"Whosoever believes agriculture is unsophisticated, a conglomerate of hayseed mentalities, merely a carryover from yesteryear and of little importance, those persons would be just that." - A.O. Kime
According to my timeless lawn and gardening secrets, just because you don't have huge, elaborate gardens does not mean you cant accentuate what you do have with garden bridges. Garden bridges could be just what you need to turn those mediocre garden areas into something quite splendid.
My timeless lawn and gardening discovery, Garden bridges can add a touch of country or formal design to a garden. Small garden bridges are easy to find. There are many garden bridges that you can find in garden centers or home improvement centers. One of the best places to find small garden bridges may be online. There are lots of sites that have many ideas for small garden bridges.
"It's a sign of wisdom that seeds don't squander their energy all at once, instead calmly waiting until the time is right. Seeds aren't stupid."
~ Midas Dekkers... "The Way of All Flesh" in "Romance of Ruins"
If you are good with a hammer and nails you may even be able to make your own garden bridge. Plans are available at building stores and at online sites. You will find many choices for garden bridges at these online sites and you can also see photos of many different bridge styles… my timeless lawn and gardening wisdom for you.
A garden bridge can be a big benefit for your garden space. A small garden bridge will look attractive in a smaller garden and draw attention to a specific area.
My timeless lawn and gardening truth is that you can choose the right small garden bridge if you do a little planning ahead of time. If you have a smaller garden you will want a smaller garden bridge. Look at the space you have and decide where a bridge would fit in. Consider more than one area and then choose your favorite.
There are some lovely gardens that are small in size but large in beauty because garden bridges have been added in just the right places.
A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows. - Doug Larson
VEENA FURTADO - About the Author:
Veena Furtado loves plants, flowers and gardening. Discover how you can have a beautiful garden by visiting her blog –
Tags: Gardening
According to a new analysis of houses that are below green standards, the majority of these homes could be raised to average green standards for around £3,000. Homeowners could do so by working with a company such as EnergySmart that specializes in providing all homeowners with access to discounted home energy suppliers. They should also look into boiler repair or even upgrading to a modern-type boiler.
The analysis, which was completed by the Energy Saving Trust, may come as a pleasant surprise for older homeowners as they say that the average cost of upgrading 85 percent of the lower banded homes would be much less than some think. They estimate that it would take approximately £3,000 in order to bring these homes up to an E band rating. The Trust says that this could be done by simply installing new loft or perhaps new wall insulation or a modern-type boiler.
The Trust revealed that the number of energy-inefficient homes in both private and rental sectors is beginning to lower. The average home is currently rated at a D band. According to the Trust, in 2008 17 percent of all homes in the UK were in the F and G bands. These are the lowest grades on an energy performance certificate.According to the study, a home that is rated in the lowest band, the G band, can emit over 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. If each of these homes were to upgrade to an E band rating, then it would be possible to save 14 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
"On the whole, our study is good news. Most F- and G-rated homes can be improved very cost-effectively, for less than £3,000. That's less than 2% of the sale price of the average UK home," said the housing strategy manager for the Energy Saving Trust, David Weatherall. "With the abolition of Home Information Packs, and the new government committed to the green agenda, EPCs are going to enjoy a higher profile. For anyone about to sell their home with an old boiler or lacking full loft and cavity insulation, we'd strongly advise you not to take the risk of getting a very poor energy rating and potentially a lower sale price."
A previous study suggests that 70 percent of consumers that are in the market for a new home would renegotiate the price of a property if they were to discover that it was inefficient.
Marcus Gallon - About the Author:
Marcus Gallon writes articles on green energy including environmental issues, energy security and the renewables sector.
In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful. - Abram L. Urban
It was a long search that took me more than ten years. But finally I found it - the indoor house plant that will brighten up the end of a corridor 5 meters from my front door and I'd like to share it with you on my timeless lawn and gardening secrets - The Aspidistra, commonly known as the Cast Iron plant, has graced the drawing rooms of many an otherwise drab Victorian English manor, and now graces my suburban home.
My timeless lawn and gardening discovery is that gardening experts describe the Aspidistra as one of the toughest and most adaptable house plants. Its long blades of slender dark green or variegated dark green and white leaves shoot straight out from the soil but in clumps and up to 75 cm in height and 15 cm wide.
