When designing a garden, focal points are an important concept. A focal point is a feature that draws the eye. This can be anything from a tall tree to a colorful grouping of plants, to a strategically placed statue. Having a focal point (or several) in your landscape or garden gives the whole area a more orderly look.

You can create an eye-catcher by something as simple as planting a tall, colorful plant in the midst of smaller plants in a flower bed. If you already have a naturally imposing feature, such as a large tree, consider placing colorful perennials around it.

Another way to draw the eye is to use bold contrasts. A grouping of bright red or white flowers in the midst of an expanse of green lawn will draw attention. Even a bright color amidst pastels will work.

One of the most popular methods is to use statues and other garden decor, such as fountains, birdbaths or bird feeders. Used as a centerpiece of a design, these are a great way to create a focal point. A driveway or path with brightly colored borders is another popular way to draw attention. Both solid colors and mixed colors can work well here.

A driveway or path with brightly colored borders is another popular way to draw attention. Both solid colors and mixed colors can work well here.

If you are lucky enough to have a naturally good view, use it as a backdrop for a grouping. If you have the sort of yard that lends itself to paths, consider a flower-covered arch trellis as an entry way. Come in and look around; you'll find plenty of good ideas!

By Tamara Galbraith

Ranking high on the beauty scale among the many edible spring flowers are nasturtiums.

Growing best when the weather is still cool, nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) can fill a trellis quickly due to the plant's climbing habit. The dainty yellow, red or orange trumpet-shaped flowers and round leaves also look lovely dangling from a hanging basket.

As is the case with many annuals, nasturtium doesn't like extreme temperatures, so be prepared for it to die after a frost or simply shut down when summer's meanest heat sets in. A better idea is to chow down on nasturtiums before either weather event happens; all parts of the plant are edible and have a nice peppery flavor not unlike cress.

While growing nasturtiums, keep a watch out for aphids, as they apparently like the flavor of this plant too. Periodic doses of Fertilome neem oil or Flower Pharm insecticidal soap should do the trick.

Westwood Nursery brews SoilSoup fresh...we have it "READY" on Saturday through Tuesday! If the you bring in your own recycled milk jug, you'll save fifty cents! It regularly sells for 7.99 a gallon.

SoilSoup

So... What is SoilSoup?

It is a liquid compost tea. It's safe, natural, and easy to apply. Because it is oxygen brewed, it is alive with millions of beneficial bacteria. Just spray it onto your flowerbeds, lawns or foliage to invigorate your plants.

Fresh SoilSoup contains beneficial microrganisms that are "brewed" from a blend of high quality worm compost and other natural ingredients. These living microorganisms work to increase the availability of nutrients that plants need to thrive. Regular treatments with SoilSoup will recharge your soil with these beneficial microbes. Your plants will be healthier, stronger, better-nourished and more beautiful than ever.

How do I apply SoilSoup?

Use it fresh, within 24 hrs. of dispensing - the sooner the better. (That's why we emphasize that we brew it fresh!) The brewing process creates an extremely dense population of microbes. If the fresh liquid sits in a bottle too long, the microbe population will begin to decline. It's always best to put SoilSoup onto soil or foliage that is already wet, so apply it right after you have watered, or when everything is naturally wet from rain or dew.

Flowers: The simplest way to apply SoilSoup is with a watering can. It's not necessary to saturate the soil (although it won't hurt anything); just put on enough to cover the surface with a light coating of the liquid. You should be able to cover several hundred square feet with one gallon. . If you have extra just pour it into your container gardens or some deserving houseplants, so it doesn't go to waste. There is no danger of putting too much on a single plant, as long as you don't overwater them in the process.

Foliar Spray: You can also spray SoilSoup directly onto your plants. SoilSoup is not a fungicide, but many customers report a decrease in foliar disease since starting to spray their plants regularly with SoilSoup.

Lawns: It's even great on lawns - microbes in SoilSoup accelerate the breakdown of thatch (the choking layer of dead grass that builds up on the ground's surface), converting it into food for the living grass. Use a garden hose with a hose-end applicator and you can cover as much as 1000 square feet of lawn with a single gallon.

Can SoilSoup replace fertilizer?

SoilSoup doesn't replace fertilizer; it works hand in hand with good fertilizer to improve soil and plant health. The boost in fertility you get from SoilSoup is due to the action of beneficial microbes transforming locked up nutrients into a soluble form your plants can absorb. You will still need to add fertilizer to the soil from time to time to provide fresh nutrients. Your plants will require less fertilizer than before.

According to Ann Lovejoy, author of Organic Garden Design School, the SoilSoup Compost Brewing System "is the greatest invention since compost." With consistent use, SoilSoup reduces the need for fertilizer and helps boost plant growth. It also encourages deep root growth, making plants better able to withstand dry conditions without supplemental watering.

This chemical-free food is safe to spray directly onto soil, plants, and lawns and is completely safe to use on fruits and vegetables.

How often should I apply SoilSoup?

If you are treating soil that is very infertile or heavy clays, you should apply SoilSoup at least every two weeks until the plants and soil begin to show strong improvement. When you begin to see such improvements you can reduce the SoilSoup treatments to once a month.

Here are Ann Lovejoy's tips for using SoilSoup:

1. For first-time applications, use the tea at full strength. It is especially beneficial to apply the tea just before and after planting.
2. Make the second application two weeks later, using tea diluted with water to half strength.
3. For maintenance, spray about once a month, using tea diluted by as much as eight gallons of water to one gallon of tea. If the garden has been chemically maintained, dilute monthly sprays to two gallons of water to each gallon of tea.
4. To promote healthy lawns, spray SoilSoup monthly during the growing season. This is especially helpful where drainage is poor and soil is not well improved.
5. To avoid or minimize foliage disorders such as powdery mildew, black spot, and so on, spray twice a month in the spring, then monthly through fall. Spray when the leaves are damp from rain or being watered.
6. For meaty, healthy vegetables, spray directly on plants monthly.