Video - How to Use Drip Tape to Water Your Garden Plants.
Learn how to setup drip tape for garden irrigation in this free organic gardening video.
19 April 2008
Video - Landscaping Tips On Drip Irrigation
Video - Landscaping Tips On Drip Irrigation.
To Drip or not to Drip ?
That is the question Michael answers in this Episode. Michael says drip irrigation is not just for watering pots, flowers and shrubs, but can be the best method for watering trees as well.
A common assumption is that the secret to having a green and healthy yard is water, water and more water. Nature is struggling to meet our ever-increasing demands for water and we are facing drought conditions with water rationing in some parts of the country. Simply put -- there is a limit to how much water we can consume without ever-increasing consequences.
With summer here and the height of the watering season upon us, it is time to make sure all of us are doing our part to conserve water and at the same time keep the water bill down. Michael Glassman is an award winning landscape designer and in this weekly podcast series offers tips on how to save water and still have a great yard. Michael has twenty years of experience in the field and has been featured in such publications as Sunset Magazine, Fine Gardening, Better Homes and Gardens, and Landscape Architecture. He is designer and co-host of the Discovery Home Channel program Garden Police.
To Drip or not to Drip ?
That is the question Michael answers in this Episode. Michael says drip irrigation is not just for watering pots, flowers and shrubs, but can be the best method for watering trees as well.
A common assumption is that the secret to having a green and healthy yard is water, water and more water. Nature is struggling to meet our ever-increasing demands for water and we are facing drought conditions with water rationing in some parts of the country. Simply put -- there is a limit to how much water we can consume without ever-increasing consequences.
With summer here and the height of the watering season upon us, it is time to make sure all of us are doing our part to conserve water and at the same time keep the water bill down. Michael Glassman is an award winning landscape designer and in this weekly podcast series offers tips on how to save water and still have a great yard. Michael has twenty years of experience in the field and has been featured in such publications as Sunset Magazine, Fine Gardening, Better Homes and Gardens, and Landscape Architecture. He is designer and co-host of the Discovery Home Channel program Garden Police.
Video On Ideas To Consider Before Landscaping Your Backyard
Video On Ideas To Consider Before Landscaping Your Backyard.
Watch this video before you do a landscaping for your backyard.
Watch this video before you do a landscaping for your backyard.
14 April 2008
Easy Steps On How To Do Landscaping For Your Garden Patio
Easy Steps On How To Do Landscaping For Your Garden Patio.
Garden Patios serve as extensions of your home which provides additional space and shelter.
Garden patios will be a great additional play area for your kids during warm summer afternoon.
As the garden patios is a great place to relax, it is important that the garden patio be decorated and presentable.
Landscaping the garden patio is one way to make it beautiful and presentable.
Here are some tips on how to do landscaping for the garden patio :-
- Using an outdoor chime at the garden patio will add a light mood to the garden patio. Wind chimes and musical chimes are perfect for outdoor use. Hearing pleasing sounds in the patio can add drama to the garden patio.
- Garden patio heaters may also be used to provide warmth in colder weather. This will allow you to have more time to spend in the patio rather than staying inside the house in cooler weather.
- Wood benches that are intended for outdoor use may also be placed on the patio. These wood benches will serve as decorations and they can be used to entertain visitors. Guests will have a place where to sit and enjoy the view of the patio.
- Hammocks can also be used to decorate the patio. Hammocks provide a relaxed atmosphere and they serve as additional design to the landscape garden. There are portable hammocks that are sold on the market. They are easy to assemble even without the use of tools. If the budget is limited, hammocks may also be improvised.
- Planters should never be missed in landscaping the patio. Patios always come with planters. They can be used to plant flowers and add beauty to the landscaped area.
- Hanging flower pots may also add drama to the patio. There are hanging flowerpots that are made of plastic or mosses that are placed in a frame made of steel wires. The choice will depend on the taste of the person decorating the patio. There is also a wide variety of hanging flower plants to choose from. They are of various colors and sizes that will satisfy the different tastes of gardeners.
- Simple outdoor lights can also used to landscape a patio. They add a lively effect especially at night. These lights will allow the people living in the home to enjoy the patio during the evening.
