Best of Working For a Lovely Patio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lovely How to Turn Your Backyard into a Home Theater

Creating a home theatre in your backyard is an economical way of keeping your kids entertained during summers. But home theatres are expensive purchases. If you want the home theater only for summer, then hire the equipment from an audio and sound system rental provider and create your own home theatre. Here's the equipment you will need for the set-up.

 

1. A screen – Join two white king-size bed-sheets, stitch them together with a white thread and then neatly iron the cloth. This will serve as your screen. Alternatively, you can get a large free standing portable screen or an inflatable stand-alone screen from a video rental company. Identify a place in your backyard to place the stand-alone screens. If you're making a cloth screen, hang it by the wall but make sure that the wall is big enough to place clips and fasteners to hold the cloth.

 

3. A video projector – You will need a video projector to watch a movie on the big screen. Instead of buying a projector just for summer entertainment, get one on rent from your local video rental service.

 

4. A DVD player – A blu-ray disc or a DVD player would be necessary to play movies. A blu-ray disc is ideal for the big screen that you would set up otherwise you can choose a high end DVD player to get the best movie experience.

 

5. A stereo amplifier – The most important component for creating a home theater is the sound system. Check with the sound system rental provider and see if you can get the 5.1 channel surround sound system suitable for home theatres. If not available, you can get a two-channel stereo system as an alternative.

 

6. Speakers – Outdoor speakers give you the finest backyard movie experience. But if you want them only for the summer, rent some good ones from the sound system rental provider instead of buying them.

 

7. A mobile TV stand or rack – For convenience, use a mobile rack to place the amplifier, DVD player and other accessories. You can use the rack or a table you have at home or buy one from the local dealer.

 

8. Power cord, surge suppressor and cables – To make theequipment work, you should have a heavy-duty extension cord, a 3 or 4 outlet surge suppressor and cables to connect speakers. Plug in the surge suppressor to one end of the power cord and then plug in your DVD player, amplifier and video projector to the suppressor. Connect the speakers and turn the power once you plug everything in.

 

9. Movies and food – Get all the movies you and your kids would love to watch together. Add some home-made popcorn and barbecue to have fun in your theater.

 

Setting up the theatre might sound a little tedious, but it can be a lot of fun when the whole family takes part in the activity. Take all the necessary safety precautions when you are setting up your home theater. Keep the equipment sourced from the sound system rental company away from the swimming pool and the barbecue area. Invite friends and also neighbors once in a while to add to the fun.

Nice Organic Gardening Beginner's Guide

Typically, beginners to organic gardening are excited by the whole concept of organic, but don't know where to start. I remember when I first contracted organic fever. I was so excited and I was reading everything I could find. Some articles were very entertaining but gave little practical information. Other content seemed to focus on a particular product as being the miraculous answer to all gardening problems. On one occasion I was reading an extremely compelling article about liquid organic fertilizer.

It was very compelling and I was ready to buy it. Problem was, I hadn't even planted anything yet! What I needed was a beginners guide to organic gardening. Years later and I have never found one yet that was free, so I decided to write it myself. I always recommend to anyone who is just discovering organic gardening to start on a small scale. Container gardening, for example, is a perfect place to start. You can move your container easily to protect it from the elements, even indoors.

Let's keep it simple and think of the the 3 R's: Research, Read, Repeat Different types of plants have different growing requirements, so it is imperative to know in advance of planting, what conditions are required by your plants to thrive. This is the most basic principle but often the most overlooked. You cannot rely on store personnel to know basic facts about the plants their store sells. They are cashiers, not horticulturalists. By following the 3 R's you will avoid a lot of potential plant problems, plus, you'll save yourself time, money, and aggravation. It's much easier to learn about how to grow fat nutritious tomatoes after you have learned what soil requirements tomatoes need, than to repurchase and replant seedlings because you skipped this important step.

Follow The Rules You can't be successful if you cheat or take shortcuts. You might be tempted to think you can add a miracle grow chemical to make your plants grow faster or taller. Read that sentence again. Do you see that word "chemical"? The use of chemicals is the opposite of organic. I want to assist you in growing gorgeous plants and healthful veggies. I do not promote or support the use of synthetic chemicals. When chemicals are added to the soil to induce artificial growth or color, they destroy the very micro-organisms needed to grow! The very essence of Organics is natural. (Besides, if you think you can ingest chemicals without any adverse effects, you've been woefully misled!)

You Can't Create Life. When you get right to the heart of the matter, you can't create a tomato. All you can do is plant a tiny seed and give it what it needs to grow. In my ignorance I used to repeat that tired old cliche, "Life begins in the soil." Well, that's only half true. While the seed contains the energy to germinate after planting, it's the life in the soil that enables it to flourish. Micro-organisms such as fungi, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes convert organic fertilizer into energy for your plants to grow. This is also know as soil fertility.

Are you ready to pursue organic gardening? Then I suggest you start by doing some housecleaning to get into the proper frame of mind. Yes, I said house cleaning. .I suggest finding a good bio-degradable bag and, starting under your sink bag up all the chemicals to kill bugs, weeds and fertilize. Then progressing to your basement, garage, or utility shed, collect them all and get rid of them! Okay, so you have a bag of toxic substances in hand, and you're walking out to your garbage can... Suddenly you realize that there might possibly be a safety issue concerning the disposal of this stuff. The light bulb goes on. Now it starts to become clear. If you have to consider how to safely dispose of a product, why would you want it in your home or garden? And for God's sake why would you want to eat them?

View this entire article in it's exclusively at the link listed below.

The Best Old Shop Vacs Find New Use in Gardening

Shop vacs are a popular tool amongst home owners, hobbyists as well small shop owners. These shop vacs, especially the wet and dry ones are used for cleaning basements and garages, used to clean up after woodworking projects as well in small manufacturing facilities for debris pick up tasks. While shop vacs are generally rugged tools and do not break down often, they are a mechanical device and chances are you will go through more than one in your lifetime. But before you decide to discard your old shop vac, you may find new uses for it in your garden. We outline three specific recycling uses here.

The first use for the tank or the drum is to store small yard tools such as clippers, small digging tools, small spades, garden gloves, etc so they are all in one place in one container. You can cut off the filter cage using a sawzall and thereby have a lid for the container also. Because they come with caster wheels, your storage container can now be conveniently moved around.

A second use is to use it as a pot for your bigger plants. Just drill three or four three eighths size holes at the bottom for the drainage of water, fill it with potting soil and you have a planter now. Since these drums are generally made of plastic, they will not corrode or rust and you have found a new application for an item that you would have otherwise discarded.

A third use is in the storage of grass seeds, lime and other garden supplies. Again, the provision of caster wheels attached to these containers allow for easy transportability. And since they have a wide mouth opening, it becomes easy to scoop out the seeds or fertilizer materials for use in your garden. Thus your old shop vac can still be put to good use even after it has stopped working properly.

Amazing Patio Boxes- Perfect Additions To Outdoor Patio Accessories

There are a number of outdoor patio accessories on the market, one of the most popular being patio boxes. These come in a huge range of styles, sizes, colors, and price ranges. They can be purchased one at a time or purchased in sets depending on the shapes and sizes you want to invest in.

What are Patio Boxes Used For?

There are a variety of uses that patio boxes are used for. One of the most popular is for gardening reasons. They make perfect planters and because they come in different shapes and sizes, they can help you customize a unique garden area or create a floral feel on the patio. These kinds of boxes can also be used for storing toys, patio pillows, gardening tools and more.

These outdoor patio accessories can be purchase in the shape of a chest, and with a sitting pillow placed on top it can double as storage and seating. These patio boxes can also house pet food, swimming pool toys or blankets for winter time.

What are These Outdoor Patio Accessories Made Of?

Many patio boxes are made of rattan, teak or wicker. They can be stained to meet your color scheme needs once you purchase a light colored variety, or you can purchase your favorite boxes already in the color that will work for you. The most popular colors sold on the market are light brown, dark brown, and black.

Where to Find These Boxes

You don't have to drive to the local brick and mortar store in order to find patio boxes that will meet your needs. Instead you can save time and even money shopping online. You can find a nice range of options to choose from at affordable prices and of high quality.

