The Best Outdoor Rugs For Decks and Patios

If you are looking for a way to spruce up your outdoor area without spending a ton of money or adding a large set piece that you aren't really sure of, then why not look into something much more subtle that can give you just the effect you are looking for without leaving you broke in the process. There are many different ways that you could achieve this, but one of the best ways is to look into some nice outdoor rugs for your deck and patio. It's amazing how something so simple can change the look of your deck and patio so effortlessly.

Besides making the areas surrounding them more attractive, these rugs are also very easy to clean and quite durable. Choosing the right fiber for your rugs can only enhance these factors. Seeing as how the rugs will no doubt see their fair share of sunlight and weather on your deck and patio, you may want to choose a synthetic fiber to combat these elements. Natural fibers are great, but they may also absorb moisture and they can form mildew. Sunlight can also cause natural fibers to fade over time, so if the rug is going to be in a sunny area the better way to go is with a synthetic fiber. Synthetic fibers will not only be much more easier to deal with as far as the weather is concerned, but also they can have just as soft a feel to them as many natural fiber rugs.

Now that you have selected which type of fiber you will want to have in your new rug, it's time to find a rug that will fit in with the theme of your outdoor settings. Seeing as how there are a seemingly endless amount of designs for you to choose from, this should not be a problem. Find something that fits your personality, and perhaps something that will put your guests at ease by adding a comforting feel to the area. On top of being pleasant to touch and nice to look at, they will also keep your deck and patio areas cleaner and easier to maintain.

Outdoor rugs for your deck and patio really are a great addition to your home, and if you choose ones that are a perfect fit for your outdoor areas they can be a nice conversation starter when you invite guests over. These rugs are a cost friendly way of adding a whole new element to your outdoor surroundings.

New Improving Your Home with a Patio

Are you looking to add a little sophistication to your home? Are you looking to just create a great outdoor living area? Patios are a great way to enhance your home. Whether it be by increasing value, increasing looks or just creating a great outdoor living area. These are a great way to add some spice to your outside area and create a great gathering area that people can use to do several different tasks such as grill or just to relax.

Adding a patio can be a great asset to your home. On top of creating a space that people will enjoy outside, during the spring, summer or fall, it also adds value to your home. This can be a great way to build up your home's value especially for those who are looking to sell their home or move. This is also a great tip for realtors who are looking to add an extra push to get people to buy a home. On top of being a great tip for realtors it is also a great tip for those that flip houses because it can be a fantastic way to add more value to the house that they are flipping.

On top of adding value to the home, patios are also great because they have the potential to look good. People utilize and decorate patios in various fashions. These include decorating a theme such as a backyard tiki theme. Another great tip for decorating backyard or even front yard patios is to add furniture. This furniture should be rain and destruction proof in that if left out unattended, the furniture may fall into unfavorable fashion. It is important to make sure that the furniture is maintained and kept clean for the guests also.

On top of being being a great value to the asset of your home and looking good, outdoor patios are used most and to great effect as outdoor living areas. People use these areas to relax and to take a rest after a long day or even just to enjoy great weather. People who own these patios often accentuate the atmosphere of them by decorating them as previously stated. This can make a patio that looks fantastic and is also very functional. What is important is if you are using the patio outside a great deal it is a good idea to have bug zappers or citronella candles to fend off insects.

If you are looking to add some sophistication and a little spice to your home, patios are a great way to do it. Whether it is to increase the value of the home, increasing its looks or to just create a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor living space outdoor patios are a great idea when you are looking to add an enhancement to your home. Patios are a great way to create a gathering area for your friends and family that will provide relaxation and allow people to perform tasks such as grilling and relaxing after a hard day.

Amazing Hot Rose Gardening Tips

Rose gardening is a hobby that has few matches. One of the greatest gifts that Nature has provided man with is a flower. The rose, especially has inspired poetry over generations and civilizations, the rose is a most coveted prize for a lover.

Getting the rose to bloom perfectly in one’s garden is one of the few unadulterated joys one can experience in this complex world.

But it might be of great importance to keep the tricks of trade up your sleeve when you venture into this field that has tested many a connoisseur.

In order to maintain a rose garden and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the rose, remember the following tips:

- The bloom should be good, and for this certain measures should be adopted. Buy good plants, which are young and field grown organically

- While planting your roses, opt for a well-ventilated place which attracts direct sun rays and is also properly drained

- You may need to water the roses if natural rainfall dwindles. Take extra care that the soil is drained properly so that the roses don’t become damaged due to over watering

- Regularly dust and air the roses every week or so to get rid of tiny insects

- Remember, winter mulching is important. Use a straw or some other material in order to protect the roses from low temperatures. Armed with these points, you are good to go in the rosy path of rose gardening

Organics are the ideal way in which to protect your loved ones, your domesticated pets, and even the environment from damaging chemicals. Roses are pretty, elegant, and a real treasure to have around the house.

In case you like roses, try to grow them organically – it is cheap and easy. The real secret of a successful organic rose garden is a quick look at how the natural world works. Once you understand this, then looking after your own organic rose garden will be a piece of cake.

The first thing you need to do is to plan, plan, and plan. Start with where you wish to see your roses grow, what colors and hues they must sport and envisage what they will look like when they are fully grown. Evaluate the other colors in your garden or your window will, see the colors of the walls, the other flowers, etc.

Contrast works very well with roses. Brighter shades look nice in front of darker walls, and roses must set your walls or your house in sharp profile. Don’t even begin to think of large size, award winning organic roses.

Naturally grown roses don’t grow so big. But they are safe, they are healthy, and they don’t pollute your environment which is saying a lot! A yard full of organically grown roses, setting off the house that it encloses, aah, that is the home one dreams of coming back from work to. Don’t you agree?

Visit our website for information about Growing Beautiful Roses. We are also giving away 20 FREE ebooks so stop by today.

The Best Choosing The Perfect Backyard Landscape For Your Home

Presentation can be everything and the first bite is with the eye. A nice, manicured landscape can make all the difference to how people perceive your dwelling place. You can find the perfect backyard landscape for your yard that will create a separate space for you to enjoy every day.

When thinking about landscaping any space, you must take into consideration, several things. Keep an accurate idea of the size of your space. You don't want to misjudge and buy the wrong amount of landscaping supplies. Develop a plan and have an idea of what you would like to achieve in your outdoor space.

It is a good idea to draw up some ideas on paper of the space you wish to create. A nice sized seating area is perfect for bringing family and friends together. If you have a good sized table, you can plan on inviting people over for barbecue's on nice warm days.

Think about what it is you would like to be doing with the space you are creating. Will you be entertaining guests? Will have or host family gatherings? Once you have an idea of what you would like the space to function as, it will help you as you begin to design that perfect space.

You can create a nice outdoor patio area by laying down pavers. If you already have an area of concrete, you can place a table with an umbrella if you are in a sunny location. The umbrella will serve as a nice area of shade on a hot, sunny day.

If your space is large enough, you can place some outdoor furniture there, as well. There are a lot of fabric and material choices available today when it comes to selecting patio furniture. You can find everything from metal to wood and even canvas. With so many options, the hardest part will be choosing which ones you like best.

You can create areas of foliage by using large pots with flowers and plants placed strategically around the yard. You can add a splash of color by using brightly colored flowers. Some larger plants or potted trees can be used to further shade the area and provide privacy if necessary.

You can consult a professional who can help you create the outdoor living space you desire. A person with experience in landscaping will be able to guide you and help you develop a plan. Because a lot of outdoor designs can become permanent, you want to make sure that your design will work for years and you won't have to try to make changes anytime soon.

The most common problem is people ignoring drainage problems when designing their landscaping projects. If you fail to consult a professional or plan out your water drainage issues, you could end up paying for it later. A professional can help you plan run-off and protect the environment around your project.

You can delve into a backyard landscape project, but research can pay off and help you accomplish your goals. Hiring a professional to guide you in your endeavors could save you a lot of time and money. Don't make the mistake of just jumping and making some costly mistakes. Careful planning will help you create the yard of your dreams.

Nice Indoor Herb Gardening - Learn the Basics

Indoor herb gardening is one of the simplest and most rewarding gardening experiences you could ask for.

An indoor garden could be on your kitchen windowsill, a table on a patio, or even in your family room. With very minimum effort and cost you could plant an indoor herb garden.

Some good herbs for your indoor herb gardening are mint, thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, chives and basil.

You could experiment with others, but since your herbs will be growing in a container, avoid those that grow too big.

