How To Give Your Southwestern Backyard A True Southwestern Flair

Writen by Cheryl Cholley

Let's face it, the Southwestern Backyard is not the same as any other backyard. Try to plant a nice lawn, and you cultivate an expanse of brown crusty dead stuff. Or you will run up a water bill worthy of an Olympic swimming pool.

So how in the world do you make the most of what the desert offers to you? What can make the Southwestern Backyard special? Let's just give it a shot! Come with me to my backyard, and I'll show you how easy it is to add Southwestern pizzazz to that dry expanse of desert floor.

First, let me give you a list of seven great ideas to help you plan the perfect Southwestern Backyard:

* Desert Plants
* Hardscaping with rocks
* Dry Creek Bed
* Ramada
* Kiva fireplace
* Southwestern décor
* House jewelry

Desert Plants - Learn here how Xeriscaping can create beauty with plants needing little water. Such plants not only save water, but provide cover and food for desert wildlife. It's vitally important to provide for the desert wildlife due to the encroachment of humans on their homes.

Hardscaping with Rocks - Rocks are not just rocks! Here we see that rocks can enhance our Southwestern Backyard and create beauty in our harsh environment. Native rocks are always best. Make use of what's readily available and your backyard will look like a part of the land, instead of warring with the surrounding environment.

Dry Creek Bed - Now make use of those rocks in a unique, Southwestern way by creating a Dry Creek Bed. No water needed for this little technique, but it creates the effect of water by insinuating the presence of the magical fluid. Erosion control is the key here because in the few brief moments when water does invade, there is danger of losing precious soil to the deluge.

Ramada - Unique to the Southwest is this rustic type of shelter, in many circumstances created with the castoff branches of Ocotillo or Mesquite. Don't let it fool you, though, cool shade and a comfortable place to sit and relax can be found beneath the lowly Ramada.

Kiva Fireplace - Equally at home inside or outdoors in your backyard, the Kiva Fireplace creates warmth, a cozy place to relax after a hard day, and a great place to roast your chilies. Some call this unique fireplace a beehive fireplace, but all the same it's a unique and memorable addition to your Southwestern Backyard.

Southwestern Décor - Add a few ristras, a couple examples of Mexican pottery, and a wagon wheel or two and your Southwestern Backyard will announce to your visitors that, yes, they are in the Southwest.

House Jewelry - Now here's something you may not have heard of before. House Jewelry is a term I coined myself to describe the practice of decorating the exterior walls of the home with distinctly Southwestern artwork. Depictions of the Sun, desert wildlife such as lizards and quail, and even the exuberant Kokopelli earn a place of honor on the Southwestern Home's humble adobe walls.

Look around you. Everywhere in the Southwest you find wonderful examples of creativity and unique ideas for the Southwestern Backyard. No longer is it necessary to consign your backyard to being dull and lifeless. Create a little zing! Have some fun, and make your Southwestern Backyard something to talk about.

Find out more about how to bring the Southwest to your backyard, visit http://www.southwestern-dream-home.com/southwestern-backyard.html

The Southwestern United States is a place of fascination and excitement to me. I believe years ago when I left the home of my childhood, I was destined to one day return. Who would have ever though my life would change so much, and the desert would emerge as the place of my dreams? Now, decades later I'm returning home to Arizona and creating the Southwestern Dream Home. Not only are we, myself and my husband Tom, creating the home of our dreams, but I've created a place for others to go and find resources to help them to create their own dream as well. So visit me at http://www.Southwestern-Dream-Home.com and begin living your dream!

Understanding Soil Nutrients

Writen by Michael Russell

"Complete fertilizers" contain all three macronutrients - nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) - but don't let the name "complete" fool you. It doesn't mean that the fertilizer has all the nutrients that plants need, just that it contains all three of the major ones.

Bags of complete fertilizers contain three numbers, such as 5-3-3, for example. Each number represents a percentage of N-P-K in that bag, as measured by weight. In this case, a bag of 5-3-3 fertilizer contains 5 percent nitrogen, 3 percent phosphorous, and 3 percent potassium. To determine the amount in pounds of each nutrient in the bag, multiply the weight of the bag (say 50 pounds) by the percentage of each nutrient: 50 pounds x .05 = 2.5 pounds of nitrogen. You need to know the actual amount of nutrients in the bag because a soil test often recommends pounds of actual N-P-K to add per square foot of your garden.

Each of these three nutrients plays a critical role in plant growth and development. Here's what they do and their deficiency symptoms to watch for.

Nitrogen (N): This critical element is responsible for the healthy green foliage of the plants, as well as protein and chlorophyll development. Chlorophyll is the pigment that makes plants green and is a vital component in photosynthesis. Nitrogen moves easily in the soil and leaches out rapidly, especially from sandy soils and in high rainfall areas or irrigated gardens. Plants use lots of nitrogen during the growing season, so it's commonly the most deficient element. If you add too much nitrogen, however, plants will have dark green, leafy growth but less root development and delayed flowering and fruiting. Symptoms of nitrogen deficiency include slow growth and yellowing leaves, especially on older foliage. Animal manures, soybean meal, and cottonseed meal provide high levels of nitrogen.

Phosphorous (P): Plants need phosphorous for strong root growth; fruit, stem and seed development; disease resistance; and general plant vigor. Phosphorous doesn't move in the soil as easily as nitrogen does so you don't have to add it as frequently. Depending on where you live in the country, your soil may have plenty of phosphorous, but it may be unavailable to plants. Phosphorous availability depends on warm soil temperatures, pH range, and the levels of other nutrients, such as calcium and potassium, in the soil. Deficiency symptoms include stunted plants with dark green foliage, reddish-purple stems or leaves, and fruits that drop early. Rock phosphate and bone meal are good sources of phosphorous.

Potassium (K): This nutrient, sometimes called potash, is essential for vigorous growth, disease resistance, fruit and vegetable flavor and development, and general plant function. Potassium breaks down slowly so you won't have to add it often. Deficiency symptoms include yellow areas along the leaf veins and leaf edges, crinkled and rolled-up leaves, and dead twigs. Fruit trees may develop fruit with poor flavor or stunted fruits. Certain animal manures and mineral fertilizers, such as greensand, add potassium to the soil.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Gardening

Solar Lights For Walkways Cut Costs

Writen by Richard Chapo

Over the last fifteen years, solar energy has become a highly flexible power source. One of the best ways to use it and cut costs is go with solar lighting for your walkways.

A common misconception among many people is that solar energy requires large, bulky panels to work. While this is true if you want to produce large amounts of electricity for a structure, it leaves out a large segment of cheaper solar users.

The solar industry has made major advancements in creating one piece solar platforms that are cheap and can be used for practical purposes. Using solar lights for pathways around your home is one area.

Solar lighting is now the choice for gardens, landscaping and lighting paths. Lighting products typically come in sets of two to six self-contained lights. Each light typically is comprised of a metal or plastic stem with a lighting mechanism on the top. The lighting mechanism uses LED technology and is powered by a small solar panel built into the top of the piece. The lights can be purchased with or without backup batteries depending on your needs.

Once you've selected your solar lighting pieces, you simply map out where you want to add lighting in your landscaping. Next, you put the solar lights in place by sticking them in the ground to a point where they are snug and will not blow over in the wind. Congratulations! You now have lighting for your pathways that isn't adding to your utility bill.

Your lights will charge during the day and light up in the evening. Depending on the particular brand, the lights may stay on throughout the night. Alternatively, certain brands will run for 8 hours or so, which means they go dark around midnight or one in the morning.

Maintaining your solar lights is very simple. You really don't have to do anything. If the lights start to dim or go out earlier than usual, they are not broken. Typically, the problem is you have dirty solar panels. Clean them off with water or follow the manufacturer direction. Once clean, the lights should work perfectly.

Using the sun to power your outdoor lighting needs is a great way to highlight your home and save money on energy costs. Keep them clean and the lights will last for years.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar energy companies. Visit us to read more articles on solar power and renewable energy.

Waterwise Gardening The Basics Required To Create A Waterwise Garden

Writen by Lyn Phillips

Even with water restrictions in place, it is still possible to create an attractive garden without using copious amounts of water.

Soil Preparation

Soil preparation and mulch are essential in a waterwise garden. A good mulch has many advantages, including;
- adding valuable nutrients and humus to the soil as it breaks down,
- keeping the soil temperature uniform,
- reducing surface evaporation by 70-80 per cent,
- allowing for deep and infrequent watering,
- encouraging earthworm activity, which creates channels for the passage of water and roots, and
- eliminating stress in shallow rooted plants and suppressing weeds.

Compost and horse, sheep and cow manures are excellent for improving soil quality. Pea straw, lucerne, compost, leaf litter and chopped bark all make superb mulches.

Watering Methods

The method used to deliver water to plants is very important in getting the most benefit out of the water used. Conventional sprinklers deliver large amounts of water to large areas and can be extremely wasteful if not positioned thoughtfully. The most effective waterwise watering systems use in-line drippers, weeping hoses and drip tubes. These products are designed for placing under mulch and work best at low pressure, where water is delivered over a period of several hours, directly to the plant's roots. In-line drippers are also suitable for lawns.

