How to Keep a Garden in the City.

It's been more than a year since I moved out of our ancestral home and started living in the city. And while I do love and enjoy the convenience of living in a place where everything is easily accessible - supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, even my son's school - there are a few things about our ancestral home that I miss from time to time. 

For starters, there's my niece and nephew, who lived next door to our old place. I miss their noise and laughter, and being able to see them, play with them, and shower them with hugs and kisses everyday. I miss my grandmother, who also lived in another house next door to mine. I miss going through her fridge and pantry, hanging out in her bedroom, and talking to her about random stuff. Most of all, I miss our sprawling garden, which was one of the best, and my most favorite feature of our ancestral home. Our garden had all sorts of plants - ornamentals, shrubs, climbers, creepers, trees even. My grandmother was the 'plauntie' of all 'plaunties', and she tended to her plants lovingly despite her chronic back pain. 

Sunshine and laughter - my mother and my grandmother in the garden.

When we moved to our new place here in the city, it never really dawned on me to start keeping a garden, let alone grow a plant indoors. But then COVID-19 happened, and this whole gardening craze started because people were confined to their homes and turned to all sorts of recreational activities to cope with the pandemic. I was one of them.

I started with a small Adolphi plant that I got as a gift from my sister-in-law, and the next thing I knew, our tiny apartment became some sort of urban jungle. My boys are not complaining, though, and they find it really funny whenever I'd come home with a new plant, new pots, or gardening tools on the rare occasions that I would leave the house to run errands or do the groceries.

The succulent that started it all.

If you're thinking of starting your own urban garden, here are some tips:

Size Up Your Space

Whether you have a tiny hallway, a small patio, a bit of a balcony, or an entire rooftop, you need to measure how much space you've got to give you an idea of how large your garden can be. For instance, majority of the houses for sale in Toronto have yards that are perfect for container gardening. Another option is vertical gardening which work well for apartment dwellers or people living in small spaces.

Pothos varieties.

Pot 'em If You Can't Plant 'em

Potted plants are the best option if you don't have gardening beds. In choosing the perfect pots, consider the following - what plants will you grow, how many pots do you need, will you grow multiple plants or different plants in one pot. Self-watering containers are a good option if you're a gardening newbie or a busybody that can't stick to a regular watering schedule. If you have limited space, you might want to consider using hanging pots or windowsill pots as well. 

Choose Your Plants Wisely

When choosing or shopping for plants, you always need to keep in mind how much space you have at home. Don't overcrowd your plants, and don't dream of growing plants that are too big for modest spaces. Choose plants that grow up rather than spread out. If you're leaning towards vegetables and herbs, only plant those that you will actually eat. Some urban gardeners grow plants that go together with their favorite dishes - like tomato and basil for their pasta, and rosemary and thyme for sauces, soups, and stews. 

Aglaonema varieties.

Follow the Sun

Make the most out of your gardening space by choosing plants that can thrive in different locations. Flowering plants love the sun, and will grow well in a patio that basks in sunlight or a bright windowsill. Plants with bright or variegated foliage are most suitable near bright windows, but out of direct sunlight. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and peace lilies are great for growing indoors, as they are known for their resilience and ability to proliferate even in dim corners.

Have Fun

Gardening is an activity that's good for the mind and body. It's a great stress-reliever especially during these times, and it's a fun and relaxing way to get in touch with nature, get some sunshine, and even work up some sweat. It's also a wonderful learning experience, especially for the first-time gardeners. Mistakes are inevitable, and you might end up killing a plant or two along the way, but you can always try growing them again. 

How to Get Your Garden Winter Ready.

With some of us looking forward to Winter and some not, the fact remains that the seasons are changing, Summer is leaving us for a few months and we will be visited by her colder sister, Winter, at the end of the year. Preparing your gorgeous garden for the upcoming cold Winter months can be as easy as following these few steps below.

Dreamy winter in Seoul.

Borderline Perfect

Maintain your borders and trim back those hedges. Remove any dead plants, leaves or trimmings to ensure a clean and well-maintained space. Many annuals will now be done with their showing and should also be removed to neaten up your surrounding area.

Soul Soil

There has never been a better time to empty out your compost cupboard or heap. Now is the perfect time to use that well decomposed organic material and spread it all over your soil to keep it safe for Spring. This is the best time to add compost to your soil as it has time to breakdown and release all the nutrients over the next few months to make your soil ready for Spring. This will also help your garden by keeping it nutrient rich and looking good during the icy months ahead. You can then start filling up your composting areas for the next year.

