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Amaryllis Flower

Amaryllis Flower (Hippeastrum) grows around the winter holidays. This winter flower is mainly grown as a house plant, it can also be grown outdoors in areas with no frost.

They are a very beautiful looking plant. The stems grow about 2 feet high, and on top of the stems are lovely trumpet shaped flowers.

Amaryllis Flower

Each large stem supports about 3 to 6 clusters of flowers. The flowers come in shades of white, red or pink. They are very soft looking colors and that is part of what makes this a beautiful plant.

These plants grow from Amaryllis bulbs. You can order them in the fall so that they will be grown by Christmas. You should begin to grow the Amaryllis bulbs by mid-October.

How to Plant an Amaryllis Bulb

Plant your Amaryllis bulbs in a pot that is about 8 – 10 inches deep. Once your Amaryllis bulbs are planted, they take about 6 weeks to be fully grown.

Amaryllis care is important so cover the bulbs with soil until all you see is about the top 1/3rd of the bulbs. Water them only a little bit until the shoots begin to show. Then water them more regularly.

Amaryllis

When the flower begins to grow, place it in a window that gets ample sun. Spin the vase around so that it gets sun on all sides, and also so it grows straight.

You do not need to stake this plant, because the stem grows very thick.

Amaryllis Lifespan

The usual amaryllis lifespan is about a month to six weeks. The Amaryllis bulbs last several years if taken care of properly.

Amaryllis Flower Care

When Amaryllis begins to die in the winter, cut down the huge stem and keep the leaves in place. The leaves will help to keep the bulb nourished.

Feed the Amaryllis flower with an all-purpose fertilizer once every two weeks. Move the plant outdoors for the summer. Water it regularly and now you have a summer plant as well!

Stop watering the plant as much once the summer has ended. When the plant seems to die off, move the pot indoors to a cool dark place. Think a basement, or a crawl space.

In a few month shoots will reappear. Then it is time to move the plant back to the window.

Continue this sequence and your Amaryllis will keep you happy for many years to come.

Amaryllis FlowerSeriously Flowers2019-04-26T12:29:56-05:00

Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks (Alcea) are biennial plants that bloom in the summer months. They have a very short lifespan and you usually only see them bloom in mid to late summer.

Hollyhock

Because hollyhocks flowers are very prone to disease, it will not last as long as other flowers. It will however reseed itself each year. So you don’t have to worry about replanting it yourself until you see it has stopped growing.

Alcea are one of summers more different looking plants. The flowers actually grow on long stems coming out of the ground. It will reach at least 5 or 6 feet tall once the plant is done growing.

The blossoms grow in many different colors. They come in varieties of pinks, purples, oranges, yellows, reds, and white. Along the thick stems, colorful flowers burst open. They are a very decent size of cup shaped petals. Along with the nice sized blossoms are large green leaves.

If you ever come across a plant that has a very tall stem, with bright green leaves, and several large colorful flowers, then you are most likely looking at Hollyhock.

Since they grow to be so tall and are a powerful looking plant, set them up in a flowerbed all of their own. Or perhaps use them to border a fence.

Hollyhocks When To Plant

So have you decided to plant them in your garden? For starters if you are growing alcea they need to be in the sun. Hollyhocks can be planted in almost any

Hollyhocks

type of soil. Just be sure it will get the amount of moisture it needs.

When you are growing Alcea begin to sow your seeds in the spring or early fall. Space them about 2 feet apart, as they grow to be very tall and need some space.

When they start to grow, you will see that the flowers begin to bloom from bottom to top. The plants need to be staked and kept away from wind. If they are not staked they will tilt, due to their height. The wind could also hurt them and make them tilt and eventually kill them.

Water the plants, as they need it. Keep a careful watch over them in times of drought.

While they do require a little more work then some other summer flowers, they are worth the work in the end. Once you see the beautiful flowers blooming, you will be happy you decided to give them a chance!