Grouping plants with similar water requirements will assist in preventing over and under watering. Computerised watering systems allow for the delivery of a set amount of water at specified times, to various sections of the garden. Tap timers are a useful and cheap alternative. Using phosphate and petrochemical free, biodegradable laundry powders allows you to safely reuse the laundry water on the garden.

Plant Selection

There are 100s of water wise plants. You can select from Australian natives or exotic plants that come from areas of the world with Mediterranean climate conditions (these are areas that experience hot, dry summers with the majority of rain falling in winter). Plant labels often state how much water a plant needs. If you are not sure, look for plant characteristics such as thick leathery, hairy, wax-coated, succulent, silvery grey or fine needle-like leaves. Other sources of information for suitable water wise plant material are old neglected gardens, holiday homes and streetscapes.

Top Summer Performers

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Correa alba, Escallonia varieties, Hardenbergia violacea, Hibiscus (evergreen) & H. syriacus (deciduous), Lagerstroemia indica hybrids, Lomandra longifolia, Plectranthus argentatus, Santolina varieties, Westringia fruticosa & varieties.

With a bit of planning and some basic knowledge you too can have a water wise garden.

Lyn Phillips
Copyright © Lyn Phillips 2006

http://www.thewaterwisegarden.com

Creating Wildflower Meadows

Writen by Tim Hallinan

Noted for their low maintenance and wide diversity of plants, wildflower meadows are full of vibrant colors and interesting textures. The meadow approach to the landscape requires a clear understanding of a site's natural conditions, more so than say a formal perennial garden bed. Wildflower meadows are a constantly changing landscape with some species surviving year after year while others may disappear and be replaced with something new. Along with these aesthetic benefits there are ecological benefits as well, including the reduced need for mowing, the creation of a habitat for native species of animals and the fact that wildflower meadows are very effective at trapping airborne pollutants.

The easiest way to create and grow a wildflower garden is to sow the seeds in spring in preferably a sunny spot on well-prepped ground where they will not be in competition with weeds and grasses. Wildflower meadows require extensive site preparation. Remove all existing vegetation from the planting area, this will reduce the risk of unwanted weeds and grasses invading the site. Don't till the soil too deep as unwanted weed seed can be brought to the surface and germinate in the meadow or garden. Without proper site preparation opportunistic weeds may flood the site. With proper site preparation you can reduce the number of undesirable grasses and weeds in the meadow. Though one person's weeds are another's wildflower there are certain characteristics which define them. Weeds are generally not a member of the natural plant community, have rapid growth and abundant seed production, are troublesome, destructive and not economically valuable.

Successful wildflower meadows generally have equal percentages of wildflowers and native grasses. Though not as visually striking at any one point in time the wildflower garden offers far more diversity in plant variety over the course of a season and a more diverse floral display than a perennial or annual bed. Be wary if the meadow in a can, while these contain some perennials which will return year after year, they will also contain many annual species which will provide quite a bit of color the first year only to die off and disappear. While annuals are fine and provide a full season of color the majority of flower should be perennials. The grasses which sprout up in the wildflower meadow actually extend the season in terms of plant interest with their colorful autumn seed heads. One disadvantage of starting a wildflower garden from solely seed is that this method takes longer to establish itself. Use a mix of seed and established plants for the best results.

Once a year, preferably in the fall after the seeds have dropped from the plants, mow the field with the blades at a high setting. Another option is to use a weed whacker. This will allow the plants to get an early start in the spring. It also removes any tree and shrub saplings from taking over the site.

Wildflower meadows are all about adaptation, experiment with different seeds and plants to see what works best in the conditions of your garden. Though wildflower meadow takes a bit longer to establish, they are worth the wait so be patient and nurture the garden. Soon you'll be enjoying a colorful, self sustaining, low maintenance landscape.

T Hallinan is a landscape designer and builder in Massachusetts. Visit his garden resource website http://www.gardenlistings.com for all kind of helpful information. For more garden guides visit http://www.gardenlistings.com/resources.htm

A Number Of Reasons For You To Invest In Teak Garden Furniture

Writen by Allison Thompson

Isn't nature wonderful? What better way is there for you to enjoy nature than from the comfort of your own patio. But if you really want to rough it and feel the roughness of the paving stones under your bottom, then you really need to consider investing in some furniture for those warm sultry summer nights. One of the best options now available is teak furniture for outdoors.

Teak furniture is renowned for being sturdy and durable and years ago it was the preferred material in many ship yards around the world for ship building. So if it good enough to be used on the seas and oceans of the world it is good enough for your garden. In fact whatever weather your part of the world can throw at it, it can cope.

You will find that most of teak used these days in this sort of furniture has come from either Indonesia or Thailand. Both these countries have tropical rainforest areas where the trees grow and mature under a number of different environmental conditions, and it is for this reason that they have become so resistant to harsh conditions and why this carries through to any piece of teak furniture.

Also teak furniture is more or less impervious to being attacked by either insects or rot and this is due to the high concentrations of natural oils within the wood that repel the insects, mould and fungus. These oils are not just present in the live trees but also in those that have been cut down to be used and so will definitely be present in any piece of teak furniture that you choose to buy. As you can imagine this is not good news for those homeowners who spent vast amounts of money of other wooden outdoors furniture and only to have it collapse or disintegrate in front them after a while.

So when looking for furniture for your garden or patio then you should definitely consider teak furniture to be the benchmark by with any other wooden furniture is judged. Although it is expensive you will find that there are large number of different variations of the furniture that you will be able to purchase such as teak chairs, teak tables, teak garden benches are just a few.

But there is one thing any owner of teak furniture should remember is the maintenance of it. There is one thing that not just wooden furniture but also teak furniture is susceptible to and that is moss. Not only is it unsightly but is dangerous if it gets wet. But don't worry teak furniture can easily with just soap and water and that is really all you need to do to maintain your teak outdoors furniture.

So all you need to think about now is how great it will look in your garden and just how long it is going to last for you.

Allison Thompson, now living in Spain who has for the past year been a work from home mum. With the variations in weather in Spain Allison has been looking at furniture for her garden that is not only beautiful but durable and has found teak furniture to be the best option. If you would like to learn more about this wood and the types of furniture it can be made into please visit http://www.teak.householdfacts.info

When Gardening What Are The Right Tools That Anybody Will Need

Writen by Allison Thompson

For different kinds of gardens you will need different kinds of tools. Most hardware and DIY stores now have a wide range of tools available in stock, but if you want there are shops that specialize in the more expensive ranges that shout quality to you. But wherever you decide to purchase your tools from here a few points to help you make an informed decision.

Firstly you need to look at the size of your garden, is it small or is it large? A small garden does not require the same large equipment that would be used in a bigger one. Why bother purchasing a ride-on lawn mower if you only have a small lawn. Also you need to look at who in your household does most of the gardening. If you say it is your wife that spends a vast amount of time gardening then you need to look for tools that will suit her, there are some out there that are too heavy for women to use.

You are looking to purchase a pair of secateurs and you should always ensure that the blade is kept sharp to avoid causing undue damage to your plants. If you can look for a pair where the blades can either be sharpened or they can be replaced, as well as a pair that have a tension control system and a pair that best fits your hand size. Normally a good quality pair of secateurs can cost from around $50 to £130.

If you have a hedge or considering growing one (to provide that all important privacy that you crave) then you need to look at purchasing a good quality hedge trimmer or a good quality pair of shears. You may find that some hedge trimmers have a curved blade which stops branches from sliding out when cut, and as with secateurs the shears you decide to purchase need to be suitable for the blades to be sharpened or replaced.

Essential items you should have in your gardening tool kit are a fork, shovel, rake, chipping hoe and a pruning saw (not essential unless you have trees or large shrubs in your garden).

When selecting a fork remember that it has to be strong enough to carry out the work required of it such as turning and aerating compost as well as breaking up lumps in the soil. So rather than opted for the cheaper versions which you will find are not strong enough to work in heavy soil, you should look at one that is sturdy. The average cost of a fork starts at about $30 and goes up to about $100.

When looking to purchase a shovel it should have a scoop blade and is mainly used for moving dirt and garden soil around. However, a flat bladed spade is ideal for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. All edges of spades should be kept sharpened for clean and efficient cutting as this will cause little or no damage to your plants. A fork is really a gardening necessity and can cost from say $30 up to as much as $50.

Another tool that is part of the essential ones to have when gardening is a rake. There are two types of rakes that are available, the strong flat head rake that has sharp metal prongs is ideal for smooth out a garden bed and removing any bumps and weeds that still remain, whilst the plastic version is specifically designed for gathering and clearing leaves and grass clippings.

The chipping hoe is a handy tool to have as it helps get rid of all those small weeds that are dotted around the garden. However if you want to avoid causing undue damage to your neck and shoulders whilst gardening with a hoe it might be well worth considering purchasing either a Dutch or push-hoe instead.

