About Tips on Home and Indoor Gardening

Home gardening can be done by yourself if you have the time. It can be great fun as garden remodeling offers the chance to create a more energy-efficient and natural garden and space where the family members can enjoy and relax.

 

Gardening stands mainly on the three concepts of R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. You should know that recycled plant material is effective for the soil. Mulching to preserve water and reduce watering has been standard exercise amongst many. You need to use the chemicals to add in the soil carefully so that you don't waste it. We provide gardening tips for you to deal with your garden.

 

Container gardening allows you to change your color strategies as the different plants blossoming in the garden. It is up to you whether you want to accord or contrast your colors, make sure you have a all forms of plants, leaves of all shapes. The taller plants looks good in the background and lower-growing plants work towards the front of the pots. You can also choose long blooming plants for less maintenance.

 

Another excellent concept is to buy cheap plastic pots and paint the outside surface with water color in order to create a smashing effect. You should buy matching saucers to catch the drips, which will save the floors from getting stained or wood floors from decomposition. Another successful way of container gardening is the potting soil, which has moisture saving grains mixed into the soil. The grains will soak up the water when it is applied and then release it gently during the whole day to keep the plants healthy. If you want your plants look spectacular you will want to make sure the containers placed in sunny locations get water every morning and each evening.

 

Indoor gardening is very common aspect in today's lifestyle. Though, indoor plant watering can is a useful device but they are becoming disused as there are other, more efficient methods of watering the indoor plants. You can watered the indoor plants in two ways; pick up the plants and placed it under a faucet or with an indoor plant watering can which had to be stuffed around from place to place in the house. Another way to the cumbersome plant watering can is the automatic plant watering systems, which is easily available in the market today. These devices are helpful for the growth of fragile plants as they make the people able to create a miniature greenhouse inside the room. They automatically water the plants even though you are gone for a vacation. The water is regulated in such a way, that only a sealed amount is released per hour, thus preventing over watering.

 

There are a few Japanese bonsai trees that make good natural gardening. Throughout time, planting trees like maples and azalea became a denotation of successfulness. Eastern countries such as Vietnam and Korea have adopted this process. Indoor bonsai plants imply special clippings every week to keep the trees dressed and groom them to develop in a certain way. Also, there is the wiring method but you will need particular tools to cut the wires from the trees as soon as they outgrow their surroundings.

 

As vegetables are becoming costlier in the market, you can opt for vegetable gardening. Vegetable gardening is similar to growing herbs and flowers and if the necessary steps are taken and if correct care is given to the plants they will flourish and create exceeding tasty vegetables.

Best of Working For a Lovely Patio

Since time immemorial, home beautification is an inclination or preference by home owners. Who doesn't want to stay in a pretty house? But house beautification does not comprise in its interior alone. All parts of the home can be improved and all of them will contribute to a home pleasant to live. And, this includes the patio.

The home's front yards and backyards are places some may not be fond of staying. But there are actually number of ways to turn your yards into a pleasant hub where you and the kids can stay or play and where visitors can find entertainment.

Where do you start in improving your patio? In every task, a plan comes as the first and foremost step. Your plan will be the guide to your next steps. Plans may not be very specific as to amount, design, area, and so on. At the initial phase, it is enough that you know the kind of patio you are going to build. After determining your desire of a patio on your outdoor, you will follow it up with calculations if it is possible with the available space that you have. Space is an important thing to think about in this plan. If your design will take a bigger space than what you have, you can choose to either adjust your design or create additional space like some house renovation. Then you may now take note of the most estimated cost that will be incurred. What are fixtures and furnitures that must be bought and put up? How much is the cost of labor if ever you need a contractor to do the landscaping for you?

Talking of the patio deck designs, you can easily find sample designs in the internet or in the magazines. You may just want to pattern your own ground to the one you see. Or, you can also create your own unique design. This means all yours. It's your taste and your preferences that will prevail. You think of the things that you want to do in your patio. Of course, your ground will not only be a place for strolling around or reading books. There are quite a number of things that you can do to extend your patio's functionality. You can place gazebos for hot tubs or spas where you can bathe for comfort with privacy. You may also place benches and large umbrellas with a design that you like. You can extend your garden and put up a fountain somewhere in the center where it becomes the center of attraction.

Landscaping softwares are also available. Some are pre-designed that you just have to make a pick among them or you create your own through the software. Buying this software is a cost but some are simply worth your money.

A lovely patio deck adds beauty to your home. Your marvelous rest and pleasure are not confined within the walls of your house alone. Extend your home to your outdoor and you'll see, every corner is a home sweet home.

About How to Create the Perfect Sitting Area in Your Backyard

As our time and lives become more and more filled with daily arrangements, many of us are seeking down time to relax. And wisely so - modern science shows us all to plainly the effects of stress on our brains. And what better place to sit down for a while than your own back yard? It's conveniently located and has the best surroundings possible - the outdoors! So let's get started - here are four factors which you should consider when creating the perfect sitting area in your backyard...

What is the Purpose of your Backyard Sitting Area?

Creating the perfect rest area in your backyard is all about you. As such, you have to decide exactly what you want. What is the purpose of your rest area? Why do you want to sit out in your backyard? Do you want to relax? Meditate? Think creatively about projects? Observe nature? This will largely dictate the other factors we're going to mention, and it will make or break your sitting area as a place that you want to go.

Choose Your Outdoor Furnishings

Once you've thought thoroughly about why you're creating a sitting area, your next step is to decide what furnishings you want. This can be as simple as a garden bench, or as elaborate as a screened redwood gazebo. If you want to sleep or rest, you may consider a hammock. If you want to relax and think about things, you may consider a swing. If you're going to meditate, just having an open place might suffice. In any instance, make sure your furnishings are weather resistant for years of enjoyment.

Contemplate Your Surroundings

What features do you want in your sitting area? What you can have partially depends upon how much space you have. If you have a big space with lots of planning flexibility, you can make it very scenic. A pond with a fountain and coy fish, natural boulders, or an entrance with an arbor. If your area is smaller, you may just place a few potted flowering plants for decor. Perhaps a pole and hook or two with vining plants that attract butterflies. Even a bird feeder or birdbath can make a nice show in limited space. The question of your surroundings also ties into our next planning consideration.

Creating Privacy

Many of us naturally associate privacy with a place for relaxation. And in many backyards, this is non-existent. If you have an average town-size lot, privacy will be an issue. There are numerous ways you can address this - from potted shrubbery to privacy fencing. If you want the scene to be as natural as possible, you should use some form of plant to create your privacy 'wall'. Poplars, evergreen bushes, and more can be used to create a screen. You can then fill your little space with everything you want.

At the same time, a gazebo can provide a fair degree of privacy by itself. It may be easier to simply place a few natural items around a screened gazebo. The roof and walls will provide most of your privacy by making the inside darker. Surrounding foliage can then act as both additional screening and attractive scenery.

When you're done, you'll have a perfect sitting area in your backyard for doing whatever you want in. You can plan your next project, watch birds and the nature which surrounds you, or just relax and get away for a while.

Awesome Hydroponic Gardening and Its Benefits

What is hydroponic gardening and what are its benefits compared to the conventional types of gardening? In simple language hydroponic gardening means bringing up plants and trees without soil. The plants are placed in a growing medium and all the nutrients are directly provided to them. There are innumerable benefits and its surging popularity can be gauged by the fact that more and more people are adopting this unique and simple way of growing their crops without soil.

As land is becoming scarcer with industries vying for land and farmers land turning barren and unproductive due to excess use of chemicals and fertilizers hydroponic benefits cannot be overemphasized. It is a blessing in disguise and with new research and innovations taking place hydroponic gardening is here to stay and is the future. Let us briefly look at the benefits:

It enables plants to grow much faster with research suggesting it to be as much as 50% compared to the conventional farming methods. Plants growing in soil have to search for nutrients to grow whereas in Hydroponic Gardening it is directly provided to the roots. This is one of the most important hydroponic benefits.
Most countries in the world are facing acute shortage of water as ground water levels recede. Water is given to the plant as per its requirement significantly bringing down the wastage of water.
A major benefit is reduction in the number of diseases that strike plants. Most pests flourish and prosper in the soil and as reliance on soil is eliminated so does the number of pests attacking plants.
It is imperative that ph levels and nutrients provided to plants are measured and this type of farming allows you to correctly measure and maintain the adequate levels required for each plant.
One of the most important hydroponic benefits is that you can grow the same amount of crops and plants in 1/5 of the space that conventional farming.
It is not dependent on seasons and you can grow any crop throughout the year.
A lot of time, effort and money are saved as once set up it is self sustaining with minimum maintenance required.
You require little space for it, as your rooftop, balcony, basement can all be turned into farmlands literally.
A lot of time is wasted on picking up weeds in conventional farming and this eliminates it.
The yield is nutritious and healthy as no pesticides are used.

The Best Create a Backyard Hideaway With Leyland Cypress Fast Growing Drought Resistant Trees

If you are trying to create a backyard hideaway in a short amount of time try Leyland cypress. They are a very fast growing tree with a tall, thin shape, making them perfect screen plants. These perennials can grow four to five feet in one season. Their columnar growth habit helps them fit in along the back of the border, between houses or other tight spots in the landscape.

