from spreading too rapidly. Whether you grow the rosemary in a separate area, or with the rest of the garden, you should definitely grow this hearty herb.

Getting started with growing rosemary usually means using a cutting for propagation. While it is possible to grow rosemary from a seed, it is often difficult to germinate the seed in order to grow a strong, healthy plant. It is also fair to expect anything when growing from a seed. When growing from a cutting, you will be able to get about the same plant as the plant the cutting was taken from. This is a good way to grow exactly what you want in your fresh herb garden.

In order to get started with a cutting, cut off about 2 inches from a new growth from a plant in a friend’s garden. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and dip it into a rooting hormone. The next step is to plant your cutting into a seed starting mix. Make sure the container is put in a warm spot so it will have the chance to grow a strong root system. The usual length of time to develop roots is about 2 – 3 weeks. You will know when you have good roots when the cutting is resistant to any pulling upward. Transfer the rooted plant into a prepared soil bed and pinch of the top of the plant.

If you are planting your rosemary in the same garden as the rest of your plants, use a separator, which digs in to the soil at least six inches. This will prevent the roots from growing in the direction of the rest of the garden and inhibit growth in that direction. You will also need to practice proper pruning techniques in order to control the growth of the plant. It is recommended to reduce the volume of the plant by 1/3 when it is getting too big. This will control the growth, but leave enough leaves on the plant in order to keep growing. Make sure all pruning cuts are made with sharp shears at the stem of the plant.

When growing your rosemary outdoors, there is not much problem with pests attacking the plant. The only problem you may encounter with rosemary is if you decide to remove it from the fresh herb garden and take it inside for the winter. The biggest problem you may encounter is in developing powdery mildew, or being attacked by aphids and spider mites. In order to overcome powdery mildew, use an oscillating fan to create an artificial breeze and allow the soil to be somewhat drier than normal. In order to overcome aphids and spider mites, apply insecticide soap.

Brian Chamberlain has been an Herb Garden enthusiast for many years. For more great information on a fresh herb garden, visit his site at: http://www.secretsofaherbgarden.com While you are there don’t forget to sign up for his FREE 10 part Secrets of a Herb Garden Mini-Course.

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Do you want to know how to choose the best plants for your water garden? This article will help you discover some of the more popular selections. There are thousands of different plant varieties to choose from so feel free to explore your options to find exactly what you’re looking for.

These are just some of the many popular plants for your water garden:

1. Water Lily – One of the most popular plants to consider in your garden would be the water lily. The hardy will leaves float on the surface of the water and will provide shade for fish and keep water temperatures from becoming too warm. Blooms can sometimes last only a few days, while others open during the day and close at night, or the opposite. Be careful the water lily does not become unmanageable by spreading too much throughout your garden.
2. Common Cattail – This plant is flat green leaf that looks like a sword that is usually bound up and down. Common Cattails can reach as much as 10 feet in height, however, you are going to plant it in a pot, so it will not grow very tall. The cattails are generally maintenance free as long as you keep them from spreading.
3. Dwarf Papyrus – This species of plant came from the Giant Papyrus, which grows very well in a pond environment. A dwarf papyrus usually grows green and mop like heads on firm stems. Reaching more than 1 foot in height, it’s sturdy stalks and full display give off a beautiful tropical sensation.
4. Floating heart – The flower is usually bright yellow in color, the leaves are usually heart in shape and the color is green sprinkled with maroon. This kind of plant usually covers 4 inches or more and is usually considered as a ground cover for water gardens.
5. Lotus – One of the unique features of lotus is the water droplet bead that is perfect as a design for your water garden. Propagating this kind of plant is through method of division.
6. Japanese Primrose – These small plants grow up to 18” tall in small bunches. Within a few seasons you will notice wonderful colony of mixed colours as a result of self sowing. The Japanese Primrose favour acidic soil and should thrive along the water’s edge.

These are some of the more popular varieties however there are many to choose from. Restrict yourself to 3 varieties initially to save yourself from filling the garden with too much colour. Also, Installing too many plants at their infant stages can lead to a jungle when the plants reach maturity. So, leave space for your plants to grow and nurture them each year to enhance your water garden.

Jason Boonstra is the author of “The Ultimate Water Garden Manual” – compulsory reading for anyone considering an Water Garden Fountains. For a FREE 20 part mini-course on “The Secrets To Creating & Maintaining a Stunning Water Garden!” go to => http://www.watergardentips.com

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