It is best to compare the different options you might find on a particular website, and you will want to make sure and click on the specific products being offered in order to get a better idea of what you can expect if you do decide to purchase.

A reliable and worthwhile web company will do what they can to find the patio boxes you might be looking for if they don't happen to have it in stock, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance if you don't see what you are looking for.

Understand that if you want quality you should be prepared to invest in the outdoor patio accessories you are interested in. If you opt for cheap, that is probably what you will get. This doesn't mean that you have to spend a fortune to get what you are looking for, but finding a nice medium is a good way to go.

Best of 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 Planning Ahead For a Speedy Backyard Pool Opening

If you have the luxury of having a pool in your backyard, it's no secret that opening it every year can be quite the hassle. Just like any other project, when you keep putting it off - it just gets worse and you end up creating more work for yourself in the long run. If you find that you're not even getting around to opening your pool for the season until summer is halfway over - it might be time to get organized for the next time around. It's never too early to start thinking ahead, especially when it comes to your home, so making a list of things you need to get done ahead of time will help you prevent your pool from opening a little too late in the season.

First things first - making sure that your pool is covered during the off season is extremely important. If you haven't invested in a cover, it's an absolute must. This will keep leaves and other debris (and even animals) from getting into the pool and causing you a lot of extra work when it comes time to open it for the season. Another great precautionary step to take is to clean your filter out whenever you close the pool at the start of fall. It will not only cut down on the amount of work you'll have to do at the start of year, but it will prevent any debris that may be in the filter from causing any damage to it while it sits in there during the off season. By taking any steps you can whenever you close the pool to get things cleaned up, you won't have to do much at the start of the season when you and your family are anxious to get the pool up and running.

Another great step you can take is to purchase all of your chemicals and supplies at the close of the year before. Many pool supply stores will have an annual end of the year sale, so even though you may not need them now - you can buy them at a discounted rate so you have them ready for the next year. Opening the pool is something that would be ideal to get done in one day, and saving yourself trips to the store is something that will definitely speed the process up. By making a list during the course of the year of all the chemicals and supplies that you need, you'll be able to stock up and not have to worry about suddenly realizing you forgot about something. The end of the year is also a great time to pick up discounted pool toys for the kids since they can often get worn out during the course of the season.

When adding chemicals to your pool, don't jump the gun and start adding chlorine and other chemicals to the water. Although you may think you're doing the job, you may be creating more work for yourself. You can end up staining your pools surface or doing serious damage to it by going overboard. Although the pool opening process may seem tedious and you're just anxious to get things done - the water chemistry is very important. Making sure that the pool water sits for about half a day before anyone goes in is also a good precautionary step to take. The average homeowner isn't typically a chemist - so if you have questions, make a list and take it to your local pool supply store. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the water chemistry of your pool. Asking an expert is your best bet in any situation.

So if you're looking to close your pool down for the year, don't throw the cover on and stop there. By taking a little extra time to take care of things now, you'll be glad that you did once the warmer months roll around. The whole point of having a pool in your backyard is to be able to enjoy it. By making sure that you get the most out of your pool in the summertime, both you and your family will be glad that you planned ahead.

Lovely Proper Care for Patio Umbrellas

Whatever you put in into your patio is money earned the hard way. Every piece of seating and table surface in there amounts to several hours you spent in the office or in the workplace. You should, therefore, exercise care in your outdoor stuffs starting off with your patio umbrellas.

Patio umbrellas may look like simple outdoor accessories but they offer a lot of help in the patio space. They can provide shield for you against the heat and rain. They can keep glare away from your eyes and keep you also away from the sights of your next door neighbors. With all the help these simple pieces of outdoor equipment bring, you should know how to properly care for them.

The first thing that can ruin the look of your outdoor umbrellas is the sun. Though claims of UV-resistant fabrics can be made, the umbrellas would still experience quick fading if you let them expose to the sun all the time. When you're not using your patio, you can keep your umbrellas close and store it in your garage or in your outdoor shed. Bring them out only on those times when you will be using your patio for the day.

When patio umbrellas are exposed for quite some time in the backyard, they will likely collect dirt and dust in their surfaces. Take down the umbrellas and give them a scrubbing using soft brush and mild detergent. Remember, the dirt and grime will not only make your outdoor umbrellas look untidy but they will make it prone to fraying and having holes and tears on them later on.

Heavy rains can bring in some strong gusts of wind. Wind is the outdoor umbrellas worst enemy. It can sweep them up and destroy them in no time. It is necessary, therefore, that you keep your outdoor umbrellas close and store them whenever storms are coming in. Keeping them in storage when you're not around in the house is also important as your umbrellas can turn out to be flying weapons that can wreak damage to your glass windows or doors.

New Brute Force and Manipulation in Gardening

There are several ways of dividing a plant. One popular and very easy method is by brute force, simply dig up the plant, cut a chunk off it with a sharp spade and then replant both pieces separately.

This is very effective for some of the larger clump forming plants. It does leave a lot of severed material, which can rot and, in theory, cause problems, but which rarely seems to.

A refinement of this is to insert two forks into the dug up clump, back to back, and then lever them apart, forcing the plant into two pieces, continuing until the pieces are small enough. With the exception of the older, center pieces of the plant, which should be discarded, the pieces of plant can be replanted immediately.

It is, however, always a good idea to use the opportunity to rejuvenate the soil by digging it and adding some well rotted organic material. The best time to divide plants in this way is the spring.

A more sophisticated approach is to use your hands. Many plants if shaken so the soil falls off and gently manipulated with the fingers, will fall apart into separate crowns, each of which can be either replanted in the soil or put pots until they are needed.

This is only possible with plants grown in lighter soils, although it is still possible on heavier soils if the plant is manipulated in a bucket of water. More stubborn plants, such as hellebores, can have the water washed off first with a garden hose.

It is difficult to visualize what actually happens until you try it, and then you will be surprised how easily the plant comes apart in your hands. Some plants, such as hostas for example, may need a sharp knife to separate the crowns, but generally they just fall apart.

Normally, divisions are made in spring, but if the plants are transferred to pots they can be divided at any point during the growing season.

Beautiful Soil Tools That Are Essential For Gardening

Once you have decided to plant a garden there are some soil tools that are essential for gardening. You will also have to figure out where in the yard it is going to exist, of course this all depends on the size of your property, either close to the house or way in the back. How large do you want this garden to be? Is it going to be in the ground or in a raised bed? It is best to figure all that out first and then stake out the area. You will need a sharp spade, garden fork, shovel, a level-headed rake, a trowel, a hoe, a cultivator, and of course a garden hose. These are the soil tools that are essential for gardening you will need for working the soil.

First you want to spade the edges of your garden bed, use a garden fork and cultivator to loosen up the surface of the soil and a garden fork again to loosen the subsoil. You next want to mix all your amendments into the soil bed with the fork and then the shaping and grading with the level-headed rake. A shovel would be handy for digging holes, but the spade will work just as easy. A trowel is good for small-scale digging and a hoe can be used to keep the weeds to a minimum. Your garden hose should be long and equipped with an adjustable nozzle.

A rotary tiller would be a good investment only if your garden bed is going to be a lot larger that a few square yards. It makes cultivating a quick and easy task. A wheelbarrow is an added accessory especially for hauling the garden amendments and for carry away rocks and debris.

Your gardening tools should not be cheap or inexpensive, as they will probably not last a long time and you will be buying more. When you purchase your soil tools try each one on for size and comfort and make sure it is well balanced. One of the most important things to look for is how the handle is joined at the working end of the tool, this is the weakest part of the tool. They should be joined with a metal strip around it for support. The cutting edges must be sharp and solid in order to perform the task at hand.

If you are a good gardener and you value your soil tools you will take good care of them. A good cleaning after each use is a necessity. A steel wool pad should remove rust spots if they are taken care of right away and not allowed to set into the metal. If you happen to hit a rock and nick your tool, a rasp can be used to smooth it out. If a screw become loosened during your working, repair it right away lest you lose the screw by still working it. When the growing season is over your garden tools need to have all the metal parts rubbed down with an oily rag. A garden tool organizer is an excellent garden accessory for winter storage.

