The Benefits Of Landscaping

Writen by David Dunlap

How much have you thought about landscaping? Do you know that a beautiful and well put together lawn has many benefits? Landscaping is lawn art and, like any other art form, it takes time, patience, and research to get your methods just right. So, what other benefits does landscaping provide besides just being "pretty"?

Firstly, landscaping can add value to your home and surrounding property. People will pay more for a home that looks nice and well maintained on the outside, as well as in, and home property values reflect that. The more your home is worth, the more equity it will have. We all strive to add value to our assets and this is an easy, enjoyable way to do a favor for yourself, your home, and your neighbors.

Landscaping can also be a good source of exercise, that is not vigorous or straining on your muscles. This is an additional aspect that becomes more important the older that you get. This may not be the case if you choose to lift heavy landscaping items, but there are many activities to keep you busy which are easy and manageable for anyone at almost any age. Lastly, the exercise you get from landscaping can also burn calories which may be important to you if you are a woman trying to watch her weight.

If landscaping is new to you or you want a great place to get advice on landscaping supplies, visit a website like www.thelandscapingpro.com. You are sure to find what you are searching for, and then some!

David Dunlap is the founder and owner of The Landscaping Pro, a complete online resource guide for every landscape project. If you would like more information, please send an email to david@thelandscapingpro.com

Patio Covers

Writen by Alison Cole

The patio is an extension of the house. With a little bit of enterprise one can transform it into a snug haven with colorful and snazzy Patio Covers, furniture, pool tables, grills, plants and curios reflecting individual styles. The reason being that in the present ambiguous conditions, especially after 9/11, many of us prefer the comfort of home for celebrations or unwinding.

Patios with covers serve another purpose. Very often we are too lazy after a barbeque or a lazy afternoon to stack chairs and tables inside or fold the umbrella. Patio Covers do the work for us and furniture can be left where it is, protected from rain and sun. There is a choice in Patio Covers depending on the natural environment and construction of the house. Wood is preferred by people who want a natural look gelling with landscaping or the interior of the house. Wooden Patio Covers are at a disadvantage when compared with aluminum or acrylic Patio Covers. The latter are maintenance-free and durable with built-in rain gutters, while wood needs to be termite- and water-resistant. Synthetic wood is a substitute with one major flaw. It cannot be used as a structural or support material and has to be covered with real wood beams, increasing the cost of the Patio Cover.

If adventurous and looking for a brighter and more refreshing set-up, select a clear glass or lattice aluminum cover or the dependable acrylic ones. These let in partial sunlight and, unlike concrete or full covers, do not make you feel boxed in.

Fabric in different colors and patterns is another option for a Patio Cover. The selection of Patio Covers is subjective to personal choice and budget. No point in copying the next door neighbors or an advertisement in home magazines. Some enterprising individuals prefer constructing or assembling Patio Covers themselves, or using individual covers for chairs, tables, swings and umbrellas. All one can say is, read instructions carefully as a patio is an aesthetic extension of your house.

Patio Covers provides detailed information about patio covers, how to build a patio cover, lattice patio covers, patio chair covers and more. Patio Covers is the sister site of Stone Garden Bench.

Vermicomposting Worm Composters For Ecofriendly Waste Disposal And Recycling

Writen by Mark Falco

Worms are not only the gardener's best friend, they are also the recycler's new found best friend as well. Nature's little waste disposal experts have found a new place in eco-conscious household's across the globe as more and more people are catching on to the idea of using worms' special talents to dispose of their organic household waste. If you have ever pondered on the idea or are in the least bit interested in giving your world environment a helping hand then you might like to delve a little deeper into the world of worms...

Why Vermicomposting?

It is estimated around 30% of all household waste is the kind of organic material which worms thrive on. If everyone composted in this way there would be 30% less waste going into landfill sites, 30% less waste being transported on the roads with all the associated fuel emissions which coincides with this and subsequently less costs involved in the disposal of waste. In addition, you as a householder get a free source of fertiliser and liquid plant feed, cutting down on the use of chemical fertilisers and saving you money into the bargain. Vermicomposting makes sense!

How Does It Work?

Worms are like nature's garbage men, honing their waste devouring skills over the millenia to produce the perfect organic waste disposal system. They live all their lives just under the topsoil dragging down dead organic matter from the surface to be recycled and a wormery just harnesses this natural recycling system and puts it to good use on your kitchen waste. Once set up, a wormery is very easy to use and pretty much free of hassle. Just lift the lid, drop in your kitchen scraps and reap the rewards of free liquid fertiliser and plant feed later.

Where Do I Get A Wormery?

A typical wormery is a simple plastic bin divided into sections with a tap at the bottom to drain off the 'worm tea'. There are a few places on the internet which give you instructions on how to make your own at minimal cost but a shop bought wormery is a lot less hassle and more effective in the long run.

What Can I Dispose Of This Way?

Pretty much all your kitchen waste can be tossed into your wormery and the worms will dispose of it. This includes small amounts of meat and fish, vegetable scraps and peelings and even coffee grinds, paper towels and newspaper in small quantities. It is however best to mimimise the amount of pungent foods you add like garlic, onions, citrus peel and chillis and dairy products and animal droppings are best disposed of elsewhere. Garden clippings and cuttings should be composted.

Where Can I Put A Wormery?

Anywhere you like. Inside, outside, worms are pretty adaptable. A popular location is to place your worm composter just outside your kitchen door which leaves it easily accessible for quick disposal of your kitchen scraps without you having to share your home with them. If you have a decent wormery then escaping worms shouldn't be a huge problem.

Does It Smell?

Composting worms devour as much as half their body weight every day so you should find your kitchen scraps disappearing before they get a chance to smell unless you over-load it. The worm casts and liquid deposits themselves do not produce an unpleasant odour and many wormeries come with lids and filter to reduce odour further.

Why Not Just Get A Compost Heap?

Why not get both? Worms devour waste which you should not add to a compost heap like meat scraps whilst a compost heap is perfect for disposing of garden waste. Wormeries are also a great way to get children involved with recycling.

Mark Falco is the owner of the British gardening shopping guide http://www.ukgardeningsupplies.co.uk where you can find low prices on composters, wormeries and garden accessories available to buy online from top UK online garden stores.

Perennial Garden Basics

Writen by Tim Hallinan

Perennials are any plants which live for more than two seasons and produce stems which die back to the ground each fall. They're at the heart of most flower gardens and offer wide ranging benefits to the landscape gardener. Perennials are treasured for their ability to flower, spread and multiply year after year. They're also noted for their form, texture, vibrant color and their ability to attract birds and other wildlife to the garden. Perennials can stand on their own in the landscape but can be complimented by a few well placed annuals. While perennials are easy to grow, there are a few basic maintenance guidelines to follow which will help your garden flourish.