Now we come to the pruning saw which as I said previously is only really necessary if you have either trees or large shrubs in your garden. This should be used in place of secateurs as they are only really designed for dealing with delicate plants such as rose bushes etc. A good quality pruning saw will have a narrow curved blade that can easily fit between the stems and branches of the tree or shrub and cuts them as you pull the saw back towards you. You will usually find that a good quality pruning saw costs from as little as $27 and can cost as much as $55.

Although gardening tools do not have to be expensive you may find that you can pick up good quality tools at either flea markets or garage sales at a bargain price.

Allison Thompson who has become a work at home mum now lives in Spain and is the partner in a small real estate firm. She has set up a number of sites relating to the property field and include a site on gardening. If you would like to learn more then please visit http://www.gardening.householdfacts.info

Pruning Weeping Cherry Trees And Other Grafted And Budded Plants

Writen by Michael McGroarty

What do the terms grafting and budding mean?

Budding is a form of grafting. Grafting is the art of attaching a piece of one plant to another plant, creating a new plant. Grafting is usually done because the desired plant is extremely difficult if not impossible to propagate through other means. Dogwoods, for example, are easily grown from seed, however, it is next to impossible to grow a Pink Dogwood from seed. The seeds from a Pink Dogwood will produce seedlings that are likely to flower white.

The most common method for producing Pink Dogwood trees is to remove a single bud from a Pink Dogwood tree and slip it under the bark of a White Dogwood seedling. This process is known as budding, and the seedling is known as the rootstock. This is usually done during the late summer months when the bark of the White Dogwood seedling can be easily separated from the tree, and the seedling is about 1/4" in diameter.

A very small "T" shaped cut is made in the bark only, and the bud is slipped in the slot. The actual bud itself is allowed to poke out through the opening and then the wound is wrapped with a rubber band both above and below the bud. By the following spring the bud will have grafted itself to the seedling, at which time the seedling is cut off just above the Pink Dogwood bud, and the bud then grows into a Pink Dogwood tree.

Budding is usually done at ground level, and often times the rootstock will send up shoots from below the bud union. These shoots, often called suckers, should be removed as soon as they appear because they are from the rootstock and are not the same variety as the rest of the plant. Flowering Crabapples are also budded and are notorious for producing suckers. When removing these suckers don't just clip them off at ground level with pruning shears, they will just grow back. Pull back the soil or mulch and remove them from the tree completely at the point where they emerge from the stem.

Most people clip them off a couple of inches from the ground, and then they grow back with multiple shoots. This drives me crazy! Get down as low as you can and remove them completely and you will keep them under control. On older trees that have been improperly pruned for years I take a digging spade and literally attack these suckers hacking them away from the stem. Sure this does a little damage to the stem of the tree, but when a plant is let go like that I figure it's a do or die situation. The trees always survive and thrive.

Other plants are grafted up high to create a weeping effect. One of the most popular trees that is grafted up high is the top graft Weeping Cherry. In this case the seedling is allowed to grow to a height of 5', then the weeping variety is grafted on to the rootstock at a height of about 5'. This creates an umbrella type effect. In this case the graft union is 5' off the ground, therefore anything that grows from the stem below that graft union must be removed.

Many people don't understand this and before they know it they have a branch 2" in diameter growing up through the weeping canopy of their tree. Before you know it there are several branches growing upright through the canopy and the effect of the plant is completely ruined.

At my website, http://gardening-articles.com I've got a couple of photos that show exactly what I'm talking about in this article. You can clearly see the weeping effect that the Weeping Cherry tree is supposed to have, but then up through the middle come these branches that are no more than just suckers from the stem, or the rootstock as it is known in the nursery industry.

Looking closely at the photos you can see that these suckers originate from below the graft union. This problem could have been prevented if someone had just picked off these buds when they first emerged on the stem of the tree. Then they would have never developed into branches.

This tree can still be saved, but there will be a large scar on the stem when the upright branches are pruned off. But under the canopy of the weeping tree these scars will never show.

Another interesting plant that is grafted is the Weeping Cotoneaster. In this case the seedling that is grown to serve as the rootstock is Paul's Scarlet Hawthorn, and Cotoneaster Apiculata is grafted onto the Hawthorn rootstock at a height of 5'. Years ago a nurseryman found through experimentation that these two plants are actually compatible, and a beautiful and unique plant was created. I have one of these in my landscape and we love it.

Once again since the graft union is at 5', any growth coming from the stem (rootstock) must be removed. In this case the growth coming from the rootstock will be Hawthorn and will look completely different from the Cotoneaster which is what the plant is supposed to be. The easiest way to keep up with this type of pruning is to keep an eye on your grafted plants when you're in the yard. As soon as you see new growth coming from below the graft union, just pick it off with your fingernail.

If you catch these new buds when they first emerge, pruning them off is as easy as that. Walk around your yard and look for grafted or budded plants, and see if you can find any that have growth that doesn't seem to match the rest of the plant. Look closely and you may find that the growth is coming from below a graft or bud union.

You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. Website URLs must be active links. You are welcome to use this article with an affiliate link, http://www.freeplants.com/resellers.htm

Michael J. McGroarty is the author of this article. Visit his most interesting website, http://www.freeplants.com and sign up for his excellent gardening newsletter. Article provided by http://gardening-articles.com

Hydroponics Gardening An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners Part 6 The Autopot

Writen by John R. Haughton

THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS

The Advantages of The Autopot System - Even Outdoors in The United Kingdom.

The basic Autopot System consists of a plant pot on a membrane in a container. This container has a SmartValve built into it which is fed from a nutrient tank. As the plant in the pot uses nutrient the level of nutrient in the Autopot container is maintained by the SmartValve. This means that the plant always has the optimum level of nutrient at its disposal. As the plant grows and needs more nourishment, the SmartValve opens more frequently to replenish the nutrient supply from the tank. Because the plant pot is sat on a membrane, it will only take up what it needs in the way of moisture.This system ensures that the plant does not become too wet and drown or rot, neither can it dry out provided that the tank is kept topped up.

In our climate in the United Kingdom, where rainfall is often quite high and sunshine limited, I have found that the results obtained with the Autopot system have far outstripped those of a coventional system of soil and a growbag. These results have only been studied using tomatoes, however I have no doubt that the same benefits would apply to virtually any type of plant.

I have grown a crop of tomatoes from seed this year and for the first time tried the Autopot system against a growbag and against pots hand watered with nutrient solution. The substrate used was washed coco. The seedlings were grown on to about 4" in height using rockwool cubes and a small propagation tray. They were transplanted into 8" pots (3 plants per pot.) and the pots placed in either Autopot systems or into containers about 2" deep. Some were planted in soil in Growbags.

The Autopots were connected to a nutrient tank and the trayed pots were watered twice daily using nutrient from the same tank. The plants in the Growbags were watered daily and had plant food added to the water as directed on the container. It was found that the Grobag plants did not grow as well as the others and fruited less abundantly. The plants in pots and container trays fruited well, but during hot spells needed more frequent watering as the coco does not retain moisture. By far the best results were obtained from the Autopots. The plants grew quickly and were soon very well established. The root balls soon became dense and well formed. Within a short time the plants became sturdier than there less fortunate siblings and started to flower.

I had deliberately done no maintainance with any of the plants. they were planted, fed and left to grow without interference. This meant that the crops would be smaller than if I had pinched out the shoots, but there could be no discrepancy due to better maintainance. The results were quite staggering. The trayed plants produced some 250% - 300% more fruit than the Growbags and the Autopot had at least double the crop produced by the trayed plants.

The only drawback with the Autopot was that when it rained the water ran back into the nutrient container causing it to overfill. This problem did not seem to be detrimental to the plant's growth or yield.

Copyright (C) 2004, 2005.
J R Haughton.
--- All Rights Reserved ---

A partner in a thriving retail hydroponics supply business, Rickie Haughton is the owner of hydroponics-gardening-information.com which aims to cater for all levels of expertise in the field of hydroponics gardening. The website is packed with good content about all aspects off hydroponics gardening and offers a free hydroponics Club membership to all subscribers.

Why It Is Absolutely Vital That You Prune Your Roses

Writen by Gregg Hall

In this jet age we live in, most of us find it very difficult to get time to prune the roses and very often we skip the process. We do not realize the consequences of avoiding the process. Here are a few points explaining the importance of the practice.

Pruning helps stimulate growth of the rose. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the time of pruning roses. As long as the roses are kept out to receive sunlight is all that matters. Sunlight infuses energy in the plant, and provides the nutrients they need through summer, which are missing. Air moving through the plant helps the plant to bloom and grow successfully.

Pruning protects the plant from diseases and wintering bugs. The rose plant is a common place for bugs and diseases to hide from the cold winter and also helps remove the bugs and the dead wood and decay that are caused by them. The growth of the rose plant is often curbed by the decays of the bugs, which leads to destruction of the plant. With the help of pruning the disease is removed thus helping the plant grow in a healthy environment.

Pruning guarantees excellent quality and quantity of roses. Pruning helps make the thin and weak stems of the rose plant stronger, prevents decay and revitalizes them. Even if the process isn't done professionally, it helps the plant grow, get stronger and increase the quality of the flowers.

Pruning is a very easy process that can be done effortlessly at home. All you need is a pair of pruning scissors and gloves to protect your hands. You need to find the perfect time to prune your rose. Different varieties of roses have different times to prune. Usually the time before spring is the best for cutting.