How do you get started?

You could use a very big container for a several different herbs or choose individual pots to plant herbs separately. The easiest indoor herb gardening set could take as little as fifteen minutes to get started.

You will need the following  to get going:

Herb seeds or plants?

The easiest way is to just buy the young herb plants from your local gardening store that carries them.

You might also be able to get them from a gardener who has some extra to spare. Alternately you could always begin from scratch and sow your own seeds and let them germinate.

Containers

Containers or pots used to grow the herb in, could be anywhere from three to fifteen inches deep.

Depending on whether or not you will be planting every herb individually, your containers could be as long as you like. Four to six inches long is excellent for individual plants. Once you have finished the planting you need to leave an inch or two of the top of the container free of soil to make watering easier.

Fertilizer

It might be necessary to give your herbs a bit of nutritional help with some

fertilizer once a month or every other month because they are being grown inside.

Potting soil

To avoid infestation of your indoor plants, you should not use garden soil for planting. It is better to get potting soil from your garden supply store. They will be able to advise you which is the best type of soil for each kind of herbs.

Because they are being grown in an indoor herb gardening environment, you must ensure that the plants

get the right amount of light to grow properly. Lastly, do not overdo water, as herbs generally do not like to keep

their roots too wet. Allow the soil to dry before watering again to ensure that you do not over water.

Your indoor herb gardening provide fresh herbs all year-round and add colours to the area it occupies.

Indoor herbs in a kitchen adds scent of fresh herb and is also quite comforting and homely.

The Best What Range of Patio Awnings Are There?

Your patio is a fantastic place to be on a warm, sunny day. But when it gets too hot, the sun can be overbearing and burn your skin. During the winter months, rain and wind can spoil that special event you were planning for your patio or simply means that you can't use it to relax and enjoy the outside.

A patio awning can help protect you from the hard summer sun or cold winter rain. The installation of a patio can mean an extra living space for your home. That is, the extra space a protected patio supplies can expand the feeling of how large your home is. You can even take out comfortable seating and television to enjoy that patio as an outside lounge.

A fixed patio awning is either made from metal like aluminum or canvas. These awnings don't move, but are instead attached to the side of your house and reach out to protect the space. Canvas awnings are the cheapest but can be damaged by high winds and aren't always that durable. Metal awnings on the other hand are durable and strong but don't suit everyone taste or home decor.

Retractable patio awnings can retract or extend whenever you want protection from the rain or sun. The most expensive retractable patio awnings are automatic and with a quick flick of a switch will extend or retract with no effort on your behalf.

With any awning you need to be careful about high winds as they can damage or even tear the awning off the house. Canvas and retractable awnings are more susceptible to this. If you live in an area which has high winds, then you will need to either retract the awning when the wind picks up or take down the canvas. While this is simple with a retractable awning, with a canvas awning this can take some time and effort.

The most important part of a canvas awning is the material that it is made from. You want something that is durable, strong and resistant to UV. Some material is scientifically design to actually reduce how hot the sun is underneath the awning. This type of material is great for people who have children and want them to be able to play on the patio.

You can buy patio awnings from most home improvement stores. Some can be setup by yourself, while others will require you to hire a professional to establish the awning for you.

The Best 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!

 

Inspirational A Couple Of Easy Gardening Tips

There are a few easy gardening tips that can help any gardener to have a healthy and beautiful garden. Beginning gardeners especially find these gardening tips helpful since it can often be overwhelming figuring out where to start on their own. Gardening basically comes down to these main aspects: choosing the plants, choosing the place, preparing the gardening soil, planting the garden, and nutrients and protection for the plants.

Plants, Place, and Soil

The choice of plants determines the place that the garden should be located, since some plants enjoy full sunlight where others need shade most of the time in order to grow well. If there is not a choice in the place to put the garden, then the gardener will have to choose the plants based on the type of climate and sunlight conditions available in that particular garden. If the wrong types of plants are chosen, then they are hard to grow and maintain, causing frustration and failure, which is especially disheartening to a new gardener.

Preparing the gardening soil is the next most important gardening tip for the gardening process. The soil is the foundation for all of the plants' nutrients, holds the water to allow the roots to drink, and is the support for the roots to grow into and hold up the plant. Most soils are not adequate for the garden without having some mulch or fertilizers added to it so that there are more minerals and vitamins in the soil. Gardeners can create their own mulch through compost piles which cost the gardener no money at all to start yet produce wonderful mulch to start and maintain a garden.

Once the soil is prepared then it is ready to receive the plants. In order to help protect the plants from pests, another gardening tip is that it is a good idea not to plant vegetables in rows, but to mix other plants in with it so that it is not as appealing to insects and birds that see a row of a single type of plant like a landing strip of food.

Another way to protect from pests is to put netting over them which does not allow the insects to get through it, yet does allow sunshine and water through to nourish the plants. Pesticides are the most common method of controlling pests and can be very specialized according to the specific pest problem. There are also organic pesticides for those who choose to garden organically

Lovely Ideas For Patio Garden Decor

The outdoor patio is a popular place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Many people like to entertain on their patio and want a place that will help their guests feel comfortable. There are many decorating elements available to make your patio a special place for relaxing and entertaining. Even if you have a small patio area, you can still add some items of garden decor to make it a place of relaxation and beauty.

That being said, there are many different types of garden art out there for you to choose from. There are many different places to buy it, and there are many different ways to display it. The main thing to remember is to have fun with your garden art, and make sure that it reflects your own personality.

Furniture should be comfortable and easy to care for. Consider high winds and rain and be prepared to store or purchase covers for the seats so that they can be kept dry in inclement weather. An ambiance can be created by using patio fire pits. These pits come in a variety of styles and shapes. They are a great center piece for patio furniture.

Next, place the pots on your patio, arranging them while they are still empty. You may even want to move them around until the look is one you desire. Now it is time to decide what types of plants and flowers you will grow. This will most likely be based on how much sun your patio area receives since some plants and flowers require shade and others need full or partial sunlight.

Many people prefer to make their patio or garden private so they decide to block its view with the help of fences. Many people prefer their patio as a safe heaven, be it in figurative or factual sense. This is why one should first create a private surrounding and then create an attractive garden within that surrounding area in order to enhance the existing beauty a bit more.

You will find a myriad of ideas in home and garden décor magazines. Keep a file to store pictures of your favorite sun rooms or patio and garden areas. You will be able to look over this file anytime to refresh your ideas and make additions and changes to your adjoining home and garden rooms.

Foliage and hedges need not be tall when it comes to having a patio garden, thus to ease on maintenance needed. Usually, any hedge just below 4 feet would be perfect for a perimeter around the patio, and not too tall that would obstruct a scenic view where the patio is located.

There are many advantages of a patio garden over a permanent garden. If a plant is not doing well in a particular spot, then it can be easily moved. If it needs more sunshine, then you can move it to a sunnier spot and vice versa. The use of space can be maximized by using tall containers and double tiered pots.

A water feature can range from a simple container with some water and a few plants up to a large pond, with fish, waterlilies, bridges, and fountains. It all depends on how much time and money you want to spend in creating it, and how much space you have available.

When designing your outdoor living space, don't feel like the layout has to be completely static. Movable garden structures such as pots of flowers, solar lights and portable garden arbors and patio trellises not only lend aesthetic appeal and utility to your design, but their portability also makes your space more flexible. By simply incorporating a few of these items, you can create an outdoor oasis that changes easily to meet your needs.

The Backyard Fun - Make Your Playground a Learning Experience

Children of all ages absorb information from the world around them like sponges. They learn so many new things so quickly when they are young, everything can be a learning experience! One of the best ways you can help your children learn when they do not even know they are being taught anything is on an outdoor playground. Backyard playsets are ever popular possessions among families with growing children, where little ones can create their very own backyard adventures. They do not know it usually, but children are subconsciously learning about their world and each other as they interact in a fun environment like this.

During the age of technology in which we live, computers and televisions tend to be the dominating forms of entertainment. This is leading to an ever increasing amount of laziness. Combined with bad eating habits, the sedentary lifestyle that many people are living today is the cause of the overwhelming increase in the number of obese children. If you enjoy an active lifestyle and want to encourage your children to do the same, a playground can be a great investment. Keeping kids active during a time when sitting and watching someone else be active is a popular form of entertainment is becoming increasingly difficult. Give your children the chance to be active as they invent backyard adventures.

