the wise garden

2011-05-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

Timber Decking - How to Plan and Prepare for Your Garden Decking Project

Author: Landon Mercer

You can paint them with a design so as to add that designer factor you're desire.

Planning the appropriate backyard deck for your personal backyard offers you years of pleasure and enjoyment. Poor planning can make it an eyesore and make you want you had by no means built it in the first place.

Today, timber patio decking is a extremely in style addition to the English garden. A huge range of timber decking kits are available online, and most are relatively straightforward to construct - supplied you could have some primary DIY tools, and a bit of experience.

After you have planned your decking area, and ready the oversite, the subsequent step is to start setting up the joist subframe.

There are 4 distinct causes for constructing the joist subframe:

1. The joist body supplies a structurally sound base onto which the decking joists are mounted.

2. Only Hazard class 4 handled timber should be in contact with the ground. C16 timber is the commonest strength class in Britain, and is broadly specified by architects and builders for, amongst other issues, flooring joists and decking joists. C16 timber limits the quantity of defects (knots, grain deviation, and so forth) that span the timber.

3. The joist body will provide a lot-wanted lateral rigidity

4. The joist frame is not going to settle or subside - and neither will it sag or sink in one corner.

Use of Support Posts in Raised Decks

Most raised decks use post (placed at no extra than 3000mm) centres, each of which website both in, or on prime of, a concrete footing.

Fixing The Joists

To make sure a free-draining area, we suggest the boards are laid down the gradient (if any) - particularly if the deck boards are to be grooved.

Depending on the exact sort of deck you would possibly be constructing, decking joists will be mounted in a quantity o totally different ways. For a floor-level deck, merely build a joist raft which sits on high of the free-draining oversite.

The place the deck is raised, timbers are mounted utilizing lightweight steel connectors - these are more commonly known of as mini joist hangers. Raised decks should also use connecting timbers, known as noggins, between each joist, for further subframe rigidity.

If balustrades are to be fitted, newel put up must be installed at this level - before any decking is laid. As quickly as the newel posts are put in, the following step is to suit the underside rail (baserail) section between the newel posts. Subsequent, repair the toprail (identical profile as the baserail) at approx 900mm height. Finally, use spacing infills to area every spindle at around 120mm centres (making certain that no opening is bigger than 100mm - it is a requirement of the UK's planning regulations).

Care and Maintenance of the Decking Area

What to anticipate from the decking Space

It's fairly widespread f or small splits in each the decking timbers and the joists in the hotter spring and summer time months - this is simply due to the timber drying out and shrinking slightly. Likewise, in the winter months, these splits will typically shut-up because the timber regains its disgrace, even swelling if climate situations are significantly damp and cold.

During the first 12 months of your deck's life, the colour of the timbers will fade slightly because of the graying impact of UV rays, attributable to sunlight.

If a timber decking package has been poorly constructed, or poorly situation in the garden, the risk of colonization by surface moulds will be increased significantly.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/timber-decking-how-to-plan-and-prepare-for-your-garden-decking-project-4718166.html

About the Author

Francisco is an enthusiast of garden landscaping and likes to work on massive initiatives involving composite decking plans and designs. He's a regular contributor to many online assets about patio decking materials.

composite decking material

2011-05-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

Goji Berries: How to Grow Your Own

Author: MikeSelv

Goji berries are one of natures super foods and growing your own can be a hugely rewarding experience.

Growing Goji berries is not that hard at all and once they are established they hardly need any attention to flourish. Luckily they grow in almost any kind of soil, even in heavy clay soils (like my rather pitiful dirt plot of a garden,) but like most plants, they tend to grow the best and fruit the best in a well-drained yet moderate quality soil.

Goji berries require moderate amounts water and sunlight as too much sunlight might cause them not to germinate properly. Goji berries are amazingly hardy and they can withstand temperatures of -26 degrees Celsius (-15 degrees Fahrenheit) and are fairly tolerant to drought.

It is best to grow Goji berries outside if the climate is suitable but growing them in pots is also fine and If so you should make sure that is has good enough drainage. Transferring Goji berries from pots to the garden is also not that much an problem.

So long as you have the space and decent amounts of sunlight for your Goji plant, you cant go wrong. Up until the seeds germinate the soil needs to be kept moist, then decrease the watering and allow the soil to dry up before you water again. Avoid using any chemicals or pesticides to the plant or to the soil.

Try to use organic fertilizers as much as possible as they contain the nutrients Goji berries need to flourish and by avoiding chemicals and pesticides you will have a more healthy, natural plant which will yield more healthy, natural fruit. Nutrients in = nutrients out.