You should also give a lot of importance to the way you cut each rose. If cut haphazardly it will be difficult for the rose to grow back. Avoid bad and rough cuts, which damage the stem and tissue of the plant. The cut should always slope towards the bud, not too far away from it. You should make sure that you have removed all the dead wood before cutting the rose. Ensure the use of appropriate tools, dull and rusty tools can be harmful.

Pruning helps the plant gain its nutrition and energy and makes it stronger and healthier. You should never avoid this act of trimming your roses. By cutting away the dead wood and bugs, you ensure a healthy and fast growth. Roses are not nearly as difficult to maintain as many people think they are.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as flowers online at http://www.giftsorflowersplus.com

Pool Waterfalls

Writen by Elizabeth Morgan

A large number of swimming pools now have waterfalls on their edges in order to increase their visual appeal. The waterfalls are constructed so that their water falls into the swimming pool, thus creating a continuous water effect with the pool. Small submersible bulbs are placed strategically at the point where the water just hits the pool, to give a glittering effect. Colored bulbs can also provide different hues to the waterfall.

Pool waterfalls are differently designed from other waterfalls. Here the water does not flow through a cascading slope, but it creates a neat arc as it falls. The entire mechanism of the waterfall is hidden in a concrete structure, which forms one wall of the swimming pool. This wall is generally tiled with the same tiles that are used for the rest of the swimming pool. The waterfalls can be designed to have different levels, or there may be different arcs at different heights. Water may also be made to spurt as a fountain from a point in the center of the pool.

Swimming pools with waterfalls are generally considered to be a status symbol. They are primarily found in big hotels and resorts. People with big mansions also opt for waterfalls around their pools. Even water attraction spots have pool waterfalls. Pool waterfalls are great attractions for children, who like to play in the water splashing over their heads. In such water parks, the outlet of water can be designed to be the face of some popular cartoon character or any other such creative idea. A single swimming pool can have several waterfalls, depending on its size.

But nowadays, private swimming-pool waterfalls are becoming increasingly affordable and popular. Small pools also are constructing small waterfalls around their pool walls. These do not produce wide arcs, but create a splashing effect.

The basic requirement for a pool waterfall is definitely the swimming pool. The ideal way is to construct the waterfall when the swimming pool is being built, so that it can be made continuous and hidden within the pool. Swimming pool waterfalls must have absolutely clean water, as people would be swimming in it. The tank of the waterfall must be repeatedly cleaned and treated; otherwise, it would harbor algae and moss.

Some swimming pools allow warm water to flow through the waterfalls. There are health professionals who believe in the curative powers of flowing hot water. These waterfalls are more for the health benefits than aesthetic appeal. Water is made to flow through thinner and stronger jets from a wall in the swimming pool.

A pool waterfall may cost several thousands of dollars. Constructing the waterfall along with the pool greatly reduces the cost of the waterfall. Hence, pre-planning is important.

Waterfalls provides detailed information about waterfalls, indoor waterfalls, waterfall gardens, waterfall ponds and more. Waterfalls is the sister site of Preformed Pond Liners.

Enjoy The Timeless Beauty Of A Flagstone Patio

Writen by Clayton P. Agustino

There are many different materials that can be used to pave a patio, from concrete to brick, but even so the old fashioned flagstone patio has remained one of the most popular choices for many homeowners. There is no doubt that having a great patio is a great way to enhance the beauty, charm and livability of any home, and a well installed patio can even enhance the resale value of a home, as well as of course improving its curb appeal.

There are many reasons to love a flagstone patio, including its superior durability and of course its timeless beauty. And best of all installing such a beautiful patio need not be beyond your means. Many homeowners simply assume that a patio which uses a quality paving material like flagstones is out of their price range, but this may not be the case.

In fact, installing a quality flagstone patio need not be expensive, especially if you are able to install that patio on your own. Installing a patio is not a difficult job, and most homeowners with a modicum of experience will be able to handle the installation of a patio with without too much trouble. There are many patio plans to be found both on the internet and in various home improvement books, and it is important to look around for the simplest and easiest to follow plans.

For those homeowners who plan to install a flagstone patio on their own it is also important to read the instructions carefully and to make sure that you have all the tools you need to complete the job before you start work. After all you do not want to be running to the home improvement center several times to gather the tools you need, and while many homeowners will already have the power and hand tools they need, others will not. It is a good idea to carefully review the plans, and to make sure that all the supplies, tools and materials are in place before you get started.

Of course where you buy those materials can make a great deal of difference in the overall cost of the flagstone patio. The prices on not only the flagstones but also the other patio materials will vary quite a bit, so it is important to shop around carefully. Patio paving materials and other supplies are sold in a wide variety of places these days, including hardware stores, quarries, home improvement centers and may other sources. It is important to shop around for the best deal in order to get the best price, and the greatest value, out of your great new outdoor living space.

Clayton has been a freelance architecture writer since 2000 and enjoys writing articles to give new home owners tips and advice for their home projects. He has written a book on patios giving readers detailed instructions and information on choosing and installing the right patio. Visit the patio ideas website to learn more.

Gardening With Bamboo

Writen by Kirk Gordon

Myths and facts
A misconception about bamboo is that they spread like wildfire. This is not entirely true as only a some species of bamboo will be invasive. Spreading, however, can easily be controlled if it becomes a problem. Many people also think that bamboos will die when the temperature falls below freezing. This myth is also false.

Designing with bamboo
Bamboos can create a wall or screen to provide privacy, used in containers for your deck, terrace or patio, or create a bamboo forest, maze or retreat - whatever you like!

Bamboos compliment perennials and annuals well and can be used as a background or an accent plant or low border depending on the variety of bamboo used.

Bamboos are actually a grass colony plant with over 1200 species world wide. Approximately 200 species can be grown without complications in North America.

Additional information about bamboo
Certain species of bamboos are runners while others grow in clumps. Some bamboos have narrow leaves and others have wide leaves. When the main stem (known as culms or canes) emerge from the ground or media, they sprout at the diameter they will remain into maturity. Successive clumps will emerge with wider and taller than previous season's.

Running bamboo
The clum is typically hollow except at the nodes, the area where horizontal branches grow. A rhizome is a horizontal "creeping" stem on or just above the ground, from which new shoots grow and roots descend.

Running bamboo's rhizomes may spread a considerable distance from the mother plant. On the contrary, clumping bamboos grow in-place and do not spread out as much (some pruning may be necessary).

Selecting a variety of bamboo
Bamboos have two types of root systems. First are the runners, which is found in temperate environments and is known as runners. The second types are the "clumpers" which are typically found in tropical varieties. This variety will also spread, however, it's not as invasive and only requires pruning to control.

Bamboos are available in various heights and can be trimmed if it gets too tall. A general rule is that taller bamboos require more sunlight than smaller varieties. Tall-growing varieties, like the yellow groove prefers several hours daily, while a smaller variety may tolerate partly shaded environments well.

During the spring, the leaves will yellow and fall from the plant. The loss is gradual as with other types of plants and the leaves are replaced with new foliage.

Health condition
Healthy bamboos should have a combination of yellow leaves, new unfurling leaves, and green leaves. If the foliage is yellowing, falling off and shows no signs of new growth then the bamboo is possibly saturated in water. If the leaves are crisp then it's possible the bamboo is quite dry and needs water immediately.

This article courtesy of http://www.hydroponicsearch.com - The internet's only agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture search engine and community.

Teak Garden Furniture A Natural Extension Of The Home

Writen by Mike Spencer

In the past, the garden has traditionally been a separate entity, with wrought iron or plastic furniture dotting the landscape in no particular design pattern. Seen as simply a place to have a picnic or, perhaps, read a book on a nice day, attention wasn't given to the fact that the garden is a natural extension of the home.

Today, things have changed, and homeowners are now considering their garden area as simply another room that happens to flow into the outdoors. In fact, great care is often taken to extend the home environment into the garden, integrating the design of the furnishings and expression of the homeowner's personal style to create a comfortable retreat for those who choose to enjoy the benefits of nature.

Let's suppose, for instance, that the furnishings within the interior of your home reflect French styling. A natural way to extend that theme into the garden area is to utilize blue and yellow in the color scheme of the garden furniture. Since this is a reflection of French décor, as is wrought iron furniture, the transition from interior to exterior will be natural and tasteful.

Stone walkways and patios will re-enforce the French design, offering a sense of European nostalgia to the presentation. Of course, the total design of the garden doesn't consist of mere furniture. Statuary and antiquities can be blended into the overall effect, sealing the lid on the French theme.

Extend the Theme of Your Home

Those whose homes are decorated to provide a bit of the orient in design can also extend the theme through garden furniture and other outdoor accessories. For example, granite and bamboo are natural elements in a classic Japanese theme.

Garden furniture that's constructed using these items and appropriately designed cushions will turn an ordinary garden into a Japanese paradise - particularly if the proper accessories are included. These may include bamboo fountains and/or fences, granite benches and sculptures, rain chains, chimes, arched bridges and, perhaps, a temple garden bell. These and other accessories will add the finishing touches to a beautiful oriental garden and provide a natural extension of the home.

