Is Master Gardener A Fit For Me

Catherine is a proponent for responsible stewardship of our natural resources and covers topics of plant life and sustainable living.

A small tree can be a nice focal point in a large garden bed. Here a blooming Brugmansia ("Angel's Trumpet") is an eye-catching centerpiece. Source: Catherine Tally 2014

Catherine Tally

What Defines a Garden?

A garden can be anywhere one chooses to grow favorite things, a place to feel close to nature, a peaceful haven. There is no rule about the size or location of your plot. Your garden can be as unique as the gardener, and should suit what you are willing to give it in terms of time and effort. A container garden or two can be just as satisfying to one as a planted acre is to someone else.

Are you one who loves fresh picked fruits and vegetables and the spontaneous snip of herbs for your latest dish? Perhaps you love to arrange flowers, or you just enjoy relaxing in your private Eden where the birds sing, and butterflies flit about.

Consider your expectations.
Evaluate your available space.
Study your sunlight exposure.
Think about the time you wish to devote to your garden.

Curved borders have a more relaxed and natural feel. They invite a garden guest to meander and explore.

Catherine Tally 2015

Grow Your Own Food

Urban gardens can be very successfully grown on balconies in containers or planted compactly in backyard beds. If your soil is hardpan or dusty, and the expense and time of digging and amending the soil doesn't appeal to you, a raised bed is the perfect solution. Stacking stones or building one from cedar planks to a height of 2 feet by 4 feet width by 6 or 8 feet in length will provide enough space to feed a family of four or more from a variety of edibles.

The framework will need to be filled with a combination of compost and topsoil. Irrigation can be set up w/ drip systems or soaker hoses on a timer so that the garden will receive consistent amounts of water even during vacation time. PVC pipes can be arched over the bed and attached with covers for cold protection, shade screens, or bird netting as needed. Raised beds are the basis of the French intensive gardening method and can support many plants for large harvests with less water, fewer weeds, and healthier outcomes.

On a smaller scale, pots can be filled much the same way and watered by hand. The Earth Box System is designed to be self-watering and weed free and has an optional staking kit. It only takes a 1.5 cubic foot bag of potting soil and can support enough veggies to easily feed two people.

Dwarf fruit trees including tropical varieties and berries of all kinds do as well in pots as in the ground, so there really are no limitations to growing edibles except for the full sun requirements of six or more hours daily. Leafy greens and tubers can grow in less light.

Vegetable varieties are plentiful. They range from disease-resistant hybrids, to openly-pollinated heirlooms, and grafted combinations. If growing in containers, look for determinate type tomatoes and compact melons and squashes. There are even upside down planting bags for those with small spaces who like to grow tomatoes without staking them.

growing-the-best-garden-for-your-personal-life-style-the-easy-way — Catherine Tally

How To Calculate Soil Volume

Measure the length, width and height of your bed. Convert all measurements to the same unit. For example, if your bed is 6 feet long, 3 feet wide and 16.5 inches high, convert the inches to feet so your new measurements are 6 x 3 x 1.4 feet.
Multiply all the measurements together: 6 x 3 x 1.4 = 25.2 cubic feet.
Divide the answer by 27 to get the number of cubic yards. In the example above, your bed would need 0.9 cubic yards of soil.

Plant an Earthbox

Plant a Cutting Garden

Who doesn't love a fragrant garden full of lovely flowers? It can enliven one's spirits and brighten the dreariest day. Flower arrangements bring nature's beauty inside, provide calming aromatherapy, and tell our visiting friends how special they are. The real beauty is that it doesn't take a large space for loads of blooms. Unlike edibles, you can grow gorgeous specimens in either sun or shade.

Flowers can be planted from seeds, bulbs, flats, and nursery pots. There are the seasonal annuals with the showiest color for our flower beds like snapdragons and stock. Flowering shrubs like roses, lilacs, camellias, and gardenias, and the hearty perennials repeat their cycles year after year. I think the perfect gardens use all of these for non-stop performance. It may be a bit of work to start, but those bulbs and perennials will pop up each season like clockwork.