Your garden can still be picture perfect even in freezing temperature.

Repair and Revive

Use this time to fix up any garden structure that may need a bit of TLC. Keep an eye on pest infestations present and deal with them accordingly. Fix up any sections of your garden swing, fence, or greenhouse that may need a little maintenance. Patch up any paint work on planters, water features or benches or find lovely new ones at Outdoor Art Pros.

Plant Protection Plan

Move any delicate and fragile plants to a more shielded and protected place for the Winter. If you have a greenhouse or a conservatory, this would be first prize. For plants or trees that cannot be relocated to a warmer environment, wrap a fleece around their trunks. Spread a thick protective layer of mulch around these plants to protect them from the bitter frosty months.

Flowers to beautify your winter garden.

Winter Friends

With the rush of family and Christmas coming up, you may not be going out into your garden as much in Winter, but the wildlife still is so do not forget to leave out feeders at different levels for different animals. Wait a while before you deadhead or trim any plants, your garden friends will thank you. These will be a much-needed source of food for them during the coldest time of the year.

Lawn Preparation

Prepare your lawn by with a spring-tine rake to remove any overgrowth, undergrowth or moss and allow your lawn to breathe clearly. Add some lawn food specially made for this period and have your lawn protected for the entire Winter season.

Snow Alert

Remain vigilant during the coldest parts of Winter, especially during snowfall periods. Dust off the snow while it is still soft and give your plants and trees the best chance of coming out of this next season in the best shape possible.

A Trip to JASIF (Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms).

Two weeks ago, Yue's schoolmates went on an exposure trip to Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms (JASIF) as part of the course requirement in their EPP class (that's Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan or in English, Home Economics and Livelihood). Yue wasn't able to join the trip because he was still recovering from pneumonia at that time, so I promised him and his teacher that we'll go on a trip to JASIF as soon as his pediatrician permits.

After his follow-up check-up, Yue got his medical clearance from his pedia which allowed him to go back to school, and go out and be 'exposed to the elements' (haha). And so last Friday, we finally got to visit the Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms and experience their DOT-accredited (that's Department of Tourism) Sunflower Maze.

Welcome to Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms!

Don't be fooled by his 'Instagram pose'. He's actually thrilled to be here. :)

Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms started its construction in August 2018. The farm is located along Maharlika Highway, Barangay San Ignacio - just ten minutes away from the San Pablo City Plaza.

JASIF also offers seminars on Hydroponics, backyard gardening, and mushroom cultivation.

The development of this 2-hectare farm was spearheaded by Mr. Joni Sanchez, owner and CEO of the Joni and Susan Agroshop, with the help of his wife Susan, his children, and their spouses. For several years, the company has been planting corn as its main crop. They even offer partnerships to help others generate income through corn plantation, urban and container gardening, land conversion and mushroom plantation.

Inspecting the seedlings.

As the company started to grow, so did the crops, and more varieties were then included in the Joni and Susan Agroshop inventory. As such, the Joni and Susan Agroshop and Integrated Farms was established to create a tourist attraction focused on farming and gardening.

Here's our JASIF experience in photos:
(Sunflower Maze and more after the jump!)

Develop a Hobby with Online Bingo.

With the weather getting worse during winter and dipping temperatures preventing people from enjoying a stroll outdoors, falling prey to depression is easy. People suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) especially experience difficulty in keeping their depression at bay. According to NHS Choices, taking up new hobbies at this time of year can play an important role in keeping us stimulated and energetic – and preventing feelings of lethargy, anxiety and depression.

Thus, to keep the winter blues away it is important to indulge in a few hobbies. Here is what seems to the Britain’s favorite!

Photo credit: We Heart It.

1. Knitting
An interest that has lasted centuries, knitting is one of the top pastimes in the UK. Boosted by celebrities endorsing their love for it, it is estimated that over 7 million people knit on a regular basis. Not only is it a stress buster, but also is a great option to gift friends and family customised hoodies and sweaters for the chilly winter.

2. Bingo
Bingo seems to be the top contender this winter. While travelling to a bingo hall is tiresome, online bingo sites now offer a host of amazing games with incredible themes which can be played from the comfort of ones home. Indulging in a game of bingo also helps mental health and reduces stress. If you are looking for a good site to play at, visit GameVillage Bingo.