It is such a low maintenance plant much like an even-tempered woman who does not need any fussing over but still maintains its sweet nature. It needs very low light, average temperature and humidity and just occasional watering.
When one of my plants dies, I die a little inside, too. ~Linda Solegato
Other plants that do not need much light…
My timeless lawn and gardening revelation…Low-light plants are usually defined as those that can survive in 25 to 75 foot candles - that is, a spot that is 4 to 5 meters from a bright window, just enough light to read by comfortably, but where artificial lighting switched on by day would give a brightening effect.
You can easily find the Aspidistra in your local garden center nursery. In addition, five other plants that will suit very low light situations are the following:
Aglonema (Chinese Evergreen) which are among the few plants that prefer only moderate light and adapt well to low light. It has large dark green oval then tapering leathery leaves later developing a caney base.
Drachaena deremensis varieties (also know as Happy or Fortune Plants) which are slender leafed and usually white variegated. The Drachaena family are caney plants crested with decorative rosettes of straplike foliage.
Holly fern which adapts to low light and Boston fern a fishbone type of fern that will remain in low light for many months but need a spell in brighter light to rejuvenate.
Neanthe Bella or Parlor Palm which is more suited to low light situations than most palms.
Sanseviera (also known as Mother-In-Law's Tongue) which stands low to very bright light has waxy, erect straplike leaves usually with cream-colored margins and an unusual banding of the grey-green center.
If you are finding it difficult to find a plant that will brighten up that dark corner, why not try one of these hardy and lovely favorites of mine?
I know that if odor were visible, as color is,
I'd see the summer garden in rainbow clouds.
- Robert Bridges, "Testament of Beauty"
VEENA FURTADO - About the Author:
Veena Furtado loves plants, flowers and gardening. Discover how you can have a beautiful garden by visiting her blog –
Tags: Gardening
In the on-going debate to determine the greatest invention of all time, there is a vast pool of candidates. Although certain things, such as the telephone, the automobile, and the airplane, consistently top the list, their biggest challengers, interestingly, are often at the opposite end of the scale, in terms of grandeur. "Sliced bread," for example, is a surprising, yet recurrent, contender. So, it's no mystery that the humble porch glider also gets a nod. Besides being a source of constant comfort, it has, in a way, even improved our ability to express ourselves.
Indeed, the porch glider has been bringing people closer together since its inception, which, by most accounts, was somewhere around the end of the 19th century. It is thought that the original was created in 1898. In the ensuing years, other versions followed, and were referred to by a variety of names, including the "couch hammock," the "swinging couch," and the "swinging davenport."
It took more than a quarter of a century, and much refining, before the design was perfected by a craftsman who, in 1925, began calling his model a "glide hammock." Obviously, that was eventually shortened to "glider," which is the name by which it is known to this day. You might even call it a term of affection, as, there's no denying, it is well-loved by all.
Its closest competitor, which also happens to be its closest relative, is the porch swing, an equally-cherished piece of outdoor furniture. Both are exceptionally soothing, and have long histories of inducing relaxation deep enough to evaporate stress. In some cases, their effects can even be profound enough to induce virtually-hypnotic states, under which people have been known to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings. That's why, for better, or for worse, porch gliders and swings have been the sites of many marriage proposals.
One of the differences between these two sibling rivals, so to speak, is that porch swings travel in an up-and-down path, while porch gliders keep things on an even, back-and-forth level. The main distinction, though, is that gliders are less needy. For one thing, they can be placed and used almost anywhere, while swings require beams, or stands, from which to hang.
Moreover, porch gliders take up less space, even when in use, as their range of motion is restricted. On the other hand, even though the same can be said, technically, for porch swings, they certainly have much more leeway, and the areas that they can cover, when active, are largely determined by the swingers. Consequently, someone may situate one in a space that's suited to his or her normal swing scope, only to have, say, a rambunctious child, or an over-ambitious party guest, climb aboard and go crashing into a wall, or knocking over an accent table (and whatever may be sitting on it).
Of course, these unpleasant incidents are rare, as the owners are usually quite aware of the dimensions surrounding their porch swings when they put them in place. Therefore, if they have to hang them in spots where any swingers must be conservative (if, indeed, it's even possible for a swinger to be conservative), they'll be sure to impart the limitation information before first launch.
Naturally, the porch glider needs no such warning; but still, the two are running neck-and-neck in the contest for favorite piece of outdoor furniture, even if neither wins in the all-time-greatest invention category.