Your Own Italian Villa

If your interior furnishings express an Italian flavor, that, too, can be integrated into the garden furnishings and accessory line. Acacia is often used in the construction of Italian outdoor furniture, and can be purchased in full patio sets, benches, chairs, lounges, trolleys, rockers and decorator items for the garden.

Numerous accessories that are of Italian design will accomplish a total picture, making this outdoor sanctuary reminiscent of a fine Italian villa. Among these are torches, lanterns, iron and glass decorator pieces and pavements or patios which offer Bangkirai wood flooring, to name a few. Floors such as these are available in a variety of designs and patterns, which reflect the Italian décor.

Regardless of the type of interior furnishings that your home may possess, rest assured that there are options for garden furniture that will blend right in and, in fact, make your personal garden area a true extension of the home environment. While an eclectic garden design was once the "norm," the gardens of today should be consistent with the theme of the home - and a mixture of cultures within the design should be avoided.

Mike has been involved with exterior landscaping for several years, having first got the bug when he landscaped his own back garden. Since then he's been helping people find and review the best value for money outdoor furniture, to meet your needs. Find out more at his site: Home of Teak Furniture or discover the full range of articles here: Teak Furniture Articles

You can also get the entire article on his site here: Teak Garden Furniture: A Natural Extension of the Home

Indoor Waterfalls

Writen by Elizabeth Morgan

Indoor waterfalls are found in many living rooms as conversation pieces. These are actually systems of water flowing continuously from top to bottom between two transparent sheets with a decorative backdrop. Lights and sounds are used in order to enhance the entire effect.

Waterfalls placed indoors may be wall-mounted, tabletop or even placed on the floor. Wall-mounted waterfalls are flat, while tabletop ones may be of any desired shape or theme. Stone, copper, glass, slate or stainless steel are the usual materials used in these waterfalls.

The basic parts of an indoor waterfall are the container, tiers and a submersible pump. Of course, water is of prime importance. The container is a basin which collects water as it falls. A pump is kept submerged inside the container. It resends the water to the top through the tiers and the water falls from a concealed space at the top. Water is made to fall between two translucent sheets which may be of glass. However, there can be infinite number of aesthetically appealing ways in which water can be made to fall. There may be paintings or panels on which the water falls. There can also be several colors and themes, making each waterfall quite personal and unique.

The play of sound and light is important in creating a realistic waterfall. Many waterfalls have a halogen lamp at the point where the water is just about to enter the container. This makes the entire water flow shimmer as it falls, giving the effect of tiny pearls. Sound devices are placed strategically. These make water sounds, making it seem quite natural.

While buying an indoor waterfall, its play of dramatics must be seen. A waterfall making loud noises won't be ideal for a small room or a bathroom. Similarly, space is also to be considered. The light should not be too bright if the room is small.

Waterfalls are also available in combination with aquaria. Water is made to fall in a tank placed at the bottom instead of the container. Live fish and aquatic plants are placed in the aquarium lines with marine features. Such combination waterfalls are in much demand.

There are also cascading waterfalls in which the water is made to fall through a surface that curves several times. The curves can be arranged to give the desired effect.

The prices of indoor waterfalls vary, depending on their art and features. Being pieces of art, they are definitely very expensive and looked upon as status symbols. Cheaper versions are also available, often in copper and of smaller sizes. Waterfalls also have Feng Shui relevance. Feng Shui experts believe having flowing water within a room creates dynamism in it and leads to progress.

Waterfalls provides detailed information about waterfalls, indoor waterfalls, waterfall gardens, waterfall ponds and more. Waterfalls is the sister site of Preformed Pond Liners.

How To Divide Bulbs For Bigger Gardens

Writen by Lee Dobbins

Flowering bulbs are a favorite of many gardeners due to their diverse array of color and the fact that they bloom for many seasons without replanting. One added bonus with bulbs is that they can be divided and transplanted to other parts of the garden.

Many bulb patches, if not tended to properly, become overcrowded and the health of the plants starts to deteriorate. In this case you need to prune out the patch to restore both the health and the beauty of the landscape.

It is generally easy to tell when a planting of bulbs needs to be divided. One sure sign is when a previously well blooming planting of bulbs has begun to provide only sparse blooms. Most times the culprit is overcrowding, and the solution is to divide those bulbs. Properly dividing the bulbs will reduce the overcrowding and allow the remaining bulbs to bloom for vibrantly.

There are 5 types of bulbs corms, tubers, true bulbs, rhizomes, and tuberous roots and each has a different method of division.

True bulbs
To divide a true bulb, you should begin by carefully separating the original bulb from the smaller bulb growing at its base. When dividing lily bulbs, you should be careful to first remove the outer scales from the basal plate. After the outer scales are removed, the ends of the bulb should be dipped in a rooting hormone, and the bulb should be planted immediately.

Corms
Corms renew growth each year by producing a new corm. Sometimes they will grow small corms (or cormels) at the top of the parent corm. Wen you divide corms, just seperate any new corms or cormels from the original plant.

Tubers
As tubers mature, they increase both their size and the number of growing points. However, most tubers do not form distinct increases. Therefore, to divide tubers, a large tuber should be cut into two or more sections, being sure that each section contains at least one growing point.

Rhizomes
Rhizomes produce new plants from growth areas on their sides. You can divide them by breaking each section off – be sure that each of the new divisions has at least one growth point on it.

Tuberous roots
A tuberous root will contain several growing points. Some, like daylilies, form separate and distinct plants, which can simply be pulled apart. This type of sectioning is generally done in fall or summer while the plant is still in its growth stage. Other tuberous root plants, such as dahlias, are more difficult to separate. In order to separate more difficult plants like dahlias, you will need to cut the clumps apart so that each root has a growth bud from which to start. With these types of plants, it is best to separate them in early spring, before planting.

Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden and Patio where you can find more articles on gardening, garden ponds, garden decor and much more.

Garden Pond Safety Aspects

Writen by John Gibb

A good Garden Pond is a thing of beauty that makes your Garden a better place for you and your family. A Garden must not only be a beauty to look at but at the same time it must be safe for all concerned. Some steps have to be taken to ensure that the Garden Pond is safe and healthy for all. Special care has to be taken with regard to the depth of the Garden Pond if you have toddlers or small pets.

In case you have small toddlers in your House, they should be carefully watched while they are in the Garden and they do not slip and fall into the Garden Pond. Even then it is prudent to plan for any eventuality. You can add a Shelf or Ledge or other leaning Structures around the sides of your Garden Pond so that it provides an easier escape for a child to come out of the Pond by itself. Adding other materials around the edge of the Pond and its side will help in getting out of the Pond more easily.

More than any precaution, it is always better to have a close eye on Children when they are out in the Garden and near the Pond. The moving object like Fishes may tempt them to go near the edge of the Pond and to lean too much into it to have a closer look or a chance to take them in their Hands. This increases their risk of falling into the Pond and getting injured by hitting on the sides of the Pond. This greatly increases the grave danger of drowning in the Garden Pond, and a child can get drowned in just 6 inches of Water. Just like you wouldn't let your children swim without a lifeguard or adult supervision,

Next safety factor required will be with respect to the accidental falling due to slipping. You can use a slip resistant material to ensure that smooth edges around your water pond are not so slippery so as to make them a hazard. Another safe step would be to create railings along the walkways.

Even before the beginning of the construction stage, it is better to consult your Local and Municipal Authorities to know about your Plans abiding by your local Building Codes and the requirements as to putting up of any Fence around your Garden Pond.

Though safety norms for your Garden Pond may not be your top priority while starting to build your Pond but it should never be overlooked. So you must plan ahead and provide for the safety well ahead and you'll ensure that your Garden Pond is accessible to everyone in your family and a and a joy for all.

John Gibb is the owner of garden pond resources , For more information on garden ponds check out http://www.GardenPond-guidance1k.info

Gardening Is Good Therapy

Writen by Valerie Giles

Many of us garden just for the sheer joy of it. But did you know that all over the country the healing aspects of gardening are being used as therapy or as an adjunct to therapy?

Although this might sound like a new concept, garden therapy has been around for decades. For example, the Garden Therapy Program at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, and in regional hospitals in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Rome, Thomasville and Savannah, has been helping people for over 40 years through gardening activities known as social and therapeutic horticulture.

So what exactly is social and therapeutic horticulture (or garden therapy)?

According to the article "Your future starts here: practitioners determine the way ahead" from Growth Point (1999) volume 79, pages 4-5, horticultural therapy is the use of plants by a trained professional as a medium through which certain clinically defined goals may be met. "…Therapeutic horticulture is the process by which individuals may develop well-being using plans and horticulture. This is achieved by active or passive involvement."

Although the physical benefits of garden therapy have not yet been fully realized through research, the overall benefits are almost overwhelming. For starters, gardening therapy programs result in increased elf-esteem and self-confidence for all participants.

Social and therapeutic horticulture also develops social and work skills, literacy and numeric skills, an increased sense of general well-being and the opportunity for social interaction and the development of independence. In some instances it can also lead to employment or further training or education. Obviously different groups will achieve different results.