Not only are they fast growers, leyland cypress or Cupressocyparis leylandii are drought tolerant and heat-resistant once established; usually after the second or third year. Their profile is similar to Italian Cypress, except much wider at the bottom. A mature tree can reach up to 60 feet tall and up to 10 feet around. Like many other members of the cupressaceae family, their upright, long branches are evergreen with flattened greenish blue leaves. Their trunks are reddish brown with a pretty silvery quality and can reach several feet around. Older trees seem to have less foliage at the bottom.

Leyland cypress can take full, hot sun to part shade. These trees are a hybrid between Chamaecyparis nootkatensisi and Cupressus macracarpa. They grow best in USDA Zones 6 to 10A or Sunset Zones 38 - 24.

It is best to space Leyland cypress plants about 10 feet apart. If you plant them too close together they become more susceptible to root rot. Mature tree trunks can measure up to two feet in diameter, so plan accordingly. Deep, infrequent watering will also encourage deep, healthy roots. Good root development helps trees be more drought-resistant and to withstand wind or storms better.

Leyland cypress are useful for partitioning off back yards or covering unsightly views. Over time they will grow into a tall, deep green fence that doesn't need trimming. That leaves you more time to relax and enjoy your backyard retreat.

Modern Gardening Tips For November

November can actually be quite a busy time in the greenhouse and the garden. By now you should have moved out all of the annuals, bedding and summer cropping plants and moved in anything that needs a little winter protection. Its important to be able to move around within your greenhouse, so dont pack the whole floor area with masses of pots especially if you then need to get to the far corner to tend an ailing plant.

[] Empty out pots of spent plants and wash the pots ready for next season, youll save hours of precious time in the spring and it will help remove any overwintering pests and diseases.

[] Ventilate the greenhouse on warm sunny days, it keeps the air fresh and reduces fungal problems. Be sure to shut it up at night.

[] Pot up rooted cuttings into separate pots of fresh, clean compost.

[] Check overwintering plants regularly and remove dead leaves from any plants to reduce fungal problems later.

[] Top up slug control and check tender plants for aphids and other pests. Seek out the hiding places of snails; just a couple in the greenhouse can wreak havoc.

[] Insulate the greenhouse to provide an extra degree or two of frost protection and keep a sheet of horticultural fleece handy to throw over plants in a severe cold snap.

[] Clean the windows of the glasshouse to let in as much light as possible. Check for cracks and damaged glass and replace and repair.

[] Continue to plant bulbs, especially tulips. Keep some pots in the cold greenhouse for an earlier display of flowers.

[] If you havent already done so, check your greenhouse heater to make sure it is working properly and ready for action when the temperatures fall.

[] Clear out the greenhouse gutters to prevent problems in heavy rainfall.

[] Tidy up under the greenhouse benches and have a general clear out.

[] Reduce watering to a minimum and restrict it to plants that are actively growing.

[] Divide some clumps of chives in the garden and pot them up for growing in the greenhouse where they should continue to produce a few fresh leaves.

[] Plan your seed order for next year and order in plenty of time so that you get exactly what you want.

[] Sow more broad beans for an earlier crop next year and also some green salad leaves over the winter. Sow the whole packet and then sacrifice half to winter salads and grow the rest on for a spring crop of leaves and pods.

Sow some more winter lettuce, salads and oriental greens if the weather is meek and mild. If its very cold then sprout a crop of sprouting seeds on the kitchen windowsill.

Force chicory under layers of potting compost in the cool greenhouse.

[] Move any pots that can be moved to the shelter of a house wall or even into a cold greenhouse. This will provide some protection against the worst of the winter weather.

The Finding Patio Door Suppliers

If you are looking for ways to improve your home, and bring some light into it, glass door is the best option. Usually, patio doors are used at the back of the house. But I have seen, on quite a few occasions, a patio door at the front of the house. There are a few things you need to bear in mind when buying a new patio door.

1) First of all makes sure that the company you are going to buy the door from as reputable. One indicator will be a 'Guild of Master Crafts Men' qualification. All the reputable companies should have some kind of qualification, and if there isn't any, you should ask why. By dealing with reputable company you have a good chance or avoiding problems such as wrong measuring for example.

2) Check if the company can fit the door for you. The fitting should be done by a company, unless you are a qualified builder and confident that you can do it. If you are going to do it yourself, make sure that all the measurements are double-checked. You do not want to waste money, and the door, because of wrong measurement. And I have heard that it happens sometimes. So make sure you have everything well measured.

3) Consider getting a color door. The majority of patio doors are white, and in my opinion it is getting really boring. Also, do not forget that dirt will show on white door much faster than ok colored one.

4) Check if the seller can provide you with self cleaning glass. If you are busy and do not have time to do the housework, self cleaning glass is a perfect option for you. Ask your supplier if they can fit your door with this kind of glass.

But remember, that all the changes you make, all the extra services you are going to get will cost money. Therefore, make sure that you stay within your budget.

Inspirational Beginner Gardening Tips For Everyone

There are reasons why people choose to build a garden. Some wish to experience the brilliant and astounding beauties of the garden at their home front yard. Some for economic reasons want to be self-sufficient and save money on vegetables. Some use gardening as a form of relieving stress from their busy work schedules at the same time use it as family bonding at weekends.

While you are encouraged to create your garden by yourself, building your own garden is simpler than you may imagine. All you need is the appropriate equipment and a little professional advice for gardening beginner to create his dream garden.

Beginner gardening tips

1.Choose a Location

The first step is to choose a location for your pond that will give considerable enjoyment to you. The location must be a good choice for you to relax and entertain yourself by viewing your garden. It can be near your house deck, patio or overlooking your master bedroom or family room.

2.Proper planning and design of the your garden

This is where your aesthetic ability will come out. Draw out simple blueprint of your garden. At the same time, this is the moment to decide on what plant or flower varieties to breed in your garden and where to allocate them to specific location.

3.Basic Equipments for Gardening

You will need a rake, shovel, hoes, water hose or sprinkler and garden stakes. You may also have read up some gardening reference books to learn more about suitable fertilizers and soil for the kind of plants or flowers you wanted to grow.

4.Watering your Garden

Also water your plants for longer period of time instead watering frequently. The best way is to water them in the morning, to let your plants have the time to dry out during the day. On the other hand, this also helps your plant to prevent fungal disease. Water your plants at night or at the coolest time of the day will reduced the speed its water loss from your plants through evaporation.

These are some of the beginner gardening tips to kick start your gardening hobby. Always remember, to maintain a healthy and beautiful garden required patience and time. But I can guarantee you, at the end of the day; it is very rewarding and satisfying once you experience your

first harvest from your garden. Enjoy and have fun!

Best of Get the Lowdown on Organic Container Gardening

If you're looking to start organic container gardening, you better complete the seven most basic elements required namely; plants, water, sunlight, temperature, fertilizers, space and most importantly, patience. Once an element is missing, you will not fully appreciate the essence of what you're doing and will not eventually succeed.

It is therefore advised that every thing must be prepared beforehand so the process can be started and be thoroughly done. So to get started, gather the elements mentioned and get them in a container wherein you could mix them except for the elements such as sunlight, space and patience as they are not tangible.  

Plants are the most essential because without it, your plans of organic container gardening would be useless. The success of the whole project highly depends on the plants that you will be growing, cultivating, nurturing and eventually going to be harvesting.

You need to be very careful in choosing the type of plant that you will be growing as the success of growing varies in the temperature, place and season. To start with, you can choose plants that are not seasonal or those that easily grow.

Water is another vital ingredient in the success of organic container gardening as this will sustain the life of the plant that you're trying to grow. The trick is to keep the soil and the plants inside the container but be careful not to submerge them thoroughly in the water. Doing so will only drown the plant.

Sunlight is another essential element in organic container gardening because it nourishes the plant. Just like water, it is important in the growth of the plants. Too much of it though will also harm the plants. So be careful not to overdose the plant with it. Place it in a location wherein it could get enough sunlight but not too much.

Organic fertilizers are what help the already blossoming plant into developing into its greatest potential. They are very important, as they will help a plant grow taller and bear more fruits. Are we all set with the mentioned elements? Not yet without the most important above all-patience. In everything that we do we need to be very patient as not everything could be done in just a snap.

Learn of the patterns and behaviors of the plants growth period and stages and be sure to monitor them closely. However, do not be discouraged in cases wherein the plant seems to be a late bloomer or does not bear much fruit. Continue nourishing it with sunlight, water and love and you'll see your efforts will be paid off when it will eventually grow into a productive and fruitful flower or vegetable.

Organic container gardening is a great way to ensure your family eats only the healthiest fruits and vegetables.

Awesome Sizing Up Your Backyard - How Big Should You Build Your Swimming Pool?

One of the major questions that most ask before building a swimming pool is whether it is logical to place a pool in the back yard. Knowing what goes into the overall layout of building a pool and making sure the design fits with your needs are, is the first step to enjoying a good dive into your back yard, while getting the right measurements for the area you are in. Before you begin digging, you want to make sure you know the options for the backyard area you have.

There are several approaches you can take to getting the right size for your swimming pool and constructing it in the correct way. Traditionally, swimming pools take a rectangular shape that requires a specific number of feet for lap swimming, usually to make up an average of a half mile of water. However, newer considerations help you to get the right fit while providing you with alternatives for your back yard that may fit better.

If you have a large back yard, but not long enough to have a rectangular pool, then you can consider the alternative shapes that may work the best. For instance, having a slant to one side that uses both the length and width of your back yard may work more effectively. Another option is to have a lagoon like shape where the width takes up more room. If you have a back yard that is not as long, but has more width, then altering the shape in this way may work more efficiently for your needs. Putting in the measures and altering your options for building your back yard helps to create the best look for your swimming area.

