Gardening Talk

Honda 4-Stroke Mower

If you are thinking of buying a mower, be it new or second-hand, there are certain things you must consider before buying. One of the more important decisions is the choice of engine type. Two-stroke engines require the fuel and oil to be mixed together (usually in a ratio of 25:1 or 40:1), and the oil is burnt with the fuel. Four-stroke engines have a separate oil reservoir, so the oil is not burnt or consumed but must be periodically changed. 2-stroke engines can operate upside-down, making them ideal for small hand-held tools like brush cutters. 4-stroke engines must remain level for the oil to properly lubricate the engine. Normally this is not a problem for lawnmowers, but if your yard is on a steep slope, you may be better off with a 2-stroke mower.

Other things you should also consider when buying a mower are expense, hassle, pollution and simplicity. The question isn’t what type of mower is better, the question is what type of mower is better for you.

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Choose a plant that already has two strong bottom side shoots or laterals. Dig a hole directly under the trellis. Place the tree into the hole and position the laterals in the same direction as the wire. Back fill and water in. Now tie the …
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Choosing the right fern varieties is important in a water smart garden but there are other things you can do. Mulching is vital for keeping the soil moist. One of the big reasons the ferns are doing so well is because of the protection they get …
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Mowing with a Brill
push reel lawnmower

Push reel mowers are undergoing a revival in popularity. Not only are they friendly to the environment (no air or noise pollution), they are also inexpensive to purchase and operate (no fuel), and many people find them an enjoyable form of exercise.

Modern reel mowers are light and easy to push. However it is definitely worthwhile to keep the blades sharp, as blunt blades will make the reel mower significantly harder to use. Sharpening kits for most models of mowers are available, and well worth the investment.

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Southwest Garden

When most people think of drought-tolerant plants, they immediately think of cactii. Indeed, most succulents require very little water, storing moisture in their leaves and stems, and conserving moisture by have small of vestigial leaves.

Bulbs are another category of drought-tolerant plants. They can evade drought by remaining dormant until rains arrive. However, this makes the garden appear rather barren.

Deep and infrequent watering of lawns and other garden plants encourages deep root growth. Plants with deep roots can better tolerate drought conditions, as the deepest layers of soil remain moist the longest.

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