Landscaping a garden patio is not that hard as long as there is creativity. Even cheap accessories will add grandeur to the garden patio.
A garden patio that is lovely and welcoming will reflect how the house owner live their life...
Garden Patios serve as extensions of your home which provides additional space and shelter.
Garden patios will be a great additional play area for your kids during warm summer afternoon.
As the garden patios is a great place to relax, it is important that the garden patio be decorated and presentable.
Landscaping the garden patio is one way to make it beautiful and presentable.
Here are some tips on how to do landscaping for the garden patio :-
- Using an outdoor chime at the garden patio will add a light mood to the garden patio. Wind chimes and musical chimes are perfect for outdoor use. Hearing pleasing sounds in the patio can add drama to the garden patio.
- Garden patio heaters may also be used to provide warmth in colder weather. This will allow you to have more time to spend in the patio rather than staying inside the house in cooler weather.
- Wood benches that are intended for outdoor use may also be placed on the patio. These wood benches will serve as decorations and they can be used to entertain visitors. Guests will have a place where to sit and enjoy the view of the patio.
- Hammocks can also be used to decorate the patio. Hammocks provide a relaxed atmosphere and they serve as additional design to the landscape garden. There are portable hammocks that are sold on the market. They are easy to assemble even without the use of tools. If the budget is limited, hammocks may also be improvised.
- Planters should never be missed in landscaping the patio. Patios always come with planters. They can be used to plant flowers and add beauty to the landscaped area.
- Hanging flower pots may also add drama to the patio. There are hanging flowerpots that are made of plastic or mosses that are placed in a frame made of steel wires. The choice will depend on the taste of the person decorating the patio. There is also a wide variety of hanging flower plants to choose from. They are of various colors and sizes that will satisfy the different tastes of gardeners.
- Simple outdoor lights can also used to landscape a patio. They add a lively effect especially at night. These lights will allow the people living in the home to enjoy the patio during the evening.
Landscaping a garden patio is not that hard as long as there is creativity. Even cheap accessories will add grandeur to the garden patio.
A garden patio that is lovely and welcoming will reflect how the house owner live their life...
12 April 2008
Home Landscaping Tip - Using Your Front Yard and Backyard As Part Of Your Home
Home Landscaping Tip - Using Your Front Yard & Backyard As Part Of Your Home Landscaping.
Your home front yard and backyard can be more than just empty space, it can become a central part of your home and landscaping can make that happen.
You don't need to spend tons of money to do this , you just need to apply some of these landscaping tips.
Front Yard and Backyard Function
First, you need to determine what your front yard and backyard is primarily used for. Is it a place for the kids to play, somewhere to hang the laundry out to dry, or do you see it as a place to ease away the tensions of the day ? The answers to these questions will help determine what kind of work needs to be done before you start your front yard and backyard landscaping.
Another useful tip is to determine how your front yard and backyard landscaping can help with energy costs. You may not know it but trees and shrubs can help you save on your heating and lighting expenses.
For example trees planted on the south and west can help with shading your house, which helps cut down on air conditioning. If these trees are the kind that shed their leaves (deciduous trees) during the fall, it will allow more light into the house during the winter when it’s most needed. Shrubs planted a few feet away from the foundation also help keep the warm air in and the cold out therefore helping with the heating bills.
Hardscape and softscape
Hardscape refers to the “non-plant” parts of your garden (deck, patio, statues, fountains, walls, etc.). Softscape refers to the plants and the lawn.
If you’re just starting out, lay out the hardscape first before you work with the plants. This way, the plants aren’t in the way when you’re installing the necessary hardscape materials.
Walls have the option of being treated as hardscape or softscape. If you want total privacy, you may want to go with a hardscape wall using materials like wood, vinyl or masonry. Otherwise, shrubs and trees make for a more natural wall that give a more open look while still closing the view to other people.
Find a central focus for your front yard and backyard
This can be anything from a statue, to the play set or even a single tree. Finding a focus for your landscaping gives you a point of reference so that you give your design a better sense of order rather than just having plants scattered everywhere.
These are just some tips to get you started. As you continue working on your landscaping, you’ll be able to come up with more ideas that are distinctively yours, making your home as unique as you are.
Your home front yard and backyard can be more than just empty space, it can become a central part of your home and landscaping can make that happen.