If your growing in pots, you will need to change some of the soil every year as Goji plants are hungry beasts and tend to gobble up the nutrients in the soil. Don't worry too much about giving them lots of organic materials as it gets most of what it needs to grow and bear fruit just from air and sunlight.

Growing Goji berries is not a quick process, as the shrubs don't usually bear fruit until around the third year. But you can use the leaves in a salad in the mean time. You'll know your Goji shrubs are about to bear fruit as you'll start to get small purple/white flowers from summer until the first freeze.

For more on the benefits of these amazing berries please visit http://www.thebetterbodysite.com

Written by Stuart Rendell, http://www.thebetterbodysite.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/goji-berries-how-to-grow-your-own-4718329.html

About the Author

2011-04-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Big Planters – Great Ornament for a More Visible Look

Author: Carlo Mamar

Garden lovers have their own way of making and setting up unique plant planters to satisfy their own needs. With such an arduous desire, they have ultimately identified the significance of large planters, that have beneficial designs for big houses and also many other business-related establishments. Additionally, many experts have explicitly manufactured it to create brightly colored planters that can be made as an excellent accent to every place. In recent times, you can easily avail big planters by just a few clicks away at a very affordable price. Many of them come in many different dimensions, forms, variations as well as shades to fit in well to varying demands numerous potential customers. Most hotel planters are basically created from conventional materials which include aluminum, glass as well as concrete materials, giving you great deal of opportunities to decide on whatever products you have desired. However, you have to find out some crucial aspects before finally purchasing big planters to avoid a series of mistakes and regrets later on. In addition, some of the common big planters that have been tremendously on demand in the market these days are fiberglass big planters. Along with the competition in the market, most skilled craftsmen have made fiberglass city planters in various designs and shapes such as round planters, rectangular shape planters, urn and vase shaped planters, low bowl shaped planters and jar and jug shaped planters. Each of these shapes would surely accentuate the holistic look of the place as well as the whole environment. Moreover, you can as well have your own customize sizes to fit in well to the areas where you plan to set it up. Fiberglass big planters can be an excellent ornament for it has numerous excellent features that would satisfy you. Primarily, fiberglass planters offer dimensional stability, structural strength, design flexibility, climate durability and most of all has a touch of commercial applications. With its stone, painted wood, terracotta or conventional looking finish, it will surely outperform some other types of materials. Most of all with fiberglass planters you are assured that water could not leak out and that industrial areas, commercial buildings or even your own home will be safe from water spillages and mess. Big planters will invariably provide your own business place or perhaps your own dwelling a completely fresh new look. You can perhaps consult with a proficient gardener or gardening specialist who can give you more enlightening garden ideas.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/big-planters-great-ornament-for-a-more-visible-look-4600971.html

About the Author

Carlo Mamar shares tips on how to make your public spaces more attractive and inviting by using containers such as large commercial planters, commercial planters, modern planters, and other types of indoor and outdoor planters.

what type of soil do you have?

2009-07-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's often difficult for the beginner gardener to work out exactly what type of soild they have in their garden. To the inexperienced eye, most dirt is just that: dirt!

Ideally, you want your soil to be an equal balance of clay, sand and organic matter. You can determine the nature of your soil by performing this simple test: Fill about a third of a clear bottle with some soil, but make sure it comes from at least one foot down as the topsoil may have had compost and other material heaped on it over the years. Pour in another third of water and give the bottle a good shake before leaving it to settle. The heavier sand will sink to the bottom pretty quickly and the organic matter will float atop, while the finer sands and clay will take much longer to settle.

If you check the bottle a few hours later, you will get a good idea of what makes up your garden soil, and you can act accordingly to correct the balance.

pile of wood

2009-07-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Here's some good news for the lazy gardener. If you have a pile of wood and / or branches sitting in a corner of your yard which you have been meaning to burn or clear for the past few weeks but haven't got around to doing it...then don't!
Just leave it where it is because it will be teeming with wildlife, and most of the animals and insects that take refuge there will be doing a great deal of good work in the garden while you are sitting inside on your big bottom watching reruns of American Idol. If the pile is in a relatively shady, damp, sheltered spot then so much the better. Frogs, toads, insect-eating beetles, bumblebees and centipedes will all gratefull make themselves at home in your wood pile.

5 ways to conserve water in your garden

2009-07-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

1. Place drought-tolerant plants like rosemary and lavender in positions where they will shelter their thirstier friends from the dehydrating effects of the wind.

2. Place thirstier plants in positions where they will benefit from water running down any slopes you may have.

3. Improve the water-retaining qualities of your earth by digging in lots of organic matter.

4. Mulch your plants with compost, straw, bark chips and dead leaves. You can also encircle the bases of larger plants with stones, which stops them from drying out quickly in hot weather.