3. Exercise
Not only a good hobby, working out itself has multiple effects that stave off depression. When exerting our muscles or increasing heart rate, the body releases endorphins, which are known as the ‘happy hormone’ that produces the high that runners commonly experience.

4. Gardening 
40% of pensioners say that gardening is the hobby that gives them the highest satisfaction in life. While taking a stroll in the chilly weather may be too difficult, cultivating an indoor garden, or a table top garden is easy. In fact, mini gardens as a decorative item is become a new fad, one that promises to keep you occupied while earning you compliments at your office desk!

So this winter, keep the depression at bay. Take up a new hobby or pick up old ones you abandoned and use this time for self development. An idle mind is a devils workshop, as the old adage goes, is true. Get working on that hobby right now!

Tips for an Eco Friendly Organic Garden.

If you are someone who loves to do your part for the world, one lace for you to start is with your garden. So many people put time and effort into their garden that they never realise how much a part of nature it is. When you want to make sure that your garden is operating under green principles, take a moment to think about what you can do.

Consider Insecticidal Soap
One thing that many new green gardeners have to face is how they can keep pests out of their flowers and their vegetables. The truth is that when you are going entirely green, there are going to be insects in your garden. However, if you want to make sure that the insects that are currently infesting your garden go away, consider spraying your plants with insecticidal soap. Insecticidal soaps make the plants disagreeable to the insects without harming the plants or their safety for humans. Spray your garden with insecticidal soap to keep the vast majority of insects away

Grow Native Plants
When you want to make sure that your garden is very eco-friendly, make sure that you start off with native plants. Native plants grow naturally in the the environment, and they can be quite gorgeous when you look them up. However, they often get choked out by invasives or neglected in favour of flashier ornamentals, so it is up to the ecologically responsible gardener to give them a shot. Take a moment to learn what natives are available in your area and to go from there. It's also worth contacting irrigation specialists in Florida water conservation or your area, as this can ensure your plants stay healthy all year round without wasting masses of water. 

Photo credit: Garden Glove

Consider a Compost Bin
If you are someone who is looking for a way to make your garden thrive and grow, make sure that you think about putting together a compost bin. A compost bin essentially relies one decomposing plant matter to bring life and nutrients back to the soil. If you want to make your soil richer, take a moment to think about putting a compost bin or a compost pile into a corner of your yard. You can feed it off of yard waste and soon enough, you'll have fantastically rich compost that helps you keep your garden nourished.

Bring In the Pollinators
If you are considering making sure that your garden thrives naturally, bring on the pollinators. Birds and bees are a necessity when it comes to helping your natural garden grow, and in many areas, they can use a bit of encouragement. Consider skipping insecticides altogether in favour of encouraging birds to come in as natural predators. Plants like lavender, foxglove and bee balm are natural choices for insects. You can look up the native birds in your area that serve as pollinators and which can help your garden thrive.

Take a few moments to think about your garden and how you can make sure that it creates a gorgeous green spot in the world. Going green and organic takes some effort, but you will find that in short order, it is entirely worth it! If your not a hands on person when it comes to gardening consider a professional for your garden maintenance in Brisbane.

Plants vs Mommies.

My four-year-old son is a huge fan of Plants vs Zombies - the action-strategy game that took the world by storm. He loves the game so much that he can spend countless hours in front of the computer (or the tablet) planting sunflowers and battling zombies, much to my chagrin.

I don't want my son to become a gaming freak at his tender age, and so to pry him away from the computer, I asked him if we could do the planting ourselves - both of us, in real life, sans the zombies. Surprise, surprise! He agreed! And so earlier today, we spent a good three hours arranging tomato seedlings in a huge plant box. (Yay, three hours away from the computer, haha!)

Photo credit: Everything Tomatoes

Gardening is a fun bonding activity, and you too could enjoy this with your child. Here are some tips when gardening with young children:

- Wear old, comfortable clothes. You know how messy things could get, and we don't want to soil the 'good clothes'.
- Allow the kids to do things by themselves. Give them a small area to work on, sort of a space for them to call their own.
- When watering the plants, let them use a water gun. This makes the activity more fun for the kids. Plus it's too risky to let them use a hose or a watering can. There's a great possibility that the kids could drown the poor plants, haha.
- Remember to keep the gardening tools (hoes, shears, and the like) in a safe place. Waterloo tool boxes are a good place to store these tools once you're done gardening.

Ready to have fun? Three, two, one... Start Adventure! :)