Of course, there are several that have found that it does not take a full length swimming pool to enjoy the area you desire. If you want to keep the water alive, but don't have as large of a back yard, you can still enjoy the area you are in. Getting measurements for a smaller pool and using it specifically for water activities and other options is one of the best ways to enjoy the waters, even when you don't have as much space. There are several designs that help you to get the smaller pool size while still enjoying the back yard area that you do have.

The first step you want to take when determining the shape and design of your pool is to measure how large your pool is. This will help to define the design that fits best in the area you are in. You want to combine this with the designs that are most logical in your back yard. If you have choices for the size and shape, then you can move into not only how large you want the pool to be, but also what you want to include in the landscaping and deck area for relaxing outside of the pool. Measuring this into the back yard, straight from the back door, allows you to get the most of the area that you are renovating.

With the ability to build the swimming pool you want, are also specific measures you can take to ensure you are able to get the most out of the outdoor area you are in. Looking into the capabilities to measure, define and build the pool that you want, and matching the design with the current back yard area is the beginning to getting the perfect place to dive into.

Awesome Gardening - Spiritual Practice That Grows

When you hear the term 'spiritual practice,' the things that probably come to mind are activities like devout prayers and deep meditation. Try going through an actual spiritual life coaching course, though, and you'll find out that it need not always be like that. Gardening is one of the more common as well as enjoyable practices that spiritual life coaches like to suggest because gardening can provide rich soil from which a deeply rooted spirituality can bud and blossom.

Spiritual Shrubbery

Parallel ideas are one of the main things that make gardening work as a practice for your spirituality. After all, the behavior and pattern of plants do bear a huge resemblance to the way your spiritual life behaves.
Regular watering with prayer and exposure to God are requirements to make your faith grow. You also need to be rooted in strong, rich ground to be able to grow and expand your faith. Every now and then, you have to prune it to keep things simple and uncomplicated. And with enough time and growth, your branches and leaves can even benefit those people around you.

But it's not just the many parallel ideas that exist between deepening your spirituality and maintaining a shrubbery. One of the things that makes gardening a great spiritual practice is the 'me' time it can afford you. It gives you an opportunity to escape the noise and bustle of everyday life, to slow down and think, and to be alone with yourself, your watering can and God.

Planting the Seed

It doesn't take much to start with this particular practice. Just find yourself a spot of garden and a few plants to tend; even a little flower pot on your window sill will do. Be sure to pick plants that aren't too high maintenance, else you'll end up thinking more of your exotic geraniums than of getting closer to God.

Make spending time with your garden a fixed part of your schedule. This is a crucial step because it has to be part of your routine, your daily habit. Without this regularity, the effectiveness of the spiritual practice gets diluted. Besides, it's a very relaxing activity that you'll probably want to do everyday anyway.

From the Ground Up

One of the messages that spiritual life coaches give is to allot quiet time for yourself, especially when you're trying to reconnect with God or to deepen an existing connection. The message of Christ is something that's always present and available; you just have to make sure that there's nothing else in your environment that's drowning it out.

Real spiritual life coaching isn't some one-time event; it's a continuing process of renewal in your faith. One of the factors that makes gardening so great for deepening that faith is having something - your plants, flowers or whatever - that visibly grow with you. Each one encourages a deeper and more profound sense of God's loving presence.

Awesome Getting Started With Organic Rose Gardening

Organic rose gardening is something which many gardeners are beginning to explore. It's hardly a new idea; until relatively recently, organic gardening was the only type of gardening there was. There's no need for man-made pesticides and fertilizers to have an incredible rose garden.

When you choose to garden organically, you'll not only have healthier roses, but you'll also be able to prevent exposing yourself, your family and your pets as well as wild animals to potentially hazardous chemicals.

After all, the natural world (including roses) have gotten along just fine without human intervention. It's when we decide that we can improve on nature that problems start to crop up.

The way things usually work is this: the leaves of plants carry out the process of photosynthesis, where sunlight is turned into energy, while their roots absorb nutrients and water from the soil. The soil contains organisms which break down organic materials into their constituent components - the nutrients which roses and other plants rely upon.

The man-made pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers which non-organic gardeners use can kill the natural organisms present in the soil and upset the balance which roses depend on. When the bacteria which naturally exist in the soil in a symbiotic relationship with the plant are not present, fungi and other organisms can set up shop and cause damage to your roses. Roses can also become dependent on these artificial fertilizers, which starts an unhealthy, unnatural cycle.

It's actually quite easy to grow roses organically - it's also less expensive. You just don't use the chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. You can use natural methods of fertilization and pest control; if the soil in your garden needs a little enriching, you can easily take care of this.

Using compost is the best way to enrich the soil in your garden. Start a compost pile in your garden with leaf mulch, grass clippings and other organic components (fruit peels, coffee grounds and the like). These materials will break down, producing a nutrient-rich compost.

Composting is easy to do. You can make a compost pile or compost in a container, though you will need to stir your compost occasionally to make sure that your compost is breaking down properly.

Organic rose gardening doesn't use chemical pesticides, though there are natural pest control methods you can employ. Generally, the insects which can damage your plants can be kept under control through the action of their natural predators. When you use artificial pesticides, you not only kill the harmful insects but the beneficial ones as well.

Ladybugs are one of a gardener's best friends, as are parasitic wasp species; these insects will happily eat other insects which can threaten your roses. Birds, lizards, frogs and snakes are also good to have in your garden. If you're having pest problems which natural predators can't keep under control, then there are organic, natural pesticides available which are non-toxic (except to harmful insects) which rose gardeners can use.

There are even pesticides which target a specific type of insect pest, leaving others unaffected.

There's no need to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides to grow roses with large, beautiful, fragrant blooms. An organic rose garden does require an investment, though this is an investment of the gardener's time and effort rather than money spent on chemicals - the roses you'll grow using organic methods are a reward which is more than worth the undertaking.

About Patio Covers In Austin 101

Let’s face it. Although a lot of us enjoy the fresh air, staying in the great outdoors isn’t always appealing. Especially if you have to face the hot, humid weather that Texas has to offer. This is why a number of homeowners opt to use patio covers in Austin and other Texan cities.

What are Patio Covers?
The patio covers used in Austin are actually quite different from awnings and canopies. They’re raised higher and can be used to form a covered deck which can suit a number of purposes. Patio covers in Austin are also more of a permanent structure when compared to awnings or canopies. Although patio covers can be made from a number of different materials, the most common material used by Austin residents is aluminum. Since patio covers are more permanent, they can be used to install a veranda adjacent to your home or in your garden.

Do You Need Patio Covers in Austin?
Any Austin homeowner will tell you that the weather in the area can go anywhere from pleasant to sweltering hot, and that’s when you don’t have to deal with thunderstorms. This is what makes the use of patio covers in Austin quite popular.

With patio covers, homeowners can lounge outside their homes, enjoying the cool breeze with a cool glass of their favorite drink and still stay out of the sun. At the same time, using patio covers in Austin allows residents to entertain guests and enjoy backyard cookouts even when it starts raining outside. Have you ever had to postpone a barbecue or your child’s play date because of the weather? With a patio cover, you no longer have to.

Where Can I Get Patio Covers?
In choosing patio covers for your Austin home, the first thing to do is to ask for a consultation from your local contractor. While it’s easy to get DIY kits, the drawback of most patio kits out in the market today is that unless you’ve had enough experience setting them up, there’s a chance that your installation could come out flawed. Getting the right size of patio covers in Austin and choosing from the limited designs available can also be a challenge, and you might just end up getting frustrated and forsaking your project altogether.

With custom-built patio covers, you get the perfect sized patio covers for your home and choose the best style to suit the rest of your house. Getting your patio covers done by an Austin contractor is also beneficial since they can teach you how to properly maintain it and enjoy your outdoor space for many years to come.

Best of Incorporating Science into Your Next Backyard Adventure

Your backyard is a great place for your child to get outside in play. In addition to swimming and playing outdoor sports, your child can also use your backyard as a science experiment. If you are interested in helping them achieve this, you may want to familiarize yourself with some popular backyard activities, especially those that have a focus on nature and science.

Exploring your backyard is not only a fun activity, but it is also educational. There are a large number of living, breathing creatures that can be found outdoors. All children love exploring nature, but there are some who may enjoy this exploration more than others. Those children are likely to be toddlers or elementary school aged children. Since young children may need your assistance, you will want to pick backyard activities that you will also enjoy.

One of the many ways that you can incorporate science into your backyard is by studying the plants that can be found in your yard. While all backyards are likely to have a number of different plants or flowers, yours may have more. For the best type of environment, you are encouraged to explore areas of your yard that have yet to be mowed.

Your backyard is also likely full of a number of different insects. Like plants and flowers, your child may enjoy examining these bugs. It is not only fun to see what bugs live in your backyard, but it is also exciting to learn about how they survive. There is also a good chance that your children may leave your yard with a new pet.

In addition to the living things that can be found in your backyard, you and your child may also want to examine the weather and the impact it has on the yard and everything inside of if. Backyard conditions change as the weather changes. By examining your backyard after a rainy day, your child may find that many of the plants, flowers, and bugs have either changed or retreated to safer grounds. Examining the effect the weather has on the things in your backyard is not only fun, but educational.