HollyhocksSeriously Flowers2019-04-18T18:04:28-05:00

Best Pole Saw

The best pole saw is an invaluable tool for the homeowner that has tall trees or shrubs. A pole saw is a long handled stick with a saw on the end of it. You can choose between a manual pole saw or a motorized one.

These are basically a lightweight long reach chainsaw, they have a small engine that is powered with gasoline, a battery, or by electricity. They are extremely beneficial since they allow someone to stand safely on the ground (instead of precariously balancing on a ladder) and prune tall branches or vines easily.

Best Pole Saws

Here are the best pole saw recommendations. A manual pole saw is great but requires much more physical effort, so to keep it easy this list is only for motorized versions.

For more in-depth information on why these are recommended keep reading.

Considerations when Choosing the Best Pole Saw

Like regular hand saws, there are many different types of pole saws available for purchase. When it comes time to choose one for your landscaping/gardening arsenal there are some things you need to ask yourself first.

Function

First and foremost think about the size and scope of work the saw will need to perform. Is this going to be a piece of equipment that is used extensively or just occasionally? What sized branches will you be trimming with it?

After thinking about the function, you can begin thinking about some other aspects and what is important to you in terms of specific features.

Bar length

The length of the saw blade (the steel bar in which the chain spins around) will determine the size branches the pole saw can cut. Bar lengths are typically measured in inches and should always be longer than the diameter of the biggest branch it needs to cut. A longer bar length will need greater power to drive the chain.

Power source

This is ultimately going to determine if the saw is strong enough to cut through the branches you need trimmed. A gas powered engine will have the most power, followed by an electric engine, and then one that is battery powered. You can also use a manual pole saw but then you become the power source:) Each one comes with advantages and disadvantages. Gas powered engines will be heavier, louder, and require more maintenance.

Electric are much lighter and have less vibrations but you will either need a generator or constantly be attached to an electrical cord; they are also unusable in wet weather. Battery powered pole saws are the most convenient with their rechargeable batteries but they are the least powerful and in turn have the shortest bar lengths.

Pole length/reach

The saw is only as good as the length it can reach. If it doesn’t reach all of the branches it needs to be trimmed it isn’t serving its purpose. So it’s important to take into consideration the height of the trees needing to be pruned and buy the appropriate pole length. If you have multiple tree heights, a telescoping pole may work well as you can adjust the length for different projects.

Top 5 Best Pole Saw Recommendations

With so many options available to choose from, it’s always helpful to have some specific product recommendations to take a look at

Black and Decker Pole Saw

Consider the BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw if you are looking for a high quality cordless saw. Black & Decker products are always a good, solid choice and this easily makes it onto our best pole saw list. The lithium battery will hold a charge capable of cutting approximately 100 branches 1.5” in diameter, reducing your downtime for charging.

The adjustable pole length spans from 6.5 to 10’ allowing you to easily cut branches up to 14’ off the ground; an 8” bar length will handle a maximum diameter of 6”. Weighing in at just over 6 pounds, arm and shoulder fatigue is less than heavier, gas powered models. The Black & Decker LPP120 also disassembles easily for compact storage — a nice feature if you are short on space.

Pros: Lightweight and easily portable. Telescoping handle lets you work at varying heights. Breaks down for easy storage.

Cons: Saw does not rotate on handle, no automatic oiler for chain. Battery power means you have less power than a gas or AC model limiting the size/thickness of branches it can handle. This model also needs the chain tightened periodically to keep it from loosening too much and slipping off the bar.

BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw

Sun Joe Pole Saw

The Sun Joe SWJ802E 9 FT 6.5 Amp Electric Pole Chain Saw with Adjustable Head which has an adjustable head angle. It can cut branches at 0°, 15° and 30° angles allowing you to easily trim limbs without having to contort yourself into strange positions. When you are working with your arms above your head this is a nice feature to have.

A telescoping pole allows you to reach safely up to 15’ in height, and the electric 6.5-amp motor has a built in safety switch to prevent accidental starting. An electric powered motor cuts down the weight of the pole saw considerably; the SWJ802E weighs less than 8 pounds cutting arm fatigue significantly when working.

