Steps To A Better Lawn And Garden

If you’re lucky enough to have a lawn with a good topsoil base, much of the hard work of keeping a lawn beautiful is already done for you. But many of us do not have this luxury, and besides, even with a good topsoil base, you still have to work hard to keep a beautiful lawn and garden.

1. The best time to mow a lawn is when it is cool and dry. Wait for the morning dew to dry off, and before the afternoon heat takes hold. Alternatively, late afternoon or early evening following a watering in the morning is also a good time.

2. A hedge is a much better boundary divider than a fence. It will provide better privacy and keep pets and children in – or out. It will attract birds to its shelter, and provide a great backdrop for plants and flowers.

3. Simple, but effective weed control can be achieved on your lawn by mowing often during spring. This will prevent dandelions spreading by eliminating the yellow blossoms and preventing seed formation. Mow high during late spring and early summer. This will allow grass blades to shade the ground, and will help prevent crabgrass from sprouting.

4. Add your garden to non-garden items, such a lampposts and mail boxes. Surround these items with flowers planted to take advantage of the earliest to the latest flowerings. You could have white snowdrops, purple and gold crocus, blue hyacinths, and various colored tulips. You could also surround the posts with rocks to provide added interest.


5. Bring the beauty of your garden to you; plant hyacinths near walkways and doors. Their magnificent perfume will swamp the spring air and make your garden really come alive.

Your lawn and garden should be a source of pride and beauty. You don’t need to spend lots of money on expensive fertilizers and herbicides, or fancy lawn furniture and ornaments. A little commonsense and thought can go a long way to making your lawn and garden a much better place.

Fauxwood Plantation

One of the most romantic periods of architecture and interior designs is referred to now as the antebellum period, which literally translates as 'before the war' - in this case, the American Civil War. In particular, the antebellum design refers to the old South, with elegant plantation homes appearing in the early 1800s, characterised by Greek or Classical revival touches or the grand federal style. Today, this period is much sought after by home designers and interior design professionals, and in much demand now are those companies offering faux wood plantation shutters.

It is faux wood plantation shutters which immediately give visitors the unmistakeable feel of the old Southern charm, with their classical design evoking all the romanticism of the period, with a modern twist. Because faux wood plantation shutters are constructed from PVC based materials, they retain all the appearance of real wood, with none of the old fashioned downsides. Faux wood plantation shutters do not split, warp or crack in the way that their wooden equivalents have always had a tendency to do.

No one entering the room would be able to tell that your faux wood plantation shutters were anything but the real thing, allowing the light outside to filter across the room in an unmistakeable way that diffuses the light without restricting it.

One mustn't forget of course that faux wood plantation shutters are chosen not just for their appealing look and evocative style and charm, but for the practical ways in which they can provide both privacy and style, with much more flexibility and durability than almost any window blind equivalent. Fully closed, faux wood plantation shutters will block out a significant proportion of light, and guarantee complete privacy and peace of mind. With the slats partly open, an attractive view is available from the inside, with a beautiful diffused light effect entering the room, and with the window open, a breath of fresh air will circulate the room, whilst still providing reasonable privacy.

The faux wood plantation shutters are able to be opened fully, or the top half or bottom half opened separately, adding to the flexibility and style you wish to have.

Painted or varnished wood, especially in damp areas of places which are exposed to a significant quantity of daylight are likely to deteriorate over time, peeling, cracking or splitting, with the wood itself warping over time leaving a less than perfect fit, not to mention a less than perfect appearance. Maintenance, at both cost and time, will be necessary to keep the shutters looking as good as they should. However, with faux wood plantation shutters the problems are negligible, with the finish resistant to cracking, splitting or peeling, even in the harshest conditions.

Many people chose faux wood plantation shutters to enclose outdoor pools or spas. Even in the home, in bathrooms, the humidity and moisture levels are higher than average, and in these places, painted or varnished woods will last only a relatively short while before the continual expanding and contracting of the wood as it absorbs the water results in warping, twisting and breaking of the slats and frames.

However, with faux wood plantation shutters, the true romance of the antebellum period can be achieved at no loss, where style and longevity is concerned. What can be more romantic than having all of the positives associated with the style of the period, without any of the negatives which come with the wooden equivalents?

Another advantage of fitting faux wood plantation shutters to your home is that the effect and look does not merely compliment the inside of your room, helping to evoke that romantic old South look and feel, but from the outside the look is immediately recognizable.

The curb appeal of faux wood plantation shutters is unmistakeable, and will grant your home a romantic, classical look which will be noticed and admired by passers by and guests coming to visit. Looking to sell your home? Then fitting these will guarantee to help move your property - even before the prospective buyers have set foot inside.

Make sure that the antebellum period is continued inside with artistic and well placed period furniture - with all the class and style of the old South, your property value will be heading north!

Beautiful Garden is a work of heart

How do you begin to create a garden space that is unique to you?
Here are simple steps that will help you


1. Identify WHY you want a garden.
How will you use it? Who else will enjoy the garden? Remember that you may not be the sole inhabitant, so get input from all family members on how your outdoor space will be used.


2. Do a little dreaming.
Now that you apperceive why you wish a garden and how you intend to use it, let your acuteness play with all the accessible appearance in your appropriate space. A little absent will bare those attributes that will put your claimed banner on the garden.

Also adjudge whether you wish a academic or an breezy garden. Academic area are awful structured, disconnected by a able axial arbor and cantankerous axes. Breezy area accept a added accustomed attending with strong, abounding curves.

3. Make a list of "must haves".
What items are essential? Listing your needs up front ensures that your final plan won't be missing anything important. Do you need a retaining wall? A privacy fence? A path to the garage? More parking space? Do children need a place to play? What about pets?

Walk around your property and make note of everything that is essential. Your final design should balance dream features and "must haves" to create a satisfying and functional space.

4. Evaluate what you already have.
To get where you are going, it helps to know your starting point. Is your space large or small? Is the site flat or sloping? What is the climate? What type of soil do you have? How much water is available and from what sources? What are the predominate views?

5. Ballpark your budget.
Once you know what you want and what you need, it's time to consider what you are willing to spend. This dollar figure will influence what features you include in the final garden plan -- trees, plants, hardscape materials and architectural elements such as arbors, fountains, ponds and benches.


Remember that your "budget" comprises two elements: money and TIME. In agreement of time, does the garden charge to be accomplished by a assertive date or can you actualize it over time? (Speed costs!) Also, how abundant time are you accommodating to account to advance your dream garden? Can you additional several hours a anniversary or are you advantageous abundant to allow a caretaker?

As you advance and clarify your plan, you may charge to antithesis time and banknote costs. Be flexible. You may charge to absorb added time if you can't absorb added money and carnality versa.

6. Identify your garden's focal points.
Every garden needs an eye-catching spot that causes you to pause a moment. When you choose a focal point, you are choosing the direction you want visitors to look when they enter your garden. Did your list of "wants" include a waterfall or fountain? An arbor retreat? A blossoming apple tree? If so, you are well on your way to identifying a focal point -- or points -- for your garden.

7. Create a rough design.
Take all the information that you've gathered and incorporate it into a workable design that balances the "wants" with the "must haves". Your goal is to create a space that is both satisfying and functional.

8. Choose your plants and hardscape.
The colors and materials that you choose will create the character of your garden, adding interest, movement and visual appeal. Do you want harmonious colors or strong contrast? Warm hues or cool tones? Bold colors or soft hues? Mixing different colors and materials and textures will give your garden a strong sense of space.

9. Make a scale drawing.
Thus far, you have created a basic map of property lines and your house as well as an overlay sheet that shows focal points, "rooms" and pathways. You also have a list of the trees, shrubs and plants for each area of your garden. Now you need to create a scale drawing that shows EXACTLY where each feature will go. You will use this blueprint to lay the walkways, set the arbors and trellises, and plant the trees, shrubs and flowers.