To make the most out of your child’s next backyard adventure, you may want to consider purchasing them some science supplies. These supplies may include, but should not be limited to containers, butterfly catching nets, magnifying glasses, picture books, and resource guides. If your child is planning on capturing a few insects, a small cage or breathable container may be just what they need. These supplies, along with others, can be purchased from most retail stores. These stores may include department stores, home improvement stores, and toy stores.

To keep your exploration focused on education, science books and nature resource guides may be a nice addition to your child’s science collection. Many books and resource guide have a focus on insects, birds, plants, and flowers. Many of these resources will provide you with information and pictures. For a large selection of science and nature books, you are encouraged to shop online or visit your local book store.

When examining the plants, bugs, and flowers in your backyard, you and your child may want to document what you see. This can easily be done with a notebook or a camera. By taking pictures, your child will always be able to remember their exploration adventures. Those pictures could also be used for other crafts. Scrapbooks and collages are a great way to turn traditional photographs into something much more.

Whether your child plans on exploring your backyard or they do so without intending to, it is likely that they will interested with what they see and learn. Incorporating science into your next backyard adventure is just one of the many things that you and your child can do outdoors; however, it may be the most beneficial.

Tom Balzer writes about science supplies.

Beautiful Preventing Patio Door Break Ins

Burglars can come at your home or residence from a dozen different angles. If there's a way in, they will, most likely, find it and in short order. This goes double for homes with glaring security weak points like a glass patio door. While they may look nice, and provide you with easy access to your patio, deck, or back porch, they are a would-be burglar's dream. Large, often slim panels of glass on rollers, which can be opened easily, even when locked. They're essentially a giant, shoddy window that you don't have to boost yourself up to reach.

So, what can you do to prevent a thief from using your sliding glass patio doors as a way in to your residence, you might be asking. Well, there are a number of modifications you can make that will turn your patio doors from the ultimate weak point into a strong point. Best of all, each of these methods is most definitely DIY, or 'Do It Yourself', which will help cut down on the squeeze on your wallet.

Patio Door Locks
First off, most patio doors lack proper locks. Instead, they have latches. Now latches can be forced open from the outside by the proper application of physical pressure, i.e. you shove the door, the latch pops free. A simple way to prevent this is to place a wooden rod or block in the door track. This block will act to prevent the door from being shaken open.

Patio Door Roller
Patio doors are also prone to being simply lifted up and out of their tracks by patient thieves. With a bit of jiggling, a patio door can quite literally be popped loose from the frame and set aside. Since patio doors are mounted on rollers, they are not secured to the track in any fashion. In order to prevent your glass door from being popped loose like this, first make sure that your rollers are in good, if not perfect, shape. Make sure your patio door isn't wobbly in the frame, and fits snugly and moves smoothly. If it doesn't, get it repaired or replaced immediately, in order to ensure that a thief cannot simply pop it free of its housing.

Perhaps the best way of protecting your sliding glass door from tampering by criminal hands is to install an auxiliary foot lock on the bottom of the door. Most types of foot locks have steel rods that extend into the roller track, creating a sort of deadbolt for your patio door. What this does is prevent your door from being opened even when it isn't latched above, and stops the door from being lifted by connecting it directly to the track.

Patio doors, while they might seem like a good idea for a home are, in reality, anything but as far as home security doors are concerned. They can be easily jimmied open, broken or even wholly removed, leaving a gaping hole in your house's defenses. However, while patio doors can be easily broken into, they can also be easily reinforced with simple DIY techniques. Using the above techniques, you can greatly improve your patio door security and make it safe from casual burglars looking for an easy entrance into your home or residence.

Modern Tips to Dress Up Your Backyard

When was the last time you actually had occasion to go into the back yard? This is an area of the house that is often wasted as homeowners don't make the most of the space they have. Take a look around you and what do you see? Is it a place that you want to spend time in or have your kids running around? If the answer is no, then now is as good a time as any to get out there and give it a new lease of life.

It's common knowledge that one of the best ways to add value to your home is to utilize the outdoor space more effectively. If your backyard is looking run down and scruffy, or your swimming pool an eyesore, then perhaps it's time you spent some time and energy on transforming it into a living space where you can spend the hot summer days with family and friends.

Tidying up your backyard ready for the summer and so you can actually use the space available will save you money in the long run, particularly if you have kids. Hot days can be spent in the back garden swimming and cooling off, invite friends over for a barbeque and spend less money on days out and admission fees.

If your pool has been standing neglected for months due to tears in the lining perhaps it's time you got it repaired and cleaned up, it won't take that long to make it look as good as new and shouldn't cost you too much money. It's not difficult to repair tears in your pool yourself, underwater pool patch kits can fix leaks and holes and are very simple to use. The quicker you fix the problem the better as otherwise you might find the damage is too much and then you'll be looking at a lot more expense either getting in a pool service to fix it or replacing it!

Once all the repairs are made get the pool cleaned out, fill it with fresh water and you're ready to go! Above ground swimming pools are great fun for kids and can actually bring a family together as you get to spend quality time together and everyone is having a good time. Invest in some floating pool lounge chairs and turn your backyard into a summer delight, lounge chairs are perfect for relaxing and spending lazy days with the family.

Outdoor pools are a big attraction for people of all ages as they encourage everyone to get outdoors and spend more time in the fresh air. They also provide more chance to exercise and can save you more money as you bypass the gym and dive into the pool instead. It's well-known that working out in water is good for the whole body as it helps to control weight and reduces blood pressure.

Along with fixing the pool there are other things you can do to your back garden to make it attractive and a place people will want to hang out. Consider placing flowers and plants in pots and tubs or hanging baskets around the edge of the garden and along the path, if you can afford it then you could even add a barbeque and turn the garden into an outdoor dining area too. Complete the look with a wooden or metal set of table and chairs and you're all ready to invite friends over for an afternoon of food and frolics, and a cool swim in your sparkling clean pool.

Discount swimming pools are a benefit for every household and if your garden doesn't yet have one then look into making the investment. They are very economical to buy and with installation included you can't go wrong. Pools are built to last with durable materials that will survive the constant change of seasons for many years. There are some really modern and unique swimming pool designs around these days that will significantly perk up the look of your yard and impress those living next door and your friends.

Adorable Gardening To Save Your Wallet

Growing fresh fruits and vegetables may seem like a daunting task but the rewards far outweigh any minor physical exertion. In order to have a successful garden you'll need practice and a bit of patience and with time you will be enjoying the marvelous benefits of fresh organic produce. When you grow your own organic produce the first thing you realize is that the flavor is more rich and invigorating, it doesn't really taste like anything you could buy at the supermarket that's for sure. One of the key rewards of having your own organic garden is the money you save. The money you spend in the produce section will be replaced with the time you spend in your organic garden. Changes in your taste buds and flavor palette will develop combined with a new appreciation for real fresh organic food.

Gardening is place for an individual to make use of their creativity, ranging from what fruit and vegetables to plant to the time spent researching different varieties of plants creating a new understanding of fresh food. Designing your own garden is a stimulating experience that creates a healing atmosphere which in turn has lasting benefits for the mind and body subconsciously.

People's lives nowadays are filled with constant stress and headache. Gardening can save on visits to the doctor's office and on pharmaceuticals by acting as a natural stress reliever. Just the feeling of creation in itself is enriching and a connection with the earth can be made offering new insights into the nature of life. Engaging in gardening has been shown to improve your health, both physically and psychologically.

With all the uplifting benefits that come with gardening it's easy to not to care about what pending issues are at hand. Organic produce is by far the healthier option than commercial food grown with unnatural chemicals, harsh pesticides and no love which lowers the value and quality. Saving money is something that we all want so needless to say that having a wide assortment of consistent fresh produce will help your wallet out and help ease some of the stresses of life.

Go for the healthier alternative this season by gardening!

Best Organic Gardening - Basic Potting Mix For Container Gardening

Container planting is a little different method of gardening than the traditional garden. The soil in your containers isn't the same, it needs to be of a lightweight potting mix. Soil from your garden can not be used because it will not drain fast enough, this will result in too little air for the plants root system. The ideal container medium needs to be of a porous material, one that drains well but high enough in organic matter to retain moisture. Plant root systems require both air and water, some of the packaged potting soil available from the local garden centers can make a good container medium if it is not too high in organic matter. Soilless mixes like peat or perlite mix are generally too light for container vegetable gardening by not offering enough support for the plants to anchor there root system. Containers themselves can also be a problem if they are lightweight, a strong wind can blow the plants over and damage them.

The ideal mix for your container gardening is a combination of both soilless and organic. The soilless potting media are sterile and don't contain any insects, diseases or weeds. There is a downside to the soilless media, they have no trace elements available for good plant growth and need to be added. For large container gardens it can be costly to use prepackaged mixes. Mixing your own potting soil is simple to do and cost effective. For an enriched soil mix that will have your tomatoes thriving I mix

An ideal growing medium for containers is usually referred to as soil-less, because it does not actually contain any soil. Regular soil is heavy. When used in containers, it can trap water and prevent air from reaching a plant's roots. It also makes containers hard to lift. A loose, porous growing medium allows water and food to move quickly to a plant's roots. It is also lighter, which makes it easier to move containers around the garden.

There are many soil-less mixes sold in garden centers and nurseries as "container mix" or "premium potting mix". Many home gardeners prefer to make their own potting mix so that they can design it to there specific needs of the specific plants they are growing.