Lilies, tulips, peonies, irises, alstroemerias, ranunculus, dahlias, gladiolas, and narcissus are all examples of bulbs that are ideal for cutting.

Biennials that grow one season and bloom the second include foxgloves, hollyhocks, delphiniums, and Canterbury Bells.

Perennials include salvias, geraniums, penstemon, coreopsis, daisies of all varieties, lupines, hollyhocks, columbines, and many wildflowers. They are all spectacular in bouquets! Plant hearty summer flowers from seeds like cosmos, zinnia, and marigold. The seeds from the spent blooms can be easily harvested and planted the next year.

Evergreens, ornamental grasses and ferns, berry sprigs, fruits, rose-hips, and vining tendrils all make excellent accents in flower arrangements. Again, most things can be grown equally well in containers, beds, and side-yards. It is just important to make sure that your selections have the same light and watering needs when combined in a planter or bed. Container gardens offer the freedom to change a look easily with limited expense and effort.

Versatile Container Gardens Transform Patios

Unleash your creativity with easy container gardens using the popular concept of the "thriller, filler, and spiller" combo.

Create Inviting and Peaceful Retreats

A single bench, potted plants, and some wall art, or a mural can transform the back of a shed or garage.

photo by Catherine Tally

Patio furniture placed on the lawn or around the garden is inviting.

Catherine Tally 2016

Make a Perfect Spot to Relax

When creating a personal outdoor haven, think about the things that help you relax. Perhaps it's the soothing sound of a trickling water feature, the chirps and songs of feeding birds or the swaying of palms and ornamental grasses. Whatever it is, you will want to have a place to sit to enjoy it all. If your space allows for it, an outdoor room with deep cushioned seating arrangements, lanterns, outdoor grilling, and dining will allow gathering for entertainment. How lovely to experience a beautiful sunset with the fragrant waft from a flowering jasmine or a statuary garden with white iceberg roses reflected by a full moon! A small bistro table and hanging votives in the midst of planted containers might provide the perfect setting for a romantic glass of wine with your partner. For others, a short walk with a book in hand to a small sheltered, secret garden in an unused side yard might be a slice of heaven. Your only limit is your imagination!

Consider the Ambiance of a Fire Pit

Your garden can include a small space for sitting and enjoying the warmth from a safely screened fire pit.

photo by Catherine Tally

Make a Cozy Outdoor Room

This simple seating area is set under a temporary gazebo and features battery-operated paper lanterns to add a magical ambience in the evening.

Catherine tally aka cat on a soapbox- 2014

A potted Japanese maple between two chairs creates an intimate space on an open patio.

photo by Catherine Tally

How To Bring It All Together

Stately trees, shrubs, lawns, and flower beds compliment each other nicely on a larger property and help define main entrances and specific areas of use. On a smaller scale, trees and shrubs work to provide privacy or give shade and curb appeal. Trees also serve as play places for children and markers for the seasons as they bloom, change color, and drop leaves.

Patios and balconies are more intimate but can contain the same elements. Utilize "up spaces" like walls with tiered containers. Don't overlook side yards and backends of garages. They offer secret places and areas of sun for sprawling veggies like zucchini and watermelon.

When choosing plants, pick for year-round seasonal interest. Think about what you want most from your garden and how involved you wish to be.

Suggested time savers for less work and more enjoyment include:

slow-release fertilizers
weed cloths
mulches
timed water delivery

Gardening organically will attract birds, lizards and beneficial insects as a hard-working pest-control team. Consider attracting them by adding a bird bath and seed producing flowers or a pollination bed. In spring, add layers of compost, leaf mulch, and worm castings to the garden for healthier, deep-rooted plants. Natural pest control and great soil save even more time in the long run.