Beautiful Providing Your Patio With Patio Furniture Makes Living Outside Comfortable

You are planning to redecorate your house with the new set of furniture and include your patio on the redecorating process. Take a look in your patio. Does it give you the feeling of liveliness every time you go in there? Or are you enjoying your stay in your patio for few hours? When your answer for these questions are all no or maybe, then you might need to provide it with things to give you satisfaction every time you spend time in your patio. Such things include patio furniture.

For an effective decoration for your patio, base your patio decoration on your interior decorations to match the decorations.Decorating and providing your patio with patio furniture is a way to utilize the function of your patio and make it lively. Is such a simple action of providing this area outside your house, you can extend the happiness and you can provide your guests enough space to feel comfortable during the time you have an event in your house.

Your patio is one of the places in your house where you can find relaxation. Spending time alone in this area would help you ease the burden you felt inside your heart as you can contemplate on it. This is also a good place to entertain your friends or visitors in a much refresh way provided by the fresh air coming from the nature. And it would be an effective entertaining if you have patio furniture to provide your guests in which they can comfortably sit down during the conversation.

Now that you have already ideas how useful your patio is if you have patio furniture, you can now start choosing the best set of patio furniture to place in this area. and with the many options to choose between the classic and modern style of furniture, you will sure to give your patio a new look of elegance and an ambiance that would make you lively and happy every time you are in this place whether you are alone or with your family or friends.

Lovely Patio Umbrellas for a Cool Summer

While patio heaters keep you warm, patio umbrellas on the other hand keep you cool. These things are both useful for outdoor use and they both provide comfort while you are spending time outside your house.

Patio umbrellas keep you cool under the sun. It gives shade and protects you from the blistering and eye straining rays of the sun. It becomes a popular addition to outdoor necessities of every establishment like pubs, restaurants, pool decks and in homes. Patio umbrellas are available in many options to choose from materials, sizes, shapes, colors and designs. The huge collections of umbrellas in every shops let you choose the umbrella that would meet your needs. Moreover, you should choose the umbrella with the best qualities when it comes to construction, materials and its appearance.

Patio umbrellas can be an additional decoration to your outdoor space. You can choose from the varieties of colors and designs that might probably match to your existing decorations. When it comes to color, you should choose the umbrella with the bright colors since dark colors might also add to the hotness as it gathers more heat from the sun.

The umbrella that is worth to invest is the one that is durable. Durable in the sense that it won't be easily blown by wind or the pole won't break when there is a strong wind blows. In this case, you better secure the base of the patio umbrella. It should be weighted so that it can hold the overall structure of the umbrella. So you better search for the durable umbrella so that you can use it for a long time.

Patio umbrellas will add fun and excitement to your life. You get more time to spend outside with your family or friends without getting sunburn on the summer days feeling cool.

Modern Theme Container Gardens For the Deck and Patio

Creating your own container garden can be so much fun, especially if you think of using themes. Consider showing off your style with a small kitchen garden, or create an outdoor pot designed to attract hummingbirds or to welcome butterflies. Our beings are drawn to beautiful scents, what about a container giving off wonderful fragrances.

Culinary containers or kitchen gardens are especially handy as a source of herbs, leafy lettuce or parsley, or even edible flowers. You may wish to combine many edibles to create your own miniature garden at the door. Combining edibles with your flowering or ornamental plants can be so attractive - imagine Beefsteak Tomatoes surrounded by basil or oregano. For foliage color, use green and purple leaved basils, leaf lettuce and Swiss chard. Parsley is especially great, goes anywhere, and adds attractive texture and rich green color to any container combination. Nasturtiums are grown for their showy, spurred flowers and trailing ones are sensational in your planters - they are edible and give a finished look to the container.

Herbs that work wonderfully well in culinary containers are chives, lemon balm, rosemary, different sages and oregano. Lemongrass is wonderful in soups and adds a nice vertical accent to any planter or outdoor pot.

And then of course there are those peppers, both colorful and hot. Cherry tomatoes should not be forgotten, they look pretty in your arrangements and the spectacular patio tomatoes are there for the picking. Don't forget arugula and of course golden thyme for another theme.

The best place to use your fragrant plants is in garden pots on your deck or patio. This is where we can enjoy their lovely scents when relaxing in the evening. Mix scented plants with foliage or flowers and see what you can come up with. Some plants, such as heliotrope, can be enjoyed once they begin to bloom and for the rest of the summer. Lilies that have been forced in your pots can be moved to the garden after they bloom. Others such as tuberoses may have to be moved indoors before frost and then brought out again next year. Dahlias and of course geraniums make a great show and a delightful addition to your container gardens.

Hummingbirds will arrive right on your deck or patio if you give them the proper encouragement. Along with your hummingbird feeder, some of the best container plants to attract them are annual sages. They come in so many colors from bright red to shades of mauve and purpose to creamy white and pink. Try out one or more of them in your garden pots. You may also use Nicotiana plant, petunias and dwarf dahlias too.

To keep all of our container plants going all summer, deadhead regularly and of course water and feed on a timely basis. When plants become scrawny or leggy, just cut them back hard in mid-summer and then they will produce more new flowers and foliage within a few weeks. Your containers will be beautiful right into the cool Fall weather.

In summary, create theme container combinations. They can be ones either for the kitchen, to give off wonderful fragrances and of course to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

About Tips For Bringing Birds to Your Backyard

Waking up to chirping birds is a rewarding start of your day for a lot of people. Many people enjoy sipping their first cup of coffee in the morning while watching the birds in there backyard. This makes for a refreshing start each day before we ease into our hectic schedule or daily responsibilities.

Here are some tips in attracting these friendly fliers.

Bird Baths - No matter the size of your yard, your landscape can be enhanced to attract your friendly fliers closer. The first thing to do is put out a source of water. Reflecting sunlight off the surface of the water will attract your feathered friends, but better yet the sound of dripping water is better.

Bird Feeders - You will want to place a few different bird feeders around your lawn so the birds have plenty of room to eat. There are many different types on the market that are inexpensive. Keep your feeders and the area below clean for the health of your feathered guests.

Bird Houses - Another thing to consider is adding a bird house or two. These are always great for attracting the friendly fliers. Again there are many to choose from.

Mulch - Yes, bird feeders and bird houses can sure attract birds to your backyard, but to really attract and keep them coming back using mulch is the key. Once you spread the mulch around in your backyard you will begin to attract bugs, critters and lizards, which make for good food sources for your friendly fliers along with your bird seed. This will also reduce the amount of bird seed that you will have to purchase. And, in this economy every little thing helps.

The mulch helps keep the soil moist and cool. Maintaining a steady layer will begin to enrich your soil. Recommended mulch is your basic grass clippings, pine bark or pine straw. The grass clippings of course you can get from your grass cuttings while the pine bark or pine straw can be obtained from tree trimmers. They normally grind up the tree trimmings and haul to the dump so you should be able to get this type of mulch for free. I think they would be happy to give it away instead of having to haul it away.

Spraying - Do not spray pesticides on your lawn. What this does is kill all the insects in your lawn and mulch. These insects are the base of food for your friendly fliers and keep them coming back for more.

Trimming - Don't trim your trees and bushes heavily in the early spring. This will leave the berries, which attract the birds. If you trim heavily then their may be no berries and the friendly fliers will not come. They also like to move around restlessly between tree branches and like to have areas where they can hide if they are threatened.

These basic tips will help attract birds to your backyard and keep them coming back. As you can see there are several things that can be done to help attract friendly fliers for your bird watching enjoyment.

Nice Strategies to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Backyard Garden

Everybody loves hummingbirds and everybody would like to be able to enjoy the sight of these colorful and entertaining birds in their own backyard. But what's the secret? How do you attract hummingbirds and get them to come back again and again? By hanging feeders, planting friendly garden flora and creating a water source.

Hang Hummingbird Feeders to Your Backyard

The solution that comes first to the mind of most people is to get a dedicated Hummingbird feeder and hang it up in your backyard. This will work just fine if you follow a few simple rules. Make sure you pick a feeder with the color red on it as Hummingbirds are attracted to red and use the right kind of nectar. Making your own is simple and will usually do just fine.