Safety is an issue among many parents. They want their children to be active and play outside, but perhaps the neighborhood is not the safest. The park may run rampant with aggressive teens or other dangers keep you from wanting to take your children to the public park. This is one of the main reasons parents decide to allow children their own backyard adventures. Also, with your own personal playground, you can customize the exact features you want in your set. You can base your choices on what your children enjoy the most and what is best for their age.

Many children yearn for an opportunity to be active, but they turn to the television instead because there are no safe options for them. Eliminate this issue with a wise investment. Not only will your children get exercise from a backyard playground, they will learn as they concoct backyard adventures with each other. There are many great models available on the market today designed for many age ranges. Remember to go with a qualified developer that has experience building playgrounds to ensure that they're safe.

Adorable Health Benefits of Herb Gardening

One trend that is quickly gaining huge popularity is herb gardening. People everywhere are starting their own gardens and producing great herbs and other plants that are much healthier and cheaper than the produce that can be purchased at the store. While it used to take a fairly large garden to grow herbs, it is now possible to have your own herb garden inside your home through a process called hydroponic gardening. This means that you will be able to enjoy the health benefits of herb gardening, even though you may have limited yard space or live in a small apartment.

Besides being a great experience, there are many health benefits of herb gardening. The first main health benefit of growing your own herbs is the added nutrition that you and your family will be getting from your food. Home grown food is higher in nutrition because it can be harvested at peak ripeness. This means that you and your family will be getting more nutrients from your food, which will lead to less medical problems. Another one of the health benefits is that garden grown plants are not contaminated with the harmful chemicals and pesticides that are widely used in commercial farming. These chemicals can be dangerous to humans, even in small amounts, so not having them on your food can help keep you healthy.

Aside from the health benefits there are many other benefits that make growing your own food a great option. Plants that are grown at home will be much fresher than plants that were picked, shipped, and sat in the store until you purchased them. The best tasting plants are the ones that are picked fresh and immediately used., and this is only possible for you if you grow your own.

Starting your own garden can be a great idea and also be a lot of fun. Try to choose herbs and plants that you will be using frequently and others that you may not be able to find in local stores. By growing your own herbs you will be getting all of the health benefits of herb gardening as well as better tasting food at a lower cost. If you are new to herb gardening and need some additional information, you can find tips, tricks, and suggestions on the Internet. There is a lot of information that will be able to help you get started with your own garden.

About Patio Furniture for Your Dinner Date

Though you live in a rented apartment and the only space you have outside is your veranda, it doesn't mean that you can't have a refreshing time outside. No matter how small your veranda is, you can still make use of this place for your relaxation. It would help you relax even better if you have patio furniture to which you can comfortably sit whenever you choose to unwind in your patio. This is also functional for some simple event such as a dinner date with your girlfriend.

How romantic it would be if you surprise her with a candlelight dinner in your patio. And it would be a plus point to impress her if you prepare the foods yourself. She will feel that you are really a perfect man for her. Moreover, before she arrives in your apartment, make use of the time to prepare your patio and create a romantic ambiance with some lights that produce dim glare. Anyway, lighting creates emotion on the place. Soft music plus your favorite love songs will do the honor to add more romance to your date.

Prepare your gift for her with the bouquet of red roses with an accent of her favorite flower. And if everything is ready and there is still enough time before your dinner, you can use the time to prepare yourself very well to add the good look you already have. And when she arrived, do what you have planned for that date and surprise her in a way that she will truly be delighted. After your dinner you can guide her to a vacant space and dance together with the beat of the music you have prepared. And together watch the stars after you have your dinner.

Your patio no matter how limited the space is can still be functional anytime. With just a little creativity and a set of patio furniture is enough to make use of the space on regular days and even for your dinner date. Think about this thing if you still haven't got your patio furniture in your place.

Lovely Outdoor Propane Patio Heaters

Choosing a patio heater is not as daunting a task as one might imagine. Yes the choices are vast, but generally I recommend a starting point...choosing an energy source. Will you rather opt for an electrical, gas or propane patio heater? Picking any type, narrows your choices significantly and makes it less difficult to choose the perfect heater for your patio.

Whilst each of these heater types has many benefits as well as some drawbacks, it often happens that your choice comes down to decorative attributes as opposed to anything else. Although this is true, let's look briefly at some of the pro's and cons of propane patio heaters.

Drawbacks of propane patio heaters

Most homeowners will agree that perhaps the biggest disadvantage of owning and maintaining an outdoor propane patio heater is the continuous refilling of the tank. The frequency depends of course entirely on the amount of times that you use the heater, so be prepared for this duty if you decide to go for a propane heater. The worst scenario off course is if your cylinder runs empty in the middle of a party with friends. See your patio empty just as quickly as your heater's tank did!

There is of course a way to counter this problem. If you 'have a little room' in your budget you may wish to consider installing propane lines to your house (and more specifically) your outdoor area. This is an expensive solution to the problem however, and perhaps not worthwhile pursuing for moist.

A More obscure drawback to outdoor propane patio heaters is the risk that comes with the live burning flame. Admittedly this is one of the charms of owning a heater of this kind, but the reality remains that it does pose a risk if one is not careful. The best way to deal with this is logical common sense. Keep the heater away from potential flammable areas and keep it away from children playing in the area.

With any number of drawbacks, there is of course an abundance of advantages of owning a propane patio heater. This heater type is actually an inexpensive heating source - a good point to keep in mind if you're on a budget. Depending on which area you live in, propane may also be a more accessible as an energy source. Outdoor propane patio heaters are also more movable than other heater types which make it a great tool in your decorative efforts.

All of the above reason is dwarfed off course by the main reason someone would rather opt for a propane heater. Propane heaters are known for its heating abilities. It can easily warm up an entire large outdoor area in a matter of minutes and warm your guests for a whole night of partying.

About 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.

Adorable When to Plant a Backyard Herb Garden

With the way the economy is looking these days, people all over the nation are looking for ways to improve their lives without having to spend a lot of money. It is so easy to spend a lot of that flimsy green paper we keep in our wallets if we depend on outside sources to supply our homes and families with the things that we daily need. However, with a garden in the backyard, you can save yourself a lot of worry and money by learning to be self sufficient. But you’ll need to know a few tips, like where and how and when to plant a backyard herb garden. Here are a few tips.

Planting a garden in the backyard can be one of the best things you do for your home. It becomes a place of work and enjoyment–a place for the family to come together and work towards a common goal that will benefit all involved. It adds a simple element of beauty and a sense of home to your residence, and will be something you can surely be proud of as you learn to take care of it, and use what you can gain from it. Having a backyard herb garden can also be extremely beneficial for your kitchen, as fresh herbs will constantly be available for use.

While early to mid spring is generally the best time to start a backyard herb garden, the right time for you will surely depend on your location, and the kind of climate that you have in your area. There are some herbs that are not suited to certain areas, and others that are perfect. What you’ll have to do is do some research on the individual herbs, with the knowledge of what kind of climate you really have. What you’ll want to do is make a list of what kinds of herbs you would like to have in your garden. Also, by planting the garden as close to the kitchen as possible, you will be able to access the herbs at any time. Keep in mind that if you don’t have sufficient ground space to plant a herb garden, then consider planting your herbs in containers.

Many people like to make this backyard herb garden a special place, adding decorative things like fences, or little signs to indicate what kinds of herbs are contained in the garden. These things are very important, as they serve more purposes than just aesthetic quality. The fences, although cute, can also help to keep out unwanted animals or children. By having labels for each plant, you can always be sure what kind of herbs you are gathering. And by knowing when to plant a backyard herb garden, you can be sure to make the whole garden experience a great success.

Nice Types Of Backyard Hammocks

The hammock brings about a sense of relaxation. Lying on a hammock, can take a person away from the frustrations and stress of everyday life. Most people envision lying on a hammock on a beautiful tropical oasis.

What some don't realize is that they can get this same sense of calm and serenity with backyard hammocks. Whether the individual wants to nap, relax or curl up with a book, the gentle swaying motion of rope hammocks is guaranteed to be relaxing.

There are several types of backyard hammocks on the market. Besides the differences in materials, there are differences of use in backyard hammocks. Some are designed to hold one person, while others can be comfortable and safely hold more than one individual.

The most commonly known and recognized is the cotton rope hammocks. But there are many, many other styles and selections to choose from. Each style comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Prices of backyard hammocks vary. Prices can be anywhere between $ 50-$ 300 depending on the craftsmanship, material and quality.

