Member Ideas

Welcome to the Member Ideas area! This community feature is where our members can post their own ideas. These posts are unedited and not necessarily endorsed by the National Gardening Association.

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Announcing All Things Plants, a New Site by Dave WhitingerAnnouncing All Things Plants, a New Site by Dave Whitinger
By dave on July 11, 2011

Combining his passion for gardening with his love of web-based software development, Dave Whitinger today launched a new next-generation gardening website for the gardeners of the world.

(Full article53 comments)

Honey Bees in the Garden:  JulyHoney Bees in the Garden: July
By Mindy03 on July 6, 2011

Independence Day and the beginning of the hottest days of summer, the Dog Days, are the major events in July. Gardeners and honey bees are trying to keep cool and harvesting food.

(Full article25 comments)

The Chelsea Flower Show 2011 (Part 4)The Chelsea Flower Show 2011 (Part 4)
By NEILMUIR1 on June 21, 2011

This year's Chelsea was a resounding success, both for the visitors and exhibitors alike; a truly captivating array of colour and wonderful horticultural skills, in what are unfavourable economic times. All I saw were smiles and looks of disbelief, as people met old plants they knew, and new plants they had never seen before. So join me on a last trip around Chelsea, before I can put my boots away for a short time.

(Full article63 comments)

The Chelsea Flower Show 2011 (Part 3)The Chelsea Flower Show 2011 (Part 3)
By NEILMUIR1 on June 14, 2011

Although the first show, The Great Spring Show, goes back to 1862 it was not until 1913 that the show was moved to the Grounds of the Royal Hospital at Chelsea. It immediately took the name of Chelsea, and has been the Chelsea Flower Show ever since. It has always been an international show and with modern transportation anything is now possible at this amazing event. Join me on yet another march around Chelsea.

(Full article51 comments)

My Top 10 List: HerbsMy Top 10 List: Herbs
By Trish on June 14, 2011

No garden should be without culinary herbs, as they are a part of nearly everyone's diet and yet so easy to grow. This article explores my current list of top 10 herbs that every gardener needs to grow, as well as many of their uses.

(Full article31 comments)

What To Do When Your Hardy Succulent Plant Plugs ArriveWhat To Do When Your Hardy Succulent Plant Plugs Arrive
By valleylynn on June 11, 2011

Now that you have ordered your hardy succulents grown as plugs, you need to prepare for when they arrive. This is a great way to increase your collection of hardy succulents at a much reduced price. Here are the easy steps to healthy plants from plugs.

(Full article65 comments)

The Chelsea Flower Show 2011 (Part 2)The Chelsea Flower Show 2011 (Part 2)
By NEILMUIR1 on June 7, 2011

I hope that just some of the sights of the Chelsea Flower Show in my last article has made you want to see what else was there. There was an awful lot to see and to capture. Chelsea is always full of surprises and this year was no exception. I have always thought of the Chelsea Flower Show to be wrongly named as it is not just about flowers and plants, but has everything, as you will see. So as I have my boots on, let us go and see what we can find!

(Full article54 comments)

Honey Bees in the Garden:  JuneHoney Bees in the Garden: June
By Mindy03 on June 1, 2011

June brings the end of school, Father's Day and summer. Summer brings hot weather and plants may need extra water. Honey bees will also need extra water to keep the hive cool.

(Full article7 comments)

The Chelsea Flower Show 2011 (Part 1)The Chelsea Flower Show 2011 (Part 1)
By NEILMUIR1 on June 1, 2011

Despite the driest April and May I can remember, Chelsea this year again raised the standards for everyone else to follow. How do you get the most famous Flower Show in the world any better? Please follow me on some trips through the legend that is the Chelsea Flower Show.

(Full article77 comments)

Granny Laurie's RoseGranny Laurie's Rose
By Sharon on May 27, 2011

The rose is much older than I am, and yet it grows and blooms as if it's just so happy to be here. The rains come, the winds rage, and still Granny Laurie's rose just keeps right on blooming. I wish I could do that.

(Full article40 comments)

Honey Bees in the Garden:  Honey -- How Sweet It Is and Isn'tHoney Bees in the Garden: Honey -- How Sweet It Is and Isn't
By Mindy03 on May 14, 2011

When people think of honey they think of sweetness. Some plants produce honey that isn't sweet at all. In fact, it can taste pretty bitter. Come and learn a little bit about honey.

(Full article36 comments)

Honey Bees in the Garden:  MayHoney Bees in the Garden: May
By Mindy03 on May 5, 2011

May is a month that showcases flowers for special days. Flowers for May Day, flowers for Mother's Day, flowers for Memorial Day and flowers for the honey bees.

(Full article10 comments)

My Top 10 List: VegetablesMy Top 10 List: Vegetables
By Trish on April 19, 2011

For the new and well seasoned gardener alike, here is my top 10 list of vegetables that every gardener should grow.