4 Cups Water
1 Cup Sugar
Bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes
Cool in the refrigerator

Do not use artificial sweeteners or honey as it can cause a fatal fungal infection. Also make sure that you clean out the hummingbird feeder on a regular basis. Don't use any harsh chemicals or detergents. Just a small amount of bleach or vinegar dissolved in some water and a stiff brush will do the job just fine.

Plant a Friendly Garden

Sometimes just one feeder alone in a backyard will not do the trick. The best way to insure that Hummingbirds will frequent your backyard is to create a Hummingbird friendly garden with plants that are proven to attract these lovable birds. Plants that have a high nectar content are best, and since the birds feed by sight and not smell, make sure they have colors that the birds will come back to again and again like red, pink and orange.

Flowers Best for Hummingbirds:

Firespike
Impatiens
Jewelweed
Petunia
Fuchsia
Shrimp Plant
Canna
Coumbine
Foxglove
Hummingbird Mint
Lupine
Yucca
Bee Balm

Vines Best for Hummingbirds:

Trumpet Creeper
Scarlet Runner Bean
Morning Glory
Cypress Vine
Coral Honeysuckle

Trees and Shrubs Best for Hummingbirds:

Azalea
Cape Honeysuckle
Lantana
Mimosa
Turk's Cap
Manzanita
Butterfly Bush
Red Buckeye

Make sure you choose plants with a progressive flowering schedule. This will provide a solid nectar source for the Hummingbirds throughout the spring and summer months. The birds also tend to follow regular routes and will benefit by your placing plants in a logical pattern that will lead the birds from place to place. Also, do not use pesticides as the birds eat insects and the residual chemicals will harm the birds.

Add a Water Source

Don't forget to provide a water source as well. Small shallow bird baths will work just fine but some type of misting system that the birds can fly through can be very beneficial.

By far, the best plan for attracting Hummingbirds is a mixed approach. Plant Hummingbird friendly plants that will provide the birds with lots of feeding options throughout the season and use Hummingbird feeders for an instant jolt of high energy food for those times that the plants are not flowering. The more choices the birds have the more likely that they will find your backyard a reliable and welcoming place to find food sources and will be sure to come back again and again for your enjoyment.

Best Flower Box and Other Gardening Stuff

Another year has passed and we all had wonderful time with our home decorations during the holidays. It was really fun doing all sorts of interior improvement with different ideas that we see online. My family and I are looking forward for the holidays this year to create other unique and eye-catching home interior decorations.

 

There are several holidays and occasions that we need to anticipate so that we can prepare for the concept that we need to use for our home improvement plan. For the record, most home and gardening enthusiasts are into adding flower box as part of their interior decorating plan. As we all know flower boxes are gardening containers that are normally used for indoor gardening due to lack of backyard or gardening space at home. We also use them as part of our window ornament that we commonly call as window boxes.

 

Most rural area residents are not really familiar with flower boxes because they normally have bed gardens to till in their backyard. Only those living in apartments and condo units are into window boxes or container gardening because it is simply made for indoor gardening. There are actually many flower box gardening ideas online and it did really help lots of gardening aficionados that they created many different improvisations on some ideas like planter box as a part of the home improvement idea.

 

Hanging Baskets

 

Planter boxes are also container gardening boxes but they are mostly placed on patios and living areas. There are different types of planter boxes namely, modern, outdoor, commercial and illuminated planters. They are best for accentuating our home and they also best compliment the flowering plants that we use to add color to our living space.

 

Whether we select between flower and planter box, either way is great to bring out the best in our home. So long as we stick to our home concept, everything would go in their proper places. Let us do something different to our home this year. We can also share ideas with home and gardening aficionados online. I bet there are lots of ways to make our home a perfect place to live in. Enjoy decorating!

 

About Decks - Turn Your Backyard Into an Entertaining Paradise

Some of the best memories I have of summers gone by are lounging out on the back deck, soaking up the sun and sharing good times with friends and family. Although no deck is required to have a good time in your backyard, decks certainly make an impact on your outdoor living space by provide living space for outdoor furniture, patio tables and chairs plus barbecues and planters.

Thinking about adding a deck to your home? Consider some of these questions before you build:

• How much space do you have to work with?

• Do you want to cover your backyard with a deck or leave natural spaces?

• Will you have to dig support posts below the frost line?

• What type of wood will you use - or will you use synthetic materials?

• Do you need to hire someone to build the deck for you?

• What type of tools will you need - saws, nails, screws, hammers or nail gun?

• How much material will you need to complete the deck?

• Will you need stairs and railing for the deck?

Asking yourself some of these questions prior to construction of your deck will save you time and money. Taking accurate measurements is essential prior to building as they can dictate the shape and size of your deck.  When choosing a deck style or design to construct, think about how you will use the space and plan for features like bench seating, planter boxes, stairs and railing. If you're considering building a two-storey deck, think about the space needed for clearance and stairs that may be required to connect the two structures.

Maintaining your deck is also crucial for years of enjoyment. Be sure to apply a durable water sealant to all exposed surfaces and use galvanized nails and screws to prevent rust stains from forming around the penetration sites. Using a power washer every few years can rejuvenate the look and texture of the decking materials plus add value to potential home buyers looking for a home with a well kept deck and yard. After the building process is complete and you've applied the sealer, wait a day for the sealer to be completely absorbed and dry - then party on!

Modern Adding on to Your Patio Dining Set

The right patio dining set can make a deck go from dull to dazzling just like that. But aside from the basic table and chairs setup, there are a number of accessories that can add charm and convenience to the general operations.

A lot of patio chairs, especially wrought iron and other metals, come with attachable cushions to add an extra measure of comfort to the necessary hard yet durable frames. Even if a chair doesn't automatically come with one, you're able to buy cushions for almost any patio seating. These cushions are stuffed with polyfill and their covers are tough, rip-proof and waterproof. They can either cover the length of the chair from headrest to seat, or simple the seat only. Typically, they tie to the backs of chairs, or some other easy to remove method so that cushions can be cleaned separately from the rest of the chair. Also, like indoor furniture cushions, they come in countless colors and prints and can really make your outdoor décor pop.

A rolling cart is one piece of mobile furniture that won't take up a lot of space but can really add something to your dining set. These simple carts, made from wood, metal, etc. have one or two shelves and operate by a push bar. There are some with only two wheels on them. The purpose of these is so that the cart doesn't rolling around in place, and operates simply like a wheelbarrow, by lifting the end without wheels. The carts that have four wheels generally have two smaller and two larger, all terrain wheels for rolling over grass and bumpy bits of ground.

A patio umbrella is as functional as it is attractive. Pair one with your patio dining set to protect your skin from the harsh UV rays, relentless sun, and rainy days. The two most basic forms of umbrella are tableside and freestanding. The freestanding umbrellas are generally taller stay upright by being attached to a heavy base. There are also table umbrellas which fit into a pre-made hole in the table's surface. Both kinds work equally well. From here, they are further categorized as being either manually operated or automatic. Manual umbrellas must be opened by hand, usually by a basic rope pulley mechanism. Once open, they normally secure with a peg and hole. An automatic umbrella opens with a crank or button, and there are also auto tilt umbrellas which operate the same way, but tilt further than straight up and down. Once open, these umbrellas can be adjusted to tilt in various directions so that the direction of the shade can be controlled as the sun crosses from east to west.

Although it's not technically a part of the patio dining set, a planter box or two is just as important, since it beautifies the surrounding area and adds natural ambience. These are made from wood, metal, concrete, stone, and resin. Within you can plant a number of things, like flowers, bushes, herbs and small vegetables. They're perfect for urban areas and making the garden come to you. Having a salad caprese with your evening meal? Reach over and pluck some fresh basil from your planter box.

A patio dining set is just the first step in completing your backyard designs. The fun part of decorating is the addition of accessories, decorations and those things which personalize and make your space your own.

Modern Gardening For Beginners - What Are Perennials?