In the spring, the first task is an obvious one; remove any debris which has collected over the winter. After that, cut back to the ground any plants which were left standing the previous fall. When cleaning out the garden tread lightly and rake lightly. You don't want to disturb any new shoots. Once the garden is cleaned out, look around the garden to see if there are any empty spaces. If there are, you may want to add a few new plants. Ideally, the perennial bed should bloom from spring through the fall so if the garden in September seems a bit sparse add late season bloomers such as autumn sedum joy, chrysanthemums or asters. Another way to add color in the garden is to plant annuals in the spring. Though they last only one year, annuals bloom all season long.

Fertilizing with a general slow release garden fertilizer and adding lime to the garden early in the season will get the plants off to a healthy start and feed them throughout the entire season. Each spring spread compost throughout the perennial garden to improve soil consistency.

In the summer the main task is deadheading, the process of clipping off spent blooms. This won't encourage continuous blooms in perennials but will keep the garden looking fresh all season. With annuals, however, deadheading will encourage continuous blooms all season. Cultivating the garden soil is another task which should occasionally be through the summer. Cultivating keeps weeds from taking hold in the garden and it loosens up the soil allowing water and nutrients to reach the plant's deepest roots.

Towards mid-summer the taller plants may begin to lean or fall as they become top heavy. This often occurs most noticeably after a rain shower. Staking the plants is important and keeps them from falling into one another thus reducing the chances of mold and disease.

Continuing with the above tasks is important though the fall months as well. Late in the season, however, perennials will begin fade and eventually their foliage dies back to the ground. The roots are still alive but the above ground part of the plant is done for the season. Cutting back the plants that have gone by is generally done for aesthetic reasons. It can be done in the spring but I recommend this task for the fall as there are alot of other things to do in the spring.

Dividing perennials is easily the best way to increase your plant stock. A few years after you've planted a perennial you'll probably notice that it begins to outgrow its allotted spot. Dividing large perennials into smaller plants will solve the problem of over crowding in the garden while giving you new plants to add to other gardens. In the fall when the plants are beginning to die back prepare new planting areas somewhere on your property. If you don't have any space for new plants, give some away to your friends. Simply dig the perennial you intend to divide out of the ground making sure to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Take a spade or a garden edger and chop or divide the plant in half. Remove any foliage which may have been severed. Replace the perennial back in the ground and back fill with a mix of compost and existing soil. You'll need some extra soil to fill in properly. Some of the easiest perennials to divide are daylilies, hosta, iris and sedum.

Perennials are adaptable to a variety of landscape conditions. Most can survive a few hours of shade each day but there are those which will require full sun and those which will thrive in the shade. Study the conditions of your own garden and have a plan or list in hand before you head out to the greenhouse. Once planted, the perennials you choose will provide years of gardening enjoyment

Early Blooming perennials: Iris, poppy, aneome, primrose, lily of the valley, coral bell, Solomon's seal, leopard's bane, foam flower, lungwort, globe flower, epimedium, bleeding heart, speedwell

Mid Season Blooming Perennials: daisy, dianthus, hardy geranium, saliva, campanula, delphinium, coreopsis, daylily, hollyhock, yarrow, lady's mantle, phlox, bee balm, catmint, goat's beard, astilbe

Late Season Blooming Perennials: Aster, black eyed Susan, chrysanthemums, michaelmas daisy, lilyturf, monkshood, cardinal flower, sedum "autumn joy", goldenrod, hosta, globe thistle

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

Garden Bridges Impact Gardens Dramatically With Wooden Garden Bridges

Writen by Carlo Morelli

Nothing adds form and functionality more attractively than wooden garden bridges placed strategically outdoor landscape appeal. This "hardscape" item can add dramatic interest to water gardens; serve as a practical (and lovely!) access across ponds, ditches, or other low areas; or simply be placed as an eye-catching focal point to highlight any area of a yard.

Material, Sizes, and Options

Less expensive wooden garden bridges come made most commonly from pressure-treated pine. If you're willing to pay the price, however, you can also get these pretty footbridges made from such weather-resistant woods as teak, cedar, or redwood. The most popular sizes include lengths of four, six, and eight feet, but many online, as well as brick-and-mortar companies, that manufacture them also offer custom-built bridges to satisfy any specified length the homeowner requests and is willing to pay for.

Most companies that offer wooden garden bridges or footbridges also offer optional railings on their creations. This extra feature may add some to the cost, but it also provides a safer way to cross the bridge, especially if the surface of the wood becomes slippery from rain, snow, or ice. If you do not anticipate the need to ever cross your garden bridge under these circumstances, then, of course, railings are not necessary. And some people prefer the cleaner lines of the bridge, alone, without the railings, which do add a degree of cumbersomeness to beauty of the bridge.

Complementary Plantings

Wooden garden bridges are often sold as "Japanese" bridges because of the origin and popularity of the style in that country. Creating a water garden feature including a Japanese bridge, along with Japanese water plants and other ornamental plants can result in a beautiful, tranquil outdoor retreat with the right choice of plant material and other hardscape décor items. Good plants to use for this purpose would include Japanese boxwood, aralias, horsetail reed, water lilies for the pond, monkey grass (as a groundcover), and for a spectacular specimen tree, Japanese maple.

Online Sources

Many online Web-site retailers offer wooden garden bridges. A quick, online search with the appropriate keywords results in hundreds of selections – all you need do is select which one offers the best price and quality. When purchasing online, always make sure you are buying from a secure site, however, and check to see if the site offers testimonials. Asking for references from previous customers is another, perhaps even better, method of screening potential retailers to get the best deal at the best price AND to know you're getting your bridge from a reputable company.

So whether you're in the market for wooden garden bridges as an impressive focal highlight in your backyard retreat or if you'll be using yours as a needed way to cross over a pond or ditch, you won't have any trouble find just what you need. Just take some time to check out what's available, from whom, and at what price. All the information you need is just a mouse click away.

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Basic Gardening Soil Acidity And Ph Liming The Soil

Writen by Jonathan Johnson

pH is a gardening term used to reflect the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 1 being very acid and 14 being very alkaline. A pH reading of 7 is considered neutral. Most soils, due to climatic conditions, tend to be a little on the acidic side and these soils may need to have their alkalinity levels raised (meaning they may need to be "limed"). In dry arid climates soils are often on the alkaline side and for good gardening, they will need to have pH their levels lowered. Usually a phone call to your local county Extension office can give you a general idea of soil pH in your area. For site or garden specific information, the Extension Service offers soil collection kits and for a nominal fee, will provide the lab service needed for measuring your soil's pH. They will also make specific liming or acidifying recommendation for your garden.

Different plants prefer different pH levels, however, as a general rule, most plants thrive in a pH range between 6.0 to 6.8. Some favorite Cottage Farms garden plants like azaleas, blueberries, and rhododendrons actually do better in more acid soils (pH 5.0-6.0). Hydrangeas do well anywhere from 5.0-6.8, but the flower color may be affected (blue flowers in acid soils and pink in more neutral soils). Having the optimum pH range insures proper nutrient availability and allows fertilizers to more readily absorbed by the roots, so checking your garden's pH is important to insure gardening success.

