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Dutch Iris are one of the most colorful of all fall-planted bulbs. They have been propagated heavily in Oregon and Washington for the Pacific Coast market. The flower is excellent for cutting and a generous crop may be expected. The colors include white, yellow, lavender, blue and purple. The plants are fairly hardy although they require some protection if planted in a windy spot. Plant in the open sun or semi-shade with the bulbs. 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Average garden soil will suffice and the bulbs should not be disturbed until the plants become so thick that the clumps need dividing.

Aftercare of Bulbs – Many – including gladiolus, tigridias and tuberous begonias – should be taken up now and stored for a good rest. Remember, the foliage should be thoroughly ripened before cutting off. Dust the bulbs with an insecticide to take care of any insect eggs present. Also, all bulbs and tubers should be dried off thoroughly before storing in peat. Guard against mice eating tigridias especially.

For quick color – In the mild sections of the West, snapdragons, stocks, annual chrysanthemums, larkspur, Iceland poppies, violas and pansies may still be set out, although the blooms will be later than on those set out last month. For shady spots, try cinerarias and primroses.

Wildflowers – Sow seeds after the first heavy rains. For dependable ground covers on bulb beds, sow linaria, brachycome, Gilia lutea (G. micrantha), nemophila, Virginia stock, Johnny-jump-up and other shallow-rooted annuals. These make colorful beds by themselves and are a boon both to the busy gardener pressed for time and the “lazy” gardener.

Winter pot plants – For the shaded patio use primrows, cinerarias, pansies, daffodils, browallias, reinwardtias, alocasia amazonica, beloperones, ericas, eranthemums, azaleas and camellias.

Pyracanthus and cotoneasters are the answer for time-pressed gardening enthusiasts who require colorful berries with a minimum of time spent on upkeep. Berried shrubs thrive here in the West. Although they can be planted at any season, this is a good time to select choice kinds at local nurseries, for now you can not only choose the ones with the best forms but also the proper colored berries.

Join Thomas Fryd at http://www.plant-care.com as he continues to explore more effective ways on alocasia amazonica. This and other unique content ” articles are available with free reprint rights.

Every year millions of dollars are spent on lawn and garden equipment from lawn mowers to tillers. These tools allow the home owner to make their property look its best and get the work done quickly and easily. Most home owners will purchase a large collection of lawn and garden equipment over the first five years of owning their home which typically represents a sizable investment. In order for you, the home owner, to protect your investment and ensure that next year when you reach for that weed whacker that it runs its best it’s very important to take the proper steps to winterize your gas powered equipment.

Any equipment with an engine, from your gas powered blower to you lawnmower, should be winterized in a similar fashion.

First, wash the equipment and clean off any dirt or debris followed by thoroughly drying the equipment to prevent rust.

The next step is, drain the gas from the reservoir either by pouring it out or running the piece of equipment till empty. (Please note that you may also purchase fuel additives that may be mixed in the reservoir if you prefer).

Last, remove the spark plug and place a few drops of oil into the cylinder and then pull the starter cord slowly three or four times to lightly coat the piston. This step prevents rust from forming over the winter months. And finally, look through the socket where you removed your plug and have someone pull the starter cord slowly until the piston is at top dead center (when the piston is closets to the opening of the socket). Replace your spark plug and store your piece of equipment with piece of mind that your investment will be protected over the cold winter months.

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