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

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

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

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

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

Beautiful Stay Warm With Outdoor Patio Heaters

When the weather is freezing cold you certainly want to keep yourselves warm in the backyard and the outdoor patio heaters provide you with the perfect respite in this regard. With the advent of time new types of technological innovations have been made as far as heating instruments are concerned and these high quality outdoor patio heaters provide you with the utmost comfort you desire. With the cold weather prevailing outside, you want to stay warm when you are in the backyard and with the assistance of outdoor patio heaters you no longer need to worry about it. These outdoor patio heaters are very flexible to use, easy to operate and provide you with effective levels of heating.

When you are using these heaters, you should know that although they are easy to operate some of the sources, which are used for their operation, are natural gas and propane. So while using the outdoor patio heaters just take a note of the safety measures that need to be in place. Since both propane and natural gas are highly inflammable you should keep an eye on the devices for safe functioning. Do not ever make the mistake of using them indoors as they are not manufactured for doing so.

When you want to have some guests over to your house and arrange a barbecue in the backyard even in the cold Christmas time, these outdoor patio heaters can make that possible. These heaters are loaded with wheels and you can fix them in a convenient spot in the backyard. When one heater would be enough to provide warmth to your family, you might need more for the parties depending on the number of people you are inviting. The heaters should be strategically placed to cover everyone.

Outdoor patio heaters are offered in a variety of colors and can be perfectly matched with your furniture. The propane full size heaters can warm the space for up to 10 hours providing you the flexibly to enjoy long hours outside. They also come with variable settings allowing you to set the temperature that is comfortable for you. This is one luxury you won't get if you burn firewood or charcoal for outdoor heating. Some come with auto shut off feature that automatically shuts-off the system when it is knocked over. Check for all the safety certifications and warranties before buying one.

Best of Turn Your Backyard Space Into an Outdoor Retreat

You can get your backyard and patio ready for those warm summer days and nights by adding a few simple decorative touches. Market umbrellas have made a resurgence in recent years with brightly colored hues leading the way. Most patio umbrellas can be found in 7 foot or 9 foot diameter shades. Use a red or robins egg blue umbrella to add a pop of color or stick with neutrals such as ivory or the new chocolate brown to go with all of your outdoor decor. Whether you want to use these umbrellas to get some shade or add a bit of elegance you can't go wrong.

A new umbrella that has shown up on the patio and deck scene is the 10 foot offset or cantilever umbrella. So what is an offset patio umbrella? More and more people using the outside deck or patio as another "room" and wanted a stronger and sturdier umbrella. The offset umbrellas was the answer. These umbrellas have poles that are off to the side so they can reach over a table, swimming pool, spa, hot tub, sandbox or large deck area.

Some advantages of offset umbrellas are their range of sizes and shapes. The 10 foot round offset umbrellas is perfect for almost anywhere. Whether you are looking for shading over your hot tub or the patio you should always keep the umbrella base in mind. There are new sand bases that can keep your offset umbrella standing in place. Some offsets offer a base that is anchored by paver stones. These umbrellas also come in many different colors so finding the right match for your existing furniture or décor can be pretty easy. Offset umbrellas are truly a great choice when looking to buy a larger patio umbrella or when an umbrella with a center pole just doesn't fit your need.

Another great way to create your own outdoor getaway is by simply setting up a few lounge chairs under a shade tree. You can set up your space with classic Adirondack chairs that come in a variety of styles and colors. Adirondack chairs are like an open invitation to relax in style and luxury. Remember that rocker on your grandmother's front porch? There are new Extra Wide Cedar Adirondack Chairs on the market that come with or without rockers on the bottom of the chair so you can sit back and relax while rocking into the night.

Lounge chairs have never gone out of style. We are constantly looking for new ways to be able to rest and relax. Extra wide zero gravity chairs make you feel like you are floating on air with their adjustable tension and extra wide seat. These lounge chairs can be found in a variety of eye catching colors and have been found to be beneficial in reducing spinal pressure, muscle tension, and even reducing back strain. Most zero gravity chairs fold up easily for easy transportation.

One of the top trends in outdoor living is furniture and other accessories made to look as if they belong indoors. Patio chairs, loungers and Adirondack chairs are being created with comfort in mind. Oversize and extra wide are some of the trends that are being seen throughout the industry. With all of the design options out there you are sure to find what you want and need for your new outdoor retreat.

Awesome Gardening Gifts Ideas For The Holidays

Gardening is a passion for many people. They spend a lot of time in arranging their garden and taking care of their plants. They not only exert physical effort in gardening but they also invest their emotions in it. As garden enthusiasts, having healthy plants and creating a beautiful garden is what makes them happy just like artists who have finished their masterpiece. For the plant lovers, their garden is their work of art and their masterpiece.

 

window flower boxes

 

If you have friends who love to garden, it wouldn't be hard for you to think of what to give them for the holidays. There are a lot of gardening gifts available such as seed and herb kits, gardening tools, and other gardening materials. Here are other ideas on what to give your garden enthusiast friends for the holidays:

 

1. Window Flower Boxes. If your friend doesn't have one yet, then this will be a good option. Window flower boxes are not just any plant containers. They can totally accentuate the plain windows of a home. Since you are giving this to your friends, they can just put it on the porch or somewhere that will not lose the balance of their home's exterior design. You can choose from a lot of styles such as hay rack trough window box, fiberglass window boxes, and PVC Window boxes.

 

2. Planter Box. A planter box can be very useful for the garden. Your friends can even bring their plants and flowers insdie their home or just anywhere. There are modern planter boxes today with beautiful designs so that they can be a good decoration for the home as well. They can may also come in different sizes that can fit anywhere even in their center tables.

 

3. Glass Terrariums. Terrariums are ecofriendly ornaments that your friends would definitely love to have. They are so modern yet easy to maintain. It can be of different types such as globe terrariums, bubble terrariums, or hanging terrariums.

 

Sometimes, any gardening gifts would be appreciated by your friend who is a garden enthusiast because these will be useful for their passion. But of course, we want to give the best for the people we love and care for that is why we search for something special. The above-mentioned gardening gifts are very useful not only for their garden but also for their home. They are modern decorations that every plant lover would appreciate.

 

The Summer Gardening Tips That You Will Need

Summer is a very important season for your garden. This is because a lot can go wrong if you do not have summer gardening tips that will work. There are so many opportunities that can have your garden become chaotic and good summer gardening tips will help you avert this. First, let us look at all the major problems that you will experience when summer arrives.

You will have to deal with weeds. Your flower beds will be swimming in weeds and to prevent your garden from choking, this is the time to do the real work. There are people who will have taken care of this problem before summer but majority of people will be doing the job during this season.

Tips for Summer Gardening

There is so much to do in the gardens during summer and it is probably wise to have you family help you. Children love gardens and it is a good time to mess around. Give them good gardening tips for kids that will help them appreciate the job at hand. You will also need summer gardening tips for fertilization.

It is a good time to get that soil rich again. You will need all suitable fertilizers. Different soils will require different things and when soil is analyzed, you will know what is required with regard to fertilization. Summer gardening tips for pest control will come in handy.

Summer attracts all kinds of bugs to your garden including snails, aphids, slugs and this list is endless. Some of these bugs are a real threat and you need to be armed with a good pesticide that will actually work. Other summer gardening tips will have to do with watering. Because the sun is usually very hot, you will need to water your garden at the most suitable time.

Early mornings and late evenings are good. This way, water will not evaporate leaving the plants needing water. It is vital that you consider individual needs of your plants during summer. This is one of the greatest summer gardening tips. Many annual plants will welcome the sun because they can take it.

Cutting and pruning should be a major feature in gardens during summer. It is a good time to help different plants shed leaves so that they can progress. Good summer gardening tips for pruning and cutting will have to cater for your individual plants. Those plants that are bedding will need to be fed liquid plant food during summer. You will need different tools to achieve all this and buying in advance will save you money. Take the above summer gardening tips and go through summer with a garden that you can admire.

About How Patio Covers Protect Our Home

Having a dream home would be the biggest financial investment for every person. However, if you need a maximum shade and protection from weather conditions than full shade is the best one for your issue. To decorate your patio, you must need well design wooden furniture.  To protect this furniture, we must need to cover them with excellent patio covers. Why we need to these patios cover to protect this furniture? The following few lines will discuss few advantages of these patio covers.


