Protect Your Pool and Spa In drought conditions

Here are some tips that will help keep you from swimming pools and spa, deck and equipment from damage is usually caused by drought conditions. When in drought conditions, please be careful of the following preventive measures:

Water Level

Evaporation of water will be fast under hot, dry conditions. Try and keep the level of water in the bottom of the drainage grate. Low water levels can damage the equipment.

Pool Deck

Although deck reinforced with steel rebar, sand and drought conditions severely difficult in ground swimming pool decks due to the contraction of soil. This can lead to cracking or shifting movements, similar to what happened with the foundation of the House.

Keep your soil conditions consistent around Your pool. Avoid very dry or wet soil around the pool and decking.

The water around the yard and pool deck (in a level 2 water restrictions mandate) to keep the land and pool from separating. Hand watering or using drip hoses will help maintain consistent humidity levels.

Do not allow drainage into a pond near the pool (too much water).

Expansion Joints & Deck-O-Seal

Periodically check the expansion joints to see if there is damage to the Deck-O-Seal. If there is any damage or separation between the deck and pool, it should be handled.

It's almost impossible to completely avoid some movement, even under normal conditions. As we all know, Dallas, Texas, summer can be anything BUT normal. So, it is important to maintain consistent levels of ground water around Your swimming pool for exceptional circumstances and in a district mandate set.

Seasonal Checklist – Secret To Success

Here is a recap of what to do to keep Your pool running in optimum condition. Following these recommendations will save you time and a service fee if done correctly and in a timely manner. Keep in mind you can easily avoid potential damages and repair costs is largely due to 1) the height of the water is not correct and 2) filter is dirty and basket.

Twice a week:

Check and clean the skimmer basket.

Check and clean the pump basket.

Add water.

Check and adjust chemical levels

Add a sequestering agent for prevention of stain.

Steps brush and a Chair.

Check the air filter.

Check the pressure filter.

Clear bag cleaner

Check the pad to place wet equipment.

Every 4 to 6 Weeks:

Backwash filter does it seems to need it or not.

Clean the calcium deposits and debris from tile and valves.

Every 3 months:

Clean and lumasi pump o-ring.

Clean the chlorinator lumasi and o-ring.

Seasonal Summer (6 months):

Summerization (tear down and cleaning the filter element).

Lubricate the valve and o-ring.

Customize settings for hours.

Check your other equipment to proper operation.

Hauk Custom Pools builders pools dallas backyard quality environmental design in Frisco, McKinney, Allen and Prosper Texas.

Garden Gates

Garden gates are an ideal way to complete the front of your property

Curb appeal is vitally important to the appearance of your property. Curb appeal is your property’s first impression it gives to the world as and as they say, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Garden gates are an ideal way to give your home instant curb appeal. Nothing finishes the front of your home quite like garden gates. Garden gates look like the owners care about their property and that a property is loved and cared for on the inside too. Garden gates can be simple and rustic giving an informal cosy appeal or they can be more formal and elegant giving a reserved, sophisticated edge. It is funny but garden gates can  actually tell you something about the owners inside.

Garden gates come in all sizes and styles

There are garden gates for every style in every size and for every budget.

All garden gates are made to measure so your gates fits perfectly thus making your property even more secure. For a more sophisticated and prestigious look, iron garden gates are great. For more country properties, pine garden gates look cosy and welcoming. Garden gates can be plain and simple or more ornate. Garden gates make a statement about you as a family before anyone even enters into your home. You can find garden gates suitable for most properties that are designed to fit any budget. Garden gates are the ideal to complete the front of a property and give it a welcoming feel.

For great looking and affordable garden gates, look no further than by going online today

If you are looking for great looking and affordable garden gates, then go online today to www.prodeckuk.co.uk. There you will find a wide range of garden gates, pergolas, fences and decking kits. All of their garden gates are made to measure and will suit any budget and any style. Visit them today to find the ideal garden gates for your property.

Water Gardening

Doesn’t it feel relaxing when you get to sit back and relax or lie down on the grass in your garden and you hear nothing but the sound of water flowing smoothly in the background, ringing like beautiful music to your ears? Doesn’t it feel like paradise? The sight and sound of water has always drawn the interest of people. Water brings a pleasing element to a garden. Water gardening involves fountains, waterfalls, ponds, and elegant combinations of rocks and lighting. A water garden is a pool of water that contains fish, water plants, and other water creatures.

Water gardening has now evolved to be one of the very popular landscaping styles nowadays. People of all ages love the sound of flowing water because it is very calming and peaceful.
If you want to have a water garden, one of the most important things to take into consideration is choosing the right spot for it.

Since water gardens are usually home to fish and aquatic plants, the water garden needs to be in a place where there is constant access to sunlight during the daytime because most fish and aquatic plants depend on the sun. Also, the place should steer clear of any tree or tall shrub, to have access to sunlight and also to avoid leaf and stick rubbish in the water.
When planning your water garden, you have to use some basic principles. You have to consider the size of your lawn and your ability to maintain a water garden. If you have a small property, a small pond would probably be best. You may also add waterfalls, rockwork, lighting and fountains if you have the budget, and it would also depend on the style and purpose of your landscape. However, doing so would further enhance the scenery, especially at night.

When choosing aquatic plants, you must know that plants should not cover more than 50-60% of the water surface. There are many types of aquatic plants to choose from for example, free floating ones, or the ones that are to be submerged in water. The selection all depends on you and what you want for your pond. Water lilies are said to add drama and fragrance to water no matter how small your pond is. There are also some plants that are healthy and provide oxygen to the water. You also have the option to add fish, if you want to. A good addition would be the ever famous janitor fish which are popular for cleaning up dirty debris in the water, thus being called “janitor” because they clean. Some fish can also help control mosquito larva and other sorts of insects. However, if you have fish in your pond, you need to make sure that you regularly maintain and clean the pond so your fish can live.

It is also possible to do water gardening yourself, if you have the time and heart to do it. There are many do-it-yourself kits available and they are easy to install. These kits can be found at home improvement stores. Or, if you have the necessary budget, you may hire landscapers to do the water gardening for you.
All garden pools, regardless of their size and content require proper and constant maintenance. If you had proper planning and perhaps advice from an expert, a healthy balance between the living and decorative features of a water garden that can almost take care of itself can be accomplished, and you would only have simple maintenance procedures to do.

Garden Designer | Drought Resistant Gardening

For the enthusiastic gardeners amongst us, the hosepipe ban currently affecting an ever-increasing number of regions across the South of England is more than an inconvenience it's a potential disaster.

But do not despair. With a little thought and reorganisation, you can conserve water, minimise drought damage and still ensure you have a summer garden that's the envy of all your neighbours!

How? It's simple...............

1. Improve Moisture Retention in the Soil

Limit evaporation from the soil by mulching soil surfaces. This will significantly improve moisture retention. There are several different types of mulch which can be employed for this purpose:-

a. Organic Mulches

The best organic matter to use would be:

- Animal Manure making sure that it is well rotted.
- Mushroom Compost though this should not be used on very chalky soil or acid loving plants.
- Garden Compost when the texture has turned ‘crumbly'.
- Leaf Mould this compost will suit acid loving plants (recycling garden waste into compost makes one of the cheapest soil conditioners).
- Chipped Bark make sure you buy chipped bark, not chipped wood.

But be careful: when dry and in a strong wind, it tends to blow about the garden!

b. Non Organic Mulches

- Gravel or other Aggregates excellent, long lasting inorganic mulch available in a range of colours, textures and sizes
- Grass cuttings compost with other material first (never compost grass cuttings that have been freshly treated with herbicide).
- Cocoa shells a good, light, porous mulch with small amounts of nutrients
- Rocks, Pebbles & Glass Nuggets are a colourful, efficient alternative to all of the above.

When using an inorganic matter as mulch on the soil, first prepare the site by pegging down a porous membrane on top of the soil. The weight of the inorganic mulch will help anchor anchor the membrane and prevent the gravel or glass nuggets from becoming buried in the soil.

2. Water Butts

Place water butts in the garden in strategic spots where they can catch water from the roof of your home, garage and garden outbuildings. Water butts can be inter-linked using hosepipe to allow the maximum amount of water to be stored.

Call Original Organics for under half price Water Butts including a down-pipe connecter and a watering can on tel. 01884 841515

3. Recycle Domestic Water

Do not use water though that contains bleach or detergent. Bath water can be used so long as you rotate the type of water given in one area. Make sure that the water is not poured directly on to the leaves.

4. Lay a Drought Tolerant Lawn

Grassed areas are the first to suffer from a hosepipe ban. Consider reducing the size of your lawn and possibly replacing it with a Gravel Bed or a lawn made up of thyme or camomile. Alternatively, you could consider hard landscaping.