10. Execute your plan.
Before you begin actual construction of the garden, check all local building codes and regulations to make sure that you will be in compliance. Structures such as decks, patios and retaining walls may require a permit from the local city government. Once all permits are in place, you can start to lay out the garden.


With your calibration cartoon as a blueprint, use a band admeasurement to position all structures, walkways and plants. Be abiding to admeasurement accurately so anniversary aspect in your architecture fits its assigned space.

If designing a garden amplitude sounds a bit intimidating, don't panic. Just chase these accomplish one by one and let a amplitude disentangle that feels appropriate to you. You CAN do it. After all, a acknowledged garden is just addition allowance of your house, which you've already auspiciously decorated!

Ideas To Consider When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Out of all the home improvement projects, few can provide the benefits of a bathroom remodeling project. Remodeling the bathroom is a great way to add real value to your home. On the plus side of that, it will increase the enjoyment level of yourself and your family.

There are a number of things to consider before undertaking such a major project. They are:

1. Keep your eye on the ball. It is important to see the bathroom remodeling project as a whole project. Even though there are many small hurdles to tackle, it is important to see the project as a whole.

2. No remodeling project can be successful without a realistic budget. Take the time to draw up an honest budget, and try your best to stick to it.

3. Get a reliable contractor. For most people, remodeling the bathroom is not a do it yourself project. It is important to find a contractor who has experience with plumbing and remodeling bathrooms.

4. Get a detailed inspection of your bathroom done before you start. A good idea would be to have a plumber inspect your bathroom for leaks and other problems before you start.

5. Now is your chance to be more energy efficient. Chances are you will be able to save money in the long run by installing low flow toilets, water saving showerheads and other energy efficient fixtures.

6. Stay organized. Proper organization is essential to a successful bathroom remodeling project. Use a calendar to keep track of important deadlines, and remain organized as you go forward.

7. Draw your proposed bathroom design. If you want a larger bathtub, or even a jettub, be sure to draw it out and make sure you have enough space. There is also software where you can input your design including fixtures, furniture, flooring and more. Either way works great.

8. Storage space is at a premium in many modern bathrooms. See if you can remodel to gain more cabinet and storage space.

9. Be sure to shop around for what you need in order to get the best price. The prices on the same fixtures can vary quite a bit between stores.

10. A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference when remodeling the bathroom, but many people fail to take this important and inexpensive step.

I also suggest that you go out and have fun looking at the bathrooms in show homes. They have all of the latest trends in the marketplace and will save you much time and effort in trying to come up with ideas yourself. This would be a great aid in the placement of fixtures and you can see, for example how important cupboards and storage are. The main thing to remember is have fun and enjoy the project and your new bathroom!

for Successful Container Gardening

Here are several tips for creating a wonderful hanging basket or container this summer. The first is to use an artificial soil composed mostly of peat moss. Good soils such as Fafard or Pro-Mix use perlite, peat, and other ingredients to produce a soil that will not compact over the summer.

Real garden soil compacts and turns into concrete under the pressure of regular watering. And when it does, plant roots stop growing because they require good open spaces to move into and absorb nutrients. Hard, compacted soils do not grow good plants so do not use real soil in your containers.

I re-use my artificial potting soil from year to year. I dump it out of the pot. Chew it up with a shovel to cut up all last year’s roots and add approximately 10 % by volume of compost. The compost increases air spaces and gives plants a boost in healthy nutrition.

Feed your plants weekly. Nitrogen, the engine of plant growth, is water soluble and as you water your containers from the top the dissolved nitrogen is leaving from the bottom. I use a fish-emulsion liquid feed with seaweed to provide all the trace nutrients my plants require and recommend it highly. You can use any liquid plant food (like Miracle Grow or Shultz) to promote growth. Compost tea is the Cadillac of liquid plant food and if you make your own compost tea, your plants will respond with bigger and better blooms as well as increased vigour.

And finally, no matter the size of the container, it is important to soak it all the way to the bottom at each watering. Continue watering until water emerges from the pot bottom. This ensures the roots can reach all parts of the container and grow properly.

5 Things to Do Before Starting A Kitchen Design Project

In deciding on what to do in hiring a kitchen designer a well thought out plan is necessary for any kitchen design project to be successful.

A good kitchen designer should be able to work with you to create the design that will both fit your desires and needs and that squares with your budget.

1. How Much Are You Willing To Spend?
Level with the designer just how much you will be willing to spend on your kitchen design project.
Let the designer know just what you would feel comfortable spending.

This way you can insure that the designer and contractor will have a clear direction on where to go with the project and not go overboard. They will have a good idea of the limits when drawing up plans and selecting materials.

2. How Much Time Are You Willing To Devote?
You need to consider what your personal needs are and if you will be able to work around the necessary construction in your kitchen. By consulting with an experienced kitchen designer you can get a good idea of how long your kitchen design project will take by providing a timeline that your family can plan around.

3. What Style Are You Planning For Your Kitchen Design Project?
You want to give the kitchen designer as much information as possible. You need to do as much research as possible before your meeting with a kitchen designer.

First you should consult with design magazines and catalogs to get an idea of what style and design elements you would like to see for your kitchen. To compile more ideas visit kitchen design showrooms, check out products and design on the internet and take notes. What are your likes and dislikes regarding color and styles.

Make a scrapbook with clips from the magazines and catalogs, as well as examples of materials and design elements you would like to see in the kitchen.

Use these to show the kitchen designer what your vision is for the new kitchen. Also bring a list of questions for your kitchen designer.

4. How Do You Use Your Kitchen?
You need to be prepared for questions that a kitchen designer will ask you when you first meet with him. Among the questions that you need to ask yourself before talking to your kitchen designer are:
Will you be doing a lot of entertaining with family and friends? Is your family busy during the week with lots of activities? You should also fine out what other family members have in the way of ideas.

5. How To Prepare For Your Kitchen Design Project?
You will need to prepare for the disruption that will be caused by your kitchen design project. But with the right planning you can make the project run as smoothly and a quickly as possible.
You need to make sure that the kitchen design project area and the living area are separate for both safety reasons and to stay out of the way of the contractor and his crew.

You might have to set up a temporary kitchen in another room of the house. What time of the year you schedule a kitchen design project can make it easier on everyone since in the warmer months it is possible to eat and cook outdoors.

10 Important Things to Consider Before Designing a New Kitchen

Here are 10 important guidelines for your kitchen design project.

1. For efficiency, the work triangle (the space between the sink, refrigerator, and stove) should measure 26’ or less with no single side longer than 9’, or less than 4’.

2. In kitchens smaller than 150 sq. ft., opt for at least 13’ of base cabinets, 12’ of wall cabinets, and 11’ of countertop. In kitchens which are larger, go with at least 16’ of base cabinets, 15 1/2’ of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2’ of countertop.

3. For convenience, plan work aisles to be at least 42” wide for one cook, and at least 48” wide in multi-cook kitchens.

4. Specify a minimum of 24” of counter space on one side of the sink and at least 18” on the other.

5. To create the most accessible landing for unloading groceries, allow at least 15” of counter space on the handle side of a standard refrigerator; on both sides if it’s a side-by-side model. Or include a landing area directly across from the refrigerator, but no more than 48” away.

6. For cleanup ease, install the dishwasher within 36” of one edge of the sink and allow for at least 21” of standing room next to it.

7. For microwaves and ovens, provide at least 15 “ of counter space nearby, at least 16” deep.

8. For optimum clearance, no entry, appliance, or cabinet doors should interfere with another.

9. For comfort and to help avoid repetitive-motion injury, plan for work counters of different heights; between 28 and 36” off the floor (easier for chopping and seated-use access), and between 36 and 46” for general tasks (higher counters accommodate taller cooks).

10. To install a cabinet unit above the cook top, make sure the clearance is at least 24” for a fireproof surface, 30” for an unprotected surface.