Hazel Jennings - About the Author:
No matter which gets your vote, however, you'll find them in several styles, materials, and colors, along with a complete line of outdoor furniture, at CedarStore.com. You can also contact a design consultant or a customer service representative, at 888-293-2339, or contact@cedarstore.com.
Tags: Landscaping
The myth that caring for orchids is somehow difficult stems from the fact that there are some species and hybrids that do require an experienced green thumb. However the vast majority of orchids are very easy to care for with just a little knowledge and few simple steps.Today we are going to give you a basic outline to care for the common varieties, Phalaenopsis. We will also assume we are growing orchids indoors.
Step 1-Where Is A Good Location For My Orchid
First off you will want to find the proper location in your home for your new beauty. If you have an east window that's a good place to start. Orchids love warm humid conditions, but to much sun or heat can turn the leaves yellow or cause reduced bloom cycles. Morning sun is usually a good bet. If your home is better suited for artificial lighting use flourecent or grow lights. Be sure the lights are no closer than 18" above the top of the plant. Use your lights only during regular daytime hours to prevent over exposure. Next try to place your orchid in an open airy location. This allows the roots to breathe and limits toxic chemicals used in the home for cleaning to become concentrated in the air.
Step 2.- When Should You Water Your Orchid?
Well lets look at the roots. Gently squeeze the roots. If they feel spongy they still have water to spare. If they are mushy they are over watered. If completely rotted remove them from the plant. If they are dry to the touch add water,but sparingly. Most tropical orchids recieve their moisture from the humid air in their enviroment. 80% humidity is often common. The other way to water is use a shallow pan and fill it stones or pebbles. add enough water to cover the pebbles. Now take your orchid pot and place it on top. Make sure none of your roots or any part of the plant is touching the water. This would cause the plant to become saturated and rotting will start to occur. This simulates a humid condition. It allows proper watering for the orchid and at the same time you don't have to live in muggy tempatures to get your plant to Thrive in your home.
Step 3.- How to pot or Re pot Your Orchid?
Orchids love to cling to their pots and grow their roots extending well over the edge of their home. This is perfectly normal and orchids all will eventually need to be repotted. A common mistake is thinking since the roots are growing every which way out of the pot,it must need a larger container. Chances are it's just thriving. With that said if the center of the plant itself is almost completely out of the pot it's probably time for a new home. Orchid repotting should only be done after the bloom cycle.It most likely will loose it's blooms any way after it's moved. Only increase the pot size 1" at a time. Go from a 4" to a 5". Your plant will adapt more quickly. Clay or wooden pots work well. if it is clay try to get ones that have slots on the sides for better ventilation. Never use potting soil as your media. Ground bark and certain mosses are ideal but you can also by a good orchid mix.
Step 4- Should I Feed my Orchid?
Orchids in the home do require some fertilization, but most folks over due it. A basic guideline for the common orchid is once every 6 to 8 weeks. Even then only 1 or 2 teaspoons if using granular.
Most growers often over feed their plants in hopes of getting better results. when in fact over feeding does more harm than good. As for what fertilizers to use is a matter of great debate. For the most part ask what others are using at your local greenhouse. Weak fertilizers work best.
Step 5- Is My Orchid Sick Or Dying?
Most orchids have bright green leaves. A sign of a healthy plant. We associate leaves that are turning yellow as sick or dying. This is somewhat true with some exceptions. If only the bottom leaves start to turn yellow this is just the plant aging and you need not worry. If the other leaves start to yellow then here's what's going on. If you have just spots of yellow then it's most likely getting to much sun or light. Black spots can also appear. Relocate your orchid. If the entire leaf is turning yellow with black edges two things could be wrong. You could be over watering and it's starting to rot. In which case don't water for a couple of weeks. The other problem could be disease has set in. Purchase some fungicide at the local garden center and use accordingly.
These beautiful plants can be enjoyed over and over again. Most Phal orchids have a lengthy bloom cycle making them a great favorite among home gardeners.With over 25,000 species and 1000,000 hybrids their beauty comes in endless array.
Rick Noble - About the Author:
Rick Noble has been caring for orchids longer than he likes to remember. For free expert advice on growing and maintaining your orchids visit his website
http://www.OrchidsCareCenter.com This free resource gives all the details on orchid growing and care.
Tags: Gardening