Once you have determined your soil's pH level the following Cottage Farms guidelines may be helpful as you modify and maintain your garden soil's pH level. Three things to keep in mind are:

• The process of changing and managing soil pH is as a long term project. pH changes take place gradually and you will need to judge your results on a seasonal basis.

• Soil type and texture will affect the amount of lime or sulfur needed to alter pH levels.

• Raising your soils alkalinity is easier than making it more acidic. Acidifying an alkaline soil is often best left to landscape experts.

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How The Bladderwort Amp Drosera Catches Its Victims From A South African Perspective

Writen by Andrew Smit

Bladderwort

Early in the summer pretty little bunches of golden-yellow flowers about a centimetre across appear floating on the water of ponds and ditches. This is the Bladderwort, or Utricularia, a plant that keeps most of its body under water and looks very innocent. However underneath its leaves the Utricularia has lots of little bladders which turn into deadly traps should any unwary insect go too near them.

These bladders have a small opening surrounded by short hairs. When an insect explores the opening the plant swallows the insect and closes the opening with a special lid. The plant then digests the captured animal through millions of microscopic tubes in its tissue.

The plant grows all over the world, on land as well as on the water, but the bulk of the species are found in tropical regions and only about four occur in Europe.

Drosera

Droseros is the Greek word for 'dewy' and is the first thing that one notices about the Drosera, or sundew plant, is the sticky stem covered in soft, downy hair and scattered with glistening little bubbles that look like dewdrops. When insects see these 'dew drops' they land on the plant for a drink. As soon as they touch the stem, the insects become stuck and the plants downy hair curl around them like tentacles. The Drosera produces a liquid which breaks down the insect into food which the plant then absorbs.

The Drosera is , therefore a carnivorous plant. It grows wild in damp places in Europe and North America and is about 20cm high. One variety which occurs in Australia and South Africa reaches a height of one metre

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Germinating Seeds Hydroponically

Writen by Katherine Keleher

Germinating seeds hydroponically has several advantages over using soil. Many common diseases can be avoided because the hydroponic medium is clean while soil may contain fungus or insects that can harm vulnerable seedlings. Root rot can also be avoided by using a good hydroponic growing system.

The area where hydroponic growing really shines over using soil is control of the growing environment. With hydroponics, the gardener is no longer at the mercy of the soil's nutrient or water content. Every aspect of the plant's growing conditions can be controlled by the grower, not Mother Nature. This can be a tremendous advantage for young seedlings because they will get the proper nutrients right from the start of their life, leading to much healthier plants in the long run.

Choosing a Growing Medium for Germinating Seeds

While germinating, seeds require both oxygen and water to sprout. This means that your growing medium must provide sufficient amounts of both to the seed or it will not germinate. Porous mediums such as perlite, rockwool, or vermiculite will do this along with having great drainage capabilities. Rockwool cubes can be used for quick set up and easy transplanting as the seeds sprout and grow into full-size plants. Simply place a larger cube around the cube holding the plant. The roots will expand and grow through both rockwool cubes, allowing your medium to easily adapt to the size of your plant.

Perlite makes another good growing medium for germinating seeds because its porosity allows for good drainage and oxygen availability. Just be sure to use the gardening-grade perlite rocks and not the finer grade masonry-quality powder. Plant your seeds about a half to one full inch deep in the perlite medium and cover them with a thin layer of perlite. The easiest way to set up a seedling tray with perlite is to use a plastic tub or similar container covered in black plastic to ensure that no light will penetrate to the roots of your plants. Add a drain hole about an inch from the container's bottom to cycle your nutrient solution through while keeping a minimum level of solution available to the plants at all times.

Nutrients for Germinating Seeds

Many seeds contain nutrients within their shell to provide initial nourishment to jumpstart the germination process. However, this is not true for all species. Orchid seeds, for example, contain very little nutrients, so be sure to research your particular plant before setting up your garden. To avoid stressing the seed at a vulnerable point, it is best to use a medium that is pre-prepared with a low concentration of nutrients. The first few initial waterings will give your seeds a small dose of nutrients until it is ready to absorb more. After a few days, switch to a regular nutrient solution in your water, but keep it at a lower dose than normal until the seed shows significant growth. Once the plants have developed strong, healthy stalks, you can change them over to your normal feeding and watering program and use your seedling tray for the next batch of germinating seeds.

This article courtesy of http://www.indoor-gardening-guide.com, your best indoor gardening resource on the Net.

Know Your Bird Feeders Part 2

Writen by Ronald Patterson

In my last article, I mentioned the popularity of tube feeders and what to look for.

Other feeders like hoppers and platform feeders serve a purpose and need as well. Today I will discuss platforms and what to look for in a quality platform feeder.

A platform feeder is self describing. It is a platform made of wood or screening with four sides about two inches high. Platforms usually sit on four legs or some are hung by a cord or metal chain.

Platform feeders serve a purpose and can attract the greatest variety of birds and other wildlife. Squirrels, deer, chipmunks, rabbits and mice find grazing on your birdseed as easy pickings and will continue to return.

Platform feeders are open to the elements where seed can get wet and buried in the snow.

Platforms require more frequent cleaning as seed can sprout and mold quicker. Not to mention that birds will hop around in the seed, often leaving a calling card. Others birds hop in and peck around, eating seed and other birds droppings.

To many sickness and diseases are passed this way, that is the main reason for keeping a platform feeder clean.

I personally put less birdseed out and clean it every other day

What to look for when you are ready to purchase or build a platform feeder.

Look for durability. Is the feeder made of recycled plastic? If it is wood, is it made of cedar or redwood. Anything less wont do. Recycled plastics will last a life time. Redwood and cedar have their own anti bug and anti rot chemicals built in so they too should last for years and years if taken care of properly.

Look for or build with these quality products and make sure it is held together with stainless steel or zinc coated screws. Regular screws will rust away and staples will pull out leaving your feeder a crumbled mess.

Are you planning on hanging your platform feeder? Make sure it has a stainless steel or powder coated chain. Cords will rot and can be chewed off.

Most important of all, is a screened bottom. Anything less will not do. My platform has a removable screen. A screen I can slide in and out. A screened bottom allows for drainage after a rain. It also allows me to remove it to scrub and sanitize as often as needed. Cleanliness is important.

Are you going to paint or stain your platform feeder? If you chose to do so, be sure to use a water base paint or stain. Oils can penetrate birdseed or rub off onto feathers and brought back to nests.

Birds and small wildlife are more susceptible to predators when feeding from a platform feeder. Placement of all your feeders should be close to protection. Place feeders near your trees and shrubs for protection, yet in a place where they are easy to get at and enjoy.

Always use a quality feed for your birds.

To sum it all up. You want a platform built to last and with a screened bottom or platform. Taking that extra time or dollars to buy or make your platform feeder is worth it in the long run.