However, if you're set on keeping your lawn, a turf company in the South of England called Sovereign has developed a Drought Tolerant Grass called Xeris, details of which can be found by following the link.

5. The Hard Landscaping Option

There are a variety of surfaces other than lawn that offer interest and texture in the garden. These include:

(a) Paving leaving a space between the paving stones for creeping plants such as thyme can soften the edges of a hard-paved area. Even in dry weather there is usually sufficient moisture beneath the slabs for the efficient growth of alpines. Leaving out the occasional slab can also provide space for a larger plant to be grown.

(b) Cobbles and Aggregates naturally complement each other as well as do plants and can be easily worked into curving shapes and organic patterns. For added colour contrast, glass blocks can also be introduced in small areas.

(c) Gravel this is by far the easiest surface to lay, although it is better not to lay gravel immediately next to the house, as it is easily trodden indoors.

(d) Decking can easily be accommodated in any garden regardless of levels. Using grooved timber helps to prevent slipping when the surface is wet.

Combining the above in an imaginative way will not only enable you to conserve water, but will also provide an area of garden that needs little maintenance. It will also create a cool area where plants will thrive during spells of dry weather.

For more information about any of the above contact Amanda

6. Planting

There are a number of ways in which planting itself can help reduce the amount of water evaporation from the soil:

(a) Plant more trees- Shade from trees helps to provide cooler pockets of air, whilst the trees themselves create an excellent windbreak to minimise the drying effect of the wind. If your garden occupies a large, windy site, especially near the coast, you could benefit from planting a high hedge or a ‘shelter belt' of trees and shrubs.

(b) Grow Plants in Containers- If you grow a lot of patio plants in containers, grouping them together will enable them to produce their own microclimate. It will also help conserve water, as more is required to water more widely spaced plants. Water-retaining granules incorporated in the compost of hanging Baskets and containers will also help keep the soil moist during dryer weather.

(c) Plant Ground Cover- The use of ground cover planting is another very useful way of helping to retain moisture in the soil. Plants with silver coloured foliage are especially effective in achieving this. The art of good ground cover planting lies in creating drifts of plants, broken by the occasional change of height, shape and colour.

(d) Use Windbreaks- It is not only trees and shrubs that can be useful in slowing down the wind and reducing moisture loss in the garden. More immediate remedies are things like woven willow panels, trellising and baffle fencing, all of which provide instant, effective help in combating the drying process when erected in the right places. For long term windbreaks, evergreen hedges such as holly or deciduous hedges such as hawthorn are an excellent choice.

(e) Terracing- In sloping gardens, water quickly drains away, leaving slim opportunity for the soil to absorb any moisture. Terracing provides a flat surface to help contain and conserve water supplies. Terracing can be constructed in various ways, one of which is to use sleepers.

As a Garden Designer all these things need to be taken into account and planned for. Remember no water equals sure disaster.

 

Flower Gardens and Container Gardens

Growing a garden in one’s home can be considered both an art and a science. Of course, you want to use attractive plants and flowers to beautify your home. However, you must also know how to care for these plants. It may be helpful if you know which plants thrive during which seasons, and in what climates they are most suited. With this, you can maintain the beauty of your garden.

If you have a backyard, then you have all the freedom to grow a garden. If you do not have enough space in your home, you can opt for a container garden instead. This type of gardening doesn’t use up much space but can add the same natural beauty ideal for your home.

A container garden is composed of plants grown exclusively in containers instead of planting them on the ground.

Ceramic pots are often used as containers, although those made of plastic are also used. Window boxes are also commonly used. One benefit of container gardening is you can grow plants even if the soil or climate is not fit for them.

Another advantage of container gardening is the lesser risk of soil-borne diseases. Weed problems can also be eliminated. Thus, your plants are better protected. Container plants are mobile; this gives you more control over the amount of sunlight the plants receives, and you can regulate the temperature and moisture they absorb. If you want some container gardens ideas for beginners, you can research on what kinds of plants you can use.

For certified container garden design ideas, you can use herbs, flowers, cacti, and even small trees.

If you are a homeowner who has a yard, you can grow more kinds of plants. You can even have structures built to support the plants. If you want beauty, color, and fragrance in your garden, then you can cultivate vibrant flowers.

To help you come up with guaranteed flower garden design ideas, you can gather information about different varieties. You can use fragrant perennials, such as the Erysimum, which is commonly known as wallflowers. This plant’s  flowers have shades of purple, red, and deep maroon, to name a few. The bloom time of Erysimum is from early spring to early summer. There are many other varieties, and they can all enhance the visual appeal of your garden.

Flower Garden

A garden is a space set aside, usually in the outdoors for display of plants, flowers or vegetables. A garden can also be for relaxation and enjoyment especially if it has well manicured grass and bushes. The design depends on the desired needs and the landscape shape. This may be done by the owner or professionally by garden designers. The art of gardening dates back to renaissance period with people like the French, English and the Japanese having different designs corresponding to their culture. Most of the renaissance gardens were developed in ruling families such as queens or kings and rich families.

Garden can support different purposes and thus will have different names. A vegetable garden just like the name suggests is used to grow vegetables for home use or for sale. Vegetable gardens are also known as kitchen gardens. Vegetable gardens often are also used to grow fruits, herbs and flowers.

An exclusive flower garden is one where flowers are grown for decorative purposes. A rock garden is a type of garden that features use of rocks and stones extensively. It is also known as an alpine garden. The plants grown on rock garden are those native to rocky areas. These are normally small species plants that cover or creep on the rocks.

Garden furniture

Gardens can often contain furniture especially if they are used for relaxation and enjoyment. Garden furniture may be made from natural material or plastic that depicts the natural look. These can be garden chairs, tables, benches, beds, sinks and garden shed. The garden shed is a structure used to store garden tools. The garden furniture should be of durable material and one that is easy to clean.

Other accessories are also found in the garden such as swings and umbrellas.

Garden plants

Garden plants can be perennial, annual, climbers or those that live for a few months then wither off. Care is required for these plants because they can be attacked by diseases and parasites. Plants chosen to be planted in the garden should be selected carefully to make sure poisonous varieties are not selected. Toxic plants may be dangerous especially if children and pets will be using the gardens. Some of the garden plants may have useful properties such as medicinal value, cosmetic or even as food products. Some of the garden plants are flowers such as; camellia, lavender, azalea, hibiscus, peony, the weigelia and the cyads. These flowers can be used as Christmas decorations. Garden trees examples include; olive tree, laurel, mimosa, cedar of Lebanon, hackberry, maple, the plum, silver fir, lime, cypress and the poplar tree. These trees can be used as ornamental or as hedges of the garden. They vary depending on the climate of the region therefore one needs to know which tree will best thrive in a specificclimate.

To keep the garden top-notch, frequent pruning is required. Various gardening tools will help perform this duty. There are tools for digging up the soil, mowing, for pruning and sweeping any dirt from the garden. Maintaining the garden may also need constant irrigation to keep the plants alive.

Home Herb Garden Tips and Advice

Using Herbs from a Home Herb Garden

Once your herbs are planted, you can watch them grow and flourish. Herbs are so useful, not only for cooking, adding to oils, but also for medicinal uses. However, your home herb garden requires just a bit of work.

Herbs can become a part of your daily life. You will get so used to adding an extra special flavor that can only come from your home-grown herb garden. You most likely will be harvesting (picking) your herbs daily. Harvesting is very important. Timing is everything. If you are using the herbs for an immediate use, obviously the best time to pick them is when you need them. But, if you are planning on drying or freezing the herbs, it is extremely important to harvest them when their flavor is at their peak. It is better to pick the young leaves several times a season rather than waiting until the entire plant is mature.

Pick the herb flowers either right before they are ready to bloom or when they first open their petal. It does not matter if you are using the herbs immediately, drying or freezing, the morning is the best time to harvest the herb flower or leaves. This is when the concentration of rich oils that give the herbs their aromas and flavors is strongest.

Many people that have their own home herb gardens harvest by the phases of the moon.

They say that herbs that have been harvested around a moon calendar retain more nutrients and flavor. Pick your herbs in the morning as usual, but check a moon calendar to find the best phase of the moon.

One of the big pleasures of having your own home herb garden is that you can eat your foods without having to wash it. There are no pesticides or chemical to rinse off.

If you plan to store your herbs for a few days, hold off washing them. When you do wash the herbs and if there is a large quantity, you can use the sink and place 2 tablespoons of salt in the water. This will get rid of insects without damaging the plant. After removing the herb, dry them in a salad spinner. The exception is parsley. This is one herb that stays longer and fresher if you seep it in cool water as soon as you pick it. This herb will not wilt by following this procedure.

Although different types of herbs have their own list of instructions, typically there are three ways that people preserve their herbs for later use: drying, freezing or preserving.

