Gardening

Summer's gone, but cool weather only teases

A couple of cool days got me interested in doing some planting, but my enthusiasm has waned as soon as it has warmed up again. I'll probably wait another week or two before adding more color to my yard.

My tomatoes are looking good, but the rain almost did them in. I had to spray for blossom end rot because of the constant wet soil. I planted both grape and Roma varieties and the grape tomatoes are close to ripening. Once they get started, I'll have more than we can eat and will be sharing with neighbors.

My orchids have also exploded. A new one starts to bloom almost every day. I'm rotating them in and out of the house to enjoy their beauty. I am continually amazed at how I can neglect them and still get such a gorgeous show of flowers.

Don't let their hard-to-grow reputation keep you from trying your hand at orchids. You may want to start with a Phalaenopsis. The more common ones should only cost from $6 to $10. They prefer filtered shade, and make sure they're planted in an orchid medium and not regular potting soil.

Enjoy their blooms indoors and, when finished blooming, move the plant outside. My Phalaenopsis orchids love it under my maple tree. If you have success there, move on to the more exotic types. Orchids are one of those plants that can be killed with kindness, so don't obsess over their care.

If you're tired of your mundane landscape and want to try something new, one landscape trend involves using less (and sometimes no) grass. If you want a grassless landscape (and don't want to offend your neighbors), consider the following:

* Plant something pretty. You're going out on a limb if you remove all the grass from your landscape. If passers-by and your neighbors have something pretty to look at - perhaps a flowering tree or a fountain as a focal point - the untraditional nature of your landscape may be easier to accept. You may also want to consider removing your lawn bit by bit. Just increase the size of your beds a little at a time. This will be less shocking to your neighbors.

* Maintain fences around the areas that are going totally native or "wild." A wild backyard landscape is not likely to offend, if a privacy fence is used. Also remember that "wild" does not mean full of weeds that are likely to infringe on your neighbors' yards; nor is it a landscape style that allows you to neglect the upkeep of your property.

* Mow a frame around the natural area. Keep areas bordering sidewalks and common areas mowed low to accent the wild areas.

* Place bird feeders, baths and houses throughout your garden. Almost everyone loves songbirds. Encourage them to set up residence in your garden, it may make the neighbors more accepting of your design.

* Make sure to establish some kind of design pattern. Use wide sweeping areas as your natural gardens with pathways joining them. Construct these pathways of grass or hard materials such as concrete or bricks.

If you follow the above suggestions, you may be able to go wild without enraging your neighbors. One reason why gardeners choose to "go natural" includes the high maintenance required by turf grass, although many natural gardens are also high maintenance to keep out unwanted and invasive plants. Other reasons include the use of unnecessary chemicals, the desire to attract wildlife or just for a change.

Before you begin renovating your garden and moving away from the traditional, have a plan. Know what you are doing with your entire yard before you begin. Once you have converted your landscape, this plan will ensure that there is an obvious design. If you're a little hesitant to convert your entire yard at once, do it in steps.

Do be aware of your neighborhood's rules and regulations. Some areas are very strict about landscape design, so don't cut out all your sod without checking your deed restrictions.

Perhaps you can start in your fenced backyard and see if such a design is appropriate in the more public area of your landscape. After that, use your imagination. It's your most important asset when you're going for the unusual.

- Mary Collister of Valrico writes about how to garden successfully in Florida's climate and offers problem-solving tips for your home garden. Mail questions to: Mary Collister, Brandon Times, 426 W Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511.