The main advantage with this covers is, you can easily expand your living space. However, it has been observed in many houses that most of the people are gathering under an outdoor shade like umbrella or gazebo or some type of awning people will always seek a shaded area.  So, these patios covers will increase the out door space and provide large area of space.  And also, it will attract many people who are really enjoying the outside the home. Here one thing we need to understand that what area is we are covering with patio covers means we are using it.

Whenever the homeowners are trying to build their home, they need to estimate the space where they want protection from direct sun and rain. It is a common fact for every house that the weather can damage and eventually ruin exposed doors and windows. Here is another problem that the balconies and desks would leak. To resolve this issue, we must need a full shade patio cover. When it comes to remodeling of kitchen, most of the people re interested in the outdoor kitchen, and they would like to the remodel backyard also. So, we are taking so much risk by leaving the most expensive furniture exposed to sunlight and rain.  If you want to protect your furniture, then we must need a patio covers to protect these furniture items.
Nowadays, most of the house owners are hiring some contractors to replace the old patio cover. After changing the patio cover, the backyard looks like a new heaven. Finally, a patio cover is not only adding living space to your home it will make back of your home completed.

Nice Tips For Beginning An Organic Gardening

Do you think that an Organic Gardening is great for you and your family? You might be proud of the food you grow in. It not only brings you lots of benefits but also helps you save money. Additionally, an organic garden is very useful to improve the health as well as the look of your yard. When you pick and eat your own vegetables for the first time, you will feel so good. Here are a few tips that can get you started down the right path.


1. Healthy Soil -

The Key to any healthy wonderful garden starts with the dirt you are planting in. Some areas grow great veggies naturally, however you may need to do some prep work in order to prepare your yard for the best possible growing conditions.


2. Decide Early What Type of Garden You Want -

Raised Beds because of your soil quality? Container Gardening because of the weeding factor? Row gardening because of how it looks so uniform? Decide what you like best and graph it out. Part of the fun of gardening is the anticipation and preparation.



3. Read the Labels of Anything you put into Your Dirt -

If you are striving for an organic garden, you must be aware of what you are prepping the dirt with. Need manure to help enrich the ground? Find organically feed manure. Do the seeds or the saplings you are planting comes from organic sources? For an organic garden, plant organic plants and seeds.


4. Sustainable Gardening Practices -

Compost Compost Compost. Do it yourself and you know exactly what is going into the soil you are working with. Banana peels, newspapers, yard clippings, last years plants, etc.etc.



5. Stewardship of the environment -

Think twice about the chemicals we use in our gardens and food today. Not only is it toxic for our bodies, it is also toxic for the environment as well. Think twice about the stuff you use when trying to start organic gardening.


6. Give Back a Little -

Birds, insects, and animals are going to find your garden. It will have the best vegetables in the neighborhood! Plan for it. Sustainable and safe netting, raised beds, naturals deterrents: all of these things will add to your organic garden.

The Gardening 101 ? Lawn Care Tips

Lawn is an important part of a house. It enhances the beauty of your house. It gives an open and a free feeling and with the green grasses that you have in your lawn, you will really feel relax and comfortable being there. Not all people can afford to have a lawn. Those who live in apartments and condominiums do not have the chance to have a lawn that they can stay, when they want to relax but do not what to leave the comfort of their own premise. As it is vital, lawn should be maintained to keep the beauty of the green grasses in it. Maintaining a lawn will not be that hard as you imagine if you just know how to do it the easy way.

Lawns are beautiful landscape though not big but enough to enjoy your past time or even celebrate and arrange parties, ceremonies or any other event. If you are having lawn in your backyard or in front of the house then it is your responsibility to take care of your own lawn. Taking care and maintenance of lawns is not as easy as you might think, so if you are planning to create a lawn for you then be prepared to experience the ups and downs which will take place. In this article, you will find some of the important and basic steps and tips towards taking care of the lawn.

You should revamp it if your lawn has been there for years. This is important to maintain the look of your lawn as beautiful as it was the first time. Revamping your lawn can allow you should see to it that all the dead grasses will be pulled off and should be replaced by a new one. You need to cultivate the soil and add more seed to it. There is a machine that can ease your job in aerating the soil and it is called aerator. You can buy this online or in your local shop.

Loan mowing is very important as well. This keep the grasses in a particular length. It is also essential to choose the right kind of grass to grow in your lawn, this can save you money. It will have a better resistance against damage that is caused by weeds and insects when you choose the right type of grass. You can use pesticides to prevent insects from damaging your well maintained lawns.

You can also use fertilizers to make your grasses healthy. You just have to see to it that you use organic fertilizer to help the environment.

A beautiful lawn is not just a thing that you can do over time. This will take days or even months to maintain it. Mowing your grasses once a week will ensure that your lawn is healthy and well maintained. A great lawn can be a place for you to bond with you family, playing ball games for and you family to enjoy is just some of the many reasons why you should keep on maintaining your lawn.

Find the best liquid organic fertilizer in the market today to help in making sure that the grasses in your lawn will have enough water, air and nutrients that it needs. organic fertilizer will also give your lawn the nutrients that will make it greener.

Adorable Home Vegetable Gardening - Growing Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a great vegetable to grow in any garden. They are excellent for salads, or to simply dip in some ranch dressing (or your favorite flavor).

There are a variety of great dishes you can make with cucumbers and if you have time to learn it, the skill of "pickling" can take your cucumber even further.

More importantly though, is, all of that is for naught if your vegetable garden does not produce plenty of healthy cucumbers.

Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of healthy and more abundant harvest in your home vegetable garden.

Most cucumber plants grow on a vine. Although there are varieties that have been engineered to grow on a bush, chances are the seeds you are buying in the stores or online will produce a cucumber plant that wants to climb. Given that you have already picked the spot in your garden (full sun of course) where your cucumbers will go, the first step is to put in a trellis to give your plants a place to go and grow. Once they start growing, the vines should work themselves up the trellis. If they do not, that is ok, you can help it along by doing some light maneuvering. Your trellis can be as simple as some fencing attached to wooden poles to the one shown in the picture.

When you are ready to plant the cucumber seeds it is best to sow them one half inch to one inch deep into the soil for optimal germination no earlier than one week past the last frost date as specified in your area on the USDA website.

Even though you are growing your cucumbers up a trellis, you should not space the seeds any closer than eighteen inches when planting.

Cucumbers should always be planted in full sun with moderate watering until the cucumber plant starts flowering. Then once it has started to flower, water heavy throughout the harvest.

Keep in mind when it comes to cucumbers that letting grow to larger than normal sizes will produce one that has way too many seeds and won't be as crisp and tasty as their smaller counterparts. So follow the steps above to create the optimal growing environment and harvest early and often.

Awesome All Year Round Enjoyment in the Patio With Patio Heaters

You get a limited time in enjoying the outdoor space when the chilly weather comes. This weather makes you uncomfortable to stay outside. You have no choice but to stay inside your house and be warm beside your fireplace or using your indoor heater.

As you become aware of the latest changes and addition to the home necessities, you will find that heaters are one of the hottest addition to home necessities and popular especially during the cold season.

Patio heaters provide warm atmosphere on your patio while the unit is still working. It can either be operated by a propane or natural gas and electricity. The materials used for patio heater are stainless steel, bronze or copper. The heater can effectively warm the area of up to 18ft radius.

Patio heaters are available in floor standing or table top units. There is also the wall mounted unit. Patio heaters are convenient to use especially the floor standing since it is equipped with wheels. For safety measures, choose the heater with an auto tilt valve or the piezo igniter especially if it is the propane or natural gas heaters. It will prevent gas leaks or fire as it automatically shut off the heater when the unit falls down. Yet, you still need to be extra careful in using this heater for safety. And don't use this heater inside the house as it might produce gas fumes which are not good for the health.

If you prefer to use the electric heater, you must know that it works on standard household electricity. It is safer to use compared to its counterpart since it does not emits gas so it can be used indoors.

Patio heaters can make life comfortable. Whenever you feel like going out though the weather is chilly, it is possible since all you need is turn on the unit and wait for some seconds and feel the warmness it produce. With heaters, you can enjoy and comfortably wander around your patio all year round even with the freezing weather.

