Granite Pavers For Your Patio Or Walkway

Looking to add some refinement to your yard by putting in a granite walkway or patio? We may have just what you're looking for. Recently Blooming Rails has come into a large sum of 12" x 12" granite pavers. With a concrete backing, they make an excellent patio surface in your backyard, a surface for your fire pit, or perhaps a perfect border for your garden.

These pavers have been sitting outside for several years, so they are new, but slightly weathered. They can be purchased for $.50 each plus delivery. For new pavers, you can expect to pay $500 to $600 plus shipping for a 10' x 10' area. Get your hands on these pavers while they last... install them yourself, or the Blooming Rails Garden Nanny can install them for you.

With a bit of vision you can transform your yard and create a stunning new outdoor patio surface!

What's In Your Soil?

Great gardening begins with great soil. In our Urban environment many factors may affect soil health, but knowing what’s in your soil may be the best place to start in creating your garden master piece. It is important to understand that each time you displace soil to plant something or build a structure, which displaces the soil, it also displaces the natural order of compost, soil, clay and filtering substratum. In addition, Urban soils often have compaction problems which compress the soil and destroy it’s natural absorption ability. With home owners dumping billions of dollars of pesticides/herbicides on their lawns and garden’s how can, you, be sure what elements your soil needs? One way to know for sure what lies beneath is to send your soil sample to be tested. A&L Great Lakes Laboratories offers a $20 soil analysis, which will not only give you a detailed description of your soils condition, but will also offer a detailed plan for amending your soil. Other labs are listed on the http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soiltest website.

The Garden Nanny at Blooming Rails will help you identify organic solutions which will help amend or condition your soil based off the recommendations from the lab or alternatively we can use a soil meter, but these results are not as accurate as a lab testing. Please note, it can take 8 inches of new compost to equal 1 inch of added soil the following year. The best advantage to achieving healthy soil is that it can reduce and possibly eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides. Here is how to take your sample:

If you have several different types of planting zones within your yard, several samples will be needed. For example; if you have an area heavy in pine trees, will need to be tested separately from a vegetable garden without any nearby trees. Soil samples are best achieved above 50 degrees, and should be repeated every five years or when trouble signs occur, such as poor plant health or invasive weed outbreaks.

Obtain a soil testing bag from the testing laboratory. Some labs prefer paper bags as it allows proper ventilation for the tested area, other labs require you to dry out the samples prior to mailing them to the lab.

1. Dig a hole with a spade or trowel, 3 inches to test for areas to be planted with sod, 6 – 8 inches for flower or vegetable gardens, or 12 inches for trees.
2. Repeat this procedure in at least 8 scattered spots within the testing sample (don’t mix different planting zones – i.e. vegetable gardens and azalea gardens under pine trees)
3. Slice the soil from the edge of the hole, retrieving a sample down the entire length of the desired testing area into a clean bucket. Mix the samples from the spots within each specific zone.
4. Clean the soil sample of any roots, plants or large organic matter.
5. Air dry soil on a clean sheet of paper, and then lift edges creating a funnel so you can pour directly into soil sample bag. Usually a ½ pint of soil is all the lab will need.
6. Label each bag with location and what will be planted, such as “perennial garden by back deck”, “azalea garden under pine trees”, “rose garden by rock garden”, “vegetable garden by front swing set”
7. Mark name and return address on bag.
8. Pack in a well protected box to prevent breakage or water infiltration. Send off with fee and contact information.

Testing the soil in your yard is a simple and inexpensive method to discover what nutrients are missing or chemical toxins are building up in your dirt... you may be surprised.

May Gardening Schedule

Stay on track with your gardening schedule in May. This is an important month if you want to get the most beauty out of your garden this summer.

Below are a few spring clean up, to-do items, that you'll want to tackle right away. For more information view the "Spring Time Garden Schedule - May" on the Blooming Rails website.

