Author: CoolGarden

Plants, Trees & shrubs , ,

Horse Chestnut Tree

by CoolGarden September 23, 2012 No Comments

The horse chestnut tree, also known as Aesculus hippocastanum, is a member of the Buckeye family, which includes species that grow in the United States. It is a member of the Aesculus family. The horse chestnut is not a native tree in America, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, growing in southern sections of Europe and Asia. However, the horse chestnut now grows in many parts of the United States, after its introduction as an ornamental species.

The horse chestnut’s flowers appear in the spring and they are white in color. The upright cluster of flowers can be from 5 to 12 inches in length. The fruit of the horse chestnut is round to oblong in shape and the exterior is covered with spines. The husk is thick and leathery, which protects the seeds within the fruit. There are generally one to three brown seeds within the husk. (Note: the nuts of the horse chestnut are not edible.)

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Tips & Guides, Projects , ,

Garden Design – Having A Beautiful Water Garden

by CoolGarden February 16, 2012 2 Comments

Whatever form it is in, water is one of the best features you can have in the garden. It is entrancing to look at, a joy to hear, and the flowers you can grow in water and near it are among the most beautiful there are. We don’t know anyone who doesn’t love water lilies in the water garden, and the irises and flags swaying gracefully beside a stream or pond are a close runner-up.


The reflections in the pool can double your pleasure – or your distress – if you permit the pool to be placed where what you see reflected is the back of you neighbor’s tool shed, your own laundry wheel or garbage cans, or the dull, dreary face of an apartment building’s blank wall.

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Tips & Guides, Seasonal jobs , , ,

Gardening Jobs In February

by CoolGarden February 16, 2012 No Comments

Gardeners the world over will know that there is no set date for a gardening job, remember temperatures vary according to where you live, also each year is different, some warmer and some colder, although it is now becoming clear the trend is towards warmer, and garden jobs in February will depend on local conditions. February is often the coldest winter month even if spring is just around the corner. More than any other month what to do in the garden in February will depend on weather conditions, it may be wise to hold off than try to sow in cold waterlogged ground that will rot garden seeds rather than germinate them.

February has abundance of vegetables, such as leeks parsnips, turnips and Swedes, early purple sprouting, kale and Brussels sprouts being available, and can come up when you are ready, especially leeks which may well be standing ready, also make sure that parsnips, turnips and Swedes are covered with fleece or straw to stop them freezing solid into the ground.

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Tips & Guides, Gardening basics ,

Gardening For Senior Gardeners

by CoolGarden December 25, 2011 No Comments

Are you in a wheelchair, and long to dig in the dirt and create flowering beauty and grow far more zucchini than you can give away? Or are your knees just starting to age and even though you’ve loved gardening all your life, you’re having more trouble getting up and down and are afraid you’ll have to give up gardening altogether? Did you botch the last pruning of your roses because of the worsening arthritis in your hands?

Welcome to the world of the physically challenged gardener. Continue Reading