Drying is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to preserve your herbs' leaves and flowers. Hang drying is an especially great way to preserve large quantities of herbs. You will need a well ventilated, dark, dry location. Your attic or a small dark room would be ideal. Don't bother to wash them. Tie small bunches of herbs with twist ties, rubber bands or elastic threads and hang them so that air can circulate freely. Hang them one foot from the wall and leave at least 6 inches between bunches. Most herbs dry within two weeks. They will feel crackly to touch. These herbs are much more concentrated than fresh herbs. Store in tightly closed jars/bottles and store in dark part of your kitchen cabinet.

Freezing captures the full flavor of herb leaves. Cut the herbs into ¼ inch pieces and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Once frozen, place in a bag for more efficient storage. A neat trick for using your herbs in soups/stews is to place your chopped up herbs in an ice tray and cover with water and freeze. These cubes are handy to add to a simmering pot of soup or sauce.

The third way is using a medium. You can use either vinegar or salt.One great example is to use chopped mint, basil or tarragon with vinegar. It will stay preserved for months. If you'd like to make flavored salt, just alternate layers of fresh herbs between salt. When completely dry, separate the brown herb from the flavored salt and store in an airtight container.

Herbs transform ordinary meals into magical delights. Even if you already cook with herbs, having your own herb garden will inspire you to experiment and discover new ways of making an old recipe new.

Indoor Gardening Challenges for Gardeners

If you do not have a lawn that can allow you to make your own outdoor garden, or live in nation where improving external is not possible, indoor gardening is an amazing alternative. You can experience all the advantages of improving your own clean vegetables or flower gardening while doing away with the need for a large outside make place, or in the case of hydroponic improving, doing away with floor entirely. Indoor gardening can even provide you with larger makes, amazing clean vegetables, and better crops than what you might get in a more conventional garden. But improving inside the house is in many ways an entirely different beast than external, and it comes with its own set of issues and interferences.

Lighting - Indoor gardening indicates that your crops will not come in contact with the organic natural lighting design that generally helps crops make.

Therefore you will need to provide your own, artificial lighting design. But not just any lighting design or table lamp will do. The common house light only provides white lighting design, while organic lighting design contains the wide range of lighting design colors. To better duplicate organic lighting design, you need to purchase high-density remove and precious metal halide make lighting design. These provide lighting design on the lilac and red end of the range, which is designed to completely stimulate photosynthesis during the vegetative and blossoming, levels of development, respectively.


Watering - In outside floor house home gardens, there is a lot for place for error in water. Ground preserves water very well, which indicates if you provide too little water; it can store water and generate it to the roots over time. But floor also features as its own waterflow and waterflow and drainage system, so any excess water is less likely to cause main rot. At house crops, which are either created in hydroponic systems or small containers packed with floor, allow for a lot less side for error. You need to make sure you are not either over water or underwatering, and look out for signs and the signs of each.

Nutrients - Top quality floor has all the healthy value that a plant needs to succeed. If you are improving hydroponically indoor gardening, you will need to provide the plant healthy value yourself. Therefore planning a proper nutrient solutions and paying close attention to the health of your crops so you can get any insufficiencies that may happen.

Environment - One of the primary advantages of indoor gardening is that it can be done anywhere, even if the earth in your nation does not provide improving crops very well. But this also indicates that you are responsible for creating the ideal atmosphere for growth in your make place. You may need to take regular size of the heat range and wetness, and make necessary upgrades.

Odors - This issue may not considerably affect the performance of your crops, but it can be upsetting. In an outside garden, scents are quickly dissipated in the open air. But they usually obtain in a turn off make place. Ensure that to keep everything your make place as clean and cleansed as possible and remove any useless organic content that may boost the germs that can cause these scents.

Home and Garden Tips

Planning and planting a garden is easier than you may think, and fresh grown vegetables, herbs, and flowers are great rewards that are worth a couple weekends of getting your garden underway. Below are a few basic tips to use around your home and garden.

1. Before you begin to dig up a place in your yard for your garden, decide how much work you want to put into gardening and how big of yield you hope to harvest. If you just start tearing up yard, you may end up with too much garden and wasted space.

2. Many will till their garden twice before planting. The first till is to break up and loosen hard soil to about 12 to 14 inches of depth. The second should till compost and fertilizer into the soil.

3. Depending on your soil type, mix in compost material and possibly peat moss to add nutrients and to aid in water absorption and drainage.

4. Keep soil around the base of plants loose to aid in water and nutrient absorption.

5. Watering more deeply allows longer periods of time between watering. If it is sunny and hot, water in early morning or at night. There is less water evaporation at these times which allows water to soak into the soil.

6. For lawn care, one deep watering is better than watering lightly several times. In normal summer conditions, lawns need about one inch of rain per week.

7. To help keep water from evaporating from lawns, keep lawns cut at about two inches, or so. Not gathering grass clippings will allow for natural compost to develop which adds nutrients to the soil of your lawn.

8. To slow evaporation from your garden, put a couple of inches of mulch on the surface of the soil.

These are basic home and garden tips that can be used in most climates and regions of the country. Your local home and garden professional can also give you helpful tips, especially those that may particularly apply to the local area in which you live.

Herbs and Herb Gardening Information

Herbs can be traced back to ancient times, when Egyptians and Chinese used them for their culinary and medicinal qualities. The Bible and documents from medieval times refer to the use of them in most households. They can be used for many purposes, and gardeners get many benefits from growing them. Herbs are widely used as food flavoring, in potpourri, with tea, for medicinal reasons, and even as a form of garden pest control. You can customize your herb garden for any of these single purposes, or mix many different herbs to meet all of your herbal needs. Herbs are versatile: they can be grown outdoors alongside other types of plants or in containers indoors.

You can even grow your herb garden in the kitchen, or in a special section of your garden. You can grow enough of them to satisfy the needs of a small family in a garden plot four feet by six feet. Herbs used in cooking, known as culinary herbs, are some of the most popular types. Other herbs are favored for their aromatic foliage, and still others for their beautiful flowers and leaves. Another useful feature of herbs is that they can be used fresh or dried. Restaurants use herbs as a garnish on plates or in salads, while culinary herbs can add zest to a meal.

Herbs, like other plants, are available in annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Well-drained soil should be used for planting herbs. Organic matter should be added to soil that is thick or dense. It is not necessary to use fertilizer in herb soil. Most herbs grow best in sunlight, though there are a few that require full shade. Many herbs flourish in afternoon shade. Unlike other plants, herbs are not prone to disease or insects. Occasionally red spider mites turn up on low-growing plants in dry, hot weather, and dill, caraway, anise and fennel sometimes get aphids. Interestingly, mint plants can be damaged by rust.

You can buy full-grown herbs and transplant them into your garden, or grow your own from seeds. It is truly rewarding to watch an herb plant grow from a seed. When this happens, you can experience every step of its growth -- from birth to death. The experience of growing an herb from a seed is especially satisfying because herbs have so many uses. Nearly all varieties of herbs can be grown from seeds. Herb seeds should be planted in late winter, in a shallow pot or box. Lightweight, well-drained soil is best for planting herb seeds. Herbs do not grow deep roots, so be sure not to cover the seeds with too much soil. Plant them just under the soil surface. Here is an herb planting rule of thumb: the finer the seed, the shallower it must be sown. Herb seedlings can be transplanted outside in the spring. Some herbs can not be transplanted successfully, but most can grow well from seeds. A number of seeds can be planted straight into the garden, such as dill, fennel, anise, and coriander.

Growing herbs in a home garden is quite easy and gratifying, but there is a lot you need to know about them before you get started. Now that you have read some basic guidelines on how grow them, you should be inspired to continue your journey. All of the information you need is right here! Have fun with your herbs and good luck!

Rosemarie Jones, is an herb expert and an enthusiast lover of plants.

Home and Garden Decor

Installing home and garden decor is a great way to make your home and garden attractive, appealing and a relaxing place to stay. Before you enter your home, you see the garden. By creating a welcoming and pleasantly inviting atmosphere in your garden, you are creating a welcoming introduction to your home. Not only that - there are times when you just want to spend time entertaining or relaxing in your garden, so it's fun to keep it pleasing to everyone's eyes

In choosing home and garden décor, first you have to know what you want and what style you are looking for. One way of determining which décor to buy is by setting a theme to your garden. Thin about what you would like your garden to look like - what accessories you would like to see, and what plants and trees you'd like to add. Here are some of the theme ideas that you can incorporate with your home and garden décor: butterfly, temple, sundial, Japanese, water, winter, and jungle.

After you choose your theme, you can now make a list of products that are wonderful items to compliment your home garden. Some of these items can be flowers and flowerpots, planter pots, birdhouses, fountains, wind chimes, garden shelves, incense, garden angels, plant stands, flower vases, and statues.