Designing a kitchen is as much a science as it is an art. Knowing the recommended measurements to use when planning the project can make all the difference in the final outcome.

Faux Finish Techniques | Free People

Faux Finish Techniques | Free People

Outdoor Lighting

With the evolution of lighting technology, outdoor lighting has seen its share of breakthroughs. Outdoor lighting is as important as indoor lighting. Lighting up the spaces immediately outside or surrounding our living areas is extremely vital for visual orientation, safety while navigating, and security, as well as for balancing out the indoor ambience. The outdoor milieu prepares and provides a preview to the life and living style within the four walls. Outdoor lighting is equally important in reflecting the external persona of a structure and its surrounding area. It sets a particular mood and provides a visual treat.

Outdoor lighting presents enormous scope for experimentation. It’s a virgin canvas waiting to be colored by unique lighting approaches, ideas and techniques. Outdoor lighting spaces comprise the areas surrounding the structure, pathways, swimming pools or fountains, landscape surrounding the structure, patios, balconies, decks, porches, etc.

There are a variety of options on the market, including low-voltage lighting, flood lights, tree lights, post lights, lanterns, string bulbs for festive occasions, recessed lighting, scoops, pagoda-style louvered faced lights which granite finish that easily blend without door environs, and even solar lights devoid of wires and operating on NiCad batteries.

Various techniques of lighting can be used in outdoor lighting. Spot lighting, which focuses light on architectural features, may be positioned to minimize glare and focus fully on the focal point. Silhouetting is placing the light sources behind the object to bring out the shape of the object rather than the exact color and texture.  Key light or shadowing requires placing the light source directly in front of the object of interest to create a light and shadow effect. Moonlighting requires a fixture to be placed on the trees and aiming it down to provide a natural peaceful moonlit effect.   Deck lighting, grazing (light focuses on the object at a sharp angle) and washing the surface (light focuses on objects at a wider or blunt angle), step lighting, walkway lighting, pond and fountain lighting, and sign lighting are some of the various techniques used for outdoor lighting.

In outdoor lighting, a basic thing that has to be kept in mind is that the lighting fixtures are exposed to all the elements outside. In case of lighting water features, the light source is sometimes from the inside to create a magical glittering and rippling effect. Therefore, appropriate lighting fixtures and lights should be chosen. Self-lighting kits of low voltage are also available for those who wish to try out their creative lighting talents.

Commercial Awnings

Businesses are continuously looking for ways to spruce up their building’s appearance. In addition to wanting to look great, businesses are also frequently looking for cost-effective ways to advertise. Commercial awnings are a great way to get both functional savings and advertising from a single product.

One of the most commonly cited reasons for having commercial awnings is for advertising. Businesses can have awnings specially designed with their company name and logo on them. This type of commercial awning is an excellent tool in attracting attention to the business. You certainly have taken notice of a building with commercial awnings; they tend to stand out from those without awnings.

Commercial awnings also help to reduce a business’ utility costs. A commercial awning can provide shelter from the harsh summer sun, and is a very effective tool in reducing energy waste.  Keeping the windows and doorways cool and shady is essential when striving to be more energy efficient. Some experts say that commercial awnings can reduce solar heat gain up to 70% in some cases; this leads to a great savings on energy bills.

Commercial awnings can be a great investment for any business. You are not only going to save on cooling costs in the summer, but you will also gain an excellent advertising tool. Commercial awnings add beauty, style and elegance to a business and make the business a more attractive place to visit. Awnings might seem like a considerable investment but in the long run, they will provide savings on utility bills.  Additionally, using them as an advertising avenue can lead to more business.


There are many options available. From simple, manually-controlled versions to automated models, Patio awnings 4 Less can provide you with the ideal solution. Have a look at our automated commercial awning, which utilizes sun and wind sensors and can be connected to building management systems for additional energy savings.

Patio awnings 4 Less will give you the best designs in commercial awnings and commercial canopies in the business. They are made from the best available fabric and materials, and our rates are the most competitive in the market. Even the most cost-effective commercial awning or commercial canopy gives you the highest quality available. After all, Patio awnings 4 Less is the world’s acknowledged specialist in designing, manufacturing and delivering high-grade domestic and commercial awnings.

Guide To Bedroom Decorating

When decorating a bedroom, keep in mind that the end result should produce a disitnct and memorable impression. Colors, space and decorations all set a bedroom's mood, and when put together well, can create a definite, pleasurable look.  

When it comes to the arrangement of items in a bedroom, symmetry is the most important factor. The bedroom is your personal space and should not be cluttered with too many objects creating a claustrophobic effect. For a room to seem personal, special touches should be added that reflect your special loves and interests. This includes your favorite colors, books, photographs, etc.


Make sure colors are balanced in subtle shades reflecting your lifestyle and interests. The older generation seems to prefer more subdued shades than the younger generation, who opt for bright, textured colors. To maintain balance, the color of a chair placed at one end of the room can be repeated on throw, pillows or carpet. Furniture in the bedroom is of utmost importance. Don't over do it with too many pieces making your bedroom look overdressed and cluttered.

 The size of the bed should be in proportion to the size of the bedroom. What matters the most is comfort. Therefore, a bed should offer quality, comfort and a feeling of elegance. Nightstands or side tables should be on either side of the bed for books, medications and telephone.

A dressing table comes in handy for women, and dressers with lots of storage space are ideal. Ample closet space is important, as are mirrors and wall decor. Mirrors help to give a room a larger look and also help to reflect light. Lighting should be gentle and relaxing. 

Valence lighting is ideal for bedrooms, and colored lights can be used for added effects. Subtle light gives a romantic feeling to the room, and focused light is good for detail work like reading without disturbing someone sleeping in the room. 

Finally, a bedroom should be well-ventilated, designed for comfort and always stocked with a vase of flowers for a fresh feeling.

A Glass Coffee Table

 

Those who owned a glass coffee table some years ago are among the select few who can be said to have the wealth and the taste to keep the most necessitating cosmetic palate. It is only those who had the good taste and good fortune that could own them, as this was what they signified. That was why they could only be found in the most modern and upwardly mobile homes around the world.

Over the decades, things are no longer how they used to be. They have changed. These days, just about anyone can own a glass coffee table, unlike how it used to be. Why? They are now much more affordable that even the middle-class can use them as attractive living room pieces of furniture and still enjoy the feel of having good taste and class. Having a glass coffee table still shows a sign of elegance and style. These days they are now affordable for almost everyone.

Brass is what surrounds the classic glass coffee tables. Brass gives the reflective material much more gleam and brightness. Today, anyone can buy these pieces as antiques. If you don't want to buy them as antiques, you can still buy them brand new. Add the brass-accented coffee table to your room and get the wonderful glow it brings.

No amount how acceptable your adornment looks, it can be fabricated to attending bigger with the acutely around-the-clock tables. Of course, the bottle coffee table can calmly fit into any allowance and would not yield abroad the accepted feel of the architecture of the room. The airedale affection of the table is affected after getting overmastering. That is why you can put a bottle coffee table about anywhere.

To appearance you how around-the-clock these tables are, my bottle coffee table was anesthetized down to me from my admired parents. That is why I adulation the section so much. Sadly I don't use it now because my active and analytical toddler is all over the place. I don't wish her to get too active abreast that section of bottle as abolition can happen, if you apperceive what I mean. This is one of the problems with accepting such appropriate bottle section of furniture.

The address I acclimated the aboriginal time to get my toddler abroad from the bottle coffee table didn't assume to work. I approved to consistently bang "NO" anniversary time my toddler neared the table, but this wasn't effective. Another address I approved was to put a affliction about the bottle table. Still it didn't work. The table just seemed to allure my babe added and more.

My toddler just doesn't wish to break abroad from the table. I accept stood bouncer abounding times with a connected accumulation of window cleaner which I acclimated to apple-pie up my daughter's fingerprints from the glass. But anniversary time I took her abroad from the banned object, she just goes aback to it like bees to honey. Now, I am active out of options. What I will do now is just to get my admired bottle coffee table abroad from her reach, until she has developed up. Then, my alone anguish will be her father!