There is a garden for every personality and every need. The "perfect garden" can only be defined by the individual. However you see it, no matter your budget, it is within reach and can be had with a vision and a bit of passion to get the job done. No doubt, it is worth the effort!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on August 07, 2015:

Thank you, Mary! I do most of my things in pots too which I place in among the mature plants in my flower beds. They are easier to care for during hot seasons and drought. When we move I will miss the plantation shutters. Shutters of any kind will always be my favorite window treatments because of the look and ease in directing light. I really appreciate the shares and posts on pinterest - bless you! Wishing you many happy moments and peace in your garden-

Cat:)

Mary Hyatt from Florida on August 07, 2015:

I just came back for another visit to your beautiful garden. I couldn't help but notice those lovely shutters in your window. I had some just like them in my old house, and just loved them.

I loved looking at your flowers. I grow the Angel Trumpet, too.

Most of my gardening is done in pots since I have very little yard space in my new apartment.

Well, you know the sad story of my tomato fiasco , now I'll stick with flowers.

Going to share this lovely Hub here and will Pin to my gardening board.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on September 25, 2012:

Hi oliversmum,

Thank you! I am delighted that my hub gave you some great ideas. I hope you feel inspired to create a lovely spot that suits you just right! I appreciate your stopping by to comment:)

oliversmum from australia on September 24, 2012:

cat on a soap box Hi. What wonderful information and photographs. So many different layouts and colors. You have given me so many great ideas.

Thank you for all this information. Thumbs up and Awesome. :):)

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on September 12, 2012:

Good morning, Audrey! Thank you for the lovely compliment. You have really brightened my day. I am so glad that you enjoyed this. :)

Audrey Howitt from California on September 12, 2012:

What a beautiful garden you have created!!! Just lovely!!! Sharing this!

Chris Hugh on June 10, 2012:

I love your pictures! I had a planter box put in a couple months ago and I haven't done anything with it, but you are inspiring me. I wonder what would be a good thing to plant right now. I'm in Northern California/SF Bay area. But not in SF. :)

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on April 16, 2012:

Hi, Millionaire Tips! You've made me smile with your comment about being too lazy and wanting to move in. haha! It sounds like a potted palm, chaise lounge, and small table for a margarita would suit your garden style! Of course you can come visit, but be warned that I might put you to work if you move in (: I really appreciate your congrats and compliments- thanks for stopping by!

Shasta Matova from USA on April 16, 2012:

Congratulations on Hub of the Day. With all these gorgeous photos and wonderful descriptions, I can already picture myself in your beautiful garden. I'm too lazy to work on my own, but I am ready to move into yours!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on April 15, 2012:

Hello Prasetio,

I really appreciate you stopping by to read and comment. It makes me happy to hear that my advice and suggestions were helpful to you and that you will share it with your father! Thank you for your thoughtful compliments.

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on April 15, 2012:

Very informative hub about gardening. I learn much from you and I'll share this hub with my father. He loves gardening too. Nice pictures and I really enjoy reading this hub. Rated up (useful, awesome, beautiful, interesting). Take care!

Prasetio

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on April 09, 2012:

Hi Brian,

Glad to hear that you planted dwarf fruit trees- you really can't go wrong. I hope they are coming out of dormancy and showing promise. I just planted a dwarf Eureka lemon since I'm always using them and love the convenience of backyard culture. Thank you for your kind comments both here and as a new follower. I am looking forward to the exchange of our ideas on gardening and such.

BRIAN SLATER on April 09, 2012:

I love reading fellow hubbers gardening advice. I see you like and recommend dwarf garden trees which I have planted two this last Autumn. I also like your advice on making the space what you want it to be, which is very important. Voted this awesome and thanks for the follow.:)

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on April 02, 2012:

Bloomin'Blossum,

Thank you for your nice comment. It is so full of positive energy! Yes, mother nature provides us with so much to enjoy.

bloomin'blossum on April 02, 2012:

welcome Springtime! endless ways to join in with mothernature, to create with her environs which soothe, console, reward, comfort and nourish,

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on April 01, 2012:

Rosemary, Thank you for your kind comments and support!

I always enjoy hearing from you and wish you the best.

Rosemary Sadler from Hawkes Bay - NewZealand on April 01, 2012:

An inspirational hub with some very good ideas. Love the idea of the hanging vegie plants.

Lovely photos, a great article.