Decorating your home and garden can be very challenging and you have to use your aesthetic ability to come up with a truly pleasing home garden. But before you make any purchase, see to it that your home and garden décor items will be good together so that you will not waste money, time, and effort

Garden Accessories

Garden accessories do not necessarily mean furniture. There are many garden accessories that are used in both winder and summer such as barbecues, fountains and planters. When it comes to the garden, there is never enough comfort, and garden accessories are accessories that not only enhance the appearance of the garden but make the garden truly comfortable. For most of us, our gardens are our place of relaxation. Our solitude. Our entertaining room. The garden serves many purposes and a well planned garden with the right accessories is obviously a creation that each of us enjoys.

Planters

Planters are popular in balconies and terraces and gardens. In fact, when we consider a garden, the planter is most commonly associated with the garden. There are many reasons why. Planters and flower boxes are space for the flowers to thrive and a means to beautify the flowers and plants. Planters and flower boxes are practical and durable and provide the personal touch that makes a garden area so inviting. There are different materials that the planters and flower boxes are made of such as plastic, stone or terracotta, and wood. There are many different styles in planters and flower boxes such as ones that hang or hook directly to a balcony railing. Grids can also be used for climbing plants. Planter and flower boxes give the garden character and personality and a welcoming "home" feeling.

Barbecues

For the garden, gas barbecues are the most popular. The barbecue is fueled by gas, heats up quickly and provides for a professional, even cook. The lava rock in the gas barbecue retains the heat in the barbecue and cooks at even temperatures. The gas barbecues come in many different design and offer many different features such as side burners and counter space.

Fountains

Fountains are works of art and are hydraulically engineered. There are drinking fountains and water fountains that are ornamental and provide the character and charm that a garden possesses. Garden fountains are made most often of stone. The fountains are characterized by a base, a tank that collects water and a top from which the water flows. They are a peaceful accessory for a garden and one that provide us hours of relaxing enjoyment.

Gazebos

Gazebos are an extraordinarily powerful piece of garden furniture that allows garden users shelter from the hot summer sun. They also allow garden users to enjoy the garden year round protecting them from weather conditions. Often times, gazebos are the focal point of a garden. They are the meeting place that provides comfort to garden users. There are various shapes, sizes and styles of the gazebo. The classic shape is hexagonal, although they come in many other shapes, as well. Gazebos are an attractive addition to the garden which gives the garden appeal.

Garden accessories can be anything from ordinary to elegant. Each provides the garden with additional beauty and sophistication. From simple planters to gazebos, each contributes a personal touch to the garden, and each is something that makes a garden truly unique.

Home and Garden Pest Control Information

Home and garden pest control is generally an ongoing task that gardeners and homeowners must address. As the seasons change, so do the pests. Gardeners may have different pest problems depending on where they live and what they are growing. Some pests are more common to arid, hot climates, while others thrive in moist, shady areas.

Before pest control can begin, a person will need to consider several things. Climate is an important factor because some control systems may only work if it is dry or cool out. Pets and children in the area are another consideration. Chemical pest control products can be dangerous and should not be applied in an area that children or pets can get into. The type of pests is another deciding factor when it comes to choosing the best control solution. Certain chemicals are designed to eliminate specific pests. The type of plants the chemicals will be used on should also be considered.

Those who do not wish to put toxic chemicals around their home or garden area can opt for natural pest control. There are some products that perform the same as the chemical based agents but contain no harmful chemicals and are designed to be safe for the environment. These products are generally difficult to find and can be a bit more expensive.

There are a number of plants and concoctions that can be added to the garden or placed around the foundation of a home to repel certain pests. Most of the concoctions are made from things that are found in the kitchen. Garlic water, lemon or citrus juices and a host of other things can be used. Certain herbs and flowers are natural pest repellant but should be researched thoroughly because they may attract other critters that were not a problem before. It is also helpful if the home or nests are removed before attempting to eliminate the pests from the area. Once a favorite spot has been identified, it should be made as uninviting as possible.

Lastly, a pest control company can handle all the numerous pests who may be plaguing the home or garden. Professional exterminators know what pest control will work for a particular setting. They can schedule routine visits to ensure the unwanted guests are not allowed to overtake a home and/or garden. Pests often times invade the home structure as well. An infestation will most likely require the expertise of a professional.

Better Homes and Gardens Magazine

Today, "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine is one of the most popular home magazines sold. For years it has been showing people everything from how to get clutter out of a house to which plants can be grown in doors. It also has shown countless recipes and quick-fix meals. Various crafts have also been show cased.

History

This magazine actually started off under the title of "Fruit, Garden and Home" in 1922, and was published by the Meredith Corporation. This was a family and home service magazine. Then in 1924 the name was changed to "Better Homes and Gardens". When it first hit the newsstands one could buy it for $.10 a copy. The price for a subscription for a year was only $.35

Several years later in 1930 to be exact, a cookbook under the same name of the magazine was published. Building Ideas was published as a special interest publication under "Better Homes and Gardens" in 1937.

Then in 1978 a real estate service was launched under the Better Homes and Gardens name. Also the Australian version of the magazine was published. A quilting magazine under the Better Homes and Gardens name came out in 1993 offering even more information for people on home activities.

Circulation

The latest circulation figure for this magazine is a whopping 7,688,000 people. Now that is quite a following!

Content

Since early in the publication of the magazine the content has been based on the home and its garden areas. Included in the topics for the home have even been craft ideas people can make on their own. Also various ideas on home décor have been included to help one decorate their house. Tips on planting seeds and taking care of plants are even included in one current issue of this magazine.

From a 1940's information on how easy ironing was then to January 2010 article on how to cut down the clutter in the house among other things, this magazine strives to be of help to people. This magazine has had recipes on various items from cookies to bread puddings.

The recipes are all kitchen tested to make sure they work. This magazine has offered even a food guide in the past. It is quite a job to plan meals for a family and magazines like this one make the job much easier.

In the July 1963 issue had an article "How to Stay Young and Look Great". It seems like the public does not change in what they need to read since many articles are written today on that same subject. In 1965 an issue came out showcasing which campers were the latest on the market.

Where to Buy

The Better Homes and Garden magazines are sold in most bookstores that carry magazines, grocery stores, drugstores, and on a home subscription basis. The subscription price today is $5.99 a year with 12 issues. That is only $.50 a piece. In stores the price is $3.99 an issue in the USA. You can also order a Better Homes And Gardens magazine subscription online.

Graeme Olsen is a senior contributor at Magazine Central, specialising in magazine subscription circulation and orders.

Organic Home Gardening

In todays Morden lifestyle people dont know how the Vegetables and fruits are grown, some of the fruits and vegetables come for far distant lands Mexico to Africa, where the climate is ideal to have good yielding in the farms, bright sunny days with lots of fresh water allows trees to grow faster and produce high quality of organic produce which we use daily in our life.

Lot of people are cultivating small Vegetable Garden to pick fresh produce grown by hand without using any Morden farm machinery and there is no use of Chemicals and Fertilizers, this type of farming is picking up in Netherlands a lot, people like to grow basic fresh herbs and vegetables which can be used in daily cooking. You can also get tuinlease to cultivate vegetables.

In contrast to colourful flower garden that exists for aesthetic purpose, a vegetable garden typically includes a compost heap of several small plots where you can grow one or two types of plant variety, this family garden concept is from world war II era, where people had small garden at back yards of each home which were called as Victory Garden which provided vegetables to families and freed up resources for the army.

With the increased interest in organic food and sustainable green living, many families are turning to organic vegetable gardening or tuinbeheer as alternative to their family diet, home grown vegetables and fruits uses up little resources compared to modern farming where the farm machinery uses lot of fuel. And the best thing is you save on shipping cost, as you just have to go and pick fresh for daily consumption.

Sustainable living is picking up in several parts of the world, people avoid foods which are shipped from far of countries as the fuel to ship these produces add lot of pollution to our atmosphere, another advantage of home gardening is you dont use any power machinery and you have to do the gardening traditional way using hand tools, this is an exercise which will help you to be fit and healthy. There are also consultants available who help you to setup your home garden and give you advice as well.

Facts and Information About Gardening Gloves

The gardener's equipment will be unfinished without gardening gloves. You may enjoy a faster work and also far better results once you learn how to select the correct gardening gloves. Very common gloves are generally low-priced; they are usually made from light materials which includes water resistance finish. These gardening gloves are perfect to handle seedlings or for potting and also re-potting your plants. It is possible to carry out a lot of other duties too, depending on the circumstance. Gloves hold dirt aside, shield skin from injuries and also make you comfortable!

There are a lot more special gardening gloves, and also they're often used for rose bushes, for landscaping and also for all duties. Injury because of thorns or even heavy underlay with your hands are routine. If you need to keep working in the garden, you must shield your hands throughout strenuous work.