Wild Idea To Decorating

Ready to be a little wild in your decorating?

The secret to good decorating is to be bold and creative without ever being tasteless. Here’s an idea which is unique enough to get attention, yet will never be out of place.

Instead of just flowers in a silk arrangement, use feathers! Feathers bring an added bit of texture and life to the standard silk flower display. Pheasant and peacock feathers will add height and drama. Bright colored feathers will make your display eye-catching and unique. To add softness to a bouquet, try ostrich plumes..

You may want to leave the flowers out and make your arrangement entirely out of feathers. An interesting container can serve as a wonderful starting point. Search for one with an animal skin motif. Duck feathers in a leather container will add a manly feel to any office or gameroom. Short feathers at the base, with spikes of pheasant plumes, create an attention drawing piece for a buffet or hall table.

Exotic feathers can add spice to a bedroom. Put them out with candles for a special night, and create a very romantic mood. You might even try a boa for yourself!

Look outdoors for feathers of local birds from your area. You can use these to make a statement about your love of where you’ve chosen to live. Take a walk in a nearby wooded park and soon you’ll have a collection from local birds. Typically these are small feathers, yet they’ll say "home" in a cute display on an end table.

Search the floral section of your favorite craft store for interesting natural items such as moss, twigs and dried seeds to add to your design. A skilled florist will help you change these elements into a stunning display for your home.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. You’re sure to draw interesting comments and with reasonable consideration, you’ll add a stimulating look to any room.

Bonsai Care

The bonsai trees depend on good air moisture, good lighting, and good air flow for good health. Numerous species also require cold of winter. At the same time as several species would survive indoor states, the stresses situated on trees would either avert them from attaining their full latent or would eventually effect in the trees end.

Caring for your Bonsai tree involves many of the same activities associated with caring for a pot plant or an indoor plant. Well developed and healthy fibrous roots are essential for the continued good health of your Bonsai tree and repotting is an essential way to manage this process.

Normally a young or fast growing Bonsai will need to be repotted roughly once a year; for less prolific growers or older trees it can be done as infrequently as once every five years. You should always try to repot during late winter or early spring when the buds start to swell. 

Temperature.

Indoor Bonsai plants will need protection from the elements during cold weather because many of them are tropical or subtropical plants. The singly most effective form of protection is bringing them indoors. However, if you are planting your Bonsai outdoors you should plant them somewhere where they are protected from wintry conditions. Alternatively it does a plant a lot of good if you put them out for some warm weather when the risk of frost is gone completely. The humidity indoors can cause dehydration of Bonsai plants, which is the biggest killer of these timid plants.

Watering.

It is important to water Bonsai early in the day before the temperature lowers in the evening. The type of plant you have will determine the watering regime you need to undertake. How much moisture the plant needs is a very important factor and you should always water the soil as thoroughly as possible to ensure that all the roots get a good watering.

Light.

Because the sun is at it’s brightest and strongest between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. you should try as far as possible to keep your Bonsai out of the sunlight between these hours. It is also important to remember that electrical items around the house give off a very humid heat that can damage not only the leaves of you Bonsai but can also dehydrate your plants or trees and eventually kill them. It’s also important to alter your watering schedule to meet the demands of increased light, heat and humidity.

Fertilizing.

You can use fertilizers to help the growth of your Bonsai plants, but it’s best to use mild ones that only contain trace elements. Trees are usually fed during the growing season to help with their growth and shouldn’t be used in either plants or trees during dormant growth periods.

How to repot a Bonsai tree.

The process of repotting a Bonsai tree is one that you should take seriously and follow these simple instructions:

First, you should tidy the tree by carefully pruning off any unwanted, long branches. Also, make sure the tree has been under cover for a few weeks if it is an outdoor Bonsai, this way the soil will be relatively dry. Once you remove the tree from it’s pot you will be able to see whether it really needs repotting. If it is root bound then you should repot it, however, if there are another few inches of room so the roots can grow a little longer then you can carefully replace the tree in it’s original pot and continue as normal.

You should remove surface soil from the roots either by hand or using a nylon scrubbing brush. Brush away from the trunk and be careful not to damage any of the roots. Removing the loose soil will give the Bonsai tree a healthier look and feel. Once you’ve removed most of the soil in this way, you can use a small, fine bristled paintbrush to remove the soil stuck in the roots or that has collected in the roots.

Use a Bonsai fork to comb out the roots. Do this by combing out the roots from underneath and then use scissors to prune up to a third of the roots and then cut out small wedges around the root base to allow fresh soil to collect and keep your Bonsai healthy. Add a layer of grit to the bottom of the pot and then add the Bonsai compst of your choice.

Take the time to position your Bonsai tree in the pot and then push a little more soil into awkward places. Complete this as often as you need to as mentioned above.

For Beautiful Garden

How do you begin to create a garden space that is unique to you?
Here are simple steps that will help you

1. Identify WHY you want a garden.
How will you use it? Who else will enjoy the garden? Remember that you may not be the sole inhabitant, so get input from all family members on how your outdoor space will be used.


2. Do a little dreaming.
Now that you apperceive why you wish a garden and how you intend to use it, let your acuteness play with all the accessible appearance in your appropriate space. A little absent will bare those attributes that will put your claimed banner on the garden.

Also adjudge whether you wish a academic or an breezy garden. Academic area are awful structured, disconnected by a able axial arbor and cantankerous axes. Breezy area accept a added accustomed attending with strong, abounding curves.

3. Make a list of "must haves".
What items are essential? Listing your needs up front ensures that your final plan won't be missing anything important. Do you need a retaining wall? A privacy fence? A path to the garage? More parking space? Do children need a place to play? What about pets?

Walk around your property and make note of everything that is essential. Your final design should balance dream features and "must haves" to create a satisfying and functional space.

4. Evaluate what you already have.
To get where you are going, it helps to know your starting point. Is your space large or small? Is the site flat or sloping? What is the climate? What type of soil do you have? How much water is available and from what sources? What are the predominate views?

5. Ballpark your budget.
Once you know what you want and what you need, it's time to consider what you are willing to spend. This dollar figure will influence what features you include in the final garden plan -- trees, plants, hardscape materials and architectural elements such as arbors, fountains, ponds and benches.


Remember that your "budget" comprises two elements: money and TIME. In agreement of time, does the garden charge to be accomplished by a assertive date or can you actualize it over time? (Speed costs!) Also, how abundant time are you accommodating to account to advance your dream garden? Can you additional several hours a anniversary or are you advantageous abundant to allow a caretaker?

As you advance and clarify your plan, you may charge to antithesis time and banknote costs. Be flexible. You may charge to absorb added time if you can't absorb added money and carnality versa.

6. Identify your garden's focal points.
Every garden needs an eye-catching spot that causes you to pause a moment. When you choose a focal point, you are choosing the direction you want visitors to look when they enter your garden. Did your list of "wants" include a waterfall or fountain? An arbor retreat? A blossoming apple tree? If so, you are well on your way to identifying a focal point -- or points -- for your garden.

7. Create a rough design.
Take all the information that you've gathered and incorporate it into a workable design that balances the "wants" with the "must haves". Your goal is to create a space that is both satisfying and functional.

8. Choose your plants and hardscape.
The colors and materials that you choose will create the character of your garden, adding interest, movement and visual appeal. Do you want harmonious colors or strong contrast? Warm hues or cool tones? Bold colors or soft hues? Mixing different colors and materials and textures will give your garden a strong sense of space.

9. Make a scale drawing.
Thus far, you have created a basic map of property lines and your house as well as an overlay sheet that shows focal points, "rooms" and pathways. You also have a list of the trees, shrubs and plants for each area of your garden. Now you need to create a scale drawing that shows EXACTLY where each feature will go. You will use this blueprint to lay the walkways, set the arbors and trellises, and plant the trees, shrubs and flowers.