• Clear the lawn and flower beds of dead branches/stick, leaves, and pine needles. 
• Prune away dead and/or damaged branches from tree's and bushes. 
• Push heaved plants back into flower beds. 
• Prune and divide perennials. 
• Clear away dead foliage around plants. 
• Pull up spent annuals. 
• Remove deteriorated mulch and prep for a new fresh layer. 
• Prune away dead and/or damaged branches from tree's and bushes. 
• Reset decorative rocks and stone that have sunken or shifted from winter ice and spring flooding.
• Spread Milky Spore to start the battle against Japanese beetles.

Springtime Japanese Beetle Treatments

Japanese Beetles are destroying my garden! 

If those words were going through your mind last year, it's time to take action. Call Blooming Rails Garden Nanny today at 630-450-1251.

Springtime is here and while thoughts of shopping for flowers and growing a beautiful garden may be just starting to percolate in your mind, those pesky beetles are getting ready for a summer long feast.

Last year many of our clients here in Illinois saw Japanese beetles come out in force, attacking plants as soon as we got them in the ground. Milky Spore is one effective "green" way to fight the beetles in their grub form and there are some plants that repel the Japanese beetle such as garlic, catnip, chives, tansy or rue. The fight to control Japanese beetles starts now, in spring, and continues on throughout the summer and fall... "every year" for at least three years as the spore continues to spread and kill off these invading pests. Natural enemies are wasps and birds although you'll probably get much more enjoyment by attracting birds to your yard than you will wasps. Do nothing to fight these nasty little pests and the very act of planting your beautiful garden is opening the door for them to actually invite other Japanese beetles over for dinner... in your backyard. The best way to fight this pest is to enlist your neighbors to join you in the war against the Japanese Beetles.

In March through April the grubs that have been hiding out deep in the soil start to work their way up to feed on the roots of your lawn and can cause substantial damage. Now is the time to make a preemptive strike. Grubs are easiest to kill in spring, come June the beetles will start to emerge and head straight for your roses and other ornamentals, that you've spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on.

Make no mistake, the battle doesn't end with a spring treatment... but it's the best time to get started. For more information about the battle against Japanese beetles visit the Blooming Rails website.

Rain Barrel Considerations

Adding a rain barrel to your home garden? There are several items you might want to consider:

Site selection - you should try to place a rain barrel in a shady area to reduce the water temp and avoid watering your plants with a high content of microorganisms or mold.



Plastic barrels positioned in the direct sunlight will leach more toxins into the water. Also consider if the site provides easy access to roof soffits or other areas that raccoons would appreciate.

Consider adding a water diverter system that not only filters debris (you really don't want to be forced into cleaning out the mooky mess of leaves at the bottom of the barrel) but also switches back to the gutter when the tank is full to prevent flooding around the barrel site. I like the Rain Reserve Diverter system for keeping the system clean and turning off automatically.

Buy a barrel that has a spigot near the bottom of the barrel so you can completely drain the system and clean it out occasionally. This will also help when it's time to winterize your system.

Consider adding a platform so that you can fit a watering can underneath as well as a hose system.

If you have children who are likely to climb on the barrel, consider securing the barrel to the wall to prevent serious injury. (Children should never be allowed to climb on this in the first place)

Never drink the water out of the barrel, it has run off from roofing materials that may contain toxic chemicals.

Never water the leaves of any plants with the water from this system, instead, water the ground or use soaker hoses attached to your spigot.

Use a system that is closed off as much as possible to keep mosquitoes from making this site their preferred breeding ground.

Consider decorating your barrel - some ideas are at the end of this video.

Blooming Rails Receives 2013 ‘Best Of Houzz’ Award

Winter Planter

The team here at Blooming Rails is thrilled to receive the 'Best Of Houzz' award for 2013. We'd like to give a special thanks to all of the kind words from our clients. The garden projects we had in 2012 were very rewarding and we're very excited about our plans this year for creating many more sacred gardens. Read more about the award at http://www.bloomingrails.com/Best-Of-Houzz-2013.shtml or visit the Blooming Rails Garden Nanny page on houzz.