The type of material useful for making such gloves are more tolerant even though still light. Furthermore, for landscaping reasons, gloves also have to possess some special finish to help excellent gripping of moist and also mossy rocks.

Some people choose to have extra group of gardening gloves for spreading pesticide sprays, although there are usually home gardeners who believe that the overall glove design may typically do for the topic. Whatever you choose, it is very important shield your hands not merely against injuries but also against chemical burns. Clean your gardening gloves regularly and also each and every time a person apply pesticides over the these plants. In order to make supplies stay longer, you must dry them well before saving so they really never get mold.

Pay attention to the idea that your glove will need replacing quicker in your hand that you're using more. This happens doesn't really matter if you might be right-handed or even left-handed. It is possible to at times change your gloves between the hands if can be done, although not all models allow for this. Do not use gardening gloves that are within an superior state of decay because they no longer will protect you for the hands. You might want to deal with a number of tasks with uncovered hands. Which is great too, if it is the way you prefer issues!

Yet, never wait until you have blisters and also callouses to secure a pair of gardening gloves, simply because gardening turns from delight in to discomfort in these events. Those who like working in your garden merely at times, to keep their property stunning must not overlook the practical nature of gardening equipment simply because they'd create a huge blunder. It's therefore unpleasant to master this hard approach...

Flower Garden Information

Any garden can be made to look lively as well as colorful with the help of flowers. In this guide, we are going to give you some basic garden information related to how to keep and maintain it.

Gardening is a relaxing activity to enjoy the sunny days and beautify the landscape at the same time. It is also a way to awake the artist within, giving the garden a decorative as well as a personal touch. Garden and outdoors have different ways ranging from choosing plants to adopt garden equipment, along with the appropriate gardening weather.

Although sowing and planting flowers look easy, the fact is that a custom garden is always nice. Before planting the flowers, however knowing about the types of plants available is also important. Such information can be obtained from different gardening news as there are different species available and the gardening weather conditions for doing so also changes.

The pond equipment used is the rake, watering can, a spade, hoe, transplantador and sprayer, among others.

The choice of flowers to plant

You can choose from four types of flowers for the garden. First are the annual flowers, which grow in a cycle that follow the growth, flowering and wilting within a year. The wallflowers, petunias, snapdragons and sunflowers are in this category. The biennial plant varieties best known are the impatiens and digital (Digitalis spp.). The perennials are the one which requires less maintenance because of the fact that these are highly resistant to heat and frost and are also made a part of garden bargains.

 The location of the flowers

The question of where and when can I plant is very essential.

After choosing the seeds you want to grow, the immediate step now is to select the location. Land for planting, the first step is to prepare the ground from the fall. This should enrich the soil with peat and manure, and then stir. Next is to sow seeds and cover before watering. Once the young shoots begin to be visible, do not hesitate to dispose of surplus through garden equipment to give more space to the other and help them grow. During flowering you should enrich the soil with fertilizers, weeds and dead leaves should be removed. Finally, it is necessary to water regularly with the help of a pond equipment so as to keep them hydrated.

Planting flowers to define the aesthetics of a garden

The ways of planting to create an aesthetic plant are various. First, the planting line, consisting alienate seed, leaving a distance of 3 to 5 cm between them. Outbreaks will then form a line in the flowering is a method used for both on land or in a greenhouse. You can also diversify this method of sowing seeds in the form of a spiral or curved shape with the help of pond equipment, but it should always be one after another. A second method involves seeding, i.e. scattering seeds at random, this methodology provides a natural touch, allows massive settlements and gives volume to your plants, plus it hides small flaws in the garden, such as holes or mounds. Just be careful that the seeds do not pile up at planting. The last type of planting is the planting hole, which is to put two or three seeds in the holes to get the best feet. It is ideal for climbing flowers, to conceal and to beautify fences and fences around the garden and outdoors.

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Garden Paving

A great way to pave your garden is with interlocking blocks. This will give you a lot of freedom to make unique designs. These blocks come in many different styles and colors which are great for complimenting the exterior of your home. Interlocking paving blocks also last for a long time. They can even be used to make steps in your garden.

When planning a garden paving project you will think of the end result first. Begin by drawing a plan of what you would like your garden to look like after you are done. This plan should be as detailed as possible and will have to include all the things you want so you can get all the materials you need for the job. This initial plan is also very helpful when calculating your budget. While getting a professional design done with the help of a landscape designer is the best way, a simple sketch will often be enough to get started.

Paving a garden is a job that will usually require at least some experience.

Having a professional do it for you is the best option. By contacting several professional installers you will be able to get an idea of the cost. Often the contractor will supply the paving materials and install them for you as well. If you want to do the paving yourself they will also be able to give you advice on how to do it. If you are serious about paving your own garden you can also get a stone laying machine to make the task easier.

Herb Garden Information - How to Succeed With Herb Gardening

Have you ever noticed that cooking shows don't use the herbs and spices that they buy from grocery stores? Everything they use is freshly picked right from their own, personal mini herb garden. Truly, if you want to cook exceptional meals - having your own herbs is something you should definitely be looking into.

The fact of the matter is growing your own herb garden isn't that difficult! It takes a bit of knowledge, some discipline and a good location to plant your seeds.

There are all sorts of different ways to grow herb gardens. There's the indoor kind, such as the ones you see in a cook's kitchen. These are nice for people who live in apartments or crowded condo's.

Then, there is the outdoor herb gardens (which may be what you're more familiar with). These are usually grown on a small plot of land outside.

Either way, the herbs can be used for cooking, medicine, or to make your home smell good! The latter kind is my personal favorite.

Like any other kind of plant, there are herbs that thrive as annuals or perennials and can either be bought and planted or raised from seeds.

The seeds you plant yourself are the most difficult, but it doesn't really require a green thumb. It just takes a bit of time and patience.

Seeds should be placed in a shallow pot or box in the late winter. The finer the seed - the shallower it should be sown. If you place it too deep in the soil, there is no hope that it will grow.

In fact, my grandma taught me to start growing the seeds early in the house. Just put them in soil and keep them watered, put them on a windowsill where your cat can't get to them, and transplant them in the spring.

Growing herbs at home is really, really easy - but there's lots of stuff you need to know before you venture out and start your herb garden.

Make sure you research up before you make your purchases!

Spring Gardening Information

We are now at the beginning of spring. There should be more than just thoughts regarding your landscaping. It's that time to get moving. I thought I would share a few tidbits of information to make your gardening a little easier and bountiful.

1. February is the perfect month for applying pre emergent on your existing landscaping. Pre Emergents do not kill existing weeds, but will control many of the seeded weeds that will soon sprout. Depending on what type, you purchase, they can be used on landscape beds and your  lawn. Be warned however that some pre emergants don't get along with some landscape plants.

2. Think about liming your lawn and gardening area. The PH factor is highly acidic in the Pacific Northwest. Liming is always a good thing. Just make sure you don't lime your acid loving plants like, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias or Roses.

3.

If you haven't cleaned out your beds this winter, do it now. A cleaned planter bed, will have less insects and diseases.

4. Fresh top dress on the beds always makes your landscape look better. We like to use black compost or aged hemlock bark. Figure 2″ over the entire planter bed. We figure 7 yards of material for every 1,000 square feet.

5. Adjust, repair and fine tune your irrigation system. It won't be long and you will be used regularily.

Spring is almost here and time is quickly running out to plan your beautiful summer garden!  This is the perfect time of the year to implement your dream landscape.  Plants (softscape) that are put in the ground in early spring will have a chance to get established before the summer heat kicks in.  Could you imagine a gorgeous bed of purple flowered Echinacea or bright white colored Shasta Daisies in your own backyard? While you are planting have you thought about the new patio you wanted or the paver path to your shed? If so, this is the best time of the year for that installation, especially since you will have all summer to enjoy your new hardscape and gain the envy of your friends and neighbors.

Below is a picture of a job we completed in the Ridgefield/Vancouver area, exemplifying the bed of beautiful flowers that will brighten up anybody's day.

Could you imagine hosting a party with your friends on the patio below on a beautiful sunny day in the Pacific Northwest?

Woody's Custom Landscaping has certified landscapers on staff and are eager to exceed your spring landscaping goals.

Click on our services to see what Woody's  Custom Landscaping can do for you.




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Useful Roses Gardening Information

'LEONARDO DA VINCI'

FLORIBUNDA / Synonym: 'Leonard de Vinci'

This rose has exerted a special fascination ever since it first appeared in public. First, its strong yet soft pink shade, together with its densely double, rosette-like blooms, lend it a special charm; and second, it is very frost hardy, so that it can be grown even in harsher zones. A word of warning, though: it is very susceptible to black spot. However, despite that, its popularity has not diminished, and it makes a lovely half-standard or standard rose in small gardens, a great container plant placed either side of the front door, or a very pretty display above strawberry or salad beds. Plant the roses 40 cm (16 in) apart in borders, or use six to seven plants per square metre (square yard) when planting in masses.