Congrats on gatting Hub of the day.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on April 01, 2012:

Hi,Liz. I couldn't agree more! That's one of the nicest things about a garden. People are drawn towards them for the peace and beauty they offer, and it's great to share cut flowers and edible harvests with our friends. I really appreciate your stopping by to read and comment. Thank you!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on April 01, 2012:

It's good to see you here, BlossomSB. I'll bet a whole row of the verge gardens are quite attractive! Here in our urban areas of So. California, we manage to squeeze in some good community gardens where each gardener gets a good plot to work. I'm really happy to see this trend toward edible gardening expand to schools too. Your hub on small space/container gardening was really good, so I am especially pleased that you found some good ideas from me as well! Thank you- I wish you contentment and a bountiful harvest.

Liz21 on April 01, 2012:

A garden gives us a great way to spend quality time with friends and family.http://bit.ly/yN6DiI

Bronwen Scott-Branagan from Victoria, Australia on April 01, 2012:

Some great ideas here. I can see that you have written about a very popular subject. I loved the pictures. The latest craze here is to have 'community' gardens by neighbours making them together in what we usually call nature strips outside our fence before the road. As they are on the verge, they are being called verge gardens.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Thanks, rebecca. I'm so glad to hear that I've given you some good tips so you'll be able to spend more time relaxing in your garden! I really appreciate your comment and wish you many happy hours outdoors in your favorite spot.

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on March 30, 2012:

Fantastic ideas that help make gardening easier to undertake in challenging places!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hi, jennywu! Thank you for the nice comment. I hope you'll share a hub about your ideal garden one day. I'd really love to know what you create.

jennywu on March 30, 2012:

i like this thanks you for sharing this, really got some great ideas about my ideal garden.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hello, livingpah. Spring is here, and that is the greatest motivation! I am glad to have given you some inspiration and ideas to get started. Once you get a bit of confidence in your garden, there will be no holding back your creativity! I really appreciate your awesome comments- Thank you.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Well, RTalloni, I prefer a relaxed garden too, so I can overlook a few weeds and enjoy the birds while my cat watches the grasshoppers and lizards! We often have certain expectations of garden upkeep, but gardens are surprisingly more sustainable with less work. Thanks for your thoughful comments!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Thank you, Rev.Atkins. I'm pleased that I've inspired you to consider that vegetable garden. Not only will you get the benefit of freshness and vine-ripened taste, you will have a great opportunity to get the family to work together AND you'll have plenty to share w/ your community too! Bless you for your kind comments. I'm glad you stoped by.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hi, Marlene! I'm really delighted that you enjoyed my hub and the accompanying photos. You could say that gardening and nature photography are two of my passions!

Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a thoughtful comment. I enjoyed your hub re. saving plant tags. This has been a helpful gardening tip for us- esp. my husband who enjoys many varieties of both tomatoes and peppers!

Milli from USA on March 30, 2012:

Wow! What a great article on gardening the easy way! I am so motivated to start gardening right away. Very useful and voted up!Congratulations on getting Hub of the day award!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Thank you, Mark. I really appreciate your thoughtful compliment! I actually envy the weather there in the UK- especially during the summer when I am ready to escape the 100+ degrees that bake my roses. Glad you stopped by!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Thank you, Mary! I'm so thrilled to be receiving this praise from such good fellow writers. It pleases me to hear that you will be adding veggies to your garden- that's wonderful! I hope it becomes an ongoing habit. You just can't beat home-grown taste and freshness!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hi VictoriaLynn. It's always good to see you here! Thanks for your support and wonderful comments. I hope I was able to interest you with an idea or two.

RTalloni on March 30, 2012:

Congratulations on this Hub of the Day award for a neat look at choosing a garden style. My husband and I get to enjoy a relaxed gardening style--if it grows it gets a home in our garden. :)

Rev. Akins from Tucson, AZ on March 30, 2012:

Wow, now that covers a lot of different kinds of gardens. Great Hub, I like the different options and thoughts. Hoping to have a garden this year, my family really enjoys fresh vegetables throughout the summer.