5. Put plants with similar moisture requirements close together so that you can water them in one good dousing rather than having to visit various different areas to give them all a good soaking.

2009-07-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Choose Outdoor Deck Lighting to Enhance Your Yard

Author: Martin Applebaum

They say there’s no other place like home. Well that’s true especially when you want to relax in your balcony after a tiring day from work. What if your porch is not well lighted and not that relaxing or comforting at all. Some people just overlook the importance of outdoor deck lighting.

Once they’re done installing a backdoor porch light, they think it’s enough the illuminate the whole house. The truth is, the light really is more than just the lighting needed and sometimes may blind the visitors or you while on your way to parking your car in the garage. It is hardly the best way to welcome your guests or to create an accommodating ambience. It is neither relaxing nor soothing after a tiring day at all.

Outdoor deck lighting helps create a good place to hold alfresco dining or entertainment at night. It will not only create a better ambience but also avoid having tricky areas in your patio steps and walkways. You may hardly notice it but you are already creating your front yard into a magical wonderland that you and your family will enjoy while looking up at the stars. Make sure that the lights must be situated in specific areas that best fit the layout of your deck but does not necessarily disturb your neighborhood. Once it spills over your neighbor’s yard, it will not only spoil your privacy but also whatever ambience or atmosphere you want to create.

What type of outdoor deck lighting do you have to install then? Choose from the many low voltage fixtures to not only save from the energy consumption but also avoid having too much glare on your front yard.

When it comes to installation, you can have a contractor do the job for you or if you’re adventurous enough, you can even do it yourself! Often decks are attached to the house so be sure to match the interior and the outdoor lights. With that being said, the outdoor deck lighting should also be as simple as possible to serve its very purpose of just relaxation and entertainment.

About the Author:

Our site contains information for all your outdoor lighting needs including outdoor LED lighting. Visit our site today for more information. http://www.yardsolarlighting.com
By M. Applebaum

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Choose Outdoor Deck Lighting to Enhance Your Yard

2009-05-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

We all know that we should eat more fruits and vegetables for our health. More good news … you can really save a lot of money if you grow it yourself!

How to Save Money by Growing More of Your Own Food
Grow highly productive vegetables – lots of yield for the space allocated - that you enjoy eating and that you can harvest from spring through fall.

Since you’re limited to the surface area that you have on the ground, “go vertical” to get the most production from the space that you have.

Waste nothing. Eat it, share it with someone in the community, or compost it.

Money-saving Vegetables

Pole beans – they’re delicious, good for you, can be harvested over a long period of time, and the seeds are easy to plant. A single 20 foot row of pole beans on a homemade twine trellis will provide dozens of fresh servings and some extra beans to freeze for later.

Growing beans on a trellis also makes them easier to pick than bush beans … there’s little bending or stooping required.

Greens packed with Nutrients – spinach, Swiss chard, and mesclun mixes are more interesting and more nutritious than lettuce. Bright lights Swiss chard is also extremely attractive in the garden.

Tomatoes – are America’s #1 home garden vegetable … and for good reasons. Entire books have been dedicated to the tomato! There are many gardening benefits to growing tomatoes – they’re good for you, they’re tasty, they add delightful color to the garden, and the dollar value of the yield can be very significant.

Peas are another high-yield crop. They’re not as easy, and not quite as productive as pole beans, but, if you have the space, Sugar Snap or Sugar Ann peas are wonderful because you can eat the entire pod.

Leaf lettuce is extremely easy to grow from seed and will yield plenty of produce over a long period of time. Multiple plantings will extend your harvest. You can save a lot of money by growing your own.

Less Obvious Money-Saving Gardening Ideas

Composting – making your own compost is, by far, the best long-term investment you can make for your garden. There’s just nothing better than natural compost for your garden’s soil. It will help your plants defend themselves from diseases, too!

Grow Your Own Tomato Plants from Seeds - it’s fun and it’s easier than you might think. All you need is a container (egg carton, yogurt cups, etc), a little soil, and a sunny windowsill.

An Apple a Day – well, not immediately. How about planting an apple tree? Apple trees are great dual purpose trees – obviously they provide good fruit; but, they’re also an attractive shade tree.

Garden Grown Gifts – home grown vegetables and flowers make wonderful hostess gifts. All you need is a little basket or vase, and you can create a gift that is inexpensive and attractive at the same time.