There are many container mix recipes floating around out there. most of them consist of a blend of peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, compost or composted manure and sand. Some of these mixes also contain sulfur to lower the pH level or lime to raise it and other mixes can contain some type of slow release organic fertilizer.

A basic recipe that can get you started and can be adjusted to your specific needs is 2 1/2 gallons of peat moss, 2 1/2 gallons of perlite or vermiculite, 1 1/2 gallon of compost or composted manure and 1 pint of sand.

Container plants need to be fertilized on a regular bases, this is because nutrients leach out of the containers every time you water. Use a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks or add pelleted slow-release organic fertilizer to your soil-less potting mix.

Best A Patio Could Transform Your Garden

If you're fortunate enough to have a garden then it makes sense to try and make good use of it. Unfortunately, many of us take this outdoor space for granted. Instead of taking advantage of it, we may spend too little time on ensuring that it really adds to our lives.

This is real shame, especially when so many people in the world are not in such a fortunate position. So what's holding you back from making more use of your garden? It may be that you don't like the thought of weeding and other mundane tasks. As a result, your garden may not be as neat and tidy as it should be.

If this sounds familiar then you might like to think about whether you could improve the situation. Could you make some basic changes in order to ensure that your garden is in a better state? One option that you may not have considered is the installation of a patio.

This has a number of advantages. It's clear that a patio can be used to reduce the amount of lawn that you have in your garden. Such a change could be useful if you want to reduce the amount of maintenance that's required.

But it's certainly not the only reason for thinking about a patio. Having a solid surface will have a real benefit if you like to eat outdoors. You could easily position an outdoor table on the patio, meaning that you could enjoy meals outdoors. You'll even be able to invite friends over to share those meals with you.

That may sound particularly tempting. You'll no longer need to feel concerned about the state of your garden space. Instead, you'll feel like spending time there. This is what a real transformation is all about.

No matter what you decide, there can be no doubt that you'll feel happier once your garden gets more use.

Amazing Basic Gardening Tips 101

Budgeting For Your Garden

An impressive garden need not to be expensive. There are a number of ways on how to can create a unique and stylish landscape without breaking the bank. You can opt to hire a budget landscaper to the work for you or you can handle things on your own and make garden landscaping your do-it-yourself project. This can save you a lot of money but can seriously eat up your time.

So if you do not have the time to do your garden but have the money for it, then you might as well hire a landscaper. But if you got time, then you can enjoy creating your garden with your very own hands.

Know your budget

The first thing that you need to do is to budget your money for your landscaping project. List down the basic things that you need like fences, plants, pots, water system, paving, focal points, and garden accessories, among others.

Choose a theme or design

You can o ask a landscaper for a consultation so you can have an idea which gardens style and plant types are suitable for your space. You can then begin sketching out your concept and ideas of how your garden would look like. You can get references from home improvement websites or from local magazines. Add in your own personal touch to achieve the look that you want for your garden.

Purchasing materials

Once you already have the design that you want, you need to canvass for landscaping materials, plants and garden accessories. It is advisable that you get all your supplies from one store so you can get a discount on your bulk purchase. But do remember to compare prices from local garden stores in your vicinity.

Get discount supplies

Another good place where you can get discount garden supplies is on the Internet. You can find a number of products that can fit your needs and your budget. While you are online, you can also get good information on how to landscape your garden and tips and advice on how you can save up on your project.

Budgeting your time

Budgeting your time is also important when you create your own garden landscaping. You can get the help from your household members during weekends so you can have some sort of family bonding. Create a schedule and specify a target date when you want your garden to be completed. With enough patience and hard work, you can come up with an impressive garden in no time.

Inspirational Easy Breezy Summer Patio

Create that perfect 'staycation' summer patio the whole family will enjoy! These quick and easy ideas will have you spending more time enjoying your outdoor spaces, less time preparing them and loving every minute of it.

Fast redo for worn out patio furniture. Spray paint it. It's quick and cheap. These days you can buy spray paint for any surface from wood and wicker, to metal and even plastic! Spray several thin coats rather than one thick coat to keep the finish even and free of runs.

Revitalize your furniture cushions without sewing! All you need is fabric and heavy duty tape. You can use any fabric that you have on hand. If it's not outdoor fabric, just bring your cushions in when necessary. Simply wrap your cushions and tape the fabric down on the underside side. Add a splash of color with reversible throw pillows. Use brightly colored cloth napkins or bandannas to sandwich a small pillow form. Tie the fabric in a knot at the four corners.

Designer patio rug for cement patios and wooden decks. This is a great project to get the kids to help with. Use sidewalk chalk to draw any rug size or shape to fits your space. Paint it with outdoor paint. This is a handy way to use up any small bits of leftover paint you may have laying around! Paint a fast color block and consider it done. Or have fun and create any pattern that pleases. Painted fringe adds to the illusion. Small imperfections will make it more believable, so don't worry about making it perfect.

Crazy easy summer foliage. For ultra inexpensive greenery, plant grass seed in your pots or large bowls. Just let it fill in and grow. Simple, charming and no mowing required!

Mood lighting sets the tone! Make your own inexpensive outdoor lanterns with common household items. Line the bottom of glass jars with sand and place a candle inside. For extra color, stain the sand with food coloring before using. Use citronella candles for double duty. Keep it safe and never leave candles unattended. Don't place them on a flammable surface or in a draft.

Charming outdoor spaces are so simple to create. No matter if you have a small balcony or a large backyard, these simple facelifts will brighten it right up. It's time you enjoy your summer patio!

Beautiful How to Transform Your Backyard Into a Tropical Resort

Take a moment to imagine yourself relaxing comfortably and swaying back and forth in a hammock tied between two coconut-filled palm trees. Next to you is an exquisite bamboo tiki bar stocked with an array of refreshing tropical drinks and tasty snacks. On the hangs a charming bamboo tiki sign welcoming you to pure bliss. Accompanying you are unique tiki statues, a glowing fire pit, thatched umbrellas hovering over adorable patio tables, bamboo tiki poles, and gleaming tiki torches. You are at ease enjoying a beautiful sunset and sensational music with your friends and loved ones. This truly is paradise.

While imagining all of this, you probably envisioned a spectacular island setting, on an immaculate beach somewhere either in Hawaii, the Bahamas, Aruba, or another popular tropical travel destination. Well, you no longer have to travel far to experience this wonderful feeling. In fact, your personal paradise is only a few steps away in your own backyard. You can now relax, entertain, and thoroughly take pleasure in your very own exotic backyard paradise!

The best way to create that sought-after exotic tropical feel is to enhance and accent with various, palm trees, and additional tropical décor. Bamboos are a group of woody, fast-growing perennial evergreen plants. When treated, bamboo can form a very hard, lightweight, and durable wood. Because bamboo is durable, flexible, versatile, and environmentally-friendly, it has long been used for a variety of applications. For example, bamboo has been used for construction, architecture, musical instruments, medicine, décor, food, and much more. The use of Bamboo for decorative purposes has become most dominant use in the United States.

Steps to Transform your Backyard into a Tropical Paradise

1. Install Bamboo Fencing throughout your backyard for an instant tropical feel.
2. Landscape your backyard with elegant palm trees, and rich tropical flowers. This step is key when trying to create a warming tropical feel.
3. Provide poolside lounge seating for your guests, with small tables for drinks and snacks.
4. Add custom tiki statues and tiki torches to set the exotic mood.
5. Add a sand pit for volleyball games or you can use it as a play area for children.
6. Install a bamboo tiki bar for entertaining your guests. Don't forget to stock your bar, your guests will be anxious to have a drink once they see your backyard paradise.
7. Invest in some vivid pool lighting to make your backyard look remarkable during all hours of the night.
8. Outdoor speakers can complete this feeling with tropical or relaxing ambient tunes. After a few drinks you can liven up the party with some upbeat dance music.

There are numerous ways to turn your home into the ultimate tropical paradise. Bamboo and Tikis enables you to choose among a wide variety of high-quality products to construct your ideal tropic backyard.

You can cover or completely replace unsightly fences with bamboo fencing. You can either use rolled bamboo fencing for this project or bamboo tiki poles. Our rolled bamboo fencing is made of durable Tonkin bamboo cane from southeast China. We offer bamboo poles in a variety of shapes and sizes. We also offer several natural and black tiki poles, including full round, half-round poles, and bamboo slates.

Another decorating idea would be to throw a beautiful bamboo area rug on your patio or indoors in your hallways, kitchen, living room, or another desired place. Our bamboo area rugs are made of 100% organic Moso Bamboo. The bamboo is laminated onto a fabric with a non-slip design providing both durability and versatility. These rugs can be used on a variety of surfaces including hardwood floors, carpet, tile, and cement.

Additionally, you can put a unique tiki bar, either custom-made or pre-assembled, in your backyard, living room, family room, game room, or another room. These bars are great conversation pieces and provide years of enjoyment. You can stock the bar with your favorite tropical drink mixes, macadamia nuts, and pretty umbrella drink toothpicks for extra appeal.

Moreover, you can place a colorful, Hawaiian-Polynesian style tiki statue in your yard. Tiki statues are unique, fun ways to spruce up your tropical paradise. They are often times used for celebratory and worship purposes in the Polynesian culture. Typically, each statue represents a different Polynesian god. All of our tiki statues are hand-carved from solid coconut palm material by an experienced artist, and then carefully kiln dried and finished with waterproof spar varnish. Because each statue is hand-carved, no two tiki statues are alike.