Groups recovering from major illness or injury, those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health problems, older people, offenders and those who misuse drugs or alcohol, can all benefit from the therapeutic aspects of gardening as presented through specific therapy related programs. In most cases, those that experience the biggest impact are vulnerable or socially excluded individuals or groups, including the ill, the elderly, and those kept in secure locations, such as hospitals or prisons.

One important benefit to using social and therapeutic horticulture is that traditional forms of communication aren't always required. This is particularly important for stroke patients, car accident victims, those with cerebral palsy, aphasia or other illnesses or accidents that hinder verbal communication. Gardening activities lend themselves easily to communicative disabled individuals. This in turn builds teamwork, self-esteem and self-confidence, while encouraging social interaction.

Another group that clearly benefits from social and therapeutic horticulture are those that misuse alcohol or substances and those in prison. Teaching horticulture not only becomes a life skill for these individuals, but also develops a wide range of additional benefits.

Social and therapeutic horticultures gives these individuals a chance to participate in a meaningful activity, which produces food, in addition to creating skills relating to responsibility, social skills and work ethic.

The same is true for juvenile offenders. Gardening therapy, as vocational horticulture curriculum, can be a tool to improve social bonding in addition to developing improved attitudes about personal success and a new awareness of personal job preparedness.

The mental benefits don't end there. Increased abilities in decision-making and self-control are common themes reported by staff in secure psychiatric hospitals. Reports of increased confidence, self-esteem and hope are also common in this environment.

Prison staff have also noticed that gardening therapy improves the social interaction of the inmates, in addition to improving mutual understanding between project staff and prisoners who shared outdoor conditions of work.

It's interesting that studies in both hospitals and prisons consistently list improving relationships between participants, integrating with the community, life skills and ownership as being some of the real benefits to participants.

But in addition to creating a myriad of emotional and social benefits, the health benefits of being outdoors, breathing in fresh air and doing physical work cannot be overlooked. In most studies, participants noted that fresh air, fitness and weight control where prime benefits that couldn't be overlooked.

Although unable to pin down a solid reason, studies have shown that human being posses an innate attraction to nature. What we do know, is that being outdoors creates feelings of appreciation, tranquility, spirituality and peace. So it would seem, that just being in a garden setting is in itself restorative. Active gardening only heightens those feelings.

With so many positive benefits to gardening, isn't it time you got outside and started tending to your garden? Next time you are kneeling in fresh dirt to pull weeds or plant a new variety of a vegetable or flower, think about the tranquility you feel while being outdoors in your garden. Let the act of gardening sooth and revitalize you. Soak up the positive benefits of tending to your own garden.

If you have someone in your life that could benefit from garden therapy, contact your local health unit to find out more about programs in your area. Not only will the enjoyment of gardening help bond you together, but it will also create numerous positive mental and physical benefits for both of you.

So get gardening today for both your physical and mental health. You'll enjoy the experience so much that you'll immediately thank yourself.

Valerie Giles operates the Grow Your Own Garden Website which focuses on gardening products, flower and vegetable seeds, patio furniture and garden accessories. Everything ou need for the gardening season.

http://www.grow-your-own-garden.com

Joyful Autumn Rose Growing

Writen by Ron King

The autumn months of September and October are when roses perform at their peak. After faithfully following proper rose procedures up to this point, now -- at last -- you should begin to reap the rewards of full, vibrant, glorious blooms.

Your work isn't quite done yet, however. Although autumn is the best growing time, it's also the time you must prepare your rose bushes for winter coming onslaught.

Producing those beautiful blooms you are so proud of is hard work -- for your rose bushes, too. They need a lot of water to fuel the flowering process. Continue to water them deeply, as often as needed to maintain growth. Watering daily is okay if you are showing them off, just be careful and observe closely so that you do not over-do the watering process. You want beautiful blooms, not drowned roots.

Continue using water-soluble compost through the end of September. Consider a commercial bloom-boosting fertilizer. The large number in the middle of the formulation is your cue -- nitogen, PHOSPHORUS, potasium (potash).

Black spot and mildew are dangerous because conditions for their growth are ideal, so keep up with a vigorous spraying program through the end of October. Stop all fertilizing by the end of October, to let your roses begin the hibernation process.

You can continue to cut rose bouquets through October without causing any harm to the bushes. To encourage rose hips to form, just remove the petals of the dead roses.

Fall just happens to be the right time to start planning next year's garden. Order new flower catalogs for your research during the dark and dreary months of winter. This is my favorite part -- all fun and no work. To get your best selections possible, place your new roses order early. Rose growers know when the best time is to ship new bushes to your climate zone.

Visit Grow Roses to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a Website Here.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Landscaping Ideas That Will Make Your Front Yard Look More Inviting

Writen by Johnny McKenzie

With front yard landscaping you can easily express yourself and your home in a fun way. You might not think about it, but if want to make a warm and welcoming impression the front yard is the place you should begin. As the house is today, would you feel comfortable to walk up to the door and ring the bell if you were a stranger? In case you answer no to that question you know for sure that it's just about time you do something to spice up your front yard.

Your house and its front yard is always a stranger's first impression of you. And an easy way to make your quarters look friendlier simply is to add some more flowers to the garden in front of the house. Flowers are easy landscaping ways to implement in your front yard. These flowers can be used in all kinds of ways too. For example they can line a sidewalk or the path to your door on the porch. Flowers planted in nice beds around your front door are sure to be a delight to any first time visitor.

Other easy landscaping ideas for your front yard are trees and shrubs. These are a great way to line a front yard property border. Shrubs are also a great way to make things look neat and well organized. And as long as you give them the proper care they require, they will be there for you. But in case you want to cut down on the future workload in the garden, you should try not to plant trees that loose their leaves on the paths and make them slick. You can also consider using fruit trees or dogwood tress for your front yard. Most of these are gorgeous looking trees that will produce sweet calming scents for you.

Porches are a favorite place to many and what you do with your front porch depends on its dimension. A good way could be to add comfort to your front porch by using benches and tables to create an inevitable and warm look. You can also consider plants and flower as another way to add not only good looks but also colors and depth to your front porch. In most gardens, a climbing vine rank is a notable way to create a railing or arch way.

Of course your sidewalk or paths must be well maintained and clean from garbage. In case you have a sidewalk that needs to get repaired, then make those necessary mends to make it not only secure but also attractive. Sidewalks that are made of concrete and other sort of decorative stone or rock are probably the best in most cases. And with a little bit of creativity you can make it a central point of your front yard. You can also make a peaceful addition to your paths by building a pond or two. This will most likely do the trick, but you don't want create something that is too overwhelming. Should you decide on the landscaping idea with a pond or fountain to your yard, then adding some bricks or stones as borders or as a foundation will give your property a classic feeling.

A good landscaping advice for the front-yard of your house is to always keep it simple. You might want to, but you shouldn't make anything so your front yard looks like a tropical forest or that it makes people feel like they are in a maze in search for your front door. It doesn't matter what design you choose for your yard, just make sure you keep it neat and in good health and you will be pleased every time you stroll up that path to your front door.

In case you liked this article the author Johnny will give you more ideas on his site about how you can landscaping yards to impresses your friends.

Homemade Lawn Fertilizer A Great Alternative

Writen by Dennis Frank

You may not be aware, but using homemade lawn fertilizer is an effective alternative to store-bought mixtures.Not only will it save you money, homemade lawn fertilizer helps protect the environment and your family. Let's take a closer look.

Like Green? It Will Cost You

One thing is for sure, regardless of whether you hire a professional lawn care service or whether you tackle lawn care yourself. The green lawn that most people desire comes with a pretty high cost. Lawn care has become a multi-billion dollar industry and through massive advertising efforts, consumers have been led to believe that using chemical-laden lawn fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides and herbicides is the only way to keep their lawns green and healthy.

But this is far from the truth. Heavy dependence on these products is costly and a large number people believe such widespread use is beginning to damage the environment. That's probably why use of homemade lawn fertilizer is becoming popular among those individuals looking to lower costs and better perserve the environment while still gaining the benefits of a lawn that's the envy of the neighborhood.

What ingredients are used in homemade lawn fertilizer?

The two key ingredients in several homemade lawn fertilizer "recipes" are Ammonia and Epson salts. Epson salts help to aerate the soil and make it less compacted. This also promotes root growth and is better able to absorb important nutrients and water.

There are other beneficial organic ingredients that can be used to make homemade lawn fertilizer such as bone meal, blood meal, seaweed compost and compost "teas." Shreded leaves, alfalfa, and compost also lend important nutrients. If the soil is far too acidic, adding ground limestone can aid in bringing it back to proper pH balance.

Along with using homemade lawn fertilizer, it's a simple task to create safe, non-toxic weed killers. Consider this recipe. Mix two tablespoons of salt and five tablespoons of vinegar into a quart of boiling water and pour the hot mixture directly on weeds. Another one is a combination of milk and water. It acts as an effective natural fungicide. Mix together 1 cup of milk and 9 cups of water and apply with a spray bottle every other week.

