Fashionable Gardening

Fairies in the Garden

September 18, 2011
Taylor and Isabel's Fairies

By Mel Taylor Shipley ACNP “Just living is not enough” said the butterfly fairy, “one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” -Hans Christian Anderson Taylor and Isabel’s Fairies Fairies in my garden, selling seeds no less! Cottingley Fairies Photograph taken by Elsie Wright in 1917                 Children the world over have always understood the mystical qualities of fairy gardens and their ethereal inhabitants. The difference now is that this time around adults too are beginning to appreciate the joys of creating fairy gardens. Having two small children myself has made...

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Fashionable Gardening: Nature’s Pest Control

July 11, 2011
Fashionable Gardening: Nature’s Pest Control

How to Encourage Natural Enemies in the Garden By Mel Taylor Shipley, Civano Nursery Natural enemies are living creatures that eat pest insects. Spiders, birds, geckos, or even insects such as the ladybug or praying mantis are known to keep pest insects under control. Encouraging natural enemies makes sense because it saves money and energy and is better for the environment because it reduces the amount of pesticides you need to apply. Here are a few easy ways to encourage natural enemies in your garden: Get to know your insects so you can encourage the beneficial ones There are...

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Fashionable Gardening: Starting a Vegetable Garden in Four Easy Steps

May 19, 2011
Fashionable Gardening: Starting a Vegetable Garden in Four Easy Steps

By Mel Shipley ACNP In this edition of Fashionable Gardening, we’ll get your vegetable garden going in four easy steps: Step 1 – Choose a Spot Start small, with an area about 6 by 9 feet, so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Look for a level, sheltered site that’s sunny for at least four to six hours a day, and close enough to a faucet or rain barrel that watering won’t be a problem. Of course you can always add an irrigation system later, for now though let’s just keep it simple. * Don’t worry if space an issue,...

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