You don't need to spend tons of money to do this , you just need to apply some of these landscaping tips.
Front Yard and Backyard Function
First, you need to determine what your front yard and backyard is primarily used for. Is it a place for the kids to play, somewhere to hang the laundry out to dry, or do you see it as a place to ease away the tensions of the day ? The answers to these questions will help determine what kind of work needs to be done before you start your front yard and backyard landscaping.
Another useful tip is to determine how your front yard and backyard landscaping can help with energy costs. You may not know it but trees and shrubs can help you save on your heating and lighting expenses.
For example trees planted on the south and west can help with shading your house, which helps cut down on air conditioning. If these trees are the kind that shed their leaves (deciduous trees) during the fall, it will allow more light into the house during the winter when it’s most needed. Shrubs planted a few feet away from the foundation also help keep the warm air in and the cold out therefore helping with the heating bills.
Hardscape and softscape
Hardscape refers to the “non-plant” parts of your garden (deck, patio, statues, fountains, walls, etc.). Softscape refers to the plants and the lawn.
If you’re just starting out, lay out the hardscape first before you work with the plants. This way, the plants aren’t in the way when you’re installing the necessary hardscape materials.
Walls have the option of being treated as hardscape or softscape. If you want total privacy, you may want to go with a hardscape wall using materials like wood, vinyl or masonry. Otherwise, shrubs and trees make for a more natural wall that give a more open look while still closing the view to other people.
Find a central focus for your front yard and backyard
This can be anything from a statue, to the play set or even a single tree. Finding a focus for your landscaping gives you a point of reference so that you give your design a better sense of order rather than just having plants scattered everywhere.
These are just some tips to get you started. As you continue working on your landscaping, you’ll be able to come up with more ideas that are distinctively yours, making your home as unique as you are.
11 April 2008
Small Garden Landscaping
Landscaping Your Small Garden.
Most landscapers like you and me enjoys, the unique beauty and spirit of something made by hand, constructed, and shaped. And even if you only have a small garden to work with, every home landscaper knows the value of enjoying their craft and mastering their landscaping skills.
Even if you have a small garden to work on does not necessarily mean less details and minor work. What should matter most is to closely assess each detail to come up with the best landscaping results.
Working on a small garden is never a problem to most landscape designers. Whether the area is large or small, the sales continue to have a gradual annual growth increase of 8% for the last five years.
In addition, from 1997 to 2002 alone, landscaping sales achieved a growth rate of almost $40 billion. This shows that the landscape designers know how to hone their craft well, regardless of the size of the area they work on.
Generally, when people describe small gardens, they refer to those areas that have straight walls, borders, lines, and/or walks. Then a problem is created because small gardens tend to create an impression of being dull, rigid, and boring. The goal of landscaping should delve into how to make the garden look alive, larger, and more appealing.
The Main Concept
The very core of landscaping a small garden is based on how a landscaper can make the most of the size of the area through plant selection.
With a small garden, having the right kind and size of plants is crucial to the outcome of the whole project.
Size is an important factor because the size of the plants that will be used in the garden should project an image of a bigger space, even if the area is quite small. The color, shape, and texture of the plantings should be coordinated.
It is best to use curves to create a visible flow to the design. Since small gardens tend to have rigid, straight lines, it is best to have curves to open up the garden to reveal its natural beauty. It is also important to create illusions that will give a small garden an effect of being larger.
Considering these, landscaping a small garden will never be a daunting task. As they say, it is all in the details. So whether it is a small or a large garden, landscape designers always take note of the details in the design.
Most landscapers like you and me enjoys, the unique beauty and spirit of something made by hand, constructed, and shaped. And even if you only have a small garden to work with, every home landscaper knows the value of enjoying their craft and mastering their landscaping skills.
Even if you have a small garden to work on does not necessarily mean less details and minor work. What should matter most is to closely assess each detail to come up with the best landscaping results.
Working on a small garden is never a problem to most landscape designers. Whether the area is large or small, the sales continue to have a gradual annual growth increase of 8% for the last five years.
In addition, from 1997 to 2002 alone, landscaping sales achieved a growth rate of almost $40 billion. This shows that the landscape designers know how to hone their craft well, regardless of the size of the area they work on.