Best of Patio Design Ideas - Creative Shade Awnings

Patios are generally designed to catch the sun. Not necessarily, in warmer areas, the heat of the midday sun, but enough sun to give you that good sense of relaxation and well being that we get when exposed to lots of vitamin D.

Patios are also a hub for family-centered activities: a place for meals; for children to play; for lengthy conversations that lead to important decisions; and for friends to gather outside around the barbecue.

However, it is possible to have too much sun. Patio awnings allow you to enjoy the sun's warmth without becoming burned by the sun, and provide protection against passing showers too. Patio awnings, canopies or shades are a very useful addition to your outdoor comfort.

An awning can be either fixed or retractable. A fixed awning, as its name suggests, stays in the same position all the time. It is usually some type of shade cloth fixed to a permanent frame of steel or aluminium. Retractable awnings can be swiftly stowed away, and are available in either powered or manually operated versions. In climates where permanent awnings must be dismantled at the approach of winter and erected again in spring, retractable awnings, which can be left in their cassette all year round, are especially useful.

An alternative to a complete awning is a shade sail. Shade sails can be custom made to any size you require, or you can combine a number of smaller ones to cover a larger area (the solution you choose will depend partly on your site, and partly on your budget). Shade sails work by a tension system - the sails, often triangular in shape, are anchored to tension points which may be attached to the walls of the dwelling or to the tops of poles sunk into the ground. They have the advantage of being portable: if you sell your home, you can move the sail to your new home and reinstall it for the price of new tension points.

Shade structures were once all made from canvas. However, today there are many colourful acrylic fibres that are woven together to make shade cloths. The cloths are long lasting and tough, making damage from wind or storm unlikely. The closeness of the weave creates different levels of protection against the sun, giving the consumer yet more choice about the amount of protection desired - and cost, too.

Shade protection given by patio awnings and shade sails keeps the sun-lover safe from painful overexposure to the sun. They can also reduce glare, and can be found in colors to suit any existing color scheme.

Lovely Do I Need a Building Permit For My Backyard Shed?

If you're planning to build a backyard shed or storage shed of some type on your property, it will be very important to learn as much as you can about the laws in your area and determine whether or not you will need a building permit before you ever begin.

Every city and town is different in their laws regarding building permits but every city has some type of law. If you live in the country, outside of city limits, you most likely won't have to worry about building permits. If you want to build on private property in the country, you can build however you want.

In the city, however, you will need building permits for certain types and sizes of structures and you will need to be sure your shed meets the regulations of your city. It's important to know the zoning laws and other legal codes before you start any building or you can be facing some hefty fines and possibly have to tear your building down.

Most cities will have height and size restrictions on your storage shed. You probably want to build the largest size you are allowed in your city. Time and time again people complain about their shed being too small. In time, you will continue to collect more things that you need to shed and then upgrading will be more difficult than just building bigger now.

You may be required to get a permit and there could be restrictions placed on where and how you can do construction on your storage shed. For example, you may be restricted from using loud tools at certain hours of the day and night. If a permit is required where you live, make sure you apply for one.

Don't try to sneak by building it without one and hope you don't get caught or it can really come back to bite you in the event that you are discovered. If you're going to do it, you should do it right and this includes getting a building permit.

Never trust another person's word about whether or not you need a building permit for your storage shed. Always go straight to the source and find out. You can even make an anonymous call if you want but don't trust the world of family, friends or neighbors. You don't even want to listen to someone who's done it before as zoning laws and regulations can change each year.

Best of Types of Patio Covers

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

Adorable Ways to Revamp Your Old Patio

There are many of you who must have bought a house with a terrace attached to it. More often then not you will find that these patios are only a simple concrete slab and nothing more than that. Hence you will need to put in your time, effort and money to revamp it so that it fits your needs and compliments the look of your house. In some cases you will have no choice even if you want to revamp your patio as you will not be given enough space to change it. But if you are lucky then you may get a yard with enough room to revamp and change its design and make it according to your liking.

There is many a time when you are in a place where the weather is not very friendly and hence most of the residents there get an enclosed yard installed at their homes. Thus this enclosed patio not only gives you the benefit of using it all round the year but also adds up as another extension your house and a separate room all by itself. These enclosed terraces are usually made of see through material and hence it provides you the view of your garden and the surrounding as well as acts as another extension of your home.

Now even if you are stuck with a patio that happens to be only a concrete slab it does not mean that you cannot make the best use of it. Though you will not be able to change the concrete slab but you can still change its surrounding. You can change the colour of the courtyard and add life to it by placing the flowers and the potted plants in and around the concrete slab. These plants and small trees and some bushes that you can plant around the terrace will give you the feel of being in a garden rather than in just a piece of concrete slab.

To further revamp your yard and give it a more grand and a bigger look you can also add a pathway or a trail from it into the garden which will further add to its grandeur. Thus you can use various other ways apart from this to connect your patio to your garden which make it look more big and beautiful. Thus using the garden feel will connect your garden and the terrace and will make them look like a part of one.

Another important thing to consider is the furniture that you are planning to use for your courtyard. The furniture will prove to be the final element that will add to the look and elegance of your courtyard and prove to be the determining factor. While choosing your furniture you need to keep in mind the colour combination of it and its surrounding so that the furniture that you choose compliments your patio and adds to its surroundings.

Nice Helpful Advice For Gardening In Winter Time

There are a lot of people that are interested in gardening. This makes things a bit challenging during the winter months and many people have no idea where to start when it comes to this. Here we will look at some advice for those that want to pursue gardening in winter time.

Winter can be one of the best times of the year to do the pruning that is needed when taking care of perennials and bushes that you own. By waiting until after the first freeze of the season provides protection for these plants from pests and other issues that can come about. You will also have a better view of what you are removing from the plants and bushes as opposed to when doing so during their prime season.

This is also a good time for digging up those plants that have died over the season. It is far easier to contend with this type of work well after all the leaves have fallen off of the trees and plants. Any opportunity for this to be an easier job to conquer is usually greatly appreciated. Many people also use these dead items as a means for them to begin a garden compost which is not only economical but environmentally friendly option to take into consideration.

The winter is also a great time for people to deal with erosion issues that may be apparent. Without the brush and leaves that are often laying around during the fall can make it a lot easier for people to find areas that erosion can occur. Once found there are ways that people can contend with these problems and it all can be done during the winter months leaving your yard prepared in advance for the new season.

Spotting holes that may be in your yard can usually be easier in the winter as well. Fill them in as you find them with dirt or another compound of your choice. This may need to be repeated a few times due to the way the fill will settle.

You can also do a lot of general garden maintenance that needs to be done on an annual basis. Whether it be raking up remnants from the past season or simply making sure that all the necessary prep work for the protecting the plants you have, there are many things that can be done throughout the winter time.

There are a lot of options available for those that want to try gardening in winter time. Try looking at gardening websites that are on the internet as they are full of useful ideas that can be easily implemented by anyone that has a bit of drive or the desire to do so.

Message boards and forums are also a great tool that can help you gain more insight on this topic. Many people that have already been in the position that you are in now share their experiences as well as suggestions that may be useful as well as easy to put into play.

Modern Getting Started With Organic Rose Gardening

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Keeping Your Backyard Playground Safe With Shade Structures

Installing a backyard playground is a great idea that many parents utilize. It gives children a chance to play outside in the fresh air and release some energy in a safe environment. The number one concern of parents should be making sure it truly is a safe place to play. Many aspects go into determining whether a playground is safe. Obstacles should be removed, equipment should be age appropriate and properly installed and the right kind of surfacing material should be used. One thing that often gets forgotten is the fact that spending hours in the sun can result in harmful UV ray exposure and sunburn. By including the right shade structures with the playground equipment, these fears can be eliminated.

While it is important that children have some exposure to sun, overexposure is a real threat. The only time children and adults should be exposing themselves to the sun is during less intense times of the day. The sun's UV rays are not at their peak before 2 pm. After that, the harsh rays have more negative effects on a person than positive ones. The development of skin cancer starts young, so prevent your backyard from being a contributing cause by installing shade structures over your playground equipment.