Ron Patterson has been feeding and caring for wildbirds for more then 40 years. His experience of caring for birds and owning his own wild bird specialty store prompted him to become a Michigan Certified Nurseryman. As a nurseryman, he know what and where to plant to attract more birds to your yard. As one of America's backyard birding experts,Ron has a weekly newsletter called "Backyard Birding Tips" you can find Ron at http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/ Email ron@backyardbirdingtips.com

Deck Patios In Your Dwellings Can Be Made To Look Unique

Writen by Allan Wilson

Deck and patio awnings:

The roof like structure often made of canvas or plastic that serves as a shelter, as over a storefront, window, door, or deck. Take satisfaction in the instant dimness and add style and extra living space to your home, with a simple turn of the crank, you get safe pleasure of your deck, patio or terrace. You will get retractable patios for your houses and swimming pools. Mostly people get retractable awnings because they can use it in summers evening they can sit out and relax. Nowadays we get cheap awnings also in the market. The awnings are for people who like to sit in the backyard and keep jazzing. They can put up awnings in the backyard for the shelter from the sun's rays. The ideal for patios awnings, deck awnings, terrace awnings, balcony awnings, and poolside awnings or over the grande retractable awning series features our largest awnings, which are often used in commercial awnings applications or for homes where a large expanse or projection is required. And our Mirage series retractable awning is great for smaller windows and doors.

Retractable awning:

The four level of retractable awning with various options giving you a wide selection which will provide shade on your deck or patio. The retractable awnings are given much extra importance and even used as a furnishing to enhance the look of a place. So they are not limited to roof covering and shelters. Instead of a customary shape and a dark hue they are given special cuts so that they look better. Mostly scallops are used for the edge designing. But in fashionable times more and more different cuts are made available. So that you have an exceptional look. Retractable awnings have automation in them so they rise and close at the push of a button. At the same time they can be manually installed. Sometimes awnings are even vertically hanged from a door. All you have to do is roll it up when you are through with the day or roll it down.

Deck Patio Ideas-Is your Home "Decked"-Up?

To make homes look interesting, different and unique there are several things which can be done. Architects, interior-decorators and common people are now trying to devise innovative ideas to spice-up homes. People are making even the most obscure corners of their homes look attractive with the help of various means. Thus one such area of homes which can be made to look strikingly wonderful is the deck patio.

How can the Deck Patio in your home look Beautiful?

The deck patios in your dwellings can be made to look unique by implementing the following ideas and means:

1) Deck patios can be made to look interesting by making decks out of different types of woods. The different types of woods which can be used for making attractive decks are redwood, Alaskan yellow cedar, white cedar, treated wood, iron wood, foreign wood, water-repellent wood, wood tiles and other exterior wood.

2) Deck patios can be made to look great by using vintage woodwork and rhino decks.

3) Decks can also be made of wooden composite decks and products like ezdeck, trimax plastic lumber and timber deck can be used.

4) Beautiful patio decks can also be made of vinyl. Thus individuals can have vinyl decks, plastic lumber yard, rhino deck and new life decks.

5) Deck patios can look beautiful with brick work and brick tiles.

6) It is necessary that deck patios are made by taking the help of professional contractors who specialize in decks. They can offer many options, including integrating your deck with stone patios. They can also install electrical wiring for lights and heaters and can even run a gas line through the deck to an outdoor grill and/or piping to a portable kitchen.

7) It is also possible to outfit the patio with a barbecue grill.

Conclusion:

Deck patios must be built with strong and long-lasting materials even if they are expensive. A patio is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day's work. It is also a great place to entertain guests. Deck patios are often overlooked part of the home. Thus they can be customized with furniture, plants, and decorative accents to become a restful haven. Irrespective of the style of homes, a patio will increase its value and would definitely be rewarding in many ways!

You now have your beautiful new deck but have you thought about deck furniture? If not pay a visit to: http://www.deckingfurniture.com

Five Key Factors That Affect Your Potted Plants In Winter

Writen by Cristina Diaz

Winter has an effect not only pot plants outdoors, but also indoors. Find out what are the key factors that affect your plants in winter and what you can do to help them stay healthy at this time of the year.

1. LIGHT is the very first element to consider. In winter, when the light is not so strong, you can place your plants closer to the windows, and rotate them regularly so all the leaves receive enough light.

Choose the most appropriate location taking into account the following window orientations:

-North: it doesn't receive direct sunlight, but it is a good source of light for your plants. Most convenient in summer.

-South: it receives the most sunlight. Very convenient in winter.

-East: it allows early sunlight, which is very important for an excellent growing of your plants.

-West: it receives much sunlight, but its convenience depends on the amount of light the plant can receive.

2. TEMPERATURE is another key factor to consider because in winter we increase the temperature of the room via heaters, fireplaces and other heating devices. Plants suffer many times because of this, and we do not realize.

When the temperature of the room increases, the water of your plants evaporates quickly, and so it may be necessary to increase the amount of water they receive. As always, the exact amount of water will depend on the type of plant you have.

A solution to this is to place containers with water close to the plants. The leaves will absorb the water by transpiration, in a natural way.

And a quick reminder: although plants show beautifully when displayed on mantelpieces, remember to remove them before starting a fire, as the excess of heat could kill them.

3. WATERING your plants in winter is important for the reason told above. To water your plants properly, do so with abundant water fewer times, rather than with less water and very often.

The reason for this is because the water needs to reach all the roots of the plant, including the deepest ones. When you use abundant water, the plant does not need more water for a while, so you can space the watering.

If not watered properly, the plant may die, even though the surface of the soil may appear wet.

4. VENTILATION is a key factor since some indoor plants need air moving around them occasionally, so their stems and leaves can gain in strength.

Although they do not need a continuous flow of air, the truth is that they get exactly what they need under "friendly" weather conditions, that is early autumn, spring or summer, when we naturally open doors and windows and allow breeze to flow.

But in winter we keep windows closed for longer periods of time, therefore preventing air flows. Again you should ensure that your specific plant is receptive to air flows (not all indoor plants are).

5. Some plants may undergo a period of HIBERNATION during winter. Hibernation is just a natural mechanism of the plants to protect themselves of adverse weather conditions.

During this "sleeping period" the plant may stop growing or even appear weak and loose their leaves. Consequently, the owner believes (wrongly) that the plant is dying or dead and ends up throwing it away.

The thing is, while plants hibernate, they don't need so much water nor fertilizer. If you doubt whether your plant is hibernating or actually dead, just leave it where it is and water it occasionally, and you might just see it alive again in spring.

Cristina Diaz Garcia is the Author and Founder of the "Beautiful Gardens Email Club". Visit her page for an useful Pot Gardening free report at http://www.soapystuff.com/free-garden-reports.html

Why You Should Always Have Garden Furniture

Writen by Matthew Anthony

You've put a lot of work into your garden, from planning to digging to weeding to all the little tasks that keep it looking beautiful. Sharing your garden with others is the next step, and doing that requires more than pretty rows of plants. You created a garden to enjoy, didn't you? Imagine your garden in use - garden benches and patio furniture to provide places for people to sit and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Choosing garden furniture can be the ultimate expression of your pride in the garden you've grown.