Generally, when people describe small gardens, they refer to those areas that have straight walls, borders, lines, and/or walks. Then a problem is created because small gardens tend to create an impression of being dull, rigid, and boring. The goal of landscaping should delve into how to make the garden look alive, larger, and more appealing.
The Main Concept
The very core of landscaping a small garden is based on how a landscaper can make the most of the size of the area through plant selection.
With a small garden, having the right kind and size of plants is crucial to the outcome of the whole project.
Size is an important factor because the size of the plants that will be used in the garden should project an image of a bigger space, even if the area is quite small. The color, shape, and texture of the plantings should be coordinated.
It is best to use curves to create a visible flow to the design. Since small gardens tend to have rigid, straight lines, it is best to have curves to open up the garden to reveal its natural beauty. It is also important to create illusions that will give a small garden an effect of being larger.
Considering these, landscaping a small garden will never be a daunting task. As they say, it is all in the details. So whether it is a small or a large garden, landscape designers always take note of the details in the design.
Landscaping Bird Friendly Garden
Landscaping Bird Friendly Garden.
All home garden owners want to beautify their homes and gardens.
Beautifying your garden means adding flowers to compliment the colour of your garden or putting statues / figurines in your garden and by making the place attractive for birds to drop by.
Since there are many bird species and some are only available during the migration period, it is best to study each bird species. When a person knows what kind of food the birds eat, plants can be used to attract the desired species. You need to learn more about the kinds of birds that visit your area, search the net, you can ask your neighbours or members of the local bird watching club.
Birds like humans need water to survive, by adding a fountain or a simple small pond in your garden will attract the birds to come to bathe and drink.
If you want the birds to stay around for a while and to protect them from bad weather and predators, you can place a birdhouse in your garden. If you want to make it look more natural, you could place small plants around the birdhouse. This will enhance the birdhouse, making it more natural for birds to drop by and stay around longer.
There are four seasons in a year. If you want birds to be present all year round, you should check what kind of plants can survive even during the winter.
A good example is a conifer that either in the form of shrubs or trees. These also serve as good nesting places during the summer. Some types of conifers provide buds, seeds and sap. Since not all plants work well with certain types of soil, you should also check your local gardening / landscaping shop before choosing what plants to buy.
After you have an idea what changes need to be made in your garden, you can draw up a plan. Some things to be considered are the city’s gardening codes, the location of the sun is at different times of the day and structures in your neighbour’s yard.
Landscaping the garden for the benefit of birds is a challenging task. It will take time to finish especially if you have started out with seedlings. Take pictures to see the changes through the months.
Family members can help you during the construction and maintenance phases of this project. Once you have finished you can enjoy bird watching from the comfort of your own home. Its nice to see birds flying in and out of your garden !!
All home garden owners want to beautify their homes and gardens.
Beautifying your garden means adding flowers to compliment the colour of your garden or putting statues / figurines in your garden and by making the place attractive for birds to drop by.
Since there are many bird species and some are only available during the migration period, it is best to study each bird species. When a person knows what kind of food the birds eat, plants can be used to attract the desired species. You need to learn more about the kinds of birds that visit your area, search the net, you can ask your neighbours or members of the local bird watching club.
Birds like humans need water to survive, by adding a fountain or a simple small pond in your garden will attract the birds to come to bathe and drink.
If you want the birds to stay around for a while and to protect them from bad weather and predators, you can place a birdhouse in your garden. If you want to make it look more natural, you could place small plants around the birdhouse. This will enhance the birdhouse, making it more natural for birds to drop by and stay around longer.
There are four seasons in a year. If you want birds to be present all year round, you should check what kind of plants can survive even during the winter.
A good example is a conifer that either in the form of shrubs or trees. These also serve as good nesting places during the summer. Some types of conifers provide buds, seeds and sap. Since not all plants work well with certain types of soil, you should also check your local gardening / landscaping shop before choosing what plants to buy.
After you have an idea what changes need to be made in your garden, you can draw up a plan. Some things to be considered are the city’s gardening codes, the location of the sun is at different times of the day and structures in your neighbour’s yard.
Landscaping the garden for the benefit of birds is a challenging task. It will take time to finish especially if you have started out with seedlings. Take pictures to see the changes through the months.