Maintenance is easy too with an auto-oiler that keeps the bar and chair lubricated during use. You can easily cut through branches up to 7.5” in diameter with this saw making it a great option for anyone needing to remove overhanging limbs and cut thin logs.

Pros: Adjustable head angle makes trimming limbs and branches less cumbersome. Telescoping extension pole allows for flexibility when working with trees of varying heights. Safety switch on motor prevents accidental starting.

Cons: Electric motor means you have to be tethered to an extension cord or generator for power, and you cannot operate this model in wet conditions.

Sun Joe SWJ802E 9 FT 6.5 Amp Electric Pole Chain Saw with Adjustable Head

Greenworks Pole Saw

The Greenworks 8-Inch 40V Cordless Pole Saw, 2.0 AH Battery Included 20672 offers an instant start/stop, which gives you added peace of mind when working with this power tool. A simple press of a button and the power is cut to the motor immediately, allowing you stop the chain instantly to avoid damage or injury. An automatic oiler applies oil to the chain as needed, which is a great time saving feature.

The automatic oiling of the chain and bar means it’s not necessary to periodically stop and do this yourself, cutting into your work time. It also comes equipped with an easy-adjust chain tensioning system that quickly tightens the chain without the use of any special tools.

The aluminum, telescoping shaft extends up to 8’. The instant start/stop, automatic oiler, and tool-less chain tightening make this a good option for mechanically un-inclined homeowners with shorter, smaller diameter trees.

Pros: Automatic oil keeps chain lubricated, reducing the maintenance you need to perform while cutting limbs/branches. A telescoping pole allows you to adjust the pole length to fit the project you’re working on. Battery power allows you to move easily around the yard without worrying about fuel or an electrical cord.

Cons: The motor on the Greenworks saw is battery powered, resulting in a saw that is not as powerful as gas or AC units. Telescoping pole only extends to 8’ limiting reach and can be somewhat wobbly when fully extended.

Greenworks 8-Inch 40V Cordless Pole Saw, 2.0 AH Battery Included 20672

Remington Pole Saw

The Remington RM1035P Ranger 10-Inch 8-Amp Electric Chainsaw/Pole Saw Combo makes the best saw list because it provides the features and benefits of an electric chainsaw and pole saw in one. Quickly convert between the two implements without the need of additional tools when using the Remington RM1035P, allowing you to easily trim limbs and then cut the downed branches into manageable sized pieces.

A 10” bar cuts through small to medium branches with minimal kickback using the 8-amp electric motor. The electric motor means no stopping in the middle of your project to charge batteries or refill gas, while keeping noise and vibrations to a minimum reducing arm fatigue. The handle and grips are designed to make handling the Remington RM1035P pole saw as easy as possible.

This is a great product for someone that needs the power of an electric pole saw and chain saw functionality but doesn’t want to purchase two different implements.

Pros: Saw and chainsaw in one allowing you the quick flexibility to cut down branches and then saw them into smaller pieces. The electric motor means minimal noise and vibrations, causes less arm fatigue in the user. No need to worry about having batteries charged or gas on hand.

Cons: Requires an electrical source, without a generator you’re limited to the length of extension cords.

Remington RM1035P Ranger 10-Inch 8-Amp Electric Chainsaw/Pole Saw Combo

Worx Pole Saw

WORX Pole Saw

The WORX WG309 Electric Saw, 10-Inch features an auto-tensioning system and auto-oiler take the guesswork out of using the WORX WG309 Electric Pole Saw while prolonging the life of the bar and chain.

The 10” bar length makes quick work of limbs up to 8” in diameter. Bring branches down to the ground and then quickly detach the chain saw to cut them into easy to work with, smaller pieces.

Equipped with an 8” stationary extension pole you can easily reach the hard to get to sections in the middle of your tall trees. The powerful motor and unique detachable design make it a great choice for light to medium pruning/trimming work.

Pros: Auto oiler and auto tensioning system cut down on maintenance and interruptions during work. A rotating handle allows you to adjust the direction of the saw blade to work comfortably.