When choosing garden furniture, you should take into account the kind of use that your garden will get. Is your garden meant to be a relaxing haven for just you? A place where you'll read and sip iced tea, away from the bustle of the modern, busy world? In that case, what better piece of garden 'furniture' is there than a classic hammock, slung between trees or on its own stand? And of course, if you put up a garden hammock, you'll need a small garden table close to hand to hold your iced tea and book when you pull your hat down over your eyes to snooze in the sun.

Perhaps you picture dining al fresco in your garden. In that case, you'll be choosing garden furniture that includes patio or garden table and chairs. From beautiful white-painted French bistro sets to elegant glass and wood dining sets complete with parasol and side tables.

The garden furniture that you choose can set the tone for your outdoor space in the same way that your choice of sofa, chairs and tables defines the style of your living room. A stone garden bench with urns gives a completely different ambience than a pair of rustic, unpainted Adirondack chair with a small table between them. A pair of sun loungers (or chaise lounges) with comfortable cushions invites your guests (and you!) to relax and enjoy the lazy pleasure of the outdoors. Park benches with black cast iron accents can lend a touch of turn-of-the-century Parisian charm to a simple garden, or fit right into a smooth expanse of lawn.

When you're choosing garden furniture, you'll find a wide variety of styles and materials. Molded PVC furniture is a popular choice, in colors that harmonize with the natural surroundings. Wood picnic tables with benches are a standard, and classic redwood tables, benches, chairs and loungers are still one of the most chosen types of garden furniture in the world.

Whatever your choice, just remember the reasons that you grew a garden to begin with - the pleasure and beauty of nature. Choose garden furniture that enhances both your garden's beauty and your enjoyment of nature.

Matthew Anthony has produced articles on many furniture related topics such as garden furniture and childrens furniture.

The Benefits Of Having A Wooden Garden Shed

Writen by David Smithson

Before building a new structure on your property, check building codes in your area. You don't want to erect your new shed only to have to tear it down. You may need to apply for a permit before building a shed.

Do-it-yourselfers will find plenty of plans for all shapes and sizes of sheds online, usually for free. If you can't find your ideal shed there, look in the home improvement section of your local library or ask a pro at a hardware store. Depending on size and complexity of features, you may be able to get your garden shed up within a day or two if a couple friends can lend a hand.

Not a handyperson or think this is just a little out of your league? You can order and have one delivered within a week or two. The convenience will cost you more money but you will save on sweat.

If you need just a small bit of space to hide your tools or have just a few square feet you can allocate to a shed, look for a tall building that is either deep and narrow or shallow and wide. The difference between a shed that is 6 feet deep, 3 feet wide and 8 feet tall and the same shed that is 10 feet tall is 36 square feet of storage. That's the same as 4 lawnmowers. You can always utilize the overhead space with organizational elements.

Ride-on lawnmowers, snow plows and golf carts won't fit through a standard sized door so you'll have to choose a garden shed with oversized openings. These doors usually open on hinges that, when opened, can take up valuable real estate. Consider a roll-up door similar to a garage door or sliding or pocket doors. These features are available on various wooden shed models. You can also replace the doors if you find an unbeatable deal on a hinged-door model. Don't forget a ramp if your shed floor is not nearly flush with the ground.

Organization can make or break a garden shed's effectiveness. Do you have a lot of manual tools? Drill holes in the handle of your tools and use hanging hooks to store them out of the way. Garden and drip hoses, extension cords and ropes can also be hung from hooks.

Install shelves for more storage. Utilize wasted space underneath the shelves by screwing baby food jar lids to the shelf bottom and fill jars with screws, seeds and other small bits. Just twist the jar onto the lid for storage. If you have an overhead shelf that is wooden, you can use this same method with larger jars, like those for pickles and mayonnaise. If your shelves are metal, pick up some magnets and super-glue them to lids or jars for quick attachment of storage compartments.

David Smithson writes for Jacksons Garden Supplies, a UK based company specialising in wooden garden sheds, garden summer houses & concrete garages. For more information visit Jacksons Garden Supplies.

Starting A Lawn Servicebig Advice On Staying Small

Writen by Steve Mirabile

Landscaping, Lawn Care, Plant and Shrub maintenance are all in high demand today. Home owners and property owners are busier than ever at their daily activities and they just don't have the time to properly maintain a lawn and garden.

You can solve this problem for them by offering your services. But if you're new to the Lawn business or have little experience, there are a few things you should think about before you set out.

I have had much success with my lawn business, but it didn't come without its set backs, disappointments and readjustments. My first thoughts were - I'll do it by myself for a while and then I'll hire a bunch of guys to do it for me while I vacation in Mexico. Sounds like a plan right?

Unfortunately, that's how a lot of us started out until reality set in. The Lawn business can be very rewarding but don't expect employees lining up to fulfill your dreams. From my experience, most of the good employees want a really big paycheck because they know they could go buy a lawn mower and make as much as you. On the other hand, there are those who don't want all the hassles of running a business, but they still want a big pay check.

Which brings us to the question - should you be a one man operation or should you go for it all. , I have earned $60,000 a year by myself! Whichever path you choose, you should consider a few things. You will need a very high stamina level and be able to handle the long hours out doors. I'm assuming that most of you do not have the huge amount of startup money that it takes to start out with a crew of workers. If you do, then you're able to avoid some of the hard labor, but you won't get passed the stress that most Lawn business owners go through. I don't want to discourage you but it does take a certain type of person to be in this industry. Just stand out on the street and you will see a dozen Lawn services driving by. But as many as you see, there are just as many going out of business because they didn't think it would be so demanding.

My first lawn service I started with a 20" lawn mower, a hand-held blower, used weed eater and other used power equipment. I put it all in the back of my little pick up and I was in business. Now in the back of my mind I was gonna have a crew pretty soon so I set my eyes on the big accounts of course. I was able to convince a bunch of property owners to let me have their big accounts and I would just buy a bigger mower after a few times of cutting them. I hired a helper who showed up "sometimes" and everything seemed to be ok. After a while my mower started to break down a lot because I was doing larger lawns. The repair shop wanted their money, my helper wanted his money, I had to have gas and blades and other supplies, and to boot, not all my customers would pay on time. It wasn't too long before my business was running me instead of me running it.

To make a long story short, it wasn't until my third attempt at my own business that I had success. I learned not to bite off more than I could chew and to grow slowly. I have been a one man operation and I have had a crew of five or more at times. At the end of the day my bottom line was the same whether I was by myself or with five guys. It seems the small one man's operation can net the same as a mid size company. It's not until you reach the larger size company levels that you will realize a substantial earning increase. So it pays to either stay small with one to three guys and if your plan is to get to the top, than make sure you do it slow and steady and plan to have a lot of stress and set backs and discouragement until you break thru to the top. You can do it if you plan it right. For me I'm sticking with my small business.

