Bug Off! Plants that Deter Mosquitoes, Bugs and Flies

Source image: Teleflora.com

You're enjoying a fun backyard party, chatting with your neighbors on the patio and eating some good food, when all of a sudden you feel it – that sharp pain that means you've been bitten. Bug bites may not completely ruin a perfectly good afternoon outdoors, but they are certainly irritating, especially when they won't stop itching. Biting bugs like mosquitos and flies are drawn to some types of flowers because of their sweet scents, but did you know that there are actually a few plants that repel insects? Make your patio a bug-free oasis by keeping these plants around when you're spending time outside:

Marigolds
Marigolds are annuals that bloom over the spring and summer with stunning blossoms, typically in fiery orange and yellow colors. But it isn't just their beauty that makes marigolds a good addition to your patio. The flowering plant actually repels mosquitos and flies because of their strong scent. You can buy Marigolds or Marigolds bouquets at Telelora.com, Ftd.com, Proflowers.com. Get Teleflora coupon code, Ftd flowers coupon for saving! 

Catnip
Catnip is scientifically proven to repel mosquitos better even than DEET, an ingredient found in many bug sprays. Plus the plant blooms with tiny purple flowers during the spring, making it a pretty way to spice up your patio (and one your cats will definitely love). 

Citronella
If you've ever read the ingredients list on a mosquito repellent, it's very likely you saw "citronella" on the label. This type of grass is actually found in most mosquito repellents, but it works in its natural grass form too. 

Rosemary
If you already have an herb garden, you're in luck, because many common cooking herbs double as insect repellents. One of the most notable herbs people use to keep bugs at bay is rosemary. Rosemary is amazingly easy to grow – plus, if it's grown in containers on your patio, you can easily bring it inside during the winter, where it will thrive in a warm, sunny windowsill.

Mint
Mint is another herb that people often use both for cooking and keeping away insects. The herb can be used often in any number of recipes, but it's also a great way to keep mosquitos off of your patio. In fact, many people recommend using mouthwash before heading outdoors since the smell is so repellent to insects. 

More About Keeping Bugs Away
While these plants are great as natural repellents, there are some things that will draw insects no matter what you do. If you're eating outside, try to keep the food covered as much as possible and do your best to get rid of any standing water in the area to prevent mosquitos from hanging around.

Source: http://community.teleflora.com/

How to Build a Raised Flower Bed in a Weekend

Raised flower beds have a lot of benefits. They help you control the soil a bit more than traditional gardens, and they make it a lot harder for pests or weeds to get into your crops. Plus, for those living in climates with a lot of moisture, raised beds can drain water a lot better than ground-level gardens. They’re also beautiful and simple to build on a weekend afternoon. If you’re interested in building your own raised flower bed, take a look at these step-by-step instructions (and get the kids involved for a fun family weekend activity!):

Pick the Perfect Spot

First step: Choosing where you want to put your raised bed. Depending on what types of flowers, vegetables or other plants you’re planning on growing, you’ll want to choose an area that gets a certain amount of sun or shade each day. If you’re planning on planting a mix, find a spot near the house that will be in the sun for several hours and in the shade for part of the day as well. Once you’ve found your spot, take some measurements to determine the dimensions of your frame.

Gather Your Materials

While you can build a raised bed using a stone or paved frame, by far the easiest material to use for the project is wood. So, using the dimensions you’ve decided upon, gather four pieces of 2-by-10 wood for the sides of your bed. You’ll also need four 16-inch 4-by-4 pieces of wood for the corner posts. Then find wood screws, a screwdriver, woodworking clamps and a level.

Start Building

Build the frame upside down by arranging the four sides and placing the 4-by-4 posts in each corner (they’ll be sticking out above the frame). Use your screwdriver to fasten the sides to each other and then to the posts. Make sure the frame is even and level throughout the process.
Image source: IdealHomeGarden.com
Mark and Clear the Ground

When your frame is finished, set it upside down on the area you chose, and mark the ground underneath. Then, set the frame aside, and use a shovel and hoe to clear the ground that you marked of sod and loosen up the soil underneath. If you want, line the ground with landscaping fabric to prevent any weeds from taking over the raised flower bed. Shop flowers at Teleflora.com. Use Teleflora Coupon Code 25 OFF Deal of the Day! Never miss such a chance. Ends soon!

Set Up the Raised Bed

Get ready to put the frame into position by using a trowel to scoop out soil from each of the four corners for the posts to fit into. Carefully fit the frame into the holes, and use your level to ensure the frame is completely level before packing down the earth around the posts to secure it. Trim any excess landscaping fabric.

Fill With Soil and Start Planting

Once the frame is in place, you can start to fill the bed with soil! Use about a half-and-half mixture of soil and organic compost (which can be made or bought from the garden store). The soil should fill the bed, stopping about three inches below the top of the frame. After smoothing the soil and moistening it slightly, start planting your flowers, veggies, shrubs or anything else you’d like to use. When the plants are in place, spread a layer of mulch across the top of the soil and you’re finished!

Remember: Because raised flower beds drain more quickly than traditional gardens, it’s important to stay on top of watering and fertilizing your plants. If your kids helped set up the bed, have them help you water the plants or seedlings regularly – that way, you’ll all have a hand in the beautiful raised garden you created together.