• The carmine-red Kordes rose, 'Neon' (synonym; 'Sweet Vigorosa'), is very healthy and displays dazzling full blooms.

This 60 cm (24 in) high ADR rose is robust and has spreading growth, making it suitable for hedging and ground cover.

FLOWERING: Repeat bloomer; very double; 0 5-6 cm (2-21/2 in); dark, 'old-fashioned' pink; no scent

GROWTH: 40-100 cm (16-39 in) high; upright; bushy

FEATURES: Very abundant bloomer; heat and partial shade tolerant; suitable for containers; very hardy

PLANTING: For beds, borders and hedges; gorgeous standard and half standard

INTRODUCED: MeiHand, 1983, France

 

‘BOTTICELLI'

FLORIBUNDA

The densely double, uniformly round blooms of Totticelli', with its ruffle-edged petals, are reminiscent of gossamer-fine powder puffs.

Until they have fully opened to a saucer shape, a dark salmon-pink shade dominates in the still inwardly curved centre petals, which seems to fade from the outer petals to the centre to a very delicate ivory-pink hue. Fully open blooms reveal masses of stamens and display a hint of light yellow at the base of the petals. `Botticelli' is a delightful garden gem that flowers abundantly in large, dense clusters. Plant this broad, spreading beauty 40-45 cm (16-18 in) apart in borders; for mass plantings use four to five per square metre (square yard).

'Pomponella' is charming, with pretty little cherry-red pompom blooms that resemble Old roses. This broad- growing Kordes breed grows to 80 cm (32 in) high and has proved to have very healthy foliage.

 

FLOWERING: Repeat bloomer; densely double; 0 6-7 cm (21/2-3 in); salmon-pink; scented

GROWTH: 60-70 cm (24-28 in) high; upright; broad bushy

FEATURES: Healthy; heat tolerant; suitable for containers; hardy

PLANTING: For flowerbeds, borders, hedges and ground cover; lovely standard or half standard

INTRODUCED: Meilland, 2004, France

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Some Information for Your Perennial Garden

Most homeowners not only beautify the interior and exterior of their homes; they also grow gardens to enhance their properties. They plant trees and flowers, install water features, and build outdoor living areas. With all these, they can enjoy nature without having to go very far.

Cultivating a garden is both a science and an art. You grow a garden to add beauty to your home, so you should pick attractive flora. However, you should also know which plants are appropriate for your local climate, or the type of soil your region has. You must know how to care for these plants to maintain their beauty.

If you want to grow a garden, one of the things you have to do is decide which plants you want. You can choose among flowering plants, trees, bushes, and climbing plants.

The types of plants that you choose can affect what structures need to be built in your garden. If you want climbing plants, you can build trellises to support them.

One kind of plant you can use for your future garden is perennial plants. A perennial can live for more than two years. This plant usually grows and blooms during the spring and summer, and then die every autumn and winter; it then returns in the spring from its root-stock. For a beautiful garden, you can get fragrant, flowering perennials. For you to get some perennial flower garden design ideas, you have to know some varieties of the plant.

The Woodland Phlox usually blooms in the early spring.

Its flowers are blue, and it can spread easily to cover the ground. The Woodland Phlox usually thrives in shady spots. Another plant you can use for your perennial flower garden design ideas is the lavender. Lavenders can bloom for weeks, and they can attract butterflies to your garden. Another perennial is the Dianthus. Its flowers can come in different shades like pink, red, lilac, pale yellow, and cream.

You can also use Lemon Thyme for your perennial garden. It is a ground cover that has a smell similar to lemons. Its flowers come in pink or purple, and they usually bloom in early to late summer. To help you maintain your garden, you can ask experts on how to care for perennials, like how much light and water they need. This can help you make your perennial container gardening ideas a success.  

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Information On Gardening Franchise

The yard space of the average homeowner is considered an extension of their home. This valuable living space is now the family's favourite place to relax, play, and entertain. These spaces are now adorned with lavish greenery, colourful flowers and plants. Now more than ever homeowners are discovering the significance in having an elegant and aesthetically beautiful garden that creates just the right outdoor ambiance. For all these reasons, it would make sense to take out a Gardening Franchise.

The pleasure and satisfaction that comes with working outdoors, being your own boss, and helping people to improve their surroundings, is the perfect combination for creating a successful lawn care or landscaping business. Dynamic gardening franchise opportunities are available that provide an assortment of products and services. If you have done your research as an entrepreneur, you already know that it is common to pay between £60-£100,000 for a only one service.

Imagine having the ability to provide 2 or more services to your clients.

There are franchisors that will offer you comprehensive training, support and the expertise that you need to get your career going. The cost of tools and machinery are often included in the purchase price of your gardening franchise. The structure and framework is already mapped out, which will make your day-to-day business operations easier. Other tools and services offered to you are inclusive of an owner's manual, marketing materials, first year blueprint of activities, connections to national vendors, your private label product line, and a guide to help you plan marketing programs.

Online services may consist of those items that provide you with a presence on the internet. Tools to develop your local website, your corporate website listing, and partnering with area-specific lead generation programs are available with your start-up package. The ability to offer customer financing could be considered an extra perk for you as well as your clients.

This entrepreneurial career choice carries with it certain advantages. It is a recession-proof industry that provides freedom through a high margin of opportunity. The growth potential is unlimited as you impact your community in a positive light, while gaining personal fulfilment. Your market is unrestricted and the professional training and learning that you receive is priceless. Learn from those who are already operating a successful franchise in the field of gardening. Gardening Franchise is a great idea and you should have a look!




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Garden Drainage Information

The type of plants to sow will be determined by the garden drainage in our gardens. If we want to have certain sorts of plants, having good garden drainage is what we need. If your garden drainage is poor, we are able to remedy the problem or plant, only shallow rooted plants or those tolerating lots of moisture.

Choose the area on your property where you want to plant a garden and check your garden drainage. One of the best ways to check for the drainage is by digging a hole 2 feet deep or larger, and fill it with water from your garden hose. If after 24 hours water still remains in the hole, your garden drainage is poor.

 

Poor garden drainage can be as simple as compacted subsoil or hardpad, in which the soil particles have been cemented together by a collection of minerals.

By using a deep cultivator to break up the subsoil and by adding some compost or porous material should solve this problem. If not you may want to check another area of your yard.

 

If the problem still exists you may want to try creating slopes and/or hills in your garden by simply adding more soil to the area. If your soil is very hard or has a large amount of clay content you can replace a few inches of the hard soil with a top quality topsoil. If after all this is, it is still not working, you will probably need to install a garden drainage system.

 

There is also a possibility that your water table is too high, in which case you can plant shallow rooted plants, elevate your garden or lower your water table. Your water table could be only inches from the surface or it can be hundreds of feet down.

If you are in a low lying area you can dig trenches above your garden to divert the water or by installing a drainage system. Always making sure that the excess water is draining away from any structures.

 

If the area that you tested for garden drainage is a relatively small area, you can still utilize the area by choosing plants that can tolerate plenty of moisture. Some areas of the South have swamp like conditions and you will find that some plants, such as a variety of iris, love the area to show off their beautiful vibrant colors.

 

When installing a garden drainage system, make sure your pipes are at the right level and the direction of the water flow is away from your house or any other structure on your property. You don't want to cause any other problems such as structural damage to any of your buildings. If you are having a problem figuring out how to install a drainage system you may want to consult a professional. A landscape designer or a lawn care service company might be a good place to start.

 

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Garden Studios

Garden studios make a fantastic addition to almost any garden. As these are made to measure they can be built in almost any garden. Of course for a luxury garden studio you'll probably need a large garden space.

Garden studios can be used for any reason, as they make fantastic work and play areas. When it comes to work there are many of us that would love to be able to work from home. Often we have the opportunity to do this but we simply do not have the space at home to take advantage of the chance. Working from home is a fantastic opportunity allowing you to stay at home with your family and get work done.

Having a garden studio installed can be a great compromise because you can have this built into an office. Often when we think about buildings in our garden we assume that something along the lines of a garden shed is our only option.

A garden studio is a massive leap up from this and really does just become an extra room in your home.

When we buy a home we don't always think forward to our family growing or situations changing. Sometimes before we know it we have more children than we planned. Whilst we wouldn't change this for the world, it can leave us in a home that is cramped and crowded.

This is another circumstance where having a garden studio installed can be an advantage. A play room for the children for example, to give you all a bit of extra space.

Whatever your reason for thinking a garden studio could benefit you, a garden studio company should be able to accommodate. Make sure you look around for the different options, because you want to make sure that the one you are buying is built to last. Some for example offer a 10 year guarantee, which helps give you piece of mind that you are going to get great value for money.