August Flowers - It's Still Time to Plant

Who says you only plant flowers in during Spring? We're one week into August and today the Garden Nanny crew is planting a wonderful assortment of flowers.

It pays to hire Blooming Rails for your flower garden installation. Not only do you receive fabulous layout and design work by our Chief Gardener, but you also get fantastic prices on the plants.

After installation the Garden Nanny crew can keep you garden looking spectacular with a maintenance program that fits the needs of your garden. This summer has been particularly "HOT" and the Japanese beetles have been out in force.  While others suffered, gardens maintained by the Garden Nanny, flourished.

Here you see the area that will be planted today. Earlier in the year this area was overgrown with weeds and needed some good ol' TLC.

Rather than rush into planting everything at the beginning of the season. Care was given to the gardens throughout the property, creating a healthy environment for additional plants.

Power Planter for Civil Air Patrol Raffle

Blooming Rails was happy to put together this beautiful "Power Planter" for the Civil Air Patrol.

On Father's Day each year, the Woodfield Composite Squadron holds a raffle at the EAA Chapter 153 pancake breakfast at Schaumburg Airport.

This year they asked Blooming Rails if we had something that could be added to the raffle to help support it's ongoing efforts in Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services. Intrigued by the idea, we could think of nothing better than a one of a kind power planter with an aviation theme. As you can see, the prize we created is rich with vibrant color. It is a living plant meant to be outside on the patio, balcony or deck to brighten your spirit. It stands 3 1/2 feet tall and is about 2 feet wide. Named the "Aviators Dream Planted Flower Container", we added four miniature die-cast airplanes to match the theme of the occasion.

It was a joy see the reaction when we delivered this planter to the winner, and to be able to support the Civil Air Patrol efforts. We encourage others to contact the Woodfield Composite Squadron to join in or become a corporate sponsor.

Real Estate Staging with Gardens

The words real estate staging have become popular buzz words for one good reason. It works! Staging is the act of arranging homes in such a way as to attract increased buyer interest.

First impressions make all the difference in the world when it comes to selling your home, and nothing makes a first impression like well-groomed landscape and a beautiful garden. Striking landscaping and an inspiring garden can make the difference in how quickly your home sells and can in some cases can command higher prices.

Read more real estate staging garden tips.

Gardens That Help Sell Your Home
Before	After
Privacy Screen
Before	After

Advantages to Installing a Rain Garden

A rain garden is a planted depression that absorbs rainwater quickly. Typically they consist of plants native to your area that are naturally used to fluctuating conditions. In areas where sidewalks, driveways, streets, and concrete foundations are prevalent, water runoff and absorption become a problem. In such conditions, water during a rain storm can pick up many pollutants as well as add to erosion and flooding. This can be a damaging proposition to the environment, your yard, and even your basement, necessitating expensive repairs.

Creating a rain garden will help to prevent contaminated storm water from entering the water supply as well as creating a pleasant garden in your yard.

Read more about rain gardens

Deter Birds From Plundering Your Flowers and Plants

So you've got your pots planted, your flower baskets hanging, and your entry ways, sidewalks, and back porch decked out with beautiful flowers and plants. It's wonderful, now you can sit back and relax, enjoying the sights and smells in the morning with a cup of coffee and a good book...Ahhhh.

But wait a minute, looking closer at your newly planted gems. Why is it that some of your plants seem to be thinning. That nice tea plant for example has a couple leaves on the top, but is now mostly just a stick. And several flower blossoms are handing broken or missing all together.

Those dastardly birds have done it to you again.