The ideas for creating a fantastic tropical paradise in your home and/or yard really are endless. You can use some of the ideas briefly discussed here and you can view our bamboo installation gallery for various uses and installation ideas for all of our superb bamboo products and tropical décor. By transforming your home and/or yard into an inviting exotic tropical retreat, you will be able to host the best luau parties, share your paradise with friends and loved ones, and relax in pure beauty.

Top Bamboo and Tikis products include exquisite bamboo tiki bars thatched roofing, consisting of thatch panels or a thatched umbrella. Additionally, our colorful and unique tiki statues and durable rolled bamboo fencing are hot items. No matter which products you choose, all products at Bamboo and Tikis are of top-quality and are excellent for both indoor and outdoor use.

Amazing Gardening For Beginners - What Are Perennials?

Perennials are the backbone of many flower gardens. They are the plants that return year after year. To many it's like seeing old friends reappear, surviving the winter's freezing cold and gracing the garden again with their familiar flowers and scents.

It would seem that perennials would be the easy answer for a flower garden - just plant once and for years the garden is complete. The gardener can just sit back and enjoy. This is far from the truth however. Perennials take a little research and planning to be used for full effect. Some bloom very early as Lilies of the Valley and Bleeding Hearts. By the time the early summer flowers of Salvia and Coneflowers emerge the late spring varieties have all but finished for the year. Other varieties like Brown Eyed Susans don't appear at all until late summer. Perennials for the most part don't bloom for the whole season. Using these plants, your gardens will be continually changing throughout the summer. That is why good planning is essential. If only early blooming plants are set that flowerbed will be flowerless by mid summer. Many gardeners try to plant a mixture so they have color throughout the growing season. Others supplement their perennials with splashes of color from annuals.

It is a challenge to create a perennial garden that can be enjoyed throughout the summer. It must be planned carefully taking note of plant heights for optimal placement and plant blooming times for continuous blooming flowers. But, it's very satisfying to have a flowerbed full of lovely perennials. They are a background to build upon. They change throughout the season bringing a new look every month or so to appreciate and enjoy.

Besides planning and careful plant choices, regular light maintenance will help your perennials stay healthy. Dividing, pruning, staking and fertilizing - some or all of these tasks may be necessary. A little care goes a long way with these garden stars.

There are many good sites on the Internet to research perennials and mail order sources for plants and seeds are abundant. Get some catalogs this winter and spend some great time investigating these plants. Local nurseries are also beginning to carry more and more perennial plants as their popularity grows. Try some in your garden and enjoy welcoming back your old friends each summer for years to come.

Beautiful Container Gardening Ideas

Plants That Grow Well in Containers 

Flowers are one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in a container garden. Annuals are the simplest, but several perennial flower and small flowering bushes also thrive in a pot when given proper care. Decorative plants provide many convenient and strikingly attractive choices when planning a new garden container. The varieties that stay healthy in a more confined space are truly endless from small trees to coloured cabbages and from ivy to ornamental grasses. Naturally, Vegetables can flourish in containers when treated properly and chosen wisely. Common vegetables planted in tubs, pots, barrels and more are such as determinant tomatoes, peppers, squashes, melons, cucumbers, lettuce, herbs of all sorts and many more edible, food-bearing plants. Then, cactus and other desert varieties make superb potted garden plants. Generally, they need little maintenance and very little watering. 

Getting the Best out of the Container Garden 

First, consider the size of the plant and the size of the container you have selected in which to grow your garden. For all but vines, some trees and the shortest plants (like less than twelve centimetres), a good rule to follow is that the container should be as wide as the plant is wide. The pot should also be deep, but planners need to research required depth for particular plans so that roots can spread and get the nutrition and water for plant health. 

Good soil is essential for plant health and growth. For pots and container growing, a balanced mix should contain peat, sand, old mulched bark, limestone, perlite and maybe some vermiculite. Container plants do not grow well in clay soil. For permanent plants such as trees or ornamental and flower perennials, the soil needs to be exchanged yearly to prevent root rot from mould, and roots should be loosened so that they do not bind up. 

Watering should happen regularly unless the plant is from the desert, and fertilizing often is necessary. Plants grow best when they are fertilized according to plant needs and fertilizer directions. Plants, containers and garden accessories are a small investment for the joy gardening!

 

New Patio Chair Covers Prolong the Life of Your Patio Chairs

That one particular chair in your patio has a significant value to you because it was your mother's gift for you on your birthday because she knew how you love to spend time on your patio. Since that chair is very important to you, you should have to preserve its good qualities to make the chair stay with you for a long time.

Keep it dry and clean. That's one way to preserve the chair. With this, you might like to purchase patio chair covers that will help you keep your patio chair good as new. Covering the chair is to prolonged its life and giving it shield of protection against elements like rain, sun and even dusts or during extreme weather.

Buying patio chair covers will not cost you a fortune. So it should be an easy task for you to do and without any hesitant on your part. This simple action will give you pleasure that in many case cannot be paid by money. What I mean is that, you have more time to spend outdoors while comfortably sitting on your favorite patio chair because you have it in good condition even after years of using it. It is because you preserve it using your patio furniture cover.

Outdoor furniture covers are among the essential things for your outdoor pleasure in such a case that all your furniture can live with you and continue to serve you.

Make it last for years the comfort your patio chair is giving you. And so while you still have the chance before any rain or dust comes close to your chair, hurry and purchase the patio chair covers and make yourself comfortable of having your chair protected from elements.

Enjoy the outdoor and make yourself comfortable whenever you are outside with the patio chair your mother gave to you.

Inspirational Backyard Wedding Reception Ideas

When throwing a backyard reception, what happens there is limited only by the constraints of the space and the flexibility of your imagination. If you want to have a barbecue, go ahead. If you want a luau, party on. Taking the wedding reception outside of the reception hall affords the bridal couple a lot of freedom if they're ready to accept it. Here are some ideas to make a backyard wedding reception easy and wonderful.

In a traditional reception hall wedding reception, there is a dance floor surrounded by tables. In less-formal receptions, some people choose to forego some of the tables and serve appetizers, but the layout is pretty much the same. In a backyard wedding, you can choose any layout you like. Instead of a circular arrangement of tables and chairs, try using the topography of the space to create conversation areas. They could be standing tables around a swimming pool full of lily pads and sunflowers, comfortable lounge chairs on the deck to watch the sunset from, and other groupings of chairs and tables around the yard. Place a food station at each conversation area, and the guests will naturally flow from one area to another.

Decorations need not be extravagant in a backyard wedding reception. Play up the yard's features with extra flower plantings and possibly the addition of some flowering trees. Small flower arrangements of roses or carnations on the tables and about the reception area will go a long way toward creating beauty and ambiance. The cost of decorations could be cut in half, and perennial flowers and trees will be wonderful reminders of the day for many years to come. If the yard you're using doesn't have many features to play up, create a dance floor and surround it with tables. Erect a tent above the dance floor and swathe the tent poles with tulle. String fairy lights up the poles and around the tulle and place lanterns on the tables. It creates a perfect ambiance for an evening garden wedding.

Theme weddings are fun in backyard gathering spaces. You can create a high tea with finger sandwiches, teapots, petit-fours, and prissy flower and herb cuttings. You could also create a masquerade ball with gilded tablecloths and ornate decorations.

Some nice additions to any garden or backyard wedding reception are arbors and gazebos. You could place a flower-covered arbor at the entrance to the reception, and the newlyweds could walk underneath it to be announced to the guests. A gazebo is a fun place for a conversation station, or could even serve as the space for the couple's first dance.

Use your imagination and let your sense of play run wild for your backyard wedding reception. There is a lot less at stake when the reception is in your own backyard. Let this be your day and dress it up with dreams. Plant a flowering tree and decorate it with a commemorative plaque. With a little luck you'll dance in that gazebo on your fiftieth anniversary.

Inspirational Make your backyard a cool place using fan misters

During the hot summer months, you may feel that the sun is blazing around you even if you are indoors. The days become hotter and hotter and it is quite unimaginable to think about the noon especially. The temperature seems to increase with the days and there have been no signs of slowing down. The summer has become unbearable no matter what the cause of this temperature increase is. However if you are wise, you can combat this heat using fan misters.

Installing a patio misting fan on your patio or backyard is not only an inexpensive way but also very easy method to fight the summer heat. The patio misters have the capability to lower the air temperature around you by 30 degrees and it would be the best investment you can make this summer. You would surely have unlimited fun in your patios and backyard if you have mister systems on place.

You don't have to compromise with the traditional mechanical fan as the mister systems are far better in the features they offer. The traditional mechanical fan would simply blow the air towards you. During hot season, human body makes adjustments and release sweat to maintain the internal temperature. When the air that is been propelled from the normal fan touches your skin, the sweat is evaporated and the amount of sweat produced would be controlled. In this way you may feel cool while you use the fan.

On the other hand, the patio mister doesn't try to cool you but ties to cool the air around you. There are special misting nozzles that forces water creating microscopic water molecules. These miniscule water particles het attach to the air particles and in turn cool the air. During the process of cooling the air, the water molecules evaporate leaving the cool atmosphere around you. This is the reason why you are not left with any dampness but only a cool air. The patio misting fan cools the air around you so that you would feel cool.

There are outdoor misting fans as well as indoor misting fans available in the market. Indoor misters as the name suggest is specifically designed to operate inside the house. The outdoor misting fans can b taken anywhere from patios, backyards to stadiums even. Even though an air conditioning system would give you much cooler air, a fan mister is not behind in providing coolness. Moreover mister systems also offer a number of advantages.