Steve Mirabile is a green industry professional in the business fo 20 years. He runs a lawn and landscape service in Georgia with most experience in south florida. For help with all aspects of running your Lawn Care business, go to http://www.landscapersconnection.com

Gardening Tips Techniques And Plant Information

Writen by Roger King

Some of the most spectacular gardening is on the rooftops and patios of the world's largest cities. Today's homeowners and apartment dwellers do not have to discard gardening. In fact, they can create their own garden hideaway.

Gardening in small space means you plant in containers, choose plants carefully, grow up on trellises instead of outdoor, hang plants from something overhead. Herbs, vegetables, shrubs, and citrus fruits can all be grown in containers. More and more vegetable varieties are available specifically for container growing.

For small-space growing people can grow in everything from custom-made pottery to clay pots and wooden planters. Your gardening containers must have drainage holes at the bottom. Cover the holes with a section of window screen so the soil doesn't leak out.

Get a bag of dry, soulless mix for container gardening. You need to soak the soil with water before planting. This process can be messy, so plan ahead and do it outside if possible. Moisten only as much as you'll need for the current task.

Keep an eye on your gardening container. It can dry out quickly in hot weather. If you really get into it, you might want to consider a drip irrigation system. This is a network of plastic tubing that can be regulated to provide a constant moisture supply to your plants.

Most plants need an average of 1 inch of water every week. You should try to water your garden plants earlier in the day, so the sun can help dry off any water left on the plant. If you see a plant drooping, be sure to water it, because some plants wilt and do not recover if they dry out.

About The Author:

Roger King is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-home-decor.com Gardening and ideas to showcase your homes.

Add Color To Your Garden Throughout The Winter Months With Winterberry Holly Winter Red

Writen by Alan Summers

When most people think of a holly, the traditional Christmas holly comes to mind. However, there are far more options now available to gardeners that can add much welcomed color throughout the winter months. This week we are featuring one of our favorite hollies, the 'Winter Red.'

Liven Your Winter Landscape
Winterberry 'Winter Red' is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that will mature into a lovely rounded shape. The vibrant green foliage will cover your 'Winter Red' from spring until fall when it will then turn a glimmering bronze, then yellow and then fall to the ground. The falling leaves make way for a show of clusters of brilliant red berries clinging to every stem, bringing delightful color to normally dreary winter landscapes and providing food for neighborhood birds. The stems can also be cut and kept in a vase with no water for months - imagine how beautiful that will look on your mantel or as a centerpiece!

Hollies are normally associated with moist areas, but the 'Winter Red' is very hardy and will thrive in normal soil. Choose an area that receives full sun to part shade and watch it thrive. You can expect your 'Winter Red' to mature to a height of 6 to 7 feet tall. 'Winter Red' is deciduous, so a male holly is needed for pollination. The most reliable pollinator that we have found is Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman', another choice holly. Plant at least one male for each three or four females.

Planting and Care

• Plant spring to early fall.
• Prefers full sun to part shade.
• Plant 4-5 feet apart.
• Water regularly until established.
• Fertilize with Holly-Tone in the spring and fall.
• Hardy in zones 3-8.

Click here to view 'Winter Red' on the Carroll Gardens website.

Alan Summers, president of Carroll Gardens, Inc., has over 30 years experience in gardening and landscape design. He has made Carroll Gardens one of America's preeminent nurseries, having introduced more than 20 new perennials and woody shrubs over the years and reintroduced numerous "lost" cultivars back to American gardeners.

Carroll Gardens publishes a weekly online newsletter written by Alan. It contains valuable gardening advice and tips and answers to customer questions. Click here to sign up for the Carroll Gardens weekly enewsletter.

Every Saturday, Alan hosts a call-in gardening forum on WCBM radio - 680 AM. For those outside of the WCBM listening area, they can listen to radio show via the internet.

Visit CarrollGardens.com to learn more.

Why Are More People Opting For Wooden Decking And What Choices Can They Have

Writen by Allison Thompson

More and more people are choosing to build a deck on their property and choosing what sort of wood to use will make all the difference.

Certainly adding a deck on to your home is one way of enhancing the appeal of your garden or a way of creating a welcoming feature to the front. It can also add a small amount of value to the price of your property.

So build a deck that will stand the test of time requires a lot of careful planning, good craftsmanship and very careful attention to detail when picking the materials to be used.

Whenever starting a decking project is good to take the planning stage very seriously. This is as important as exercising good craftsmanship in subject to any building project or perhaps even more so. You need to decide what sort of decking you, how it will look when completed and where it will be going as this will make all the difference later on. But once your plan has been chosen the next step is choosing the right wood for the project.

Choosing the right wood for using in your deck and the ways in which it will be cared for as time passes will make a large difference on how well the finished deck will cope over the passing years. There are different kinds of wood that have now become popular when building decks but the most common types now being used are either Redwood, Cedar, treated lumber or on some occasions, Southern Pine. However, you will find that there are other options available to you thanks to the varying treatment methods available and the many types of hybrid materials which are now available such as those made from recycled plastic and wood by products which have been mixed together.

But it does not matter what kind of material you choose, you will want to make sure that is suitably rated for use as decking. For example timber for use indoors will not do you much good as it will only a couple of rainstorms before the decking becomes ruined. But if you choose a wood that is specifically meant for use outdoors and that which is treated to prevent infestation by pests will help to ensure that your decks will last for many seasons to come.

When you have chosen your wood and the deck has been built the most important thing you can do for your new addition to your home is treat it with the respect it is due. Firstly you will need to seal it appropriately, check for any weak spots that you can see, sand out any rough spots etc. But if you have chosen a hybrid material then go with the care instructions that have been provided by the manufacturer. Even once your decking has been in place for sometime then carry out regular maintenance to help ensure that the decking stays in shape. Regularly clean the deck and remove any debris and ensure that you get into any cracks that you find. By leaving any items within the cracks can result in mould appearing on the wood which may result in the death sentence for your decking so make sure you clean it thoroughly from time to time. Sometimes it may be necessary to reseal the decking to give it optimum appearance no matter what the weather.

So a decking is certainly a wonderful addition to any garden landscape, but if you want it to remain as beautiful as the day you completed it then care should be taken with it at all times.

Allison Thompson a work from home mum now living in Spain and also the partner in a small real estate company. She decided to set up a number of sites relating to property including gardening. If you wish to learn more than please visit http://www.deck.householdfacts.info

Plastic Covered Greenhouses

Writen by Paul Wonning

Plastic covered greenhouses are by far the most common among commercial growers these days, and for good reason. The structures can be quickly and economically constructed, so they can go into production very quickly. Irrigation and heating equipment is easy to install in these structures, and they can be quickly covered with shade fabric when spring turns to summer. Plants can be efficiently moved around using mechanized equipment, lowering costs further. So for the commercial grower, these types of houses are a boon.

For the home gardener, a plastic greenhouse can also make sense. If you need a quickly built structure which may be used seasonally for the production of seedlings for the vegetable or flower garden, one of these types of greenhouses may be just what you need.