Rope hammocks are popular for being affordable and classic. A rope hammock can be made from polyester, cotton or DuraCord. The bars stretch the fabric and hold the hammock open to provide balance.

DuraCord is a soft material, similar to cotton. A bonus is that it is weather-resistant, similar to polyester. This combination makes DuraCord a desired choice for many people. It is long lasting and if made with vibrant colors, the colors do not fade.

Cotton is next in backyard hammocks. Soft and comfortable, it conforms to the shape of the individual's body. However, if someone lives in a wet environment, cotton should be the last option as it isn't very weather-resistant. This material will not do well in the rain or winter seasons.

Polyester is more durable and can withstand many wet weather changes. Not quite as soft as cotton, polyester backyard hammocks are firm and hold their shape much longer.

After the rope hammocks are quilted fabric backyard hammocks. These are popular for those seeking comfort, plus style. The fabric is padded and made with a colorfast acrylic. This acrylic helps the hammock be resistant to fading, stains, mold and mildew. Being made with fabric means that they come in a wide assortment of patterns and colors; some being reversible.

Those with a pool or who live in wet environments, should look for poolside backyard hammocks. Another option would be to seek hammocks that are quick drying or single layer. These types of hammocks are made for wet conditions and are usually made with DuraCord.

A Mayan/Brazilian hammock is another option if someone wants more of a cocoon like experience and fit. There is no stretcher bar to hold these hammocks open. They are lightweight and comfortable.

The last style of backyard hammocks are hammock chair swings. Instead of lying down, the person sits upright and enjoys a light swing from the chair. There are both single-use and double-use chairs available.

Awesome Easy Vegetable Gardening Tips

It has been a global trend when it comes to consuming organic foods as people all around the world are becoming more and more health conscious and they understand the benefits of eating healthy. As the saying goes, 'you are what you eat', which is why agriculture work is given priority by families who have a garden or an unused piece of land.

This is where vegetable gardening tips come in handy and make lives easier for everyone. The first thing to be noted when you engage yourself in vegetable gardening would be to start off with vegetables which grow easily. Having your first harvest within a short period of time allows you to feel the success and thus you would be encouraged to do more gardening while enjoying the process. Remember that if you choose a vegetable type which doesn't grow that readily, you might feel disappointed and wouldn't have the enthusiasm to continue with your planting regime.

Using a raised bed garden is no doubt the simplest and most convenient way to get the ball rolling. It is one of the most popular choices amongst other vegetable gardening tips. It is especially practical and useful if your garden has poor drainage or low quality soil. Also, in order to retain the heat and moisture of the soil while at the same time keeping minimum amount of weeds, mulch your garden.

Here are a few easy vegetables which are highly recommended for your first year gardening. Green bean, lettuce and radishes are good choices. Generally, these plants can sprout under most conditions with a high percentage of seeds which germinate. Moreover, they are easy to maintain and are quite resistant towards diseases, hence these vegetable plants do not just die off that easily.

As a whole, growing vegetables in your own garden is not as hard or complicated as one thinks. If you pick up the vegetable gardening tips mentioned above, you are in good shape in making use of your garden and soon to enjoy the harvest.

Beautiful 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.

The Best Converting the Patio into Beach

Sitting on a beach enjoying the sea breeze and viewing the white foaming waves breaking on the shores or enjoying the golden sands shining in the sunshine, could be an exotic experience. All; however are not lucky enough to have such facilities available for them. For such people converting their patio into a beach could be a dream come true.

 

Escaping From the Hassles

 

Home is the best place for escaping from the hassles of the hectic schedules of the busy life for most people. In such cases appropriate use of the backyard or the patio can come up very handy. Usually the patio is considered to be merely vestigial component of the house. Yet it could become one of the most wonderful places for enjoying leisure as well as relaxation. Properly decorated backyard could easily act as the relaxing patio for anyone and could relieve all the stress of the hectic day.

 

Challenge of the Day

 

Significant challenge for any home owner or home maker is converting the vestigial aspects of the house into charming patio. It is also necessary making appropriate decisions regarding purchase of quality outdoor patio furniture. Multiple choices await the user of the patio furniture. Selection is between dark patio furniture made with aluminum and classical and quality patio chairs or quality patio benches made of wicker.

 

Issues of Practicalities

 

•  Besides wicker and aluminum there are other patio sets that could be equally practical.

 

•  Issues related are that of selection and matching the preferences of the user.

 

•  Teak furniture can also be purchased specifically to dispense with the requirements of varnishing or proofing. However the price may be a concern for the user.

 

•  Plastic can also be used since it dispenses with the requirement of maintenance and is cheapest among all.

 

Excellence of Wicker

 

It has been established beyond any reasonable doubts time and again that it is wicker that is the best material for manufacturing the best outdoor patio furniture. Low maintenance costs and immunity from weather influences make the furniture made of wicker best for anyone's use in patio.

 

Elegance of Teak

 

Teak on the other hand displays a deep color and is favored mostly by the interior decorators because of its excellent appearance. Teak can add color and texture to any room adding character and elegance to the patio where they are used.

Inspirational Backyard Fun - Make Your Playground a Learning Experience

Children of all ages absorb information from the world around them like sponges. They learn so many new things so quickly when they are young, everything can be a learning experience! One of the best ways you can help your children learn when they do not even know they are being taught anything is on an outdoor playground. Backyard playsets are ever popular possessions among families with growing children, where little ones can create their very own backyard adventures. They do not know it usually, but children are subconsciously learning about their world and each other as they interact in a fun environment like this.

During the age of technology in which we live, computers and televisions tend to be the dominating forms of entertainment. This is leading to an ever increasing amount of laziness. Combined with bad eating habits, the sedentary lifestyle that many people are living today is the cause of the overwhelming increase in the number of obese children. If you enjoy an active lifestyle and want to encourage your children to do the same, a playground can be a great investment. Keeping kids active during a time when sitting and watching someone else be active is a popular form of entertainment is becoming increasingly difficult. Give your children the chance to be active as they invent backyard adventures.

Safety is an issue among many parents. They want their children to be active and play outside, but perhaps the neighborhood is not the safest. The park may run rampant with aggressive teens or other dangers keep you from wanting to take your children to the public park. This is one of the main reasons parents decide to allow children their own backyard adventures. Also, with your own personal playground, you can customize the exact features you want in your set. You can base your choices on what your children enjoy the most and what is best for their age.

Many children yearn for an opportunity to be active, but they turn to the television instead because there are no safe options for them. Eliminate this issue with a wise investment. Not only will your children get exercise from a backyard playground, they will learn as they concoct backyard adventures with each other. There are many great models available on the market today designed for many age ranges. Remember to go with a qualified developer that has experience building playgrounds to ensure that they're safe.

Adorable Backyard Owl, A Unique Visitor

In August this last summer in the late afternoon I took a soda and my binoculars and went to the back porch to relax and watch some wild life. There is always lots of activity on my acre of land. This time there were about a dozen pair of doves grazing on the south side of the backyard beyond the trees. There was plenty of seed on the ground. We had lots of rain in July and the weeds were everywhere. The doves, loving it, were eating seeds up as fast as they could. They were so intent on feeding that they did not seem to notice me or anything else around them.

It was then that I noticed two Blue Jays diving and flying around in quite a dither. Something had them quite agitated. One Jay would fly around and then dart in and out toward one of our pine trees. All the time he was squawking at the top of his lungs. I had never heard such a racket from them before. Obviously he did not like what he saw in his pine tree.

Focusing on the pine tree, I looked carefully for the irritant. About two thirds the way up the trunk was a beautiful Boreal Owl. He was perched on a limb with his back resting against the trunk of the tree. His demeanor was calm like he had not a care in the world but he kept looking back and forth around the yard. Im sure he saw the Jays, but seemed to not be bothered. However the Jays were quite upset at his being there in there tree.

I watched for awhile. It was very entertaining and lots of fun. Those birds were quite a show. I could not have planned it if I had tried. They seemed to never tire or flitting around trying to get the Owl to go away. I dont think the Jays succeeded. They probably gave up in frustration.

When I retired for the night the show was still going on. One Jay would dive toward the pine tree and then the other Jay would take his turn. Since I needed to get up early the next day, I finally left the show and went to bed. Rising early the next morning, I got up and went out to see how things were in the back yard. The Owl had gone, probably bored with the whole thing. The Jays were happily content in their pine tree. All the world was right again in my back yard.