Bird watching can be enjoyable, but it's not so much fun to watch them ruin your flowers, plants, and all your hard work making the container garden look nice. Your lush new garden is truly irresistible to birds of all kinds, as they look for a perfect nest or the material to make a nest. However, there are plenty of plants in the wild for them to choose from...elsewhere.


So now your garden becomes a battle ground. You find yourself chasing the birds off every time they swoop in for an attack, or you've armed your lawn chair with a handy new weapon called a garden hose and you're constantly on alert. This may work for the moment, but it's not very relaxing and you can be certain, those pillaging birds will be back.

There's an easier way to battle the birds, it's simple, inexpensive, and does all the work for you. Go out to the store and get yourself a few nice shinny pinwheels. Birds don't like the reflection and motion of these guardians of the garden and they work amazingly well. In no time, your garden hose will be back where it belongs, and you'll be back to the serenity of your garden with your coffee and book.

Unfortunately on the horizon there lurks new enemies of the garden. Pinwheels don't do anything to keep away aphids or Japanese beetles... but that's a story for another day.

Recent Garden Projects

Garden Nanny's have been playing in the dirt to keep our client's gardens looking beautiful. Here's a few projects we've been working on. View our gardening services to see how we can beautify your garden, then give us a call at 630-450-1251.

Project 1
Under tree shade garden - soil erosion and root control maintenance.

Project 2
Garden winter clean-up - invasive weed removal, general weeding and pruning of shrubs and spring bulbs.

Project 3
Established a pool perimeter garden and provided thinning and weeding maintenance on a perennial garden.

Project 4
Designed and installed a balcony container garden.

Garden Of The Future

This next post is a little off the beaten path. Imaging the garden of the future you can envision scenes from your favorite Star Wars moving coming to life as Uncle Own and Luke discuss the harvest and how the droids will help them so Luke can run off to join the force! While Star Wars may be science fiction ...these droids are now reality and improving rapidly. The "corn planting robot" was from a 2008 competition without a driver steering from the sidelines.. The New AI robot is due out next spring and will deliver a new technological alternative for moving stock, watering, disease and pest control. While this technology may replace the need for your "Garden Nanny"...we can't help but think what fun it will be to have your own droid helping you around the house with vital chores and tasks.

Field Robot Event 2008.


Harvest Automation robots.

Organic Controls For Pests

Below are some of the best home remedy to get rid of aphids:

The best way is organic control of aphids. Bring in predators that feed on aphids and this will solve your problem. Predators of aphids include lacewings, lady bugs, aphid predator (which is actual bug called that) and hoverflies.

You can also plant companion plantings like mint, fennel, dill, yarrow, clover and dandelions in garden which attract aphid predators to your garden and thus keep your gardens aphid-free naturally.

Mix the following ingredients: 1 cup vegetable oil or white mineral oil, 1 ½ cups water, 2 teaspoons of dish soap or Murphy’s soap. Spray this on aphids attacked areas for few days. Aphids will run away of suffocation.

Alternatively, I’ve used a half baking soda and half water solution with a couple of drops of Dawn dish detergent which creates a dusty paste that the aphids do not like and sends them packing for more scrumptious goods. After you are sure they are gone, you can simply rinse off the powder with your garden hose. More stubborn dustings may need to have you fill a small bowl or plastic baggy and immerse and swirl gently until the baking soda dissolves.

Another remedy is to avoid over fertilization of plant. Aphids are attracted to over growth in overly fertilized plants and attack whole plant.

Fighting Japanese Beetles and Aphids at the same time? Spray the plants with the oil solution, and then purchase a Japanese Beetle Trap and attach fly paper to the top to catch the aphids! But be sure to put these traps at least 15 feet away from your plants you are trying to protect. It is important to empty the traps daily and ensure the bait is fresh. Beware: full bags can attract raccoons who will gladly eat your trappings.

If you get to the point where you want to grab a blow torch, you can always call the Garden Nanny for help!