The main advantage is that the misting fans are easy to maintain. You don't need to be electronic gadget savvy to maintain the misting systems. The fan has two basic parts; the fan motor and the water pump. And you can easily do the maintenance and repair tasks concerning to these basic parts. Also most of the mister systems are manufactured in a user friendly manner which allows easy to follow service and there are repairing manuals given with each unit. Thus the maintenance can be done without cracking your brains. You all know that installing air conditioner is a hassle as you need to measure the area, calculate the size of the a/c etc. but the process of installing fan misters are relatively simple.

Inspirational Indoor Gardening Techniques For Growing Herb

Indoor herb gardening is a new technology which allows any plants or flowers to grow fresher. Every plant that you cultivate in an indoor garden will result in a fresh green and nutritious. This indoor garden allows you to have a garden with fresh plants anywhere in your home with no hassle regarding climate change all around the year.
Indoor gardening is very helpful in reducing the amount of noise. Plants can be interrupt sound waves on their path and can reduce the sound levels. Plants can help to clean the air. This is reason for indoor gardening and will help to reduce the level of pollution. Plants also remove carbon dioxide from the air and then oxygen is released from the plants. Stoves used in home create carbon dioxide and herb garden will help to increase the level of oxygen. If you enjoy cooking then you know that herbs add great fragrance to the meals. And it will be difficult for us to purchase all the time and also get expensive.
There are number of herbs that are needed for indoor garden herbs like oregano, rosemary, bay, parsley etc. These herbs are of different features for growing. Some of them can be easily grown and some of them are difficult to grow. Also remember that your indoor plants also need water. Water you will give depends on the type of plants you have. It is very important that water can run out of the bottom of the pot. We should buy these from our nursery supplier.
Now a days several people indulge into indoor gardening because of the use of plastic plants as a home decoration and plants absorb carbon dioxide and give us a fresh air for breathing. For indoor gardening there are a number of equipments are used by the people which are easily available in the markets and complete information about indoor herb gardening and for device that how to use .We can also search on internet and book or buy these new technology device for indoor herb gardening and easily available in different sizes.
Indoor herb gardening is a new technology which allows any plants or flowers to grow fresher. Every plant that you cultivate in an indoor garden will result in a fresh green and nutritious. This indoor garden allows you to have a garden with fresh plants anywhere in your home with no hassle regarding climate change all around the year.

Modern Turn Your Backyard Into an Outdoor Paradise With Outdoor Living Furniture

Outdoor living furniture can transform a backyard into a fun and relaxing oasis. A well-appointed backyard should be an extension of the home and be as inviting to guests as a comfortable living room. Teak chairs, cedar benches, porch swings and a variety of other outdoor accessories can create the perfect outdoor experience just a few steps from your back door. Whether enjoying a morning cup of coffee in solitude, or entertaining guests on a summer evening, a yard filled with stylish furniture provides the perfect place to relax.

The highest quality outdoor furnishings are more inclined to endure weather changes and are therefore designed out of the sturdiest natural materials available. Though created for durability, homeowners do not have to sacrifice the beautiful elegance that they so desire in their garden and backyard environment. Some of the most elegantly designed outdoor furnishings are made from red cedar, which offers stunning natural grains and lustrous, natural hues. Quality outdoor living furniture made from red cedar comes in a variety of design options and is perfect for any backyard, but particularly those that are subject to insect habitation, and cold and wet weather changes.

Because of its natural ability to withstand time and weather changes, many who invest in red cedar wood furnishings for their gardens or backyards prefer to allow the wood to age naturally, without applying an additional finish or other wood treatment. Others prefer to apply a wood sealer or a stain to protect the colorful undertones of the wood. However, it is never recommended that an owner apply any type of oil finish on red cedar wood.

These exquisite furnishings can be accessorized with colorful cushions to compliment the surrounding foliage, and many families find that classic red cedar wood designs are easy to coordinate with matching swing sets and playhouses. This allows children to also have an enjoyable time in the yard, without taking away from the beauty of the outdoor design. Often, matching tables, chairs, umbrellas, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens can also assist in creating a true outdoor retreat that homeowners find particularly irresistible during warmer weather months.

When purchasing outdoor living furniture, it is important to select furnishings made from only the highest quality materials. Though bargain manufacturers create beautiful furnishings, which are often carried in discount department stores, the fact that these cheaply made designs rarely last more than a year or two makes them very bad investments. While higher quality brands may also be higher priced, the difference is that some will last 10 years or more depending upon how well they are cared for.

A garden or a backyard can easily represent the personality, lifestyle, and tastes of the homeowners in the same way that the inside decor of the home does. Shopping for outdoor furniture can be exciting, as the right selections help create an environment where lasting memories are made and shared.

Awesome Intensive Organic Gardening in Your Home Garden

Intensive gardening is nothing new. It is a method that has been around for centuries and is still practiced in many parts of the world. The close spacing of plants, maintaining a fertile soil, crop rotation and succession planting combined together is what sets this method of gardening in a class of it's own, along with apart from the traditional row method.

Raised beds are the ideal when incorporating these methods of gardening together. The preparation of a raised bed by digging, along with adding organic soil amendments to the existing soil before building your garden beds will greatly improve the soils structure. Double digging, adding amendments and mounding your garden beds above the existing ground will improve the soils aeration, drainage, moisture retention and tilth to allow for deep root penetration. Mounding of the soil also allows for added space to be planted over a flat surface.

A fertile, well balanced, organic rich soil is very important with this method of gardening. The bulk of the organic amendment to the soil being compost. Minerals like greensand and rock phosphates are also very beneficial. Green manure crops planted and turned into the soil will also help provide nutrients needed when planting crops at a close spacing along with improving the soils structure by adding organic matter.

In the traditional row method of gardening only 1/3 of the total gardens space is planted, compared to more than 3/4 when intensive gardening practices are used. Planting at a closer spacing usually is done by staggering the plants, allowing for more plants per square foot. Careful planning is needed to be done with this method, taking into consideration each crops habits, size at maturity, root spread, nutrition intake and water habits.

Succession planting is is very important to get the most out of your growing season. This is simply done by rapidly replanting to fill the spaces of crops that have been harvested. With a little simple planning, this can be achieved by rotating cool and warm climate crops. Once you start your garden in the spring with your cool climate crops and they are harvested, you can replant those areas with crops that will do well in the warmer weather months. After the warm clime crops have been harvested, you can replant with another crop that likes the cooler temperatures and harvest them in the fall. Timing is very important with succession planting to get the most out of your growing season.

Another great benefit to this method of gardening is companion planting. Carefully planning needs to be done when using this method, like nutrients being replenished back into the gardens soil. Different crops call for different nutrient needs. Planting the same crop over and over in the same location will do no benefit to your garden and only deplete the nutrients from the soil. Rotate nitrogen-fixing legumes like peas with crops that need nitrogen, such as corn, lettuce or tomatoes.

Intensive gardening is a method that is highly productive with a little careful planning.

New Accessories For Patio Umbrellas

Are you tired of the same look in your backyard? All the elements are in place but it just could be better. What is missing? How can we make it better? With a few accessories your patio can really wow your friends and neighbors. In this article we will have suggestions on appearance, lighting, and sound and the different way we can achieve the look that will make you look like a techno genius.

We can change the look of your patio area by changing the feel. Have you always wanted a tiki bar? There are several manufacturers if thatch covers that give your area a look of the Mexican pampas or a bar straight out of the south pacific. Perhaps you want a French cafe. Pick out a theme umbrella that expresses your inner desires. There are several ways to change the look of your area and the great thing about it is it is relatively cheap to start over again or change your look with the changing seasons.

Let's add some lighting. Almost any home improvement store has string lighting available. Some have led lighting made especially for patio umbrellas. There is also a lot of decorative lighting in different shapes, sizes, and colors. You can get chili peppers, dragon flies, Christmas trees, bells, you name it, they make it. Typically this type of lighting requires an extension cord to get its power. It may be easy or it may be hard. If it is too hard there are potions, if it is easy there some great devices to control the lights. The niftiest device I have seen is a plug in remote control so you can turn the lights off with a small push button fob. Most electronic stores have some sort of solution for switching. Another option is a small battery operated light ring. This is typically used for lighting a table when electricity is not available. They also make models that are solar. They charge during the day and emit light for the night time. Another option is low voltage lighting that can be fed from your landscape lighting transformer.

Sometimes, to keep cool, a fan would be nice and, believe it or not they make fans for your patio umbrellas and gazebos that can be plugged in or can be battery operated. When you don't want to turn your stereo up too loud, why not add some wireless speakers and hang them from your umbrella. They are typically battery operated.

Lovely Unique Gift Ideas For The Backyard Enthusiast Reduce Environmental Impact

If you or someone you love is conscious about caring for the environment, then gift giving occasions can sometimes feel less than joyful. Wrapping paper, ribbons, packaging materials, and even the gift itself are demonstrations of how wasteful we can be when it comes to giving gifts. Being more considerate and creative about what we give as gifts and how we present those gifts can accomplish a great deal in showing our loved ones that we care about them as well as about the environment. Here are some unique gift ideas that are, in themselves environmentally friendly, but that would also appeal to anyone who loves spending time outdoors.