Have a look online at the different styles that are available because you should be able to find something that suits you with no problem at all.




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Garden Furniture Makes Garden Attractive

Garden Furniture is useful for the people who want to relax in their garden during their off time. They want to enjoy the silence of their garden by sitting there. The garden furniture is nice and gorgeous looking. The people want to purchase garden furniture to decorate their garden as well as the backyard area of their home. They want to make an oasis in the backyard area of their garden. The garden furniture is nice and attractive for the neighbors also. This is why people have a trend to buy garden furniture and decorate their garden with the furniture. The garden furniture is preferred by the individuals due to its strong ness, gorgeous looking and long lasting.

Garden furniture is very much popular due to its well design and attractive shape. They are indeed very much comfortable for spending the leisure time in the garden. This furniture is used especially in the garden to make it more aristocrat and attractive. The people want to enjoy their leisure time in the garden by using garden furniture. They want to make their garden more beautiful. Basically garden furniture is used for the people who want to make their garden more attractive before their friends because normally in the summer they invite their friends in the gatherings, summer party etc.

Garden furniture is of different materials such as wood, metal and concrete. The wooden garden chairs are less lasting than the other type of garden chairs. They have nice designs and decorations. Wooden garden chairs are very much attractive. The metallic chairs are more durable but contains less designs and decorations. They are not so much attractive like the wooden garden chairs. The concrete chairs are not at all attractive. They are durable most. They have no such noticeable designs and decorations.

Garden Furniture has an expensive look. Thus people want to buy the garden furniture and decorate their garden with the garden furniture. Garden furniture is a symbol of social status as they are looking very much rich.

Garden Furniture

When it comes to your garden it is important that you make the most of it. Lots of us don't use our garden enough and this is simply because we don't have the right garden furniture to take advantage of it.

There are lots of different types of garden furniture that you can buy to kit your garden out in almost any way that you want too. In fact it doesn't even matter how big or how small your garden is, because you'll be able to find furniture to fit in and match.

It takes a lot to beat an evening in your garden in the sunshine with your friends and family. A few drinks and a barbecue can really make a fantastic night and is a great way to enjoy you.

When it comes to choosing garden furniture there are lots choices. You can go for simple table and chairs, benches or even swing chairs. Even if you do know the actual pieces that you want, choosing what you want them made from and even the style that you want can be a hard decision.

There are different styles so whatever you choose is down to you.

In order to get a good idea of what is available you should probably start by looking online. As there are different garden furniture websites available you should not struggle to find inspiration on the type of furniture to buy. Websites that are selling these pieces will have photos up which means you can have a look and see what they look like before you go ahead and make your decision. This means that even if you have no idea what type you are looking for, you should be able to easily find inspiration online.

You can then buy online and get whatever it is that you have chosen delivered direct to your house. This also removes the worry of how to get it home from the shop you bought it from, making the whole buying garden furniture process even easier. So why not have a look online and see what is available because you are bound to find something that suits your needs.

Garden Tools

Designing your garden is most likely a personal statement of style. What one person likes may not be what another likes. For instance, some people like their gardens to be neat and tidy, while others love the adventure of winding paths and exotic plants. Formal, semi-formal, and informal are the three variations on the style for a garden. To properly design your garden, however, you will need to have the basic Garden tools, and perhaps a few extras depending on the look you are going for. You can choose to design your garden to mimic the design of your home, or it does not have to be related to your home whatsoever. It is all about personal choice.

Some people are born with the innate ability to transform space into something that is very pleasing to the eyes; whereas others are not and may not have the first idea about how they should go about designing their outdoor space.

To create a great outdoor space, you must manage the space well and remember that people will be moving around in the space. In other words, creating great patterns and utilizing the space within the pattern is vital. By utilizing geometrical patterns, your garden will achieve a unified feel about it. Which way would you like your patron to move about in your garden? You can achieve your ground pattern by using bricks or paving material. To achieve this you will need to have the appropriate garden tools on hand before you begin so that you do not have to stop in the middle of your project.

If you are seeking to create a formal garden, you want to be sure to incorporate symmetry and geometry, such as repeating patterns with different plants on each side.

The environment is very controlled, overgrowth is clipped and shaped on a regular basis. You can add urns or balustrades to complete the formal look. In other words, formal means that there are no surprises. You always know just what to expect.

An informal design is just the opposite; in fact, the design should be asymmetrical and not regulated. Allow the plants to grow without clipping. Allow it to grow as it may and to self-feed. This design is much softer and thus there is a surprise effect to it creating a great ambiance.

And finally, a semi-formal garden style is a combination of the above garden styles. You will create fine lines with your paths that will be softened by the occasional overgrowth in spots of your alluring plants.

Along with these types, there are also several different garden styles that you can choose from, such as Chinese, contemporary, cottage, or secret garden.

Contemporary is a modernized style that uses your plants to help reflect the surroundings. The texture and form of your foliage is just as important as what flowers you choose. You will weave hard landscapes into geometric buildings, which will then flow into a more open space. You will then use your flowers and other plants to create focal points around your architecture.

Garden Sofas

The appropriate out of doors furnishings as nicely as accessories for your garden adds beauty to the design of your garden. Adding garden furnishings such as a garden sofa does not only accentuates your garden but also creates an outside space and extra space to hang out in your home. The beauty of creating an outside space for your property is you really don't have to hire builders, plumbers or electricians to create an outside space. Most of the time buying the correct set off garden furnishings does the trick. Knowing the guidelines on obtaining will gain you when its time to select the great garden furniture set.When getting for a garden sofa, it is essential to look at what material its produced off. Since the sofa will be located outdoors, supplies that are capable to stand sunlight, rain and climate problems are hugely encouraged. Wood products are suggested as nicely as out of doors rattan furnishings and out of doors wicker furniture. The magnificence of outside rattan furnishings and outside wicker furnishings is that it does not go out of pattern and most are stylishly designed to suit any garden design and style. Other components you can pick from are aluminum, recycled plastic components, steel or teak.
There are also distinct kind and designs that you have to think about. Just mainly because its a garden sofa, does not mean that you are only stuck with one particular design and style. You will be shocked how quite a few furniture designers have presented whole lot of assumed about outside garden furnishings. Some of the designs you can select from are really like seat sofa, sectional sofa and other out of doors sofa. The sofa dimension and realizing how a lot seat potential you want for the sofa would also aid you when obtaining one. If you have a huge area in your garden, acquiring a sectional sofa is highly suggested. It is also encouraged to acquire a piece with striking design and style and make it a centerpiece in your garden.
The kind of finishing is also equally critical. This is most specially true when acquiring for a wood garden sofa. Make guaranteed that the wood furniture is chemically treated to be much more sturdy. Some finishing would also have an effect on the color of the furniture but most of the time all-natural wood colour appears additional appealing. Picking the ideal colour is vital and is generally the very first point that is discovered in garden furnishings. Plastic products have a lot more colour alternatives that wood materials whilst steel and aluminum are frequently constrained. Daring and striking hues are very good for a modern search and contemporary come to feel for a garden, neutral shades and normal colors offers out that region charm.
Thinking of the special characteristic would also position you to the proper path. An illustration of a unique function when it arrives to garden sofa is if it is eco-friendly or not. Then there is the finances and value. How significantly are you willing to devote on out of doors furnishings? Breaking your bank account for out of doors furniture is not useful at all but occasionally durable material is a lot high-priced. Resilient furniture is definitely really worth the investment and really should be the priority when it arrives to buying the correct out of doors furniture.

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Useful Flower Gardening Information

 

Tulip "Orange Bouquet" Multi flowered tulip

This single, late  flowering variety has deep orange bIooms The flower on the main stem is usually larger than those on the side stems.

Tulip Clusiana Var. Ohrysantha Wild tulip

The noble wild tulip T. clusiana looks as if ithas been painted. The elegant, pointed flowers are sulfur yellow with shiny red outer petals. This flower will tolerate full sun.

 

Tulip linifolia "Batalinii" Wild tulip

This magical, low-growing beauty has lovely lemon-yellow flowers. It is known as a profuse bloomer, able to form whole colonies in a few years.

Tulip Humilis Wild tulip

In the sunshine, T. humilis will open its pink to purple flowers and display its yellow insides. When closed, it looks a little like a crocus.

Tulip Tulip  

Tulips look best in groups, and you can plant 50 to 60 flowers together.

In flowerbeds, borders, and rockeries (low-growing wild species are particularly suitable here), they make eye-catching islands of color. The range of colors is practically legendary, from white to purple-black, from delicate edges to flamelike streaks. But tulips also make a good show in containers, pots, window-boxes, and of course in vases.