Roger Johnson

Amazing Improve Your Patio With Tiles

Patios can be a wonderful improvement to your home as they give you a great place to relax. A patio is a perfect gathering place to hold many events such as barbecues or birthday parties. In order to make your patio even more enjoyable it is a good idea to invest in some designing your patio. One of the best ways to improve your patio is by using high quality tiles for the floor.

When beginning to improve your patio using tiles for the floor is the perfect place to start. When deciding on the proper type of tiles be sure that they are durable, easy to walk on, and freeze-resistant. The constant outdoor exposure leaves sub-par tiles susceptible to damage, therefore it is important to purchase quality tiles as this will save you a tremendous amount of money and hassle in the future. Tiles can crack from very cold temperatures and become discolored from frequent sun exposure. This is why it is critical to make sure that the tiles you use are not just for indoor use but suitable for patios.

Another thing to be wary of is that there is enough friction on the surface of the tiles. The tiles on your patio will frequently be wet from the rain, making it easy to lose your footing and slip. To prevent future accidents make sure that there is a sufficient amount of friction on the surface of the tiles, as a smooth surface can lead to potential dangers.

These various factors make many tiles unsuitable for your patio. One of the most popular types of tiles for patios are natural stone tiles. They are extremely stylish, durable, and have a high amount of friction making them a perfect choice. Among the natural stone tiles are limestone and marble both of which look great and are easy to maintain.

Tiles can be a perfect addition to your patio. Just make sure to choose the right type as it will save you a tremendous amount of future problems.

Awesome Gardening Advice Can Be Found Online

Gardening has been growing in popularity in recent years and it's easy to understand why. When you garden your own food you know where it comes from and you know what has been put into it. This isn't the case with the general food supply. As more people become health conscious, it becomes likely that more of these folks will be concerned with securing their own food supply.

Maintaining a garden is not a difficult task. It takes patience and common sense, but even a rank amateur can get surprisingly good yields for the time invested. Small garden plots can easily provide your family with many of their favorite vegetables. The best part is, you can grow the food in a healthy manner, without using the types of farming techniques used these days that are so damaging to the environment and the quality of the finished product.

When first starting out in gardening, you'll need to decide if you plan on going organic or doing it the traditional way. Organic tends to cost more than traditional gardening, but you are being much kinder to the environment. You can always mix methods to see what works best.

Gardening helps get you in touch with nature. For so many people who grow up in cities and suburban areas throughout the world, the basics of food production and living off the "fat of the land" are concepts that are long lost. But reclaiming a small plot of land for yourself can change that in a hurry. You'll get the chance to remember what our forefathers never forgot. That it is the land that nourishes us and helps us blossom into perfect health.

Gardening doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. Certainly some people will overpay, but there's no need to. You can find all the gardening tools you'll need at second hand stores or yard sales. And you really don't need all that much equipment, either. You're not starting a full scale commercial farm so a shovel and a few other implements should have you up and running in no time.

If you've been considering starting a garden, then delay no further. It won't cost you much in the way o f time, money, or effort. The rewards will easily outstrip the sweat equity put into the project. Imagine the reaction you'll get from friends and family when you feed them a salad made of zucchini, squash, and lettuce, and then you tell them it all comes from your very own garden. They'll be calling you "green thumbs" from that day on.

And don't worry about getting stuck with your garden. If you run into a problem that you can't solve on your own, then you can visit one of the many websites devoted to gardening where an expert article can help you solve your issue. Gardening is a hobby built on continuous education and sharing information, so you won't have any problems becoming an expert in no time flat.

Modern Japanese Landscaping Designs - How to Create a Tranquil Backyard Retreat

Japanese landscaping is soothing and beautiful. Many people are considering adding elements of Japanese design to their garden to add a peaceful serenity. Most do not know where to begin, however.

You need to understand the basics of Japanese design in their landscaping. Balance is key, with a blending of stone, water and plants in a way that looks like it was made by nature, not you. There should be no straight lines or angles in your garden. Curves are the lines found in nature.

One of the most challenging parts of creating a Japanese garden is the balance. There should not be too many plants, yet at the same time you want to capture the changing of the seasons with plants that will accent each season with blossoms, color or form. The entire garden needs to be in the proper scale. For example, if you have ten acres to work with, you can use large trees, boulders and water features. If your garden is only ten feet by twenty feet, everything should be scaled down. You want to envision your garden like a view from a window, so it is enjoyable as a whole as well as when you are wandering through it.

Everything in Japanese landscaping is symbolic. A stone may be a mountain. A tiny brook may be a rushing river. Nature is reproduced in captivity. Water brings movement, though it can be represented by a flow of small stones as well. If you have the space, take a look at Japanese water gardens. If you can fit one of those elements in without crowding, it will add to the beauty of your garden. Water can also be incorporated through the installation of a small bamboo fountain as well.

If you study Japanese landscaping, you will notice a great variety of plants that can be used. It will take some research on your part to find those that grow in your area and that are available. You also want to keep in mind what they look like in each season. Leaf variety and texture is important.

Even more important than the plants are the stones. Rocks are the backbone of the Japanese garden. Each stone is carefully chosen for its shape and significance. They can be used as stepping stones, in streams or waterfalls, or to represent mountains or islands.

There are many types of Japanese gardens to choose from. All of them incorporate the aforementioned elements. You'll have to decide if you want a tea garden, a flat open space garden or a hill and pond garden. Sometimes the decision is made for you by the limitations of your space.

Decorations may also be strategically placed in a Japanese garden. A stone pagoda or a metal lantern may add a little personalization. Other items that may suit your design may be a chime, a gong or a rain chain. Rain chains help direct the water from your roof down to the ground, creating a wonderful watery melody not unlike a babbling brook.

As you can see, there is a lot to be understood when making a Japanese garden. Take a little time and learn as you go. Before you know it, your garden will reflect peace and inner serenity.

Awesome Gardening in any Economic Climate

Gardening can have many significant benefits; whether it is for self-gratification; off-setting grocery bills; fresh herbs for dinner; or lending a helping hand to the environment. However, in this economic climate many have had to rethink their living situations and have relocated themselves to apartment or condominiums. As a result, many people may have given up on the garden, due to limited space. It may seem like a poor decision to start planting again, however, it's actually quite the contrary and I find that the apartment is the perfect place for your own home grown garden.

Gardening product providers have developed many new planting options to give its clientele the resources to plant more efficiently and more abundantly, even if it be on a porch or balcony. One product that has been developed that is very beneficial is the quick start planting pellets. Just simply add water to the condensed pellets and once they expand, just plant your vegetable or herb of choice. Next place in the humidity inducing chamber and wait about a week for your seeds to sprout. Once they have germinated, all that is left to do is plant in your pot of choice.

Utilizing the railings as support is great way to save in areas with limited space. There are specialized planters for purchase that are designed to hang from balcony railings that extend outward, to gain usage of space that is otherwise useless. I find these planters are perfect for herbs or even flowers to add some color to your outdoor patio. Another inventive idea is to plant vine-like plants, such as cucumbers. By slinging them over the side, and letting them grow downward, it can give plants more strength and use less space in order to grow plants that need plenty of room to spread out.

I have utilized all these techniques to grow a diverse range of plants, from cucumbers to cilantro, from cacti to columbines, and even onions. Living in apartment, planting did not seem to be a plausible option. However, it was one of the best, inexpensive decisions that you will ever make. All these resources can be found at your local supercenter. Whether you are planting for fun, food or flavor, it can still be done, even if it's just a patio. About the Author
Tyler Blossom is a contributing writer for Mike the Gardener Enterprises, LLC the exclusive home for the Seeds of the Month Club.

Best Your Choices of Patio Tables

A patio without a table is not complete. It is best that you buy patio tables as these are essential for your outdoor living space. Whatever shape you buy will truly be functional as these tables will be useful in holding your favorite beverage or your hardbound books while sitting out there enjoying the sun or watching your kids playing in your yard.

You can buy patio tables in different sizes, too. You will find the suitable table for your outdoor space. Before you buy the items outright, make sure that you go to different furniture shops and suppliers in order for you to choose, compare and canvass before paying money for the products that will go well with your environment and the decor you have in mind for your outdoor settings.

As the seasons change, you know that you have to plan ahead and buy patio tables. You cannot wait to have barbecue and see your kids running around and having an enjoyable time outside. The information below will help you with your selection of patio tables available in furniture shops and home improvement stores.