10. Execute your plan.
Before you begin actual construction of the garden, check all local building codes and regulations to make sure that you will be in compliance. Structures such as decks, patios and retaining walls may require a permit from the local city government. Once all permits are in place, you can start to lay out the garden.


With your calibration cartoon as a blueprint, use a band admeasurement to position all structures, walkways and plants. Be abiding to admeasurement accurately so anniversary aspect in your architecture fits its assigned space.

If designing a garden amplitude sounds a bit intimidating, don't panic. Just chase these accomplish one by one and let a amplitude disentangle that feels appropriate to you. You CAN do it. After all, a acknowledged garden is just addition allowance of your house, which you've already auspiciously decorated!

Get Your Kids Enjoy Home Gardening

Dirt has always been one of the kids' best toys, so home gardening could just be one fun activity for your children

Here are some tips to help you make your little ones become enthusiastic with home gardening.

-Make sure that the garden is somewhere very visible for the kids
Before you start home gardening, pick a spot where the kids often play or walk by. Every time they see and pass by their garden, the more they will sight changes.

-Starting seeds,Give your children the freedom to help you with the staring seeds. Some seeds might be too small for the tiny fingers, but their digits can be of help in covering them with dirt.

-Choose the appropriate plants,Kids will added acceptable accept plants and flowers with ablaze colors, so accept a amount of varieties of plants. Examples of ablaze flowers are zinnias and cosmos; these will accumulate your accouchement fascinated. Don't overlook the sunflowers. Anything that is alpine and down-covered will absolutely beat a kid. Make abiding these plants will not could cause any allergic reactions from your kid.

-Home Gardening Memoir,To last the kids' enthusiasm until the plants grow, make them create a home gardening journal. This activity will allow them to use their imagination to sketch on what the plants will be like and write down when they placed in the ground the seeds and when they first witnessed a sprout pushing up.

- Dirt playing,Always remember that children are fond of playing with dirt or mud. They can help you ready the soil, even if what they are only doing is stomping on the clumps. To make home gardening with the kids more fun, you can provide them with kid-sized tools to make home gardening very engaging for them.

-Playing with the water,Playing with water is right up there with playing with dirt. Look for a small watering can that they can use to water their garden. You can show them how to let the water go right to the roots of the plants. Hoses want only trouble. They are simply formidable for little hands to control.

Garden Decor Practices

There are many things that you can add to your outdoor living space to make it comfortable and inviting and still provide you with few hours of work on maintenance.

unadulterated Is Best. When adding products outdoors, from furniture to statuary, you should always look towards the most organic of products.
When you do this, youll allow for something that fits within the landscape, not something that sticks out in it.

Overboard Isnt Good. Over bottleneck a amplitude with too abundant dcor or even too a aggregation of plants is bad business. Instead, attending for a added nature-based mural component. Overcrowding plants can could cause them to eventually die or yield over the absolute garden. To abundant dcor can accomplish it attending chaotic instead of lavish.

 Flow Is Essential. If you have a large garden or landscape, you can create a flow throughout it to make it a much more livable and organic environment. For example, a pathway leading through the garden is important as it provides for a way to move through the area enjoying all of the principle sights along the way.

Use Lines. Curve from your home or your binding can advice to actualize a admirable attending aural the garden. The roof band of the abode can be a band that leads the eye to something accomplished at the end. Use the curve that you accept to actualize a breeze to the eye.


Charm Means Theme. While you dont need a specific theme throughout your garden dcor, you should look towards the same or similar offerings. For example, if you place a white metal table under your trees to produce a restful place, make sure that the chairs that go with it match it. Add a white picket fence or other matching pieces to tie certain areas of the garden together as well.

Uphold it. a ample bulk of of the aspects aural a garden are traveling to charge some upkeep. If you cull your weeds, dont let this be overshadowed by the actuality that you havent done that white backing in a year. Keep up on torn or confused items as well. Aural the continuance of acrid winter months, accomplish abiding to put as abundant as accessible in accumulator that can be broken.

 Garden dcor is not done without the look for lovely patio items. Allow it to mesh with the settings that you have created too. For example, in a woodsy area, look towards an organic, lovely product such as teak to keep it looking as if it belongs there.

Backyard Landscaping

A big part of owning a home is landscaping the yard. Front yard landscaping or backyard landscaping, the work must be done.

While the front yard is important because it’s more visible to neighbors and others who drive by, the backyard is no less important. The backyard is where families and friends gather for barbeques and birthday parties and where some families place their swimming pools. Most backyards are landscaped with careful thought and preparation.

Special consideration is put into the positioning of every blade of grass, each decorative stone and all of the species of flowers that beautify a backyard.

Flowers, stones and grass are just some of the ways to landscape a backyard. Large shade trees, waterfalls and herbal gardens are some other ways. The theme of your landscape will depend on your hobbies, interests and goals for your backyard. Backyard landscaping can be a lot of fun, especially when you make it personal.

Landscape your yard to reflect your personality and your homes personality. If you and your family like to entertain, add a bar to your back patio. Clean up the barbeque grill and don’t forget the citronella candles to keep the bugs away. Maybe you’ll want to build a croquet course, mini golf course, or put in a sand lot for some sand volleyball. Whatever your preference, make backyard landscaping fun for the whole family.

Keep your family in mind too, when it comes time to maintain the backyard landscaping. Large yards will require a lot more maintenance and grooming.

Taking care of the yard can be a nice family activity. You can mow the lawn, pull the weeds and get the kids involved in watering the plants. If you have a fruit tree in your backyard, you’ll probably be spending some time picking up the fallen apples or cherries. And of course, you’ll also need to reserve time to tend to your herbal garden. It can be surprisingly rewarding to grow your own herbs and use them in special recipes that you cook when you’re entertaining friends and neighbors.

If you are the type who would rather keep your backyard to yourself, then maybe you don’t need to worry about the huge, green lawn. Perhaps you’d rather have a quaint yard with basic backyard landscaping. You can put in some grass, strategically place some shade trees and plant some of your favorite flowers.

You may want to include some bigger bushes, if space allows as they will add some gorgeous green to your colorful backyard. This type of backyard may require the same maintenance as a large backyard, but not nearly the time commitment. No matter what your personality says about your backyard landscaping, one thing’s for sure—homeowners everywhere will tell you to create your backyard just the way you want to.

Bamboo Hardwood Flooring

Choosing balk attic over added options such as laminate, linoleum or carpeting is no baby decision.
Now that you accept called to go with hardwood, you charge to adjudge what blazon of balk you would like to accept in your home.

Typically, a lot of humans anticipate of oak, maple or blooming balk first. But wait, accede bamboo flooring. You will be demography advantage of one of the best balk attic choices accessible today. Bamboo has a lot to offer.
Let’s attending at these 5 capital affidavit why bamboo attic mat be your best choice.

   
Color & Style - The accustomed blush of bamboo is a accustomed albino blush that shows the grains of the copse and the accustomed advance arrangement that provides a balmy blush that matches every décor. The added blush advantage is accomplished in a smoker action that carbonizes the grains in the wood, consistent in a affluent amber color, which is a stunning, darker variation.
  

Environmentally Responsible - Bamboo attic is the a lot of environmentally amenable best for hardwood, because it is not a copse at all. It is in fact a grass that can ability its abounding ability in alone 5 years. When the bamboo bulb is harvested, it sends out runners breeding new plants all about them. Because bamboo is a renewable resource, you are authoritative an environmentally amenable choice.
 Warm Environment - Bamboo attic provides a balmy accomplishment because of the accustomed grains and advance patterns that action in the boards. While abounding acceptable balk choices do accord you a admirable floor, but it is one that aswell looks like it should be in a amphitheater or an auditorium. Bamboo attic allows you to actualize a beauteous attic accomplishment that exudes amore and comfort.
 