Typically, these are Quonset styled greenhouses, covered with a single layer of plastic film. The type of film you use depends upon the use of the structure. If the greenhouse is to be used seasonally, and left unoccupied for most of the year, an inexpensive plastic may be used and discarded after each season.

Heating this type of house is not hard. If care is used when watering, a small electric heater may be sufficient. Small propane heaters will also work, if some provision is taken for ventilation of the waste gasses given off by these devices. Kerosene heaters should be avoided like the plaque, as the fumes emitted by this heat source can kill plants very quickly.

Irrigation for a small house like this may be provided with a garden hose using a fan spray head. Mist heads should be used on seedlings and small plants.

A Quonset style plastic greenhouse may be the right choice for the home gardener. Quickly and inexpensively built these greenhouses are easy to grow in.

© 2006 Paul Wonning is the owner of Gardens and Nature.com a web site about gardening, hiking and other nature related topics. Our blog about gardening is located here: Abes Beer Garden - Blog about Gardening Our hobby and craft related blog, Hobby Hobnob, is located at this link: http://hobbyhobnob.blogspot.com/

Greenhouse Gardening As A Hobby

Writen by Brigitte Smith

For people who would like to do more gardening but live in a short growing season area, a hobby greenhouse is the answer. A hobby greenhouse is not large enough to produce vegetables or flowers on a commercial basis. It will, however, give you a place for a tomato plant or two and some fresh greens even if you live in the northern regions.

Greenhouse enthusiasts even have their own association, called the Hobby Greenhouse Association, which publishes a quarterly magazine. The organization also sponsers events and helps individuals connect to get help with the aspect of gardening that they are interested in, whether it's growing cacti or saving seeds.

If you are in the market for a hobby greenhouse, there are several types on the market. The smallest type is not large enough to walk into and must be accessed from the outside. It resembles an old-fashioned phone booth made all of glass and outfitted with shelves. This type is designed to fit as many plants as possible in as small a place as possible. The shelves are made of glass to allow as much light as possible to reach plants on the lower shelves. Another inexpensive version of this sort of hobby greenhouse is shelving covered with a zippered tent of clear plastic. This sort of arrangement is great for the small-scale hobby gardener wanting a place to keep her flowers or houseplant starts.

There are a variety of designs of hobby greenhouse that are large enough to walk into but made entirely of clear glass or plastic. They are often about the same size as a small storage building. Some independent builders have started making these to sell locally. Among national brands, one of the nicest is called the "Solar Prism." It is called this because of it's unique construction. This hobby greenhouse is made of a single piece of durable clear plastic which is designed to work like tiny prisms side by side. They trap the rays of the sun and shoot them back into the greenhouse at all angles. For this reason, these little greenhouses are said to glow when the weather is cloudy.

Better hobby greenhouses are equipped with automatic sensors that open vents which allow ventilation and keep the interior temperatures from getting too high. These are a great labor saver, but can get expensive. Another benefit sometimes found in nicer greenhouses is a built in irrigation or misting system. Members of the Hobby Greenhouse Association, or HGA, have invented many interesting designs of greenhouses.

If gardening is your hobby, greenhouse growing will interest you. With a greenhouse, you can have the earliest tomatoes and salad greens all year. You can also start seedlings for the main garden early in the spring when outdoor temperatures would kill them. A hobby greenhouse can be a good investment.

Find out more about hobbies of all types at the Learn How Guides - where you can learn how to do just about anything!

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The Art Of Landscaping Your Garden

Writen by Marie Fisher

Landscaping is the one gardening endeavor that can consume lots and lots of your time and energy. If you are thinking of tackling it on a grand scale, you will need some major preparation. If you were to consider hiring a professional landscaper, you would most probably find that the costs would be quite horrendous.

Now that's fine if money is no object, but I personally get great pleasure from my own endeavors, gardening is after all my great passion in life.

I would strongly suggest however, that you have a clear idea in your mind about how you would like your garden to look, rather than simply starting off without a clear plan in mind.

Having said all that,here are simple but indispensable tips to guide you in making your landscaping activities extremely rewarding.

Draw Your Landscape Plan.

However not just any plan. It needs to be a well thought out landscape plan, or you are certainly doomed to lose money as well as time and energy. You really need to take account of the style and function of your landscape, and a good idea of the plants that you also want to include. Focus on that area where you spend most of your time, because this is where your landscaping labors should all be directed.

Investigate A Free Planning Service.

Hiring an independent designer would probly cost you hundreds of dollars, but you might well discover that many nurseries offer a free planning service, particularly if you are likely to be spending some money with them.

Take Account Of The Style Of Your Home.

When planning your landscape, the style should complement the design of your house and your personality as well. There are various landscape styles which you can choose for your garden:-

1. Formal - This style uses lots of straight lines and perfect geometrical shapes. Orderly arrangement of plants instead of random positioning is employed, and close arrangement and pruning is used on many landscaped gardens with this style.

2. Informal - This kind of landscaping goes well with houses which have a cozy look to them. Beds with curved edges instead of straight lines and random placement of plants suit this landscape style.

3. English Garden - This style emphasizes on the harmony between the house's architecture and the garden.

4. Formal/Informal Garden - This style often comes with a brick walkway that exudes formality. This walkway leads to the rear with a circle of plants. The arrangement of plants resembles the English garden style, but it has no formal borders.

5. Oriental - It is often the kind of garden found in houses with small backyards. It uses rocks, evergreens and water, and a wide variety of plants to create several angles with this style.

6. Woodland - This landscaping suits a house that has a wooded backyard and an inclined terrain.

Keeping those tips in mind will not only make your landscaping a very fruitful activity, but will save you considerable expense as well as time.

Don,t be frightened to use your imagination and flair for color in this project, after all it is primarily to please yourself and your family. I suggest that the satisfaction that you will gain from creating and designing your own personal landscaped garden, will make you feel like a true artist.

About The Author

Marie K Fisher is an avid gardening enthusiast with a passion for exotic flowers and wonderful colors. She is a regular contributor to Garden Center Showplace a leading online Garden Center. For more details of the superb range of products offered, and also more Featured Articles and Tips on Gardening visit http://www.gardencentershowplace.com.

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Buying A Lawn Mower

Writen by Johnathan Sanders

Anyone with a lawn, no matter how small will at some point need to cut the grass, up root any weeds etc. Like most people, I normally manage to do this at weekends. Unfourtunately for me, recently, the cable on my lawn mower was cut when trimming the grass at the weekend.

This of course led me to go any buy a new mower (had an excuse now!). For what its worth, I would recommend anyone with a small to medium size lawn to purchase a lawn mower that comes with a grass gatherer attached- you will wounder how you managed to live without it!.

On a saftety point of view, 'power plugs' only cost around £10. They immedialely cut the power from the plus and hence reduce the chance of an injury, albeit a serious one. The great thing about the power plug is, it can be used for any electrical appliance, ie, drills, irons, anyware there is a danger of an electrical accident.