Garden Technology

Do you love the idea of gardening but don’t know where to start? Burpee has developed a few mobile applications that may make this task a little easier.

http://gdncoach.mobi/mydesigner is a simple garden designer which will tell you which plants are available in your color scheme and suggests how to plant them in either a garden bed or container. It’s limited but a great start to help you know which plants can work together! Alternatively, you may also choose a favorite plant, add that to the garden designer and they will suggest companion plants. It’s a great little gadget…

http://gdncoach.mobi is a garden coach service that you can submit questions and get great advice from the experts at Burpee. You can also sign up for their newsletter and seasonal reminders for garden tasks and ideas.

Did you know?

That many plants in your favorite nursery’s now have Q Codes or QR Codes which you can scan with your smart phone and get instant access to information about that plant? It may save you a lot of headaches and a bit of money by helping you select appropriate plants for your different growing zones within your garden.

Find more great gardening ideas at Blooming Rails Garden Nanny.

Garden Nanny for Mother's Day

Give mom the gift of gardening this Mother's Day. Now's your chance to give something special and different. Mom will love it!

• Watering
• Weeding
• Planting
• Trimming
• Ornamental and Vegetable Garden Maintenance
• Container Garden Design and Installation

Setting up and maintaining a garden takes a lot of work and mom could use a break. Garden Nanny will care for mom's garden year round or for short periods while she' away on business or vacation.

Blooming Rails Garden Nanny - New Video

View our new video for Garden Nanny Services - Discover how Blooming Rails Garden Nanny can become the answer you've been looking for. Residential Services, Commercial Services, Commercial Partnership, Garden Design and Creation.

Blooming Rails Makeover

Blooming Rails (www.bloomingrails.com) has undergone a complete makeover. The company is now going by the name Blooming Rail Garden Nanny and has added a whole new assortment of services. As the name describes, new gardening services are now being offered. However, our services go well beyond typical casual gardening support.

Our new services include residential gardening, commercial gardening, commercial gardening partnerships, and container garden design and installation. We are based in the Chicago area, Schaumburg to be specific, and provide a solid solution for plant care or plant sitting if your heading out of town. If you need gardening maintenance on a regular basis, Blooming Rails Garden Nanny is the place... no contracts!

Blooming Rails also has industrial relationships with Riggers, Machinery Movers, Electricians, Builders, Plumbers, Handyman, and HVAC contractors. For roof top gardens and beautifully elaborate garden creations, we have the resources to make your vision come alive.

For more information view www.bloomingrails.com/services.shtml or watch their video at www.bloomingrails.com/videos.shtml

Floriculture Affects All of Your Senses

Floriculture design can create a space which affects all of your senses.

The scent of the soil combines with scent of the plant, while the aromas of the flowers leave you feeling at peace. The colors of the leaves provide the perfect backdrop to brilliant flowers and bright berries. The coolness of the leaves and the textures of their branches create an escape from the harshness of brick and mortar, or screen you from a world or less than perfect environment like nothing else can. It’s your deck, balcony or garden…it’s your escape.

No matter how limited your space, you can create a container garden that can meet your needs and enliven the senses. A simple plant in a beautiful container may be all this it takes, but if you have the “obsessive” qualities I have towards plants, you may wish to consider the information I have below. It’s all about feeling good. We submit these ideas for those of you who would like to explore the “dark side” of obsessive plant compulsion in your private environment.

Taking Stock of Your Environment

When creating your perfect space, it is vital to make sure you understand the environment in which you are growing. Each plant chosen will need to be able to survive/thrive in your given location.

What are the zone conditions of each season?

How much sunlight and wind will your space receive?

How much pedestrian traffic will the area have?

Are there pet or children who will access to the space?

How will you display or attach each garden?

How will you interact with your garden – once a day? Week? Month?

There are countless considerations and sometimes it’s best to consult a professional, in the next few days I will upload a semi-comprehensive pdf that you can use when determining what will work best in your situation.