Decorative Solar Lanterns

Inexpensive and functional, decorative solar lanterns make a beautiful addition to an outdoor dining table or sitting area. Powered by the sun's rays during the day, most high quality solar lanterns will gently illuminate their surroundings with an energy-saving LED bulb for up to 8 hours once the sun has set. No operating costs means no impact on the environment, and that is beautiful, indeed.

When preparing small gifts, such as solar lanterns, for giving, consider replacing traditional wrapping papers with cloth wrapping. Tie the cloth wrapping to the gift with a coordinating fabric ribbon. Whether you buy a pre-made cloth bag, or make one with fabric you already have handy, cloth wrapping is durable and can be used over and over again. Your friend will appreciate this additional gift.

Solar Fountains

Solar fountains for the garden, deck, or patio are another unique gift idea for the ecologically conscious outdoor enthusiast in your life. The gentle sound of running water is calming for the mind and spirit, and it can help your friend wind down and relax after hectic days. Also, a solar fountain can become the central focal point in a garden or patio without requiring a nearby electrical outlet to power the water pump.

Depending on the size of the solar fountain you plan to give as a gift, you may wish to consider no wrapping whatsoever. As an alternative, add value to the gift by putting it together beforehand, choosing a site for it outdoors, and presenting it to your loved one so that he or she can enjoy it immediately. Because there are no electrical cords with which to be concerned, the solar fountain can be relocated easily if desired.

Recycled Rope Hammock Swing

A hammock swing is not a common gift idea, but it's one that many people would love to receive. Unlike a traditional hammock, a hammock swing allows you to sit up comfortably and enjoy reading a book, having a conversation, or just taking in the surroundings. Hammock swings are often made with weather-resistant outdoor fabrics or woven with rope, but the most environmentally-friendly hammock swing is one whose ropes are made from 100% recycled polyester fibers. These ropes are extremely rugged and resist weather, moisture, and mold, but they are also soft to the touch like cotton.

While it is not recommended that you install a hammock swing gift before giving it to your loved one, you can add value to the gift by installing it yourself once a location is selected, or you can hire an installer to do the work. No wrapping is necessary for a hammock swing, but tying a decorative fabric bow around the gift before you present it can add a cheerful touch.

Gift giving doesn't have to continue to be as wasteful as it has always been. Creative wrappings that are reusable, or no wrappings, and gift choices that are sustainable as well as attractive and functional are some of the easiest ways we can make a more positive impact on the environment. By paying a little more attention to what we give and how we give it, we can make a big difference. Environmentally considerate gifts add value and joy to the giving, and to the receiving.

Nice The Secret About Organic Vegetable Gardening

Do you know the secret about organic gardening? It is no different from regular gardening.Yes , you did read that right! There is very little difference between the two. You still need to plan your garden and your work whether you are growing vegetables the organic way or the regular way. In this article I will look at both the similarities and differences between organic vegetable gardening and regular vegetable gardening.

 Successful vegetable gardening requires you to plan ahead. Talk to any veteran garden about how to start and they will tell you that you must have a plan. The first step in planning your garden is to decide where you are going to put it and how big you want it to be. The right location is crucial to your success. Most vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight a day to grow successfully, some might need more, so finding a position in the garden that maximizes light is important. The same is true for drainage and soil quality. It is important that you choose a suitable spot when you are planning your vegetable garden.

As you can see it does nt take a bio physicist or an engineer to be a gardener. However, it would make a lot of sense for you to take the time to research regular gardening and organic gardening. Although the differences are subtle there are differences. 

 Once you have found the right place to site your vegetable patch, you need to decide things like what you are going to plant and how much space to leave between the rows. You also need to be aware of which plants are compatible with each other. These steps apply whether you are planning to grow organically or in the regular way. The reason for this is some plants will require more water, nutrients or sunshine than others. Putting plants together that are compatible is therefore crucial to your success. The wrong plants growing together can lead to a war between them where only the fittest and strongest survive. This principle applies whatever type of gardening you are practicing.

 So, we have looked at some of the similarities between both ways of gardening, what are some of the main differences? The main difference will be in the type of fertilizers, weedkillers and pesticides you will use. Regular gardeners will use all kinds of man-made chemicals on their garden whereas a organic gardener will avoid using them at all costs. Organic gardeners make use of things like mulches in order to keep down weeds. They fertilize their crops with organic matter rather than chemicals and they use environmentally friendly ways of controlling pests.

As you can see it you don't need to be a bio physicist or an engineer to be a gardener. However, it makes a lot of sense for you to take the time to research regular gardening and organic gardening. Although the differences are subtle they are very real. 

Nice Types of Patio Covers

There are a variety of different types of patio covers. Patio covers are used outdoors to protect your patio from Mother Nature. Some of the types include; canopies and different types of awnings, as well as patio furniture covers to protect your outdoor furniture. There are both permanent covers and removable ones. Permanent structures can include pergolas, arbors and gazebos. Removable covers include retractable awnings, umbrellas and fabric canopies, both for the area and for your furniture.
 
When you are trying to decide what type of cover will best meet your needs you have to consider the size and type of area you want to cover. Canopies are a very versatile type of cover. They come in a variety of styles and can be used in all types of patio layouts. They are designed to protect outdoor patios and can be used year round.
 
You don't have to put a lot of money into either type of patio cover. If you are just looking for something basic to protect and shade you when you are outdoors or to cover your patio furniture at night when you're not using it, there are less expensive alternatives than permanent patio covers and heavy duty furniture covers.  Removable patio covers could be as simple as a patio umbrella; umbrellas can be stored away during the winter months.
 
Some types of patio covers not only provide overhead protection they also have side protectors as well. The side panels usually can be rolled down or up depending on weather conditions. Canopies with side panels help keep out wind and rain. The side panels are usually clear or opaque. The opaque panels block out the sun more and clear ones give you better visibility.
 
Patio awnings will shade the patio area and offer some protection from the sun. Awnings are like canopies, they help protect you from the elements, but usually they are attached to your home or other structure on at least one side. Retractable awnings can cover quite a large area and are easy to retract when not needed. Retractable awnings leave your patio and space around it open and free of posts that are necessary to support permanent patio covers.
 
When deciding on a patio cover you need to also decide what material you want to use. Typically aluminum, vinyl and wood are used for most patio structures. There are a wide range of styles and colors to match any décor. Any type of patio cover will protect you from the elements and improve your outdoor living space.
 
Aluminum and wrought iron patio covers are popular choices and require less maintenance than a wood structure. Aluminum frames are easier and much quicker to install than wood patio covers are. There are so many different kinds of patio covers that you will have to spend some time looking over all of the possibilities to choose the one to meet your needs.
 
There is a patio cover that will fit your lifestyle and needs. You can shop around and look on the internet to see what types of patio covers are available. You will be amazed at all of the different ways you can use a patio cover to enhance your outdoor living area and to protect your outdoor furniture.

The Best A Touch of Georgian Elegance For Your Patio

Imagine lazy Sunday afternoons soaking up the sun on your Georgian style enclosed patio. Looking out on your perfect, manicured lawn dotted with tupelo and black walnut trees, listening to the soft breezes rustling their leaves. Bees buzzing lazily amongst the honeysuckle flowers that drape over the fence, and on the other side an expanse of green pasture with horses grazing peacefully.

A Georgian patio like this is a modern day twist on the classic old wrap-around southern porch, such as you could see gracing historic American homes. The screens which would have surrounded the patio then have now given way to tempered glass, so you can have air conditioning, and your view isn't marred by fly screens. If you have an older home, still with some or all of its original patio roof, it can be retro-fitted, or you can choose to remove the roofing and have a green house effect instead. You can choose to remodel just one side of the house, or even remodel the whole circumference.

Your Georgian style enclosed patio is suited to any decorating taste. It is quite common for them to be furnished with rattan or wicker furniture and patterned, bright colored cushions, however maple or walnut furniture of fine quality also looks good. You might also wish to refinish the siding of the existing house to give a rough hewn look to the backdrop of your elegant patio. If your grounds are heavily treed, you might want to choose lighter colors for the walls and soft furnishings, and warm wood tones such as oak or walnut for the wooden frames of your furniture. As the patio is enclosed there's no danger of weather damage, so for comfort and Georgian style big fluffy pillows and overstuffed cushions are excellent.

If the wooden flooring of the original patio is suitable for restoration, you may do so. Area rugs in a heavy fiber are great, which you can group furniture around, and achieve a balanced look. Visual interest can be supplied by choosing intricate patterns and light colors. These durable rugs are especially suitable for high traffic areas. Indoor-outdoor rugs don't have to be ugly, and you can find lots of beautiful natural fiber rugs made from materials such as sisal or bamboo.

To bring the garden inside, you could have macrame hangers inside the patio as well as outside, with flowering begonias, which provide a lovely counterpoint to the walls and furniture with their intense colors. Lots of little pots of African violets clustered in a window which faces east is another idea for adding interest. Tall indoor palms or philodendrons are also well suited to a patio with a glass ceiling. Being tall they draw people's eyes upwards and add an extra sense of intimacy.

For intimate evening light, consider recessed lighting, which won't interfere with the natural light of daytime. If the sun is too much in the day, add slatted wooden blinds, light curtains or cloth blinds in a suitably coordinated color. These should cut down the sun but not cut it out altogether. Valances are suitable as well for your Georgian styling.

Wall hangings should be chosen to complement your color scheme but also to add a little contrast. The best idea is to choose decorations which have two or three tones complementing the décor and a few splashes added of vibrant color. Another touch of contrast in color can be added by figurines or vases, sparingly used.