Strength and Durability - Bamboo is the absolute best for a awful durable, able attic that can angle up to the use and corruption that animals and accouchement can deliver. It can even abide the bead of a pan in the kitchen as able-bodied as top cartage areas such as active apartment and hallways.




Cutting Edge - Bamboo attic is the newest a lot of agitative attic best to hit the bazaar in contempo years. Your bamboo attic will a lot of acceptable be the alone one of its affectionate on your block, authoritative it a acid bend appearance that will accommodate your home with a beautiful, different acidity all its own.

Outdoor Decorating Tips

Often we're so active decorating or adornment inside, we overlook to do the aforementioned alfresco as well. So actuality are a few quick and simple alfresco decorating tips that will advice bandbox up the barrier address of your home:

1-Balustrade or Patio: If you already accept a balustrade or patio, artlessly putting new appliance out can accomplish a admirable aberration in the presentation of your home.

Alternatively, you can artlessly buy new cushions or covers for your absolute patio furniture. Other quick patio bandbox ups can be as simple as putting out a few beginning abridged plants, abacus gnomes or statues, or putting a baby baptize bubbler into the space.

2-Backyard ornaments: These can be as simple as a baby bird house, a pole army alfresco lantern light, or even a barrow with flowers. Putting a little something added in your backyard defines you and your tastes, additional it gives your home a added different personality that stands out from your neighbors.

3- Paint: You can acrylic the absolute abode and trim, or artlessly blow up the trim alone... either way will accomplish a huge appulse on how your home looks to the casual public.

4- Walkways: Having walkways alfresco your home add a cozy, aloof and agreeable feel to the all-embracing alfresco presentation. Just a beeline accurate aisle can be spruced up by putting a bit of garden bed binding forth anniversary side...

putting baby solar aisle lights on anniversary side... or burying bright anniversary flowers such as petunias on anniversary side. If you don't already accept a aisle and wish to actualize one, I anticipate the prettiest are those fabricated of stone. Add an added adorning blow by authoritative the aisle ambit or wind a bit to your foreground aperture instead of arch beeline there.

5- Flowers, Plants, Accouterment & Bushes: Probably the a lot of accepted way to bandbox up a backyard bound is to artlessly put out some appealing plants, bushes, accouterment and flowers. Annuals are abundant for abacus dashes of blush quickly, because you can usually buy them this time of year in bloom.

To get connected blush and greenery, bulb some perrenials too. Then already the annuals are starting to die out, you'll accept something to alter them. You'll aswell accept the added joy of seeing the perrenials sprout afresh for several years to come

Backyard Landscaping Ideas

No bulk area you live, there’s annihilation bigger than adequate outdoors on a balmy summer night watching your backyard agriculture account appear to life.

Unfortunately, re-landscaping your absolute backyard during the advance of one growing division can be aback breaking, big-ticket and requires above planning.


Here’s a simple solution: Break up your backyard into “rooms” and acclimate one allowance anniversary year. This is abnormally accessible if you’re on a budget. You’re after-effects will be abundant bigger if you absorb as abundant time and money as you can on one project, rather than aggravating to adapt the absolute backyard all at already for the aforementioned bulk of money

Although you’re landscaping only one section of the yard at a time, you still need an overall plan. Using graph paper, sketch out the permanent structures on your property including the house, out buildings, deck and trees.

This is also a good time to consider which existing plants and shrubs won’t be a part of the new landscape.

Make copies of your sketch and experiment with different designs. Incorporate ideas you like from magazines or gardens you’ve visited.

If you host frequent cook outs you’ll probably want to keep the yard open and plant along the borders. If you don’t need the space, you could create real drama with an island bed, walkways, solar lighting and cutouts for comfortable furniture to relax on.

Here are some ideas you’ll dig:

Screening with Plants

If your yard doesn’t have a fence, you might want to consider planting a row of hawthorn, juniper, arborvitae, or a combination of these bushes to create privacy and provide a backdrop for future flower beds. A strategically place evergreen screen will also provide a windbreak from winter winds and drifting snow.

Planning a Border Flower Bed

The hardest part of designing a border is choosing flowers that complement each other both in color and height. The list of perennials I suggest here is for a six foot wide bed in a mainly sunny situation. Wide, in this case, means outward from the plant screen or fence, not the length of the bed.

Use 3 or 5 plants for each kind of flower and allow 16”–18” between each plant. Allow 20”–22” between the different plant groups. Planting an odd number of plants is more visually appealing than an even number.

Allow sufficient space at the rear of the bed for access. This will also prevent choking off necessary air and light from the plants in back.

These are my suggestions for a perennial border. They were chosen to give a long display, with the first flowers appearing in April and the last in October.

Tall plants for the back row: SEDUM ‘Autumn Joy’; RUDBECKIA Goldsturm; PHLOX White; IRIS light blue or yellow; VERONICA Blue; SOLIDAGO ‘Golden Shower’; and HOSTA fortunei ‘Picta’.

Shorter plants for the front row: GERANIUM grandiflorum; POTENTILLA ‘Firedance’; HUECHERA Pink; ASTER Dwarf Blue; SEDUM Dragons Blood; ACHILLEA ‘Moonshine’; and ERIGERON ‘Prosperity’.

Obviously, these plants won’t be the best choice for every climate. A worthwhile book to help you choose plants native to your climate zone is The Comfortable Lazy Garden. It’s also an excellent reference for beginning gardeners.

Preplanned Gardens

I understand all of this Latin mumbo jumbo can be daunting for first time gardeners, it was for me. If you would like a ready made solution, Direct Gardening offers a wide selection of preplanned gardens designed to take all the guess work out of plant selection and placement.

Island Bed

An island bed, as the name implies, is planted in the middle of the yard surrounded by a sea of grass. It can vary in shape and size according to your imagination and available space. Scale the plants from tallest in the center to shortest at the edges.

Water Feature

Imagine the reflective beauty of a pond or the gentle splashing of a man made waterfall. How about a 100 foot high waterslide? Maybe next year.

Do Your Yard a Favor

Before you buy any vegetation, visit a real garden center for advice on drainage and soil preparation. Also, bring a copy of your plan; a soil sample and an extra credit card just in case you can’t wait years to make your backyard landscaping ideas come true.

Mini Landscaping Lesson

Landscaping has generally been likened to the painting of a picture. Your art-work abecedary has absolutely told you that a acceptable account should accept a point of arch interest, and the blow of the credibility artlessly go to accomplish added admirable the axial idea, or to anatomy a accomplished ambience for it. So in agriculture there have to be in the gardener's apperception a account of what he desires the accomplished to be if he completes his agriculture project.

Should you awning lots of bald accessible backyard in your agriculture theme? A ample admeasurement of accessible lusious blooming backyard amplitude is consistently beautiful. It is restful.


This blazon of accessible agriculture adds a activity of amplitude to even baby grounds. If you awning your backyard amplitude with abounding trees, with little annual beds actuality and there, the accepted aftereffect is inclement and fussy. A bit like an over-dressed person. Not the a lot of beheld ambrosial aftereffect from your agriculture efforts.

When landscaping, a single tree or a small group is not a bad arrangement on the lawn. Do not centre the tree or trees. Let them drop a bit into the background. Make a pleasing side feature of them. In choosing trees for your landscaping project, keep in mind a number of things. You should not choose an overpowering tree. The tree should have a good shape, with something interesting about its bark, leaves, flowers or fruit.

For the beauty of landscaping, the catalpa is quite lovely by itself. Its leaves are broad, its flowers attractive, the seed pods which cling to the tree until way into the winter, add a bit of picturesqueness. The bright berries of the ash, the brilliant foliage of the sugar maple, the blossoms of the tulip tree, the bark of the white birch, and the leaves of the copper beech all these are beauty points to consider when planning your overall landscaping arrangement.