2009-04-08T19:35:00.001-07:00

How to Deal With Pests in Your Organic Garden

Author: Janet Ashby

Instead of automatically reaching for chemical pesticides when you see evidence of pests in your garden and on your plants think organic! Chemical pesticides will kill all the insects in your garden, even the beneficial ones and will contaminate the ground water. Find other ways to prevent pests from getting out of hand and reducing their number if they do.

Why should you use organic methods to combat pests rather than easily available pesticides? These chemical pesticides have been linked to many health problems and diseases including birth defects, cancer, infertility and many more. One of the problems is that pesticides sold for use at home are not tested as thoroughly as those used by commercial food growers as this is not a requirement of the law. As well as harming humans they also contaminate the soil in your garden and can be harmful to the beneficial visitors to your garden including honey bees, ladybugs, and butterflies which all eat pests.

One of the best defences against pests is to grow healthy plants in the first place. Weak and sickly plants are targeted by pests so make sure the conditions are right for the plants you are growing and keep them healthy by watering and fertilising adequately. Use natural composts and mulches rather than fertilisers high in nitrogen and do not let the plants sit in water or become too dry. Go into the garden regularly and remove weeds with a spade, hoe or your hands. Get close to the plants so you can spot any that are diseased early and can remove the infected parts before the disease spreads. Prune away the infected parts right to the main stem to prevent leaving a stub for the pests to re-enter.

Keep pests from having an easy time finding the plants they prefer by mixing different varieties of flowers, vegetables and other plants together. It is a good idea to plants some flowers among your vegetables to attract beneficial insects which feed on nectar. The larvae of insects such as lacewings and ladybugs feed on pests so it is a good idea to encourage them. Another good idea is to encourage wild birds that eat insects into your garden with a birdbath. A pond can lure toads and lizards to your garden where they may feast on any pests around.

If preventative measures have failed it is time to identify the pest and choose the best natural method to eradicate it. Find out which methods is best and use pepper sprays, soap sprays or Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a bacteria that can deal with leaf eaters such as caterpillars by interfering with their digestion. If possible remove any weak plants as these are the ones that pests will target.

As you can see it is not necessary to resort to chemical means to deal with pests in the garden although it is a little more work! Aim for a healthy garden with visiting wild life that will be able to resist pests and deal with any outbreaks quickly with methods that are safe for your garden, wildlife and your family.

About the Author:
For more information on all aspects of gardening visit Lawns and Gardens or read Planting a Vegetable Garden

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/how-to-deal-with-pests-in-your-organic-garden-857362.html

2009-04-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

So Many Gnomes So Little Time

Author: James1984 Thompson

A popular saying for garden gnome enthusiasts is that so many gnomes so little time. The phrase mainly refers to the large collection of garden gnomes available on the market today. The gnome statues that you may view on gift shops, garden accessory shops and designing outlets have a wide variety. You may find different types that would surely suit your preferences such as funny garden gnomes, collectible gnomes, vintage garden gnomes and even gnomes which represent your local sports or festivities.

So many gnomes so little time. A garden ornament collector can experience something like this when it comes to collecting every possible design of garden gnomes available on the market. There are several garden gnome designs that are related to fictional stories written by popular authors such as The Secret Book of Gnomes and The Gnomes. Most garden gnome manufacturers get some ideas from these fiction novels in order to get suitable designs for garden gnomes. Some notable designs for garden gnomes include those which are adopted from the storybooks such as Randell gnome, Morty gnome, George gnome, Mervin gnome and many more gnome characters from Rien Poortvliet's children's book.

There are several gnome designers that insert humor on the gnomes that they create. You may find some funny garden gnomes that stick their bare buttocks to the garden visitors. You may even find some which show their personal body parts as a part of the humor that the designer wants to implement. Some innovative garden gnome designs are incorporated with sensors for additional entertainment purposes. These garden gnomes automatically fart when a person passes near the statue. Some even have recorded speeches to delight the passersby. Thus when collecting garden gnomes you even want to say that there are so many gnomes so little time.

There are even more types of gnomes based on their postures. You may find some garden gnomes that look like they are resting on the shade of the trees. Some creative designs even resemble that they are working on the plants. Other postures of garden gnomes are based on the day to day activities such as mowing the lawn, harvesting fruits, hammering stones and even those which resemble traveling with a lantern on one hand. These types of garden gnomes create a livelier look on your garden. You may notice that so many gnomes so little time thus you may want to consider doing the collection as early as possible. You may want to have a unique theme for you to have a guide on which garden gnomes you are to collect.

As with those people who already collected several types of garden gnomes, they may still say the there are so many gnomes so little time. This is because there are also other types of garden gnomes which are based on their sizes. You may find large sized gnomes which may reach up to 3 feet in height. If you are into collecting miniature gnome models, there are 1 foot high garden gnomes available on the market today. These small types of garden gnomes are much suitable for collection purposes.