These are only a few examples of known methods to make homemade lawn fertilizer and other useful lawn care products. If you need more information on making homemade lawn fertilizer, visit your local library or search the Internet. Get on it now and in no time, you'll have a yard you can be proud of!

Dennis Frank is an Internet Entrepreneur and Author of many fine websites such as FertilizerSmart Please visit the website for more related articles and information about Home Made Lawn Fertlizer

What Is Roofscaping

Writen by Geoff Iles

One often forgotten area of landscape design is coming under renewed focus with the introduction of a new design concept to Australia known as Roofscaping. Simply put Roofscaping involves the introduction of design elements onto rooftops being created in urban developments.

The trend towards medium and high density urban living shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Many urban developments are built without giving consideration to the need Australians have to stay in touch with the fun of outdoor living. Another important factor is that whilst many people need the access to the employment opportunities and services the big cities provide they do not want to lose touch with being part of our natural environment. This is where the Roofscaping concept originated from.

Recently at Mirvac's Yarra's Edge Apartment project in Melbourne's Docklands precinct Roofscaping was introduced into the overall design. The 6th floor Podium Level design was done by Edaw Pty Ltd and incorporates hardy plants with decorative recycled glass and pebble paths from Melbourne based company DécoR Pebble. The beautiful area can be seen from many areas of the development and makes a wonderful departure from the traditionally drab and uninteresting roofs in most apartment developments.

Another project currently in the planning stage, EJE Group, is the Hunter's Wharf Project in Sydney. The project design uses an outline of the Parramatta River made entirely by using DécoR Glass and DécoR Pebble products. Geoff Iles owner of DécoR Pebble believes imagination is the only limit to what can be done with urban rooftop spaces.

DécoR Glass and DécoR Pebble provide ideal light weight permanent coloured aggregate for use in the greenscaping of urban high-rise roof decks. The 5-10mm glass & pebble aggregates can be loose laid or mixed with an adhesive epoxy or acrylic resin to permanently hold them in place. The application is usually carried out at a thickness between 20-30mm over the drainage system. The coverage rate of a 5-10mm aggregate is approx. 20kg per M2 @ 10mm depth.

Whilst the Décor Pebble range of manufactured aggregates offer a more cost efficient product, the 36 colours of crushed recycled Décor Glass aggregates offers designers a greater range of vibrant and soft colours to choose from. The coloured recycled glass is becoming increasingly popular with environmentally conscious designers.

Please visit our site for more landscape design ideas

Funeral Flowers

Writen by Alison Cole

Unexpected loss is fraught with deep emotions that words can barely express. To help families cope with the shock and agony, flowers offer comfort and express sympathy.

Manners and methods of conveying sympathy vary through countries, cultures and religions, but flowers remain fitting tributes to a departed soul. Displayed during the funeral service and remaining after the ceremony, flowers act as aromatic reminders of the departed member who so enriched life's journey with an inimitable presence.

While a personal selection is always best, florists are familiar with the most effective colors and designs. A guidebook on conventional styles of flower arrangements for funerals may also help. Cultural taboos must be observed and good taste observed. A florist can also deliver funeral flowers to the bereaved family without invading privacy.

Despite changing trends in funeral services, flowers can be designed to convey the spirit and aura of the person. Talk to the florist about the deceased's personality and special quirks for a more personalized floral creation that will lend comfort to the grieving family.

Wreaths symbolizing the circle of life are the most recognized tokens of condolence. But increasingly, flower sprays highlighted on an easel, fresh flower arrangements in a vase or container, casket sprays and floral designs for inside the casket are gaining attention. Colors are conventionally white, pinks and pastels but red roses or tropical blooms can also convey warmth and depth of feeling.

Sometimes, an offering of a potted green, a flowering plant, bonsai or sapling can spark hope and renewal in sorrowing hearts. The very act of caring for a new plant can speed the grieving process and set in the healing.

Even after the immediate days of loss, sending funeral flowers after a few weeks can be a good idea. Reassurance and good cheer can be underlined through these offerings and remind the recipients that the departed spirit shines brighter than ever and the reminiscing is shared.

Flowers at a funeral are a way of showing sensitivity and commiseration and provide moral support as well as soothe disturbed hearts. Flowers create a hallowed atmosphere that reveres and sanctifies the passing and celebrate life.

Flowers provides detailed information about flowers, flower gifts, flower delivery, floral arrangements and more. Flowers is the sister site of Silk Wedding Flowers.

Man Made Puddle

Writen by Tamil Selvi

During hot summer days bird bath are excellent attraction for birds. Bird Bath welcomes birds to your garden. Bird Baths are available in different size and materials like glass, metal, plastics, mosaic tile, etc that can weather well and hold water.

Shallow bird bath is more preferable and its surface should be rough enough so that birds can grip. Also it must have recirculating pump with filters along with water supply. The arrangement has to make such that water should be clean and clear and the maintenance of bird bath is important. The water filled in the bird bath should be clean and clear. The water should be changed routinely and in the hot weather every day it has to be changed.

Bird feeders also attract birds towards your garden. Bird feeder also called bird table are provided to supply food to birds. Consistency of feeding is very important. Feeding throughout the year is important rather than feeding only during winter or some seasons. Generally the feeders supply seeds, such as millet, sunflower, safflower, hollyhock, nasturtium, thistle and rapeseed to feed birds.

Bird bath gives you a lively environment and watching this scene will give you a splash of happiness. It will bring everlasting joy and cheerfulness. Bird bath makes birds to come closer. We can enjoy the wonders of nature from the place where we are by placing a bird bath.

Birds are distinguished by their physical characteristics. Birds differ by body shape and size, also beak shape and size. Canada goose, one of the larger birds also enjoys baths. Bird baths must place such that birds should feel safe. It should be kept far enough from squirrels, rats and big birds.

Tamil Selvi is a SEO copywriter for smdblue.com, She has written many articles in various topics. For more information visit http://www.smdblue.com. She can be reached at tamil@searchenginegenie.com.

How To Grow Sweet Corn

Writen by Linda Jenkinson

Purchased corn, whether on the cob or in a can can't compare for taste! Sweet corn is easy to grow in the flower and fruit gardening guides home garden with just a little know how and a few corn facts.

Corn needs warm soil temperatures (50° - 65° Fahrenheit) to germinate. Warm temperatures cause sugars in corn to turn into starches and results in loss of sweetness and creamy texture. Sugars also begin converting to starches immediately after harvest.

Sweet corn is divided into three types according to its sweetness: (SU) normal sugary or standard sweet corn, (SE) sugary enhanced, and (Sh2) super sweet.

Standard Sweet Corn (SU)

Normal sugary is the traditional variety of sweet corn. Less sweet than the other types, it will tolerate low temperatures at planting time.

Sugary Enhanced (SE)

(SE) corn is the preferred choice of many of today's flower and fruit gardening guides home gardeners. Sugary enhanced is sweeter than standard corn and retains sweetness longer than either of the other types. While not as sweet as super sweet, it has a creamier texture and tolerates lower soil temperatures.

Super Sweet

Super sweet (Sh2) kernels differ from the other two types of sweet corn by their shriveled, small appearance. Although the sweetest of the three, (Sh2) needs a soil temperature of at least 65° F to germinate. Another drawback of (Sh2) is that its texture is drier and its sugars more rapidly convert to starch after harvest.

Sow your seed in a very rich garden soil and give it access to ample moisture. Because corn is a high-nitrogen feeder, even the best soils may need to the addition of aged manure or nutrient rich compost to produce an optimum crop.

Plant corn in two or more rows for pollination to be successful. Plant kernels in hills of three, spaced about a foot a part with rows three feet apart. Plant kernels from one to 1 ½ inches deep or ¾ inch deep for super sweet types. After germination, preserve the most robust plant in each hill, discarding any other seedlings that have sprouted.

Water rows well after planting, especially in the case of super sweet kernels, which need to absorb more water to germinate. Keep plants well watered throughout the growing season. Corn needs moisture in order to form tassels and silk and to develop healthy ears.

Cultivate frequently to control weeds, but shallowly so as not to damage stalks or roots.

Corn is ready to harvest when silk becomes dry at the ends, ears feel full, and a thumbnail puncture produces a milky-white substance. The sap from under ripe corn will appear watery. Each stalk should produce one large ear of corn. Many varieties also develop a second, smaller ear. Generally, from the time the silk is visible to harvest is about 20 days.

Watch your crop closely after the first silks appear. This is the "milk stage" which lasts for only about a week. The best corn is always the freshest corn! Grill it, steam it, roast it, microwave it --- enjoy it!

Linda is an author of Gardening Tips Tricks and Howto's of http://www.gardening-guides.com She writes and inspire you to try new ideas from her own experience.

Useful Information About Plants

Writen by Ross Bainbridge

Plants are a great source of beauty and freshness in any area they are placed. Their therapeutic and soothing property has been known through the ages and has been effectively utilized.

Plants have fascinated mankind from the pre historic times, and ever since there have been attempts to classify the different types of plants. Mankind has always been interested in plants and their cultivation for food as well as other usage. Hippocrates and Aristotle have been pioneers in the field of identifying and classifying plants.