Shade structures come in many forms, including canopies and steel roofs. Consider the natural resources in your backyard as well. Shade can be provided by elements other than actual shade structures. Trees make an excellent natural way to block the sun's harmful UV rays. If you live in a home with large, luscious trees, take advantage of them. What is most likely is that the trees may line the edge of the yard and provide adequate shade for on looking parents. Unless the trees are huge and the equipment comes up right under them, you may still need shade structures for the hottest times of the day.

If a shade structure is something you hesitate to purchase, consider the safety of your children's skin. Overexposure to sun begins at a young age and can develop into skin cancer after repeated exposure. Only allow your children to play outside in the direct sunlight before 2 pm and in the evenings when the sun is less harsh. To lessen your worries, take advantage of the shade structures available on the market today, designed to protect your children and make playing more safe and fun.

The Best Why You Should Choose Patio Door Blinds

Consumers are continuously bombarded with choices. What colors, size, design, style, etc.?

When it comes to choosing the perfect window treatment for your patio door, you are faced with the difficult decision of whether to go for drapes, curtains or blinds. Blinds are a favorite of mine, and for many reasons.

What is your first memory of patio door blinds? Are you maybe thinking about those awful vertical blinds found in older apartments?

If this is your perception, your mind needs to be changed! The market nowadays offers homeowners choice on all fronts in order to achieve your decorative goals.

Many professional decorators have a myriad of ways to categorize different blind types. All power to them of course! I keep it straight and simple and tend to divide blinds into two main categories, i.e. Modern and Traditional.

The market for modern looking patio door blinds is vast. The most popular choices include aluminum blinds which blends well with a modern decorative theme and something like black leather furniture.

The more traditional blinds include vertical wooden blinds which, if incorporated effectively, can create a very cosy feel to your room. It's also great for insulating your room - a great benefit in particularly the colder months.

Then there is off course the inevitable - bamboo blinds. These have been around for years now, and just doesn't seem to loose it's charm. It can be effectively introduced to just about any home decorating setting, but does an exceptional job well if you're trying to create relaxing, beach-type atmosphere in your room.

Now these are the broad outlines on what the homeowner has to choose from. The question now beckons - why go for blinds as your window treatment of choice? Well the reasons are endless.

Some folks just plainly prefer blinds as opposed to curtains or drapes. Perhaps you want to create a more spacious feel to your room, or perhaps you enjoy that fact that it's easy to install. Blinds have a great insulation capability and will be an excellent tool to keep the cold outside and the warmth indoors and also will protect your privacy when you need it.

We all want a great looking patio area, but we also want it to come at minimal effort to ourselves. If you opt for curtains, you will be required to wash these at fairly regular intervals. Blinds on the other hand are relatively easy to maintain, and cleaning them is a walk in the park. You obviously want to enjoy your home, and not slave away for hours trying to maintain it.

All things considered, a compelling argument ion favor of patio door blinds.

Lovely Getting Serious About a Backyard Garden Shed

Do you want a garden shed that you can use for many years to come? Good organization and proper design are the keys. Throw in a healthy does of long-term planning and you'll wonder how you ever lived without a garden shed in your yard. You'll need to ask yourself important questions. How much space do I really need? In five years how much will I accumulate? Where's the best place to put my shed? How can I keep it tidy and organized so that I'll keep using it time after time.

Choose a medium-sized or large shed if you want to use it for more than basic gardening tools and small-scale storage. This is especially true if you want to have a quiet workshop space or carpentry or crafting, a place to workout with exercise equipment or if you want to store electric tools, lawnmowers or flammable materials such as gasoline or kerosene. And, if you think you'll accumulate bigger items over time, you'll be better off with a larger shed or even a garage.

Choose a small shed if you're going to keep contents specific to small-to-medium scale gardening and lawn care. Smaller sheds are perfect for large and small hand tools, watering cans, flower pots and sealed containers of seeds. They are also perfect for storing season yard decorations and other miscellaneous lawn and garden objects. It's essential to add shelves so that you can make the best use of a small space. And, think about where you're going to put things. For example, put the tool you use most often near the front door of the shed.

Give some consideration to the aesthetics of your shed. You can add a trellis with a climbing flower vine to the sides, paint it a bright color or add an innovative vertical greenhouse on one side. (You can also hang bird feeders and bird baths on the side.) The more beautiful it is, the more you will want to use your backyard garden shed. If you have a wooden shed, be sure to winterize the structure by replacing shingles, caulking visible leaks on the exterior and adding weather stripping around doors and windows. Clean out the gutters and trim hanging tree branches that brush up against your shed, and be sure to install a lock.

It's really not uncommon for an inspired gardener to plunge into the process of getting a shed without knowledge of what they really want. The results can be unfortunate. Within a year or two, the inside of the shed ends up being a junk heap or it starts to slip into bad repair. Yet, there's nothing more pleasing from both a practical and visual standpoint that a well-thought-out garden shed.

Awesome Proper Care for Patio Umbrellas

Whatever you put in into your patio is money earned the hard way. Every piece of seating and table surface in there amounts to several hours you spent in the office or in the workplace. You should, therefore, exercise care in your outdoor stuffs starting off with your patio umbrellas.

Patio umbrellas may look like simple outdoor accessories but they offer a lot of help in the patio space. They can provide shield for you against the heat and rain. They can keep glare away from your eyes and keep you also away from the sights of your next door neighbors. With all the help these simple pieces of outdoor equipment bring, you should know how to properly care for them.

The first thing that can ruin the look of your outdoor umbrellas is the sun. Though claims of UV-resistant fabrics can be made, the umbrellas would still experience quick fading if you let them expose to the sun all the time. When you're not using your patio, you can keep your umbrellas close and store it in your garage or in your outdoor shed. Bring them out only on those times when you will be using your patio for the day.

When patio umbrellas are exposed for quite some time in the backyard, they will likely collect dirt and dust in their surfaces. Take down the umbrellas and give them a scrubbing using soft brush and mild detergent. Remember, the dirt and grime will not only make your outdoor umbrellas look untidy but they will make it prone to fraying and having holes and tears on them later on.

Heavy rains can bring in some strong gusts of wind. Wind is the outdoor umbrellas worst enemy. It can sweep them up and destroy them in no time. It is necessary, therefore, that you keep your outdoor umbrellas close and store them whenever storms are coming in. Keeping them in storage when you're not around in the house is also important as your umbrellas can turn out to be flying weapons that can wreak damage to your glass windows or doors.

Amazing Backyard Playground Safety For Toddlers and Infants

Every child, even from a very early age, learns from the world around them. Toddlers and even infants are no exception. As a parent, you may find it difficult to locate a safe place for your little one to play outside. That is why many parents decide to invest in a backyard playset. The most important part about finding a kids playground set that is right for your young ones is selecting something that is age appropriate. For the wisest investment, try to find something that is adjustable as your child grows.

For a kids playground that only your toddler will be playing on, look for something that has no higher platforms than four feet up. Guardrails or whatever else makes up the highest point of the equipment should not exceed six feet above the ground. Ramps should be at a shallow incline and steps should be easy to get up and down from for a pair of little legs. Slides should not be steep and the sides should extend 22 inches up from the seat of the slide for your child's safety.

You may have an older child and a toddler or baby at the same time. You probably dream of a kids playground that can accommodate everyone so the entire family can be together. There are sets you can purchase that accomplish this, or you can add your own customizable accessories. A toddler or infant swing can be a perfect solution for occupying your little one while your older child enjoys the more advanced parts of the playset. The back and sides should be high to prevent the child from slipping out. It should be constructed of soft, shock-absorbing material to make swinging an enjoyable experience for your toddler or infant. Safety and fun go hand-in-hand with the consideration of what playground set to invest in. Sturdy construction is not something you can skimp on. Wooden sets are known to be most long-lasting and well-built when compared to plastic sets.

Many accessories can make up a kids playground set. As your children get older, making some additions can help your equipment adjust with your growing kids. If you plan to keep a kids playground set for many years, be sure to regularly make checks for broken or missing parts. Your toddler can enjoy a playground if it is safe and designed for their age. As always speak with your playground builder and make sure that you use a playground builder that has the experience to give you the best advice.