About the Author:
We have Antique Gnomes, Baseball Gnomes, Ceramic Gnomes and many more more gnomes available. For a deeper look into the history of garden gnomes please visit.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/so-many-gnomes-so-little-time-857372.html

2009-03-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

How a Contemporary Garden Was Designed Around a Central Koi Pond and Lite Fountain

Author: Jeff Halper

A River Oaks couple contracted Exterior Worlds to design a contemporary garden behind the gym in their two-story home. The original garden was very traditional in both style and function, and was used exclusively as an area to plant foliage and various species of flowers. Its only ornamentation was a three-tiered fountain, which looked outdated and made noise throughout the night due to failing pumps. Our clients asked us to convert a portion of this space into something more functional, and to create a more contemporary garden design throughout the remainder of the property. They also requested we replace the fountain with a more contemporary water feature.

Because the garden had previously been designed in the shape of a near-perfect rectangle, we already had the basic geometry necessary for the development of a new, more contemporary style. We developed our landscaping plan by breaking this area up into proportional quadrilateral sections of varying size. Some of these would later be used as patio space, others as garden space, and the last and largest section would be converted into a far more sophisticated water feature and fountain.

We began the project by building a red brick patio over the first section just outside the window of the home gym. Rather than placing the bricks in a standard, linear fashion, we took a more eclectic approach. We laid the bricks in alternating diagonal rows that created a sense of immediate movement the moment you stepped onto the patio. This had the effect of drawing both the feet and the eyes toward the center of the property, and it also served to immediately establish the garden's new, contemporary design.

In the large central section of the property, we created a rectangular koi pond the size of a small swimming pool. We deliberately built it to be the central, dominating feature of the landscape that would anchor all other garden elements. We built a two-inch coping around the pond, stocked it with koi, and installed lighting in the fountain's corners at the end closest to the home. Our clients particularly liked this new water feature when it was finished. Neither of them were swimmers, but they had always enjoyed sitting by pools at the homes of friends. Now, they could sit by their own pond, and watch the koi fish swim around the lighted fountain.

To further develop the contemporary design of the garden, we added several more important landscaping features and physical structures. We built another patio, identical to the first, at the opposite end of the pond. This framed the water, bringing a sense of balance and refined containment to the landscape. We also built a sculpture garden near one side of the pond to add an artistic element to the water, masonry, and surrounding greenery. To do all this, of course, we had to significantly narrow the perimeters of the garden itself, so by the time we finished our construction, there was no room left to install a walkway. Working with what we had, as opposed to what we did not have, we built the walkway across the water. Large pedestals were placed in the pond, capped by large limestone pads that mimicked the effect of floating on water. These pads were large enough to support the weight of an adult, and provided both a means of transit across the pond, and varying points of observation from within the pond itself.

Contemporary garden designs like the one in this case study are typically a blend of geometry, natural features, and creative use of sculpture, masonry, or other man-made forms. The exact dimensions and layout of such a garden varies widely on a case-by-case basis. This is partly due to the fact that "contemporary" can refer to any number of progressive or eclectic concepts, rather than something definitive that can be identified as a specific artistic style or history period. Gardens designed in this manner often prove to be the most effective means of unifying a home with Nature itself, because forms that are both organic and inorganic are combined in new, innovative ways that blur the assumed boundaries between the natural and man-made, and create a new aesthetic based on natural tranquility combined with a passion for the eclectic and the progressive.

About the Author:
Jeff Halper is passionate for Landscaping and wants to share infomation about that passion. At Exterior Worlds you can read more about Contemporary Gardens or Landscape Design

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/how-a-contemporary-garden-was-designed-around-a-central-koi-pond-and-lite-fountain-807530.html

2009-02-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

Pergola Plans - Building Garden Structures

Author: Dan Lazaj

Building your own pergola is a project many do-it-yourselfers can do themselves. This project can be built without plans. But to eliminate all the guess work, trying to design it yourself, you should look for step by step plans with illustrations, and a material list. There are many sites that offer free plans. If you can't find what you need with free ones, consider buying some, most are very affordable and they will eliminate a lot of work.

Plans will come with a material list, and this is a great way to estimate what the project will cost before you build. Of course, building it yourself will save you money, but is it possible to do it yourself? If you are capable of using a jigsaw, more than likely, yes. It is not a complicated structure. Square and rectangle designs are the easiest to build. This project can be done in one or two weekends. With the help of some friends this can be a fun weekend project.