Initially the main interest was in the medicinal value of plants rather than cultivation. Later, royalty in France and Italy started promoting plants in a big way. The palace gardens had beautiful landscaping done on a magnificent scale. Under their patronage there was a spurt in the cultivation of orchards. Josephine, the wife of Napolean, introduced a wide variety of roses and was supposed to have, the largest collection of different species of roses in Europe.

It has been noted that distributing plants in the office, lowers stress and augments employee productivity. Studies have shown that having plants in sight increased a person's ability to react by as much as 12 percent. It also helped them to recover from stress within five minutes. Plants were also found to significantly reduce noise, hence increasing productivity among employees.

Currently there is an increase, in the commercial production of medicinal herbs, as the demand for them is growing to a large extent. However, horticulture is still favored for growing beautiful plants and flowers. They offer an aesthetic value, to the concrete jungle that the world is fast becoming.

The earth has a great variety of flora to offer. It devolves on mankind to show enthusiasm, in preserving and proliferating plants, through the various avenues available in the modern times. Botanists have woken up to the requirement of timely intervention, to save the various species of plants on the brink of extinction.

Plants provides detailed information on Plants, House Plants, Tropical Plants, Garden Plants and more. Plants is affiliated with Flower Seed.

Creating The Perfect Patio With Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

Writen by J.C. Taylor

Wrought iron furniture is popular because of its elegant look, durability, and low maintenance requirement. The designs, sizes, and colors available are so standard that practically any size room with any type of interior design or color scheme can benefit from wrought iron. The same is true for wrought iron patio furniture. It is used outdoors in courtyards, balconies, terraces and gardens. Wrought iron patio furniture comes in various styles, designs, shapes, sizes, and types. Despite the variation, the whole wrought iron patio furniture range comes with the same motive of adding value to your home décor. Wrought iron patio furniture can be categorized according to the following factors:

Types: The wide array of wrought iron patio furniture items can include a patio dining set, a patio cafe set, a patio settee, a bistro patio set, a garden bench, a garden chaise, an arbor bench, a patio rocker chair, a patio spring chair, an arm chair, a patio lounge chair, a patio table, a patio side table, a tea cart, a patio screen, a plant stand or rack.

Styles/Design: Different styles can be seen in the detail features of the furniture. Wrought iron patio furniture may have regular legs or they may be rockers. The tables may have umbrella bases for firmer footing. Folding chairs are also available. To vary from the regular antique English style classic design, wrought iron patio furniture may have some stone work on the surface such as in marble, terracotta or mosaic. The chairs may have built in cushions. While buying wrought iron patio furniture, try to pick the genuine metal. You can ensure this by purchasing your furniture from a credible source with a reliable track record. Some esteemed wrought iron companies even extend after sales services for added benefit to customers. Try choosing lightweight patio furniture if you want to be able to move it. Maintain your wrought iron patio furniture with occasional washes. If you notice any sign of rust on your wrought iron home décor items, apply a rust resistant lotion to it followed by paint. It helps to extend the life of your furniture if you can protect it from wet and winter weather.

Wrought iron patio furniture makes your outdoor space a happening place to be. The sleek designs go well with the greenery and add to the utility of the space. So, enjoy nice weather on your patio with your wrought iron patio furniture making it a nicer place to be.

Learn more about home decorating with wrought iron. Find free home decorating tips and information at http://www.wrought-iron-depot.com

The Perfect Garden Sundial

Writen by Graham McClung

Is it possible for a garden sundial to tell perfect time?

The chances are very good if you can make one yourself, or get one custom made for your location. But both these alternatives will take either time or money.

The reason for this is that apart from adjustments for time zones and daylight saving , covered in another article, there are three things that must be done.

Compensating for the Earth's Path Around the Sun

If the earth followed a perfect circle as it revolved around the sun, life with sundials would be easy. But its path is elliptical or oval, and this causes errors of up to 16 minutes in sundial time at some times of the year. The corrections are straightforward, and can be made using a table, or from a figure 8 line called the Analemma, often seen on old globes and sundials.

Correcting for Latitude

Let's consider the components of a sundial for a moment. It consists of a dial on which the time divisions, and sometimes other information is marked, and a triangular piece which sits vertically on the dial. It is called the gnomon, pronounced nomon, and the part which casts the shadow onto the dial is called the style.

For more information on how sundials work, including how to design your own, go to Google and type "how + sundial", without the quotes but with the +, in the search box.

To be accurate, the angle between the triangular part of the gnomon and the horizontal must be the same as the latitude of the place it is to be placed in (You can find the latitude - and longitude - of your home from any topographic map or good atlas).The arrangement and distance between the hour markings on the dial must also be correct for the latitude.

Hmmmm! This means that unless you are very lucky, that elegant sundial in your local garden supply shop will probably not show the time particularly well. It may be calibrated for an average latitude (commonly 45 degrees), which is good if your latitude is not too different. Or it may be purely ornamental and will really only be useful around noon.

Now of course this doesn't matter at all if you are looking for something pleasing to the eye, and don't mind answering the inevitable question "Does it tell the time?" But if you'd like your sundial to be more useful, make sure you find out which latitude it is calibrated to.

Once you know this, all you need to do to compensate is to work out the difference, and tilt the dial towards or away from due south depending on whether you need to add to or subtract from the latitude the sundial was designed for. There may be slight differences to the ideal spacing of the hour marks, but the apparent time will be reasonably close.

Finding North

The final essential in sundial installation is to make sure the gnomon is oriented north-south. Sounds easy and, with a little patience, it is.

One way, suitable for the northern hemisphere, is to identify the pole star. This is very close to the projected position of the earth's axis, about which the sun and stars seem to revolve. You could mark the direction from your sundial's location to the pole star, but this method isn't quite accurate, and needs to be done in the dark. And the southern hemisphere doesn't have a pole star.

Method 2 uses a compass. Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it. But you guessed it - there are some complications.

Firstly, the needle on a compass points to magnetic north, not true north, which is what we want. The difference between the two is called the magnetic declination, and is usually shown on good topographic maps. And while a simple addition or subtraction of the difference between the two norths should give you the right direction, there may be some local magnetic effects which can't be compensated for.

The third method goes back to the ancients - and there were some pretty smart operators around in the old days.

You'll need a stick, some paper or board, a marker, a tape measure or long rule, a sunny day, and a bit of time on your hands. Set the stick up vertically at the location you have chosen for your sundial, so that the top of its shadow falls on the sheet of paper or board. If you stand with your back to the sun, behind the pole, set the paper up so that the morning shadow falls on its left hand side.

Now mark the end of the shadow with a permanent marker. Come back through the day and mark the new positions of the tip of the shadow - the more often the better. As the day goes on, you'll notice the marks form a curve.

Later in the afternoon - any time after three is OK - connect the marks you've made into the smoothest curve you can manage. Do this while the pole and paper are still in place. Then carefully measure the distance between the base of the pole and the curve. The shortest distance corresponds to true north. Mark it in some way, and align the gnomon in the same direction when you put your sundial in place.

You can find true north in other ways - again I suggest you try google as suggested above.

Once you have set up your sundial, check the time, compensate for differences with your official time zone, pat yourself on the back, and if the sundial tells you it's after midday, pour a glass of your favourite beverage and put your feet up. Your time is now your own.

Copyright 2005, Graham McClung.

A retired geologist, Graham McClung has had a lifelong interest in the outdoors. And where there's outdoors there's weather. He is the editor of http://Home-Weather-Stations-Guide.com, where you can find reviews and advice to help you choose and use your own home weather station. You can contact him by email at information@home-weather-stations-guide.com

Us Flags

Writen by Alison Cole

The national flag of the United States of America is a symbol of strength, unity, and freedom. The flag is often referred to as the "stars and stripes" or "old glory." The national flag has been an inspiration for millions of people over a period of about 230 years.

Today, the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes; of the thirteen stripes, there are seven red alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original thirteen colonies; the stars represent the fifty states. The color red symbolizes hardness and valor, white represents purity and innocence, and the blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

The U.S. has State flags for each of the fifty States. There is a separate flag for District of Columbia, Washington, D.C. There is also another flag for Puerto Rico, a commonwealth associated with the U.S. Apart from all of the aforementioned flags, there is the United States service flag, the U.S. Army Flag, U.S. Marine Corps Flag, U.S. Navy Flag, and flags of various organizations and institutions.

The U.S. flag that is of the utmost importance is the national flag, to which the greatest respect should be paid. No other flag can be flown above the national flag.

It was Betsy Ross, a seamstress from Philadelphia, who made the first U.S. flag in 1777. The famous name "old glory" was coined by Captain William Driver, a shipmaster of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1831.

It is imperative that no one show disrespect to the national flag. The national flag should never be "dipped" or lowered to any person or thing. However, Regimental colors, State flags, and organizational or institutional flags should be dipped as a mark of honor.

The stars and stripes have changed in numbers and their order of placement, but these bestow on millions of people the inspiration, strength, and courage to fight for unity, freedom and justice.

US Flags provides detailed information on US Flags, US State Flags, US Flag Etiquette, US Flag History and more. US Flags is affiliated with American Flags for Cars.