You can go and buy patio tables made out of wood. These are perfect for natural looking settings and they easily blend with your surroundings making it appear as if you are camping in the woods or having your meal in a park. Even with the rowdiest bunch, wooden patio tables are sturdy and hold up a lot of tableware and your foodstuffs. Take care of them so that they last longer and to prevent cracks, decay and splinters if exposed too much to the wind, sun, and heat.

If you prefer something that is low maintenance you can proceed to buy patio tables that are produced from plastics. These are affordable without making your place look cheap and disgusting. They come in various sizes, designs and shades. Weather may take its toll on the plastic furnishings so make sure that you also buy protective coverings to prevent wear and tear. For furniture that can withstand constant use and misuse, you can choose tables out of iron. You can put anything on it without worrying if it will give way to the weight. Take note that if your choices come with paint, know ahead that the paint will eventually fall off when exposed for long periods of time under the sun and rain. If you do not want the hassle of sanding and repainting the fixtures, you can select those tables that are without paint.

What about patio dining tables with glass? Sometimes it is nice to have something glossy and shine outdoors as it reflect the light from your candles or lanterns. It is also classy and will go with any type of tableware you have. Just exercise caution and prevent it from breaking or shattering especially when you have kids. It’s time to shop and make your choice. Let your choice of patio tables be the focal points of your outdoor settings.

You can buy patio tables in different sizes, too. You will find the suitable table for your outdoor space. Before you buy the items outright, make sure that you go to different furniture shops and suppliers in order for you to choose, compare and canvass before paying money for the products that will go well with your environment and the decor you have in mind for your outdoor settings.

Nermin is an experienced writer with unrivaled interest in home decor and furnishing,currently writing for Beach Chairs and Chaise Lounge Chairs Serenity Living Stores is an online shop that deals with a wide variety of chairs and other home furniture.

 

Beautiful Easy Steps to Gardening in a Bag

This year I found an idea in a copy of Mother Earth News that had me intrigued from the moment that I read about it. According the article, you could plant an instant garden using nothing but a bag of potting soil. It sounded too good to be true, but I gave it a try.

I was amazed by the results! The things I planted in my garden-in-a-bag grew well and it was so easy to do. Whether you're planting a single bag with some lettuce or a tomato plant or if you want to start a full size garden, using this technique is a fast and easy way to grow your own food. I'll describe the process for starting a small, one bag garden, but you can simply expend it to fit your needs.

The first step is purchasing the bag of soil. If you've been to the garden center recently, you'll realize that this step in the process can be a little overwhelming. You'll find potting mix, compost, top soil, potting soil and more. So which one do you purchase? It's suggested that you look for a bag that has the word "soil" in it. These tend to be a little heavier and have a courser texture which is good for outdoor planting. Soils that are called mixes are usually very light and fluffy, excellent of seed starting and potted plants but not so good for a garden-in-a-bag. You can choose either regular or organic depending upon your preference. I used a bag of Miracle Gro Potting Soil.

With bag in hand, find a nice level spot with full sun where you want your garden to be. There is no need to till the ground or even remove any sod that is present. Just place the bag of soil where you want it to be and push some pieces of cardboard under the edges of the bag so that you end up with a 6" border of cardboard. The purpose of this is to prevent grass and weeds from growing right up against the bag and to give you space to mow if your garden is started in a lawn area. When the bag is in place, cut a window into the bag leaving a 4" border of plastic around the edge. For example if the bag is 24" x 36", the opening in the top will be about 16" x 28". This 4" border of plastic will keep the soil in the bag while allowing you plenty of room to plant.

The final step in preparation is to take a screwdriver or large knife and poke a dozen or more holes into the bag. Just plunge the knife into the open window of soil that you've made. This step pokes holes into the bottom of the plastic which serve as drainage and also provide a way for the roots of the plants to reach into the soil below the bag.

That's all there is to it. You now have an instant garden-in-a-bag that is ready to plant. I had great success growing lettuce, kale and sunflowers but you could grow almost anything. Just be aware that you will need to keep a close eye on the moisture level of the bag in the beginning. Until the roots start to grow into the soil below the bag, you'll want to make sure that the potting soil stays moist.

What I love about a garden-in-a-bag is that you can prepare and plant a garden in an hour or less. It's also a great way to create or expand a garden without having to till or remove sod. After the first year you can remove the bags and till the ground for a traditional garden. The ground beneath bags will be much softer and friable due to the action of the plant's roots and the worms which will tunnel under the bag. For the second year you can also just put a new bag of soil on top of the old one and repeat the process.

Some readers in the south might be able to try a garden-in-a-bag now and fill it with plants appropriate for their region. For those of us in the north, we can think about this technique for our spring garden. A garden-in-a-bag will let us plant earlier in the season since we won't have to wait for the garden to dry. Personally, I'm going to use this trick to expand the garden and plan to grow tomatoes in the bags.

Who would have thought that those piles of bagged soil at the garden center can be turned into a thriving vegetable garden with just a little time and effort? About the Author
Marc Baase is a contributing writer for Mike the Gardener Enterprises, LLC the exclusive home for the Seeds of the Month Club.

Lovely The Differences in Patio Umbrellas

Whether you live in Alaska or Arizona, Chances are you have some sort of outdoor living space. I could be a large back yard or a small patio balcony, if there is enough room for a table then a patio umbrella is a definite must. This article is all about what to look for when shopping for the right umbrella to suit your needs. After reading this article you should be comfortable finding the perfect match for your space.

Let's take a look at where you live. Climate is an important factor in narrowing down your choice. The blazing sun of the southwest region can ruin a cheap patio umbrella in one season. This may not be a bad thing if you only use it seasonally and don't want to store it the rest of the year but usually in these climates there is a significant advantage in year around use. By contrast, the pacific northwest is very seasonal and the fabric can last several season without worrying about replacing it.

When choosing fabric for your umbrella, you will find a myriad of colors, textures, and fabrics. If quality is what you seek, steer clear of the standard fare offered by your local department store. Look for the fabric's ability to withstand sun, and rain. This is one of the main cost difference between good and bad. If the fabric is Sunbrella or some other quality acrylic material it will last for a very long time. A standard canvas fabric, depending on conditions are considered "throw away" after a season or two.

The frame of the is the other factor when it comes to cost. They can be made of wood, plastic, aluminum, or other sorts of natural or man-made products. The material isn't as important as the quality of the material and construction. I prefer the durability of the aluminum framed umbrellas as they seem to hold up better and aren't as prone to rust or decay as the others. Again, typically, if you purchase patio umbrellas with a high quality fabric, the frame will be most likely quality as well.

The great thing about the umbrellas that, if you are on a budget, you can choose a pretty inexpensive one that fits your needs and really give great color and protection for even the most sparse settings. Hang decorative lights from the and extend your pleasure into the evening hours. This is an item everyone should have and enjoy at any price point.

Modern Patio Door Curtains - The Better Choice?

For some folks I will now be playing devil's advocate. I'm a fan of curtains and blinds, but for argument sake, let's assume I opt for curtains over blinds. Why would this be a good thing? I'll give you 4 reasons:

Character and Class

Although blinds does do a good job in adding that little bit extra to your room, curtains tend to give that 'X' factor. Considering the fact that curtains are available in all sorts of colours and designs, as a decorator you have a lot to play with to liven up your room. With just the slightest difference in style, door curtains can dramatically change the look of a room.

Flexibilty and installation

Talk about changing the character of your room. Let's face it, curtains are not expensive. As a home decorator you can literally buy 4 different curtain sets and alternate between them at different times in the year. In other words, with little effort you have the flexibility to change your room instantly for different seasons. Heck, who needs a season for a reason - just change it!

And don't worry about changing your curtains being a big household chore. This can literally be done in 10 minutes flat. Testimony again of how great curtains are to work with. 

Insulation

Some decorators tend to focus their attention on the decorative attributes of any given window treatment as opposed to its other practical benefits such as insulation. There is of course a good case to be made for this, but let's assume for a second that insulation is a factor. Patio door curtains do a very good job in this respect, and it does an even better job if you opt for thicker materials.

Costs

If you're anything like most consumers, chances are you will be looking to save a bit of money along the way. The focus really as always should be on procuring quality accessories that will last you for years, but generally speaking, patio door curtains require less of an ongoing financial commitment as opposed to blinds. As mentioned above, this depends largely on the quality you purchase, so make sure to buy to the right things from the outset.