Where do you begin? The first thing to do is to find out of any requirements by visiting or calling the building department. If digging will be involved, call the utility department to find out if there is any power, water, or electrical lines that might get damaged while digging. Once you have found the spot to build, measure and find the appropriate plans. Study the plans, and material list, make sure you understand the process of building it. Study the material list and all the cuts you will be making. Once you get familiar with the design, and the building steps, you are ready to begin.

If you feel this project is beyond your carpentry skills, consider hiring a contractor. Once you have the plans you like, and the material, you can show them to different contractors to get some bids for the project

Every city has different laws when building new structures. Make sure you check with your local building department before beginning any constructions. You might need a permit, you might not, check your zoning regulations for any requirements.

Do your research when choosing the lumber. Pressure treated wood is great to prevent rot and decay. Cedar and redwood is another good choice, it is more expensive, but it is nicer and it will last for many years.

If any digging is required, make sure to take caution with any water, telephone, or electrical lines that might be underground. Find out the locations of these lines to avoid any problems, or injury.

Save money by building it yourself. If you are thinking of building just a basic design, such as a square or rectangle shape, you should consider building it yourself. This design is very basic and simple to build. The best way to do this is getting some plans. You can search for free plans, or you can buy some.

If one of the main reasons to having a pergola is to entertain, make sure you build it big enough to accommodate people comfortably.

Adding a pergola will not only make a great focal point, it will add value to your property, making this project a great investment.

About the Author:
Building your own pergola can be done by most do-it-yourselfers. Before you begin take a look at my website for a list of free pergola plans and pergola designs www.MyBackyardPlans.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/pergola-plans-building-garden-structures-779372.html

2009-02-10T08:02:00.001-08:00

Tips for Buying Sheds

Author: Jenny Austin

If you are frustrated with your garage being cluttered up with tools and gardening equipment you may well be considering purchasing a garden shed. It is surprising how widely the prices can vary and requires some thought and planning on your part. You might be in need of some outside workspace, for which a shed is an ideal solution and will allow you the space to become an enthusiastic tool collector.

If you are looking to buy a shed recognise the uses for the shed, if this is not thought through well you may well end up purchasing a shed that is far too small. For example if you forget that you need to store the families bicycles in the shed, these items take up quite a bit of storage room and you could end up with difficulties if you haven’t taken them into account. If you plan to work in your shed think about the sizes of work benches and other equipment you might use and remember to allow yourself room to work you don’t want to be sawing and banging your elbow! Most people store lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, basic gardening tools, garden furniture and children’s outdoor toys in their shed. Sometimes it is necessary to buy a shed to slot into a space; if this is the case it is important to allow enough spare room for any overhang from the roof. It is vital that measurements are correct otherwise the shed simply won’t fit (a expensive mistake), if the shed needs to slot into a specific space it will require good planning to ensure you can store as much as possible in the shed and still have access to everything.

Many people fail to realise how much room is needed in the shed doorway, for bulky items it may be worthwhile purchasing a shed with an extra-wide or double door which allows total flexibility. Remember to allow enough room in the shed height for you to stand up comfortably, especially if you will be working in the shed for long periods of time.

The two most common types of shed are apex roofed or pent style sheds, apex sheds are the most common choice due to their sturdy construction and attractive triangular sloping roof. Pent style sheds have a single sloping roof which is higher at the front than at the back to allow the rain to run off. This style of shed is ideal for those looking for extra head height and is ideally located against your house or a wall.

Think about where to position your shed, bear in mind that shade can be useful as sheds can get incredibly hot inside during the summer months. It may be important to have the shed situated close to your property, especially if you will be using power tool and need access to electricity. You might choose to have a separate power supply to your shed especially if you wish to work in the shed during the evenings; enquiries and plans for power should be made before purchasing your shed.

About the Author:

Jenny Austin is an expert in Sheds , for further information on how to choose your Wooden Shed , or which Garden Shed service to choose please visit beastsheds.co.uk.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/tips-for-buying-sheds-764096.html

Tallest Trees

2009-02-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

Trees are in various shapes, sizes, and forms. There are some species of trees that can only grow as tall as a street lamp posts while others can grow as tall as the skyscrapers in Dubai or New York. That is why there are various records about the tallest trees that can be found in different parts of the world.

In order to include a particular tree in this record, the height of the tree must be measured. The past few decades some of the measurements were given much exaggeration that is why the previous world records are not too reliable. But thanks to the modern gadgets as well as the perseverance of the tree climbers, they found out that the previous measurements were more than 5 up to 15 percent higher than the real size of these tallest trees.