(Full article41 comments)

Hyde Park - A Royal Park (Part 2)Hyde Park - A Royal Park (Part 2)
By NEILMUIR1 on April 19, 2011

Hyde Park crosses into Kensington Gardens which is another Royal Park and a mere 275 acres. It is quiet compared to Hyde Park, yet has a lot of beauty of its own. The Italian Fountains that were commissioned by Queen Victoria are very famous, as well as the Serpentine Gallery. On the south side is Kensington Palace, the London Home of Princess Diana, and Princess Diana's children's playground. But it also has the Peter Pan statue, which is much loved by all. Then I will double back through Hyde Park on the south side of the serpentine, and other places. I hope you will enjoy my long walk with me.

(Full article44 comments)

Hyde Park - A Royal Park (Part 1)Hyde Park - A Royal Park (Part 1)
By NEILMUIR1 on April 12, 2011

Hyde Park is the largest green space in central London at just over 350 acres. It is now famous for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, and other things associated with Princess Diana. However its history is immense as it is known to go back before the Norman invasion in 1066. King Henry VIII then got the land off the canons of Westminster Abbey in 1536 and kept it as a deer park and hunting ground for himself. King Charles I in 1637 finally opened it to the public. It also hosted the Great Exhibition in 1851 in the infamous Crystal Palace. This was then moved to Sydenham Hill in southeast London; and the area became known as Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace burnt down on November 30th, 1936 Please come with me on a walk around one of London's Great Royal Parks.

(Full article64 comments)

Honey Bees in the Garden:  AprilHoney Bees in the Garden: April
By Mindy03 on April 10, 2011

April showers bring May flowers, which means plenty of food for honey bees. Gardeners will soon be busy setting out the plants they bought or grew from seeds. And now that the number of honey bees has increased, the honey supers are being filled with surplus honey.

(Full article10 comments)

Introducing Plant GuildsIntroducing Plant Guilds
By dave on April 6, 2011

The concept of plants guilds is an extension of the companion plants thought process. Different plants do different things and bring different benefits.

(Full articleno comments)

All About SunrootsAll About Sunroots
By dave on April 6, 2011

Easily grown and impossible to kill, the sunroot is an amazingly useful and beautiful plant that belongs in every garden.

(Full article49 comments)

Honey Bees in the Garden:  Pollen, a Rainbow of NutritionHoney Bees in the Garden: Pollen, a Rainbow of Nutrition
By Mindy03 on March 26, 2011

It's officially spring and also pollen season. For allergy sufferers pollen is something to hate but for honey bees it's the main source of nutrition. And it comes in all colors just like the food we eat.

(Full articleno comments)

Redneck Amaryllis ExperimentRedneck Amaryllis Experiment
By gone2seed on March 21, 2011

I have been curious for some time about the ability of heat to treat and even kill virus. After I received some virused Amaryllis bulbs from suppliers, this seemed to be the ideal subject for a "redneck" experiment

(Full article24 comments)

Cut Flowers: Making Them LastCut Flowers: Making Them Last
By Steven on March 12, 2011

With spring nearly upon us, it seems to be the right time for an article on how to get the most from your freshly cut garden flowers this coming season!

(Full article9 comments)

Spring  In England, After the Worst Winter Ever Recorded!Spring In England, After the Worst Winter Ever Recorded!
By NEILMUIR1 on March 8, 2011

After untold snow and ice, winter finally left and we had nearly two weeks of mild weather. Then the cold winds started and rain with it for what seems an age now. Unable to go out and do anything. I vowed that the first dry day we have, I would go out and get some pictures. That day was today and it was surprising to say the least. Snowdrops, still out with Magnolia, are just about to go into full flower. What a strange spring!

(Full article120 comments)

The Ever-Changing SempervivumThe Ever-Changing Sempervivum
By valleylynn on March 8, 2011

Have you ever followed a single cultivar of Sempervivum (hen & chicks) through a year of its life? If you haven’t you are in for a wonderful surprise.

(Full article57 comments)

Honey Bees in the Garden:  MarchHoney Bees in the Garden: March
By Mindy03 on March 3, 2011

March is here with its abundance of sprouting bulbs, swelling buds, and early blossoms. The temperatures are warmer and gardeners are busy getting early crops and flowers planted. Honey bees are zipping to and fro from the hives, searching out the earliest blossoms for the collection of nectar and pollen.

(Full article7 comments)

Honey Bees in the Garden:  FebruaryHoney Bees in the Garden: February
By Mindy03 on February 7, 2011

February's warmer days find gardeners outside hoping to get their soil ready for new seeds and plants. Honey bees will soon be out checking for fresh food as well.

(Full article10 comments)

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