These are just 4 reasons why you as a homeowner would rather go for curtains than blinds. A lot of it depends on how much money you have to spend, what the general theme of the rest of your house is, as well as your personal preferences. Both have benefits, both have downsides, but when it's all said and done, patio door curtains (masterfully incorporated) can do wonders in achieving your decorating goals.

Nice The Beauty of a Retractable Patio Awning

When it comes to shading your patio, you need to get the right facts before proceeding to getting whatever type of cover you may need. There are various styles from the classic patio cover, which is a more fixed and constructed patio structure, to a more dynamic type of patio awning or canopy style of covering. The latter of these categories is where we will find the topic of our discussion regarding retractable patio awnings.

The retractable awning has several benefits over a fixed system and some drawbacks as well. We will discuss a few of those and the costs as well in this article. But, before we get to that, you should decide upon what type of shade you are looking to get from your particular type. Are you looking to provide year round shade or something just for periodic occasions and events? If you use your patio or deck mostly for entertaining, then you have other options as well.

Let's first assume that you are looking to use your patio or deck as a year round endeavor. With this in mind, a more permanent solution may fit your needs best. Something along the lines of a pergola or some type of wood or other metal patio cover may be in your best interests. This is because you will not need to fuss with any moving parts or have to worry about fabrics that may be subjected to the elements and fade, tear or wear out and need replacing. Now, this isn't to say that your post and beam pergola or other patio structure will last forever, but it can sure last for years to decades if well maintained.

Just because you are looking for year round enjoyment from your patio should not rule out a retractable patio awning because you can get these styles with weather resistant fabrics as well. Brands like Sunbrella and Sunsetter are big names in this department. You can find more by searching for them online. Not only will you find ultraviolet resistant fabrics, but you will find some amazing types of motorized patio awnings as well. These are just like the manual, hand crank styles, but require nothing more than the touch of a button to activate the retractable feature.

If you are concerned about costs, you should know that a retractable awning will cost somewhere in the range of $ 1,200-1,500 USD. This is for the basic style of awning. For a more custom size or if you are looking to get a motorized retractable awning, you will likely be looking at a cost of around $ 2,000 USD or more. Depending upon the type of shade you are looking for, a simple canopy type of patio awning will suffice. But, as discussed, for more flexibility and ease of operation a retractable, even motorized, awning is the way to go.

Beautiful Add Some Sparkle to Your Backyard With a Bamboo Tiki Bar

Summer time is fast approaching and while many are planning barbecues for warm weather holidays, birthdays and outdoor picnics, many homeowners are looking for new ways to add character and style to their outdoor living environments. While it could be simple to reorganize your outdoor furnishings, or change the colors on your cushions and outdoor pillows, why not up the ante and include a bamboo tiki bar into the mix?

These tiki bars are ideal for outdoor entertaining because it acts as a main location for the food and drinks you serve, outdoor décor and a focal point while engaging your party guest. Many people love the look of this type of bar because it also creates an authentic look to a tropically themed party.

Here are few reasons that bamboo tiki bars are a great addition to your backyard or outdoor living space:

1. Bamboo is an environmentally sustainable product that you'll feel good about purchasing. It isn't just the hippies and tree huggers that are looking out for the well-being of our planet. Americans all over the nation are looking for new ways to shop smarter and use products that use a smaller carbon footprint. Bamboo is considered a sustainable resource because it's the fastest growing plant ever known, sometimes reaching more than 3 feet per day.

2. The upkeep and maintenance of bamboo is incredibly easy. To keep the original color of your outdoor bar, you simply have to wash it down with soap and water. If your spills are a bit messier, you could also use a pressure washer to clean it. Once the bar is clean, let it dry and apply a water sealing stain to keep the longevity of your bar last for years to come.

3. These bars come with a number of amenities and accessories that accent the piece of furniture. Some homeowners often times find it hard to find a complete set of matching outdoor furniture without breaking the bank. Once you find a set of chairs, tables and cushions you like, it's hard to find correlating accessories that match. However, with a bamboo bar, a number of decorative ornaments are available for the choosing. Do some research and look for items such as thatch roofing, bamboo paneling, bamboo fencing and borders, ornate wood carvings, tiki statues and even bamboo flooring to match your bar. Since bamboo has a natural color to it, you'll have no problem at all adding your own distinct and colorful flair to the outdoor space you design.

4. Outdoor bars add convenience during an al fresco party. Nothing is worse for a party host or hostess than having to spend more time walking back and forth from the kitchen to the backyard, all while trying to entertain their guests. Party hostesses often times find their self running back and forth from the inside of the house to the outside because they have to space to put all of their refreshments, appetizers or main dishes. But with an outdoor bar, you have a place to neatly put out all of your goodies for your guests to feast on.

Best Turn Your Backyard Into an Oasis With Affordable Exterior Stone Veneers

Imagine coming home after a hard day's work to unwind in your own personal outdoor sanctuary. Imagine dining al fresco, enjoying a delicious meal prepared on the grill of your outdoor kitchen. Then imagine spending the evening under the stars as you relax by the fireplace in your outdoor living room.

Outdoor living spaces like this are ideal venues for entertaining, allowing you to expand the functional area of your home beyond the confines of its walls. Manufactured stone veneer makes it easy to create such an outdoor oasis, the harmonious blending of interior design with exterior landscaping.

Stone Veneer Kitchen Types

The first element to consider is the kitchen. There are two options to help you design an outdoor kitchen to suit both your environment and your budget.

Modular Kitchen Islands

This is a semi-custom option in which you choose the units you desire, then mason company works with you to select the manufactured stone matching your environment. Accent finishes can include stucco, granite, and more.

Custom Kitchen Islands

This completely custom option gives you a unique design unlike anything you'll find on the market. For example, you may choose a detailed stone veneer fireplace, perhaps a pizza oven, a bar, food preparation and cooking areas, and a seating area. Our experienced landscape architect will match the finish to your existing pool or pavilion, precisely reflecting your lifestyle and personality.

Outdoor Kitchen Shapes

Your outdoor kitchen island can be a simple rectangular unit, or it can have multiple angles of varying degrees. Popular shapes are Vs and Ls. It all depends on the appliances and amenities you wish to accommodate. Consider a design that provides an area for stools arranged so you can face and converse with your guests as you cook.

Outdoor Living Rooms

An outdoor living space can consist of just a kitchen, but why not create a complete and harmonious environment that encompasses an area to sit and relax as well? Think about including a traditional fire pit, clad in rustic stone veneer. Wood-burning or fuelled by propane or natural gas, it would make an ideal centrepiece for your backyard.

While a fireplace or fire-pit provides ambient light and warmth, it won't protect you from the elements. For that you'll need a shelter such as an awning or a pergola. This can be sized to cover just the kitchen area, or the entire living space. The pillars for the shelter can be clad in the same stone veneer you've chosen for your fireplace and kitchen, blending in with your overall landscape design.

A Lifestyle Investment

Your outdoor living space can be both a retreat from the world and a reflection of your lifestyle. But it's also a wise and practical investment. Studies have proven that well designed and constructed backyard kitchens and living rooms retain as much as 81% of their value, contributing to the resale price of your home.

Inspirational Constructing Your Own Patio Furniture

Thinking of something to do for this year's summer vacation? Well, it would be fun if you make your own patio furniture. And that would be a great DIY project. How would you like that? In case you decide to do this project, here are some of the tips and ideas that might help you in making your own patio furniture. Say for example you want to make your personal patio chair.

Draw a plan of the chair in the paper. Or there are available furniture plan that you can buy that has already instructions and list of materials and tools needed. Use this as your guideline when constructing the chair.  When you have your plan ready, you can start collecting the materials you are going to use as well as the tools you will use for cutting the woods. Cut the woods in to pieces to the right measurement needing for that part of the chair. Group the pieces of woods according to part that they are intended to.

After you have prepared the materials, you can now start constructing the chair. Start building the frame of the chair and so on. Be careful in using the tools especially those sharp like saw, knife and others. Be careful in hammering the nails so that you can avoid unnecessary accident such as hammering your hand instead of the nails. After the chair is made, decide if you want to paint it or just leave the natural finished of the wood you used. Or for extra protection, apply a coat that has a UV protection for your chair that will be exposed to excessive sunlight.

As much as possible, enjoy doing your chair instead of forcing yourself to do it perfectly. Just as long you constructed it durable enough to support you while you are sitting on it, that's the great thing about this project of yours.

After the chair is made and the coat gets dry, the chair is ready to use and you can now comfortably sit on your personally made patio chairs. And along with your other patio furniture, it is time to enjoy the summer night with barbecue and beverage together with your friends.