Landscaping may follow along very formal lines or along informal lines. The first would have straight paths, straight rows in stiff beds, everything, as the name tells, perfectly formal. The other method is, of course, the exact opposite. You should consider the advantages and danger points in each.

In conclusion, plan for open lawn spaces in your overall landscaping design and keep a visually appealing tree to blend in the background. Think balance and you will come up with a beautiful landscaping design for your yard.

Better Looking Landscape

For better-looking landscape by following a few tips that can help you take better care of your yard.

Understand how much space each of the plants need. There are some plants that require more room for their root systems than others.

If you choose one plant that tends to grow everywhere, and you do not have adequate space, you will find that your other plants may be crowded out or that they may choke and die. Also, make sure you understand the spacing requirements for between plants.
Many shrubs and small trees need to be planted at least three to four feet apart to have enough room to grow.

Know your soil type. Some plants thrive in soil with more acidity, and others prefer a little more alkali. Additionally, sandy soil and clay soil, as well as the presence of a loamy soil, can make a difference in what types of plants will thrive in a landscape.
You should have your soil evaluated in order to determine what types of vegetation should be planted on your property. When you purchase plants that will succeed in the soil conditions present in your yard, then you make a wiser money decision, and you end up with a more attractive landscape.

If there are plants that you would like to use in your soil, but the soil is not quite ideal, it is possible to improve the soil to proper conditions. You need only add mulch or peat, or to add crushed limestone or clamshells, depending upon what you hope to accomplish. As long as there is not a great difference in what you have and what you hope to achieve, it is possible to make soil adjustments to be more accommodating.

Plan your landscape around different blooming times. Different plants bloom at various times throughout the year. If all of the plants in your landscape are at their most attractive all at the same time, then your yard will look beautiful for a few weeks each year, but quite possible ugly the rest of the year.

One way to help avoid this is to choose attractive bushes and shrubs that look good green, but also have some sort flower. However, it is a good idea to stagger plants among each other. Plant tulips and crocus among later-blooming plants so that in early spring the bulbs bloom, and then when those flowers’ time is up, the next plants will be in bloom. In this way the cycle of your landscape is in keeping with the seasons, and looks attractive all year round.

Use native plants in your landscape design. One of the most effective things you can do to ensure a good-looking yard is to make use of native plants. Find out what plants grow best in your area, and what plants are indigenous to the region.

This way you will already be ahead, in that you know that the plants you choose are adapted to the climate. You will not have to struggle against natural inclinations to keep your landscape looking beautiful. If you due use non-native plants, assure yourself that they come from a place that shares a climate similar to the one in which you live.

Use wood chips around shrubs, bushes and trees. Wood chips can help the ground around shrubs, bushes, and trees look more attractive. Not only do the chips cover the ground (often looking better than dirt), but they also help keep in moisture, repel weeds, and provide natural food as they break down.

Likewise, attractive groundcover like chicks and hens placed around trees and shrubs can make the area more interesting and pleasing to the eye.

Care For Your Plants

Many people worry a lot when it comes to caring for their plants. When talking about house plants, there is no need to worry. There are just a few things you need to consider.

1. Watering
A watering can is a must-have in every garden. It is recommended that you purchase the one with a narrow spout to ensure adequate watering. But that does not always apply, so the finger test may come in handy. Insert your index finger up to the first joint into the soil. If you feel that the soil is damp, don't water it. Otherwise, do.

2. Feeding
With foliage plants, they always need to be high in nitrogen. For flowering plants, on the other hand, K2O is needed. Fertilizers such as the slow release ones can be mixed with the compost. However, some plants like cacti and orchids need special feeds. Feed plants on the height of their active growth.

3. Lighting
Plants like Sanseveria and Aspidistra require no shade. They can be placed away from a window. Spider plants need semi-shade. You can put plants like these near a window that does or does not get sunlight. Others need sun or no sun at all like cheeseplants.

4. Temperature
With houseplants, they can survive in temperatures a little bit higher than 15 - 250 C or 55 - 750 F. But drastic fluctuations of temperature may not be good for them.

5. Humidity
Some houseplants require a humid environment. One tip to maximize humidity is to put the pot inside a larger pot and fill in the gaps with stones or compost to keep in the moisture. The compost will not dry out. Plants are capable of creating their own climate if grouped together. This tip can also be used for keeping the soil moist. If you want, you can spray them with water once or twice a day depending on the day's temperature.

6. Repotting
Other plants require repotting for optimum growth but some plants may not be suitable for this idea. They would not want their roots to be disturbed or other plants' root system is small. One way to check if your plant needs repotting is to turn it upside down. Tap the pot to release the plant and check its roots. If roots are all you see, then repot.

You just need to have a little care for your plants and in turn, you'll reap its benefits. You don't only have a garden that can add to your house's beauty you can also learn how to respect and nurture life in its varied forms.

Tips For Planting Roses

When spring is on its way and the ground is soft, it is the perfect time for planting roses. Roses have been a very popular bloom over the years, not only do they look good, but they smell wonderful too.

However, planting roses cannot be done just anywhere or in just any climate. They need special care and treatment. Here are some tips that you need to consider in order to successfully grow roses:

1. Roses require about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight everyday. It would be best to plant your roses in a clear area where there are not too many trees or other types of plants. The reason behind this is that the rose may lack sunlight exposure and the roots are also likely to become intertwined with the rose and throttle its growth. If you wish to replace an old rose bush, you should remove about 1 ½ cubic feet of the old soil and replace it with new soil so that the newly planted rose will have fresh soil to start with.

2. When thinking about the position of your roses you must consider the type of rose you are planting. Place ramblers and climbers along trellises, fences and next to pergolas or arches. This is important to consider because they need space to grow freely and these positions are perfect for bigger blooming roses.

3. Roses will look good in island beds which can be mixed with perennials. Smaller roses make great edging plants, which are perfect for combining in front of taller species. Dig a hole large enough for the size of the root ball, but remember to loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole. You can also add bone meal which acts as a slow acting resource of phosphorus. This will help establish a healthy root growth for your roses.

4. You should be careful when considering the planting depth as this depends on your climate. If you live in a cooler climate, plant roses deeper, but if you wish to plant in a pot, you must dig about 1 inch deeper than the usual potted level.

5. Make sure that you place roses in the hole carefully. The hole should be refilled with soil so that the roots are covered completely. Before you make the final covering, water the rose. Then mound the soil about 8 inches high around the base of the plant. The earth will keep the stems from drying out until the plant is completely rooted. As the leaves open, you can remove the excess soil that surrounds the plant.

These some important tips you need to consider when planting roses. It will be worth the effort, as your roses will bloom beautifully.

Steps To A Better Lawn And Garden

If you’re lucky enough to have a lawn with a good topsoil base, much of the hard work of keeping a lawn beautiful is already done for you. But many of us do not have this luxury, and besides, even with a good topsoil base, you still have to work hard to keep a beautiful lawn and garden.

1. The best time to mow a lawn is when it is cool and dry. Wait for the morning dew to dry off, and before the afternoon heat takes hold. Alternatively, late afternoon or early evening following a watering in the morning is also a good time.

2. A hedge is a much better boundary divider than a fence. It will provide better privacy and keep pets and children in – or out. It will attract birds to its shelter, and provide a great backdrop for plants and flowers.

3. Bring the beauty of your garden to you; plant hyacinths near walkways and doors. Their magnificent perfume will swamp the spring air and make your garden really come alive.

4. Add your garden to non-garden items, such a lampposts and mail boxes. Surround these items with flowers planted to take advantage of the earliest to the latest flowerings. You could have white snowdrops, purple and gold crocus, blue hyacinths, and various colored tulips. You could also surround the posts with rocks to provide added interest.

5. Simple, but effective weed control can be achieved on your lawn by mowing often during spring. This will prevent dandelions spreading by eliminating the yellow blossoms and preventing seed formation. Mow high during late spring and early summer. This will allow grass blades to shade the ground, and will help prevent crabgrass from sprouting.