One of which is the Sequoia sempervirens better known as the Coast Redwood. Some people also call this tree as the California Redwood as well. It is part of the cypress family which can live for more than two thousand years. This is one of the tree species that is considered as the tallest in the world. The height of the tallest Sequoia sempervirens measured up to 379.1 feet or 115.5 meters. On the other hand, the diameter of the Coast Redwood's trunk measures up to 26 feet or 8 meters. You can see more of this neck-breaking tree at the Redwood National Park in California.

From the same family comes another one of the tallest trees in the world. The Sequoiadendron giganteum or simply called as the Giant sequoia is indeed a fascinating wonder of nature. Also found in California, the Giant sequoia can reach 311.4 feet or 94.9 meters. But this particular giant tree is not only seen in United States but in other regions as well such as Europe, Canada, New Zealand, as well as Australia.

Still in California, is the Picea sitchensis or the Sitka Spruce. You can find a lot of it at the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park located at the state. It is also as tall as the Giant sequoia since it measures 317.3 feet or 96.7 meters high. This is considered as the tallest coniferous tree that has a trunk diameter of 5 to 7 meters.

But not all of the tallest trees in the world can be seen in California. There are also gigantic trees located in Oregon as well including the Pseudotsuga menziesii or what others call as the Coast Douglas-fir. Although it is not as tall as the Coast Redwood, the Coast Douglas-fir is considered as the second tallest tree in the conifer family. This tree can reach be as high as 326.1 feet or 99.4 meters.

Last on the list is at the other part of the globe ? in Australia. In this country, it is not only the kangaroos that are popular but also the tallest tree in the country named Eucalyptus regnans or the Australian Mountain-ash. This can grow as big as 326.8 feet or 99.6 meters.

Poisonous Plants in Your Garden

2009-01-26T12:24:00.001-08:00

“I didn’t know what to do!” Explained Mrs Bradley. “She was coughing and holding her throat. I thought she was choking so I tried to make her bring up what she had swallowed.” Staff at the casualty unit of the hospital treats a four year-old child who chewed on a seedpod from a wisteria. This plant poisons many children.

”Parents often try to make the child vomit and this is very dangerous,” warns Sister Graham RN, RCHN. “If a child aspirates the poison, it could prove fatal. The largest numbers of poisonings we deal with here occur in children under five years of age.
Children are naturally curious but must be taught never to put any part of a plant in their mouths and never to eat berries, wild fruit, seeds or mushrooms. Flower arrangements for the dinner table or buffets should never include fruits, berries or seeds that might be toxic.”

Some varieties of cut flowers have toxic properties. Species of Orntihogalum are among the most poisonous plants and if allowed to contaminate fodder, leads to stock loss. Several of these are cultivated as garden plants and cut flowers. The most common are Ornithogalum thyrsoides and Ornithogalum conicum, commonly known as ‘chincherinchees’.
Often one part of a plant may be edible while the rest of it is poisonous (e.g. rhubarb). Many plants used for medicinal purposes are toxic only if ingested in large quantities.
Some plants, although not poisonous, cause allergic reactions in people suffering from hay fever or asthma, especially pollen bearing trees like Acacia or Plane trees.
Plants that are innocuous to some people, like strawberries, ivy or chrysanthemums can cause skin irritation in people who are
allergic.
If you suffer from allergies wear protective gloves when handling plants. Stems should always be cut rather than broken to prevent harmful sap from coming into contact with the skin. Fortunately, many poisonous plants have survival characteristics including thorns, hard outer shells or are bitter to the taste. Plants that cause irritations or illness in humans should never be fed to animals.

In case of suspected poisoning of a human or animal:

Act immediately – do not wait to see if the symptoms go away. Some toxins can stay in the body and only manifest themselves a day or two later.
• It is preferable to go straight to a hospital Casualty rather than to a doctor.
• Identify and collect samples of suspected poisonous plants in your garden to take to the casualty
• Do NOT induce vomiting or give milk – some poisons are contra-indicated for milk.
• Carers should be taught about poisonous plants in the garden.

Write down contact numbers for the Emergency Poison Unit closest to you.
Published: 2008-11-21
Author: Sylvia Nilsen - http://sites.google.com/site/sylvianilsen/

About the author or the publisher
I am a freelance writer who has been published in a number of consumer magazines - Children, pregnancy, Food and Enterntainment, Women, Travel etc.
www.amawalker.blogspot.com
Source: ArticlesGratuits.com - Free Articles

Naturally Say Goodbye to Garden Pests

2009-01-26T07:31:00.001-08:00

It's an unavoidable fact that if left untended, for every flower and plant that adorns our gardens, a greater number of pests will also take root. The good news is that removing these scoundrels from infesting your vegetation does not need to rely on chemicals, nor should it. For each individual species of pest that shows up in your garden abode, there is a natural solution that is cheaper and most importantly, safer to use than pesticides.