Let me leave you this question, how would you feel sitting in your own personally made patio chair?

Best of Where To Place Your Patio Lights

Patio lights generally fall under the two categories of lighting known as accent lighting and task lighting. The third type of lighting is called general lighting, which usually just refers to lights that brighten an entire room. Most overheads lights and flood lights are examples of general lighting. Patio lights are different because they aren't meant to brighten up an entire area. Instead their purpose is to offer enough lighting to make the space usable at night and also to help create the appropriate atmosphere. That's why they can be used as accent or task lighting. Patio lights can function similarly to candles, which are a common source of accent lighting, or a table or desk lamp, which are often used for task lighting.

For example, if you have an outdoor hammock on your patio and are fond of lying out there and reading at night, general lighting would not be your best choice. Too much light will distort the setting and make it almost as if you are reading indoors. That's why you should hang your patio lights so that they form task or accent lighting. Lights near the hammock will make it possible to read without distracting others with too much bright light. Or if you prefer using the hammock for sleeping or conversations, you can arrange the lights to give off accent lighting, which will offer enough visibility to see other people's faces and to walk around outdoors without the risk of running into things.

Accent lights are often placed on the ground and project light upward to help people find their way around a space. Task lights are generally placed overhead so that they project light down onto a person or surface. You may want to use lights at places people are likely to gather such an outdoor grill or steps leading down to the garden. For a table setting, a good idea is to use an umbrella cover and have lights underneath the umbrella. This directs the light down to the table where people need it and also keeps the light from distracting others.

About Building a Concrete Patio in Your Backyard

If you want to enjoy the outdoor spaces of your house, then building a concrete patio would serve the purpose very well. If care is taken to construct the patio without any flaws, then such a place can be used to great advantage and help the family in having a great time.

In today's world where there is a very high demand for the casual style of living, a backyard patio is an extremely valuable feature of the house. You can build your patio in such a manner that it blends with the ambience of your house and stands out as a place to relax, unwind and de-stress yourselves. If you are the partying kind, then this will be the perfect place for you to entertain your friends and family. Having intimate barbecues is also possible in the backyard patio and if you adorn it with comfortable chairs and tables, it will be the place where the majority of the family is heading towards most of the time.

The material for a modern patio that will give you least trouble along with presenting an aesthetic appearance is decorative concrete. This looks very similar to actual stone and the designs that are available in this material can even better the look provided by natural stone, flagstone, bricks, slate etc. There used to be a time when people preferred stone patios but today the scenario has changed due to factors like cost and minimal usage of stone which makes the use of decorative concrete much more feasible and beautiful. The greatest advantage with decorative concrete is that it will give a very natural look to the patio and you will feel entirely at home because of this material.

Another reason for the popularity of concrete patio is that installation is relatively simple as concrete can be easily molded into the shape that you desire. In addition, the gigantic proportions of concrete works as well as single stone blocks that are laid for constructing the patio. With concrete, you also have the option of a huge variety of shades and the flexibility of having stunning textures and surface designs that make the whole patio very artistic.

All you need to remember is that the thickness of your concrete slab should not be less than 4 inches. Before you plan to build the patio, the backyard has to be readied so that pouring the concrete onto the ground will not present any problems. Since concrete needs a base, the ground should be dug up to 6 inches and filled with crushed stone or gravel. After this, further strength has to be imparted to the base with the help of iron that is placed in the form of rocks below the gravel. Once the concrete is poured, it will take four or five days for it to be completely set and fulfill its function as a patio.

Modern Home Herb Growing - Herb Gardening Essentials

We often wanted to have our own garden, we usually have flowers, vegetables but there are only a few who are into home herb growing. They are usually built by chefs or people who love to cook. Herbs as we all know are very useful especially to enhance the flavors of our food as well as for cosmetics, for fragrances and medicinal purposes.

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Herbs have their own specific needs and as a grower, one must be able to know what the needs are and how one will be able to grow herbs well. They are like simple plants with simple needs. In terms of light, they need to have a sunny location as much as possible. Most herbs need sunlight, there are only a few who needs a shady location. An average of 6-8 hours exposure to sunlight will be the ideal duration to expose your herbs.

Herbs usually grow best in soft and soil which is composed of organic matter. Usually if a soil is not moist enough then one must put in a lot of compost and moss on top of their soil. One must also take note of the drainage of the soil, water must be well drain enough to avoid a wet environment for the herbs.

In terms of pest control, they are usually helpful but one must take into consideration that if the pests attacking the herbs are already damaging or bringing in more harm than good then it is necessary to take actions against them, but always remember not to use insecticides or other chemicals.

Home herb growing is very much entertaining, if you are not able to make use of your planted herbs for about 2-3 years, better discard them since they lose their quality by that time. Try to learn more about herb growing through research and practice. Have fun!

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Awesome Opting For Decorative Concrete For Your Backyard

There are lots of materials that people can use to improve on their homes and their decks and such. Every year, there are new ideas, new methods, and new styles and trends that attract consumers. It's a huge industry that keeps growing. One thing that might be really interesting is using decorative concrete for your backyard.

The backyard is the new paradise for every homeowner. It is the place they like to retire to when they come home from work. It's also the place where they spend their time off or even their holidays when they can't afford to go away. So, it's likely that they would like it to be as beautiful and inviting as possible. Having said all that, it's also a good idea to use materials that are long-lasting, that don't need much maintenance and can be affordable.

There are so many types of materials, both natural and man-made that can be chosen by all homeowners. Before you make your decision, the important thing is to know who you are. See whether you've would be able to take on the maintenance required for that particular material. For example, if you don't like putting the hard work into standing and re-staining a wood deck, then you should opt for something else.

The problem with some materials is that they can seem a little bit cold and uninviting. There are lots of ways that you can warm them up. For one thing, concrete can seem a little bit cold, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, decorative concrete can have some color and some design in it. That will turn it into something warmer and much more inviting.

And, if you add a little bit of wood or even faux wood items like railing or seating, you can easily warm it up. What's more is that this material is long lasting. It's very durable and can endure any type of weather conditions.

So, you don't have to fear that too much sun or too much snow, or what have you will damage it. Basically, you're looking at a very long life and you won't have to replace it or maintain it in any way for many years to come. As far as maintenance goes, it's a great way to save time because no maintenance is required.

Obviously, this isn't likely with other materials. Many others require yearly maintenance, not to mention some sort of protection from damage that occurs due to weather elements.

Nowadays, concrete has gone to a whole new level and has earned respect in many ways. In fact, it's even going into homes now as counters and even flooring. Much of this is due to the innovations that have taken place with this industry. The colors and designs have made it a beautiful, intriguing, and much sought after material. Having said that, perhaps it is time to take another look at this incredible material and perhaps consider it being a part of your outdoor space.

Inspirational How to Build a Putting Green in Your Backyard

Golf is a great American pastime that many people enjoy, for various reasons. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned pro or if you're just looking to enjoy a little fun in your backyard. People have various reasons for golfing, from stress relief to just pure enjoyment of the game, and even as a way to challenge yourself. Golfing is a great pastime, but visiting driving ranges and golf courses can be expensive and a hassle as far as the trip is concerned. Fortunately, if you really want some golf in a closer environment, you can have customized putting greens built and designed to fit into whatever space you have for them.

It doesn't matter how big or small your backyard is. You can find putting greens from 50 square feet to 2,000 square feet, depending on what you want and how much you're willing to spend. There are many different designs to choose from, or you can even create your own custom designed putting green for your needs. It all depends on what you want. With costs ranging from $ 14 to $ 18 a square foot, a personal, customized putting green is an expense that everyone can afford.

If you're looking for commercial putting greens and custom designed golf course options, you can find those as well. It doesn't matter if you're designing a small putting green for a sports complex or if you want a full service putting green with different slopes, speeds, and options to provide a full array of putting scenarios for your visitors. You can choose and customize your design any way that you want. Commercial sports facilities are a great way to entertain people and engage them in sports, and having a putting green at your facility can make it that much more popular for people who might not have visited otherwise.

When you choose to put in putting greens, you need to hire a professional company that can install them properly, and make sure that they are designed for your exact needs. From the type of turf that is used to the speed of the green, there are many different things to consider when you build a custom golf course or putting green. It doesn't matter if you're a commercial customer or just a personal use customer, having the right company and the right design can mean the difference between enjoying your custom golfing experience and having a nightmare of an experience.

Nice 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.