Marlene Bertrand from USA on March 30, 2012:

Gorgeous pictures! I really enjoyed reading all the wonderful tips.

markbennis on March 30, 2012:

This is just awesome really, what a beautifully written Hub and a just winner too, congratulations and thumbs up to gardening.

Mary Hyatt from Florida on March 30, 2012:

You certainly deserve the Hub of the Day! I hope you entered this into the contest for gardening. How beautiful! You have inspired me to expand on my little garden to grow some veggies. I voted this UP, etc.etc.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hello,AnnaCia. I'm so pleased that you stopped by! Thank you for the positive feedback and thoughtful comments.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Thank you,prarieprincess. It is the best feeling to know that the love I have for gardening has filled your heart and encouraged you to try something you've never done before. Yes, even the smallest corner or neglected side yard can be made into a useful growing space. All of the best!

Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, USA on March 30, 2012:

I did see this hub before today, and when I first saw it, I thought what a beautiful hub it was. Great ideas and gorgeous pictures. I am not at all surprised that it's the Hub of the Day. Congrats. Great job! Many votes!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hi D.Juris Stetser. I appreciate your nice comments! It is the best compliment to find out that I have inspired you to get out into the garden! I hope you have a wonderful weekend-Thanks for stopping by.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hi Aleenabroonee! Thank you very much for your sweet comments. It really is such a thrill to receive the "hub of the day" accolades because there are so many deserving writers here! I hope I've inspired you to try some new things this Spring

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hello, vespawoolf. Iam delighted that you enjoyed some of the ideas in my hub and hope that you are inspired to try a few. I really appreciate your kind comments and congratulations. Thank you for stopping by!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Thank you, shanemartin. Thanks for stopping by!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Thank you, Donna! I really appreciate your nice comments and am glad that you stopped by.

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Thank you for the great compliments, Lillyeth! Some of the pictures are from my own garden. Two of the furniture groupings I took at a local garden center. I'm happy that you enjoyed my hub!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hello,raakachi. Thank you very much for your kind compliment. I am so happy that my passion for gardening has inspired others! I'm pleased too to see that you are a new follower!

Catherine Tally (author) from Los Angeles on March 30, 2012:

Hi Donna! Spring is so inspiring, and I'm glad that you will be out in your courtyard garden. Thanks for stopping by.

AnnaCia on March 30, 2012:

What a gorgeous article full of beautiful and inviting photos. Exceptional way to overlap information with a journey of color and depth. Thank you. Voted up

Sharilee Swaity from Canada on March 30, 2012:

Thank you ... this was so encouraging! I want to start more gardening in our yard but have never done it before. This was beautiful and shows that a garden can grow anywhere, even in a very small space. Voted up, beautiful, awesome and interesting.

D.Juris Stetser from South Dakota on March 30, 2012:

I just loved this Hub. So many great ideas I'm going to try out this week, so thanks so much, and let me add my congratulations on your "hub of the day"!

Aleenabroonee from California on March 30, 2012:

I like gardening and as i reached to your hub i found it very informative and useful. By the way congratulation from my depth of heart on "hub of the day". You have done a great job.

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on March 30, 2012:

This is a great hub. I love your garden ideas...especially the relaxing personal haven. Congrats on HOTD!

shanemartin from UK on March 30, 2012:

Great hub!

Donna Cosmato from USA on March 30, 2012:

Excellent job with the images because they really added to the overall reading experience. Congratulations on the Hub of the Day award; voted up.

Suzanne Sheffield from Mid-Atlantic on March 30, 2012:

Congratulations on "Hub of the Day" award! Your photos look like they came out of a catalogue. Great job.

raakachi from Madurai / Tamilnadu / India on March 30, 2012:

My hearty congratulation for your well done informative hub on gardening and it's various colors. Voted beautiful.

The Frog Princess from Florence area of the Great Pee Dee of South Carolina on March 30, 2012:

As spring days are ahead I am outdoors with many new plans for my courtyards. Great Hub.

Donna

rosika on March 30, 2012:

very informative hub on gardening styles...loved all the styles...congratulation for getting "hub of the day".