Your lawn and garden should be a source of pride and beauty. You don’t need to spend lots of money on expensive fertilizers and herbicides, or fancy lawn furniture and ornaments. A little commonsense and thought can go a long way to making your lawn and garden a much better place.

Quick Gardening Tips

It’s easy to spend a fortune every year creating a beautiful yard. These five tips can help save you money in both this, and future gardening seasons.


1. Plan your vegetable garden according to what your neighbors are planting so you can share your vegetables when they’re ready for eating. Often I’ve had too many of one kind of vegetable I couldn’t give away because my friend’s were ripe at the same time.

2. Select perennials rather than annuals for your flowerbeds. As they multiply each year, cut them back and exchange with your friends so you both have lovely gardens and save money at the same time.

3. Compost your kitchen scraps, as well as your coffee grounds.  The end result is much better than any potting soil you can ever get buy from a nursery or hardware store. The price is right, and this is definitely recycling!

4. Instead of using mulch, try pebbles or small rocks in your garden as ground cover.  This will save you lots of cash since you won’t need to buy mulch in the spring and fall of every year.

5. Spend more money now by purchasing better quality gardening tools and you will save in the long run.  They will last for years, saving you dollars because you don’t need to replace them every planting season.  Same goes for gardening gloves- make sure you buy the best you can afford so they last all season.

Here are several tips for creating a admirable blind bassinet or alembic this summer. The aboriginal is to use an bogus clay composed mostly of peat moss.

Acceptable soils such as Fafard or Pro-Mix use perlite, peat, and added capacity to aftermath a clay that will not bunched over the summer. Absolute garden clay compacts and turns into accurate beneath the burden of approved watering.

And if it does, bulb roots stop growing because they crave acceptable accessible spaces to move into and blot nutrients. Hard, compacted soils do not abound acceptable plants so do not use absolute clay in your containers.

I re-use my bogus potting clay from year to year. I dump it out of the pot. Chew it up with a advertise to cut up all endure year’s roots and add about 10 % by aggregate of compost. The admixture increases air spaces and gives plants a addition in advantageous nutrition.
Feed your plants weekly.

Nitrogen, the engine of bulb growth, is baptize acrid and as you baptize your containers from the top the attenuated nitrogen is abrogation from the bottom. I use a fish-emulsion aqueous augment with seaweed to accommodate all the trace nutrients my plants crave and acclaim it highly.

You can use any aqueous bulb aliment (like Miracle Abound or Shultz) to advance growth. Admixture tea is the Cadillac of aqueous bulb aliment and if you accomplish your own admixture tea, your plants will acknowledge with bigger and bigger blooms as able-bodied as added vigour.

And finally, no amount the admeasurement of the container, it is important to absorb it all the way to the basal at anniversary watering. Continue watering until baptize emerges from the pot bottom. This ensures the roots can ability all locations of the alembic and abound properly.

Home Security

Your home is your anchorage area you feel adequate and secure, and it should be the endure affair you should accept to anguish about. Thanks to technology, now you can aces and accept from a array of home aegis systems, residential anxiety systems, accession kits, do-it-yourself cyberbanking appurtenances and services, and defended your home or business in an simple but able way.

A home aegis arrangement can antithesis the attempts of the burglars. In an avant-garde system, the ascendancy box will actuate a siren or added loud anxiety babble aflame alfresco lights and a blast auto-dialer.
This alerts the occupants and neighbors that anyone has torn into the house. It drives the burglar abroad and cna acquaint the badge which abode has been torn into.

The blast auto-dialer can punch the badge anon and play a pre-recorded bulletin giving the abode of the abode and any added accordant information. This bulletin will usually play over and over afresh to acquiesce the badge to apprehend it even if the anxiety is put on authority for some time. Alternatively, it can punch the aegis aggregation that installed the accessories that will again broadcast this advice to the police. They can even punch your cellphone to active you!

Home aegis is a rapidly growing field, and there are new and bigger burglar alarms getting invented all the time. All these systems are added or beneath congenital about the aforementioned basal structure. There is a axial ascendancy box that monitors several motion detectors and the ambit guards and sounds an anxiety if any of them are triggered.
It is now actually accepted to accept burglar alarms installed not alone in food and added businesses, but in clandestine homes as well. These systems ambit from bargain do-it-yourself kits to adult whole-house aegis networks that have to be installed by professionals. However, some of the a lot of able anxiety systems are aswell the simplest. The a lot of basal burglar anxiety is a simple electric ambit congenital into an access way; it is as able as the ancestors dog. But the botheration with it is that the burglar can cut off the affiliation by snapping the affairs and cede it useless.




To affected this blemish the avant-garde burglar alarms absorb the ascendancy box into the circuit. It has its own ability accumulation and monitors the circuits and sounds the alarm. The ascendancy box won't cut off the anxiety until somebody enters a aegis cipher at a affiliated keypad. To accomplish it even added secure, you should abode the ascendancy box in an ambagious spot, so the burglar can't acquisition it and try to abort it.

Another simple advantage of home aegis is the basal attic mat that uses an accessible ambit architecture with two metal strips spaced apart. These metal strips are pushed calm if somebody accomplish on the mat and the ambit is completed.

All of these ambit systems are able home aegis accessories for attention the ambit of a abode or business from the credibility an burglar is acceptable to access the building. Once the access credibility are taken affliction of your home aegis arrangement is in abode and you can feel actually safe and defended in your house.

Home Alarm Systems

An anxiety arrangement for the home is bare to assure your home, your backing and your ancestors from intruders. According to statistics, added than 2 actor burglaries action anniversary year and added than bisected of these action in residential homes.

If searching for an anxiety system, you should apperceive there are abounding altered kinds of systems available. Abounding humans attending to an anxiety arrangement to assure their home. It does not amount what admeasurement of home you reside in, whether it is a ample home with three belief or a baby one-room apartment. An anxiety arrangement provides you with the aegis and accord of apperception you charge while on vacation, at plan or sleeping at night.

There are abounding altered types of anxiety systems. One anxiety will plan to ascertain motion from an burglar if the anxiety is activated. Another blazon of anxiety arrangement may ascertain any blazon of temperature change in a specific room. No amount what blazon of anxiety arrangement you have, it will acquaint anyone casual by, your neighbors, the badge or a ecology centermost of the activity.

If searching for an anxiety system, you should apperceive the altered aspects of a home alarm. First, it will accommodate a ability source, this is alleged a ascendancy panel. A keypad is put in abode to acquiesce the homeowner to conciliate the arrangement aloft accession or actuate the arrangement aloft departure. Depending on the blazon of anxiety arrangement you purchase, it may accept contacts with doors and windows, motion detectors and bottle breach sensors.

What is abundant about an anxiety arrangement is that, if it is monitored by a ecology center, it will accept a advancement system. This arrangement will acquiesce the arrangement to plan for about 24 hours if the buzz curve are anytime cut by an burglar or if you lose electricity. What is even bigger is that some home anxiety systems action aegis in the accident of a fire, can ascertain the aberration amid your pets and an burglar and even action video surveillance.

When it comes to a home anxiety system, there are added fees that are associated with them, not just the antecedent acquirement fees. This is acceptable to be a account fee as able-bodied for the ecology system. From ATD, one of the a lot of accepted home anxiety arrangement providers, you can adore one blow pad, one motion detector, one calm sounder, two window and aperture sensors and one button for manually advice badge and blaze base of an emergency and a bell affection for an accession fee of $349.00 and a account fee for ecology of $32.99.

Another arrangement with ADT will accommodate you with one blow pad, one motion detector, one calm sounder, two barricade bang cups, three displace keys, two window and aperture sensors and one badge and blaze button for $399.00 accession fee and $32.99 account ecology fee. With ADT and abounding added providers, you can adapt your anxiety arrangement to clothing your needs and accommodate you with abounding 24-hour accord of apperception and assurance for your home.