Tulips tolerate rather dry soil, but need moisture in the ground when flowering. Dead flowers and seedheads should be cut back as soon as possible to half the height of the stem, to prevent formation of seeds robbing the bulb of its strength, but leaves can be left until they turn yellow. This allows the bulb to ripen fully.

A change of site helps after profuse flowering, otherwise the bulb can remain in place for years. Once leaves have died, remove bulbs and bulblets to dry out; store them in a cool, dry place until planting season in the fall.

All parts of the plant are slightly poisonous. Prolonged contact can lead to so-called "tulip bulb dermatitis," with skin irritation.

Tulip Saxatilis  Candia tulip

Lilac-pink flowers with a yellow heart. This is a most rewarding and dainty flower.

Tulip Sylvestris  Wild tulip

T. sylvestris, sturdy and spreading freely, enriches any rockery. The yellow, bell-shaped flowers also have an enchanting scent. The plant will tolerate semi-shade.

Tulip tarda Wild tulip

This multi flowered miniature tulip, with star-shaped, scented flowers, bears up to eight scented blooms on one stem. In the sunshine, it will open its creamy-white flowers and display its eggyolk-yellow center. Excellent for naturalizing, this plant makes good ground cover.

Tulip turkestanica wild tulip

The cream, almost parchment-colored, star shaped flowers With their yellow central eye dangle in great number on their slender stem.T. turkestanica is one of the earliest-flowering of the wild tulips.

 

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Home Gardening Information

Over the last few years home gardening has become a preferred past-time as well as hobby. In fact, research has shown which home gardening is at an all time full of America at this time. In the usa 8 from 10 families take part in some type of home gardening action. Certainly through the amount of people who are doing this, home gardening is one of the most widely used recreational activities within country.

Most people which try their own hands at home gardening plant flowers; a minimum of they begin growing blossoms anyway. Flowers will likely be the first thought into any gardeners mind, however roses will require additional time as well as function, and should most likely remain in order to anyone who has gardened prior to. Whenever growing blossoms many selections are available, such as lights, perennials, and flowering mounds of plants.

Delicious vegetation is an additional big thing within home gardening.

Perhaps the best thing about edibles may be the reward of consuming all of them. The list of delicious vegetation that gardeners may develop at home is endless. Some of the most common delicious vegetation within the vegetable industry tend to be, taters, peas, corn, carrots, lead pages, as well as cucumber. Numerous gardeners opt for fruit, for example, watermelons, tomatoes, apricots, apples, apples, pears, and apricots. Little fruits, for example bananas, blueberries, and raspberries usually require much less work and less space, which makes them a lot more feasible for home gardening. Herbs, usually utilized as spices or herbs in cooking food, are growing in recognition every day; probably the most grown include tulsi, thyme, oregano, parsley, and cilantro. Probably the most considerations to view for when growing food is bugs as well as illness, after all, you don’t wish to lose out on the actual feast you’re going to get to savor from wholesome plants.

Lots of people don’t realize it, but landscaping is actually a form of home gardening. Landscaping covers many different places as well as forms of gardening. You may also classify mowing your own lawn because landscaping! Maintaining within the type of low herbage, landscaping usually involves ornamental grasses, and the great thing about all of them is they do not consider much work for maintenance. Types of lawn consist of goof grass, pampas, zoysia lawn, fire grass, as well as ornamental millet. Landscaping isn’t just limited by plant life, but additionally includes anything completed to a backyard for design, for example adding rubble or stones, putting a small pond, statutes, or a waterfall.

There isn’t a lot distinction between home gardening and gardening anywhere else. Vegetation still need to be planted in a great location. The actual plants nevertheless need drinking water plus they still need the same nutrients. Home gardening shouldn’t trigger one to get anxious. If you do decide to attempt homing gardening as well as finding out that you don’t have an environmentally friendly thumb, don’t obtain discouraged. Acquire some info, read up on gardening, and check out this again the following planting season.

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Outdoor Plants Gardening Information

FREMONTODENDRON

This fast-growing evergreen has beautiful yellow flowers from spring into autumn. Prune regularly if it is on a small fence or wall, ensuring the roots are not too wet.

CHINA ROSE

This vigorous China rose is popular, for its dark purple shoots, coppery young leaves, and lovely fragrant summer flowers. It will grow taller than usual against a wall.

DESMODIUM

From late summer into autumn, long racemes of pink flowers project from soft, downy leaves. Except in cold areas, old growth is best pruned back every spring.

ITEA

On warm evenings from late summer into autumn, long greenish catkins give off a honey-like aroma. The dark green, glossy, holly-like leaves are evergreen.

SOLANUM

Vigorous and scrambling, this shrub is evergreen in, warmer areas.

Loose clusters of star-shaped flowers appear over ,a long period in summer. Needs support.

PINEAPPLE GUAVA

The summer flowers of this interesting evergreen shrub have fleshy, edible petals and crimson stamens. Edible, egg-shaped fruits are produced after a hot summer.

ROSE ACACIA

Large rose-pink pea-flowers are borne in drooping clusters from late spring into summer. The leaves, with numerous lush green leaflets, are held on fragile stems.

Shrubs for Sunless Walls and Fences

ROME GARDENERS may perceive a wall or fence that does Ono receive direct sunlight as a curse, and consider it unsightly. It need not be a problem, however, as long as it receives some light.

Many shrubs (and climbers) will thrive, and some even prefer the normally cooler conditions of such a site, while others flower freely in or out of the sun.

WEEPING FORSYTHIA

A vigorous, rambling shrub, this requires regular pruning and training to prevent it from becoming overpowering. Star-shaped flowers wreathe the branches in spring.

ORNAMENTAL QUINCE

Superb in spring, when the previous year's branches are hidden beneath brilliant red flower clusters. Like `Moerloosei', best pruned and trained close to the wall.

ORNAMENTAL QUINCE

A reliable, adaptable, and vigorous shrub, this carries large flower clusters in spring and early summer, followed by aromatic fruits. Prune, and train on wires.

SILVER QUEEN EUONYMUS

A handsome evergreen shrub, low and bushy in a bed, but rising higher against a wall if trained. Glossy dark green leaves have broad, irregular creamy margins.

CHINESE ANISE

The aromatic leaves of this slow-growing evergreen are joined by loose clusters of yellow, star-shaped flowers in spring. The wood also has a strong, agreeable aroma.

AZARA

This elegant evergreen will grow to small tree size if allowed. Arching branchlets are clothed with leaves and, in late winter or spring, tiny vanilla-scented flowers. 

SILK-TASSEL BUSH

From midwinter through to early spring the branches are draped with long tassels, which s;emble in the slightest breeze. This shrub-has leathery evergreen leaves.

 

 

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Garden Pools

One of the most beautiful surroundings for a pool is the garden with tall trees, shrubs and beautiful flowers. Many garden owners choose to have an above ground pool installed in order to save money. A garden pool takes careful thought, and consideration and there will be a number of factors to look at.

If your garden is already exists, you will want to determine the best suited pool to enhance the beauty of your garden. Consider where you'd like the pool situated. Determine how much room you have to work with. Also, consider the shape of your pool and poolside garden. Other influential factors to consider will be the materials you use for your garden pool and the furniture which will go around the pool. It will also be necessary to purchase insurance. Also, by law you are required to have a safety fence and safety gates around the pool.

If you will be planning the garden round your pool, then you will want to determine what look you are hoping to achieve.

There are many different looks that you can choose from such as a cottage garden, tropical, modern and formal. It will be necessary to consider where the pool will be situated in relation to your home and other features that you plan on having in your garden. Typically, a garden pool is placed in open, sunny area. Trees and shrubs are planted around the pool for shade when you are not in the pool itself. Umbrellas will also produce shade which can be placed in tables or in the ground. A Gazebo might also be an addition to the garden that would be quite attractive.

Budget will also be a key determinant when choosing a garden pool.

Obviously, working within your budget will be necessary. Will you be landscaping the garden yourself or having the garden professionally landscaped? This too will need to be considered.

There are many different types of plants that may be planted around the garden pool. For instance, you might choose to plant palm trees, which will give a tropical look to the garden. The palm is a bit more expensive that other types of trees, but they are the ideal type of tree for planting near a pool. There are different types of palm trees such as the Mediterranean and the Queen.

Prairie Zinnias is another beautiful flower which can be planted in the garden which is bright yellow and orange. Considered ideal forpoolside gardens, as they survive in climates that are drenched with sunlight and heat.

Acacia is a poolside plant that is ideal that flowers in the spring with a small, yellowish or white puffy balls. The branches hang down, giving the tree the appearance that it is weeping, which give a remarkably soothing and calming effect to the poolside garden.

With a poolside garden, you will have many options in design and landscape. The key element is planning. Without proper planning, you will not have the magnificent appearance that you are hoping for.

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