Family members can help you during the construction and maintenance phases of this project. Once you have finished you can enjoy bird watching from the comfort of your own home. Its nice to see birds flying in and out of your garden !!
07 April 2008
Swimming Pool Types
Swimming pools are a great avenue to relax, exercise, and enjoy yourself on a hot summer day. Swimming pools provide a great cooling avenue for the whole family on a hot summer.
Swimming pools are built in a variety of different shapes and sizes. To efficiently and safely operate a swimming pool, you’ll need to have a pump, basin, water filter, chemical feeder, return, drains, and the proper plumbing to transport your water.
Depending on the basin structure, there are various types of pools available for you to choose from. Above ground swimming pools are the easiest to build and the cheapest to buy, as they come with pre-made kits. Fiberglass pools are built using molded fiberglass, reinforced plastic. Fiberglass pools are in ground, and can provide you years and years of family fun and swimming excitement.
Vinyl lined swimming pools are the cheapest types of in ground designs you can get, although you’ll need to have the liner replaced every 10 years or so. Concrete is another popular design for in ground pools, as they provide plenty of room and no need to have the liner replaced.
There are also the public swimming pools, which include heated indoor pools, children’s pools, and outdoor pools. Public swimming pools are well known for their slides and other features such as waterfalls and splash pads. Public pools are great for hot days, although most prefer to get their own pool due to public pools being so crowded on a frequent basis.
Swim spas, or exercise pools are also popular, known for their resistance swimming. Swimming is one of the best exercises that you can do for your body, as it works just about every muscle in your body. There are several exercises that you can do in an exercise pool, such as jogging, water toning, and water yoga.
No matter what type of swimming pool it may be, it’s very important that the chemicals stay balanced. If the balance of the chemicals is off, it can damage the water, which can really irritate your skin and your eyes. Therefore, swimming pools need to be disinfected on a daily basis and treated with various chemicals. To maintain the proper health of the skin, purifying the water is very important.
If you are looking to add a swimming pool to your property, there are several for you to choose from. Swimming pools can help add property value to your home, which is always a good thing. When you add a swimming pool to your property, you should always think in terms of safety, and ensure that your pool is protected against young children. If you take care of your pool and always make sure that things are clean and safe, your pool will provide you with plenty of fun for years and years to come.
Swimming pools are built in a variety of different shapes and sizes. To efficiently and safely operate a swimming pool, you’ll need to have a pump, basin, water filter, chemical feeder, return, drains, and the proper plumbing to transport your water.
Depending on the basin structure, there are various types of pools available for you to choose from. Above ground swimming pools are the easiest to build and the cheapest to buy, as they come with pre-made kits. Fiberglass pools are built using molded fiberglass, reinforced plastic. Fiberglass pools are in ground, and can provide you years and years of family fun and swimming excitement.
Vinyl lined swimming pools are the cheapest types of in ground designs you can get, although you’ll need to have the liner replaced every 10 years or so. Concrete is another popular design for in ground pools, as they provide plenty of room and no need to have the liner replaced.
There are also the public swimming pools, which include heated indoor pools, children’s pools, and outdoor pools. Public swimming pools are well known for their slides and other features such as waterfalls and splash pads. Public pools are great for hot days, although most prefer to get their own pool due to public pools being so crowded on a frequent basis.
Swim spas, or exercise pools are also popular, known for their resistance swimming. Swimming is one of the best exercises that you can do for your body, as it works just about every muscle in your body. There are several exercises that you can do in an exercise pool, such as jogging, water toning, and water yoga.
No matter what type of swimming pool it may be, it’s very important that the chemicals stay balanced. If the balance of the chemicals is off, it can damage the water, which can really irritate your skin and your eyes. Therefore, swimming pools need to be disinfected on a daily basis and treated with various chemicals. To maintain the proper health of the skin, purifying the water is very important.
If you are looking to add a swimming pool to your property, there are several for you to choose from. Swimming pools can help add property value to your home, which is always a good thing. When you add a swimming pool to your property, you should always think in terms of safety, and ensure that your pool is protected against young children. If you take care of your pool and always make sure that things are clean and safe, your pool will provide you with plenty of fun for years and years to come.
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