Another safety point to consider is the actual blade itslef. There are very robust plastic blades avaiable, and replacements can be ordered cheaply. I would recommend plastic blades for well kept gardens, where there is not much danger of your mower trying to mow a brick or something, and hence damaging the blade.

It is definately worth spending a bit extra and obtain an extended warranty. Now days warranties for these sort of applicances tend to also cover accidental damage.

Regarding the lawnmowers, without plugging any specfic modules, I have found the lighter lawn mowers tend to be a lot easier to manouvre without comprising quality.

Johnatan Sanders

keen amatuer gardener

http://www.lawn-mower-parts.info

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William Baffin Climbing Rose

Writen by Alan Summers

Dramatically Change Your Garden with a Climbing Rose

There is no investment, for less money, that will so dramatically change the appearance of a garden or landscape than a properly placed climbing rose. You can probably recall any number of beautiful magazine images of sunny, rose-covered arbors or a rose-covered lattice framing at a home's front door. Climbing roses are extremely versatile garden performers. You can choose to let them artfully climb vertical structures, leisurely tumble over a picket fence or carefully train them on horizontal fence rails to create a narrow hedge. This week we are featuring a climbing rose - William Baffin - the most reliable of all the medium to deep pink climbers.

William Baffin, a Canadian developed variety that is just about the best of the renowned Explorer series of roses, has been proven in thousands of gardens over many seasons for its colorful reblooming, low maintenance requirements, excellent disease resistance, unusual cold hardiness and salt tolerance. You will be rewarded with big color from clusters of up to 30, double, strawberry-pink 2 1/2 inch blooms that are moderately fragrant. Clusters of small orangeed hips follow in the autumn and remain into winter, until relished by the local bird population. Beautiful, glossy, green foliage that is totally resistant to diseases, acts as a backdrop for the blooms. William Baffin matures at 10-15 feet, making it ideal for a trellis or arbor. Although bred in Ontario Canada, William Baffin performs equally well as far south as Florida.

Planting and Care

For best results plant in the fall or spring. Fall planting works particularly well with William Baffin.

Plant in full sun for best blooms, but will tolerate partial shade.

Plant in well-drained, compost enriched soil.

Mulch well the first winter.

Pruning and shaping, when necessary, should be accomplished after the initial spring bloom.

Fertilize with Rose-Tone monthly from early spring until late summer.

Hardy in Zones 4-9.

Alan Summers, president of Carroll Gardens, Inc., has over 30 years experience in gardening and landscape design. He has made Carroll Gardens one of America's preeminent nurseries, having introduced more than 20 new perennials and woody shrubs over the years and reintroduced numerous "lost" cultivars back to American gardeners.

Carroll Gardens publishes a weekly online newsletter written by Alan. It contains valuable gardening advice and tips and answers to customer questions. Click here to sign up for the Carroll Gardens weekly enewsletter.

Every Saturday, Alan hosts a call-in gardening forum on WCBM radio - 680 AM. For those outside of the WCBM listening area, they can listen to radio show via the internet.

Visit CarrollGardens.com to learn more.

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Getting The Best Price For Your Home Includes Landscaping For Curb Appeal

Writen by Michael McGroarty

If you own a home, then sooner or later you are going to be ready to sell that home. Maybe you've already sold a home or two. People tend to move more often than our parents did.

There are a lot of things that go into getting the best possible price for your home, but the very first thing your home needs is curb appeal. When a prospective buyer, or a realtor for that matter, pulls up in front of your home, they immediately form an opinion about your house. Fair or not, that's what people do. You can have the most beautiful home in the city, but if prospective buyers don't get a super positive feeling about your house the minute they lay eyes on it, they are going to enter and view the rest of your house with a negative impression.

Fixing that problem is easy enough to do.

When people pull up in front of your house there are two things they see. A house, and the landscaping in front of that house. If the landscaping is unattractive, the house will appear to be unattractive. Landscaping for curb appeal does not cost a lot of money, it's simply a matter of making sure the landscaping is neat, with well defined edges, and colorful. But when landscaping for curb appeal, the most important thing you need to do is to raise the beds with topsoil. Of course you have to do this before you plant.

Plants do much better in raised beds, and the plants in the beds really stand out. In order to raise the beds around your house you do not have to buy expensive stones and build retaining walls. Just establish the outline of the planting beds, cut an edge into the soil with a spade, and fill the planting beds with approximately ten inches of good rich topsoil. You'd be amazed at how much you can raise a planting bed without any type of retention.

Here are two more things you don't need:

Plastic edging. It's expensive, a lot of work to install, and it never stays in place. You can cut an edge with a spade and your landscape will actually look better. Then you can make the bed a little larger any time you need to.

The other thing you definitely do not need is weed control fabric. The stuff just doesn't work. The weeds grow right on top of the fabric, then root through the fabric making it even harder to keep your beds weed free. You'll find a really good article on weed control on my website.

When landscaping for curb appeal, plant placement and selection is very important. In a corner bed you need a centerpiece. I like Canadian Hemlock because they are evergreen and provide an excellent background for more colorful plants. In front of the Hemlock you can use a bright colored evergreen like Gold Thread Cypress, but don't use too many. Usually three is all you want. Around the backside of the same bed you can use a darker evergreen like Taxus or even a flowering shrub that you keep trimmed down low like Weigela. Lots of colors are fine, but don't stagger the colored plants in your landscape, use them in groupings, and be careful not to use too many in any one grouping. When you use more than three of any colored plant they lose their effectiveness. You are adding them for contrast, and when used sparingly they look much better.

There are lots of landscaping photos on my website that will give you a lot of good ideas.

In front of a house I like to use an arc of medium height plants like Blue Girl Holly, then put a couple of taller plants behind the arc. When landscaping for curb appeal you want the landscape to stair step toward the house. In other words, the lawn is the bottom step, the raised bed is step two, low growing plants step three and so on.

If you are re-landscaping an older home you probably should start with a sledge hammer before you do anything else and bust out the sidewalk to the front door. Builders put in the ugliest sidewalks in the world, and they usually are hard to maneuver as you walk toward the front door. Once you have the old sidewalk removed, let your imagination run wild. Remember, you are landscaping for curb appeal, and there is no better way to establish ultimate curb appeal than with a beautiful curved walk that gently winds its way to the front door. Once again, there are photos of such sidewalks on my website, and you'll see what wonderful landscaping opportunities they present.

The last step in landscaping for curb appeal is to create an interesting shaped raised bed in the front yard. Fill this bed with spring flowering bulbs, and annual flowers for the summer. If your house is going to be on the market in the fall, add some chrysanthemums for a burst of fall color.

So what's the best benefit of landscaping for curb appeal? You'll gain great experience so you can make sure your new home is landscaped just the way you want it!

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

Mike McGroarty, the author of this article, would like to give you this Ebook: "The Gardener's Secret Handbook". Stop by his http://www.freeplants.com website and get your copy right now. It's his way of saying hello! Article provided by http://gardening-articles.com

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