Cons: Pole is stationary and doesn’t have as long a reach length as some adjustable poles limiting the size trees you can trim while safely standing on the ground. It is also heavy and somewhat cumbersome to use when at its full length due to the weight. The electric motor limits mobility and can not be operated in inclement weather.

WORX WG309 Electric Saw, 10-Inch

Top 5 Best Pole Saw Conclusion

This is a great gardening/landscaping tool to have in the garage or shed if you have tall bushes or shrubs to prune. Their long handles allow you to stand safely on the ground and trim branches without the aid of a ladder or a professional tree-trimming service. With many different options to choose from, you can easily find the best electric saw that fits your needs. If you need to do some trimming close to ground level check out the best weed eater list.

Best Pole SawSeriously Flowers2019-05-25T19:40:13-05:00

Garden Flowers

Single Marigold

Garden Flowers are a great addition to any garden. In this age of variety and individualism, gardens no longer have to be comprised solely of vegetable plants. Many outdoor gardens are a combination of veggies, herbs and garden flowers, or are just carefully planned arrangements of outdoor flowers and shrubs.

Let’s face it, while vegetable gardens help to provide food for the table, outside flowers and plants add to a garden a beautiful touch we all enjoy. Make sure you have the best tools used for gardening which will make the work much easier.

Types of Garden Flowers

Garden flowers are broken down into three main types: perennials, annuals, and biennials. Perennial flowers return year after year with little to no encouragement, providing continuous garden blooms.

Annual flowers only live for one growing season and need to be replanted every year. Biennial Plants are a hybrid of the two; the first year is spent focusing on vegetative growth, the second year the plant blooms and completes its life cycle. Perennial plants tend to have a higher price tag up front but can be more economical in the long run.

Creating a landscape with varying flowers is easy to do with all of the choices available. Choose flowers in a variety of heights and colors, which are well suited for the amount of sunlight a spot receives during the day.

Make sure you have the right garden equipment such as great gardening shoes like Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Rain and Garden Shoe

Sun Requirements for Garden Flowers

Full Sun – Full sun means the spot receives 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. It doesn’t have to be a continuous 6 hours, and can be broken up throughout the day, with some occurring in the morning and another chunk in the afternoon.

Partial Sun / Partial Shade – These two terms are fairly interchangeable and mean a spot receives 4-6 hours of direct sun over the course of the day. Both would prefer to receive early morning or evening light, being shaded from the most intense sun in the mid to late afternoon. Partial sun plants need a minimum of 4 hours and will do better the closer to 6 they can get. Partial shade plants need a maximum of 6 hours of sun but prefer the lesser amount.

Full Shade – Full shade means less than 4 hours of direct sunlight a day. This doesn’t mean the plant never receives any sunlight. Full shade plants will thrive with filtered sunlight, or some early morning direct sun.

List of Flowers

A trip to the local flower garden store or nursery will provide many types of garden flowers to choose from. Here are some of the most common garden flowers names found in home gardens: Here is how to make your garden look nice on a budget.

Roses

A Red Rose Flower

Roses are the most common cultivated garden flower found in landscapes around the world. These perennial flowers are known for their exquisite beauty and intoxicating fragrance. Available in almost any color imaginable, a variety of bloom sizes, and many different scents, roses add a traditional beauty to any garden.

Tulips

A Group of Tulips

Tulips are known for their unique shape that is described as a cup or star-shaped flower. They come in a plethora of colors and make an exquisite display when planted in large stands. Tulips are spring blooming perennials that grow from bulbs.

Peonies

Peony Flower

Peonies are another favorite in traditional gardens. They are known for their colossal flowers that perch atop glossy green foliage. Peonies require little care and plants can grow for upwards of 100 years with little attention from the resident gardener. The rules for success are simply full sun and well-drained soil.

Lilies

Lily Flower

Lilies are popular all around the world as well. This beautiful perennial comes in a variety of colors and sizes. They grow well in containers and do not require a lot of water, making them an ideal plant in many landscapes.

Iris

Iris Flower

Iris are known for their showy flowers. Iris flowers are extremely unique and bloom in a variety of purples, blues, white and yellows. They are perennial plants that grow from creeping rhizomes, or bulbs in drier climates.

Petunias

Petunias are one of the most popular annual flowers planted in home gardens. They can tolerate relative harsh climates, including gentle frost, and hot climates making them suitable for many landscapes. Petunias grow best with at least 5 hours of sun daily but prefer locations protected from the wind as their blooms shred easily.

Geraniums

Geraniums are common bedding plants in gardens, as well as a popular flower in hanging baskets. Growing geraniums is easy if your garden has well-drained soil that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight. Most geraniums grow as annual plants and have been a garden staple for over a decade.

Pansies

Pansy Flower

Pansies are very beautiful and colorful annuals, also known as violas. Plants are shorter in stature making them good border plants or hanging basket fillers. They come in a variety of stunning colors and are commonly grown as annuals but can be perennials in certain zones.

Marigolds

Marigold Flower

Marigolds are known for their bright orange or coppery colored blooms. These annual plants will tolerate almost any soil conditions but prefer full sun locations and do well in heat. Marigolds bloom all summer long, providing cheery color to any landscape.

Dianthus

Dianthus Flower

Dianthus are a dainty flower, commonly known as Sweet William, with notes of cinnamon and clove in their fragrance. They belong to the same plant family as carnations and can be found in gardens as hardy annuals, biennials and perennials depending on the planting zone. Dianthus prefer slightly alkaline soil and full or partial sun.

Garden Flowers Care

The best flowers are healthy, strong plants with beautiful blooms. It’s important to apply fertilizer throughout the growing season. In most garden situations a general purpose plant food will meet the needs of most plants during a typical growing season.

Follow the instructions on the fertilizer container regarding application rates and frequency, making sure to water thoroughly into the soil to prevent damaging the plant.

Garden flowers add an element of beauty to all landscapes. With many choices in terms of plant heights, colors, scents and flower shapes the creative possibilities are endless.

Garden FlowersSeriously Flowers2019-06-24T00:08:13-05:00

Aster Flower

The Aster flower is a daisy like flower, they look like little star bursts, opening up into a beautiful bloom. There are many different species, so you need to make sure you are growing the kind you like best.

Aster Flowers

Asters are the September birth month flower. They begin to grow at the end of summer, and continue to grow into fall. They are a great flower to have in the autumn months. As autumn days begin to get shorter and colder, the flower is a great plant to look at and remind you of the warmer summer months. They really do brighten up a fall flowerbed.

The best thing about this beautiful fall flower; is that it is a perennial flower. That means they will grow back year after year!

The perennial Asters can be grouped into three different species. They are known to some by their common name, Michaelmas daisy.

Michaelmas daisies are so easy to plant and care for. Anyone can do it. They can be planted in any soil type, and just need a lot of sun and a lot of water. Water them fairly regularly.

Aster Flower Meaning

A symbol of love and patience.

Aster Flower Types

The three varieties of flower to choose from are: Aster frikartii, A. novae-angliae, and A. novi-belgii.

Aster

Aster Frikartii

The Aster Frikartii grows in a purple aster color and has a great strong smell. They grow about 2 to 3 feet tall.

A. novae-angliae

This species comes in pink aster and purple aster colors. They can grow to be as tall as 5 feet. This plant is known as the New England aster.

A. novi-belgii

Known as the New York aster, comes in colors like white aster, pink aster, and purple aster. They can grow anywhere from about 1 foot to 4 feet tall.

Aster Flower Care

These plants are very easy to plant. It is easiest to start out with purchased plants. Simply place the plants in any average soil, and water them daily. Give them lots of sun, with a little bit of shade. After this plant grows for a few years, it can begin to look over grown. If this happens to you, dig up some of the plants, divide and replant them. This really is a great plant to have. They are so easy to take care of, and they make for a gorgeous fall flowerbed.

Aster FlowerSeriously Flowers2019-03-22T12:13:57-05:00

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