Shockingly, North Americans use upwards of 130 million pounds of pesticide each year, both in their gardens and in their homes. This dwarfs the amount used by farmers by almost three times, and accounts for a high percentage of wildlife pest poisonings and contamination of surface water from pesticide use.

Cutting back on this problem requires educating gardeners and homeowners everywhere. Taking the initiative by spreading the word yourself can only help, and the best way to do that is to lead by example, and keep your own home pesticide free.

The following tips will help you keep your garden healthy and pest free without resorting to harmful pesticide use.

The most common problem gardeners will face is insect damage to their plants. With proper cultivation and gardening methods, this problem can be drastically reduced before having to resort to other methods. This means having well-prepared soil, adjusting the pH balance as needed, good drainage and air circulation.

As your garden continues to grow and take shape, remove and dispose immediately of any struggling plants. Be sure to keep your compost area for storing your weeds, discarded plants and compost well away from your main gardening area, as the compost heap will be sure to attract pests.

Keep your garden beds well mulched and top-dressed with compost to ensure healthy plant development. Ensure you're using clean mulch, bought from a reputable dealer or cultivated yourself.

Be sure to keep your garden area clear of debris and things that will attract insects. If you have fruit trees near your garden, be sure to dispose of any fallen fruit immediately. Spoiled pears or apples will attract all many of pests.

Seaweed fertilizer sprays are useful for strengthening soil and promoting plant growth. They contain helpful minerals and trace elements like iron, calcium, sulphur and magnesium.

Mix up your garden beds with a variety of plant types interspersed throughout. This makes it difficult for plant specific pests to propagate and spread throughout your garden bed.

If you've used your gardening implements on infected plants, be sure to sterilize them before using them on healthy plants.

Finally, you can call on the power of nature itself to help you in your fight using a natural product like neem oil. By attracting or purchasing insects which feast upon the particular pests bothering your plants, you can remove them in one fell swoop of natural selection. Praying Mantises, Hover Flies, Ladybugs, Chalcids, Brachonids, and if they don't frighten you, Wasps, are all insects which will help you battle common varieties of garden pests.

Having a healthy and beautiful garden should not be your number one priority, the health and safety of family should be. Thankfully it is not a choice of one or the other. By using any or all of the above tips, you can keep your garden looking great, and have no fear of your children playing near your plants. It's truly the best of both worlds.

Creative Landscaping With Yellow Plants

2009-01-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

One of the three "primary" colours, yellow is the most visible of them all and it always gets noticed – a fact of which advertisers are well aware. In your landscape design you may not want to put yellow flowers beside that ugly old garden shed that you want to fade into the background, but you might like to use yellow to highlight a sculpture, or to focus on an attractive water feature or a patch of pleasing foliage that would otherwise be ignored.

Many yellow-flowered plants will bloom in part shade, where they really stand out, like street lamps glowing on a dark night. Some examples are yellow foxglove, clivia and corydalis. Tiny yellow primroses are great in a dark corner and the leaves of the variegated hosta can complement them beautifully.

Especially in spring, when we are moving away from the dull greys and blacks of winter, a vase of yellow flowers is a sure way to enliven a dull room. Some yellow-flowering spring plants for picking include forsythia and daffodils (of course). In summer there are many more: roses, lilies, dahlias, gladioli and yellow asters.

You can plant soft yellow Anizoganthus (kangaroo paws, a native of Australia) to accent the subtle foliage tones of a mixed perennial border when other summer-flowering plants are dying down. This evergreen plant grows in heathlands and sandy plains in its native country, so it is guaranteed easy care, loving hot places. It grows up to 3 feet tall by 1 foot wide and prefers full sun and a well drained soil. It may need protection in winter.

Yellow Hemerocallis (day lily) is another good choice for the perennial border. Day lilies are not fussy about soil type, establish readily in most situations and need little care other than some initial watering. While enjoying hot summers, they tolerate cold winters just as well, disappearing underground until conditions are suitable for their light-green spring leaves to pop through the ground and the vigorous growth to resume. Day lilies grow up to four feet high and produce numerous flowers over a long period. They are not suitable for flower arrangements because, true to their name, each bloom lasts only a day.

Beware of overdoing yellow. Bright yellow walls in a room have been shown to make people angry, so take care. Balance the accent color with plenty of green foliage. You can fade bright yellow daffodils into beds of cream-coloured jonquils, or intersperse yellow roses with cream or white roses; "Pascali", "Margaret Merrill", "Peace" and the brilliant white "Iceberg" are some older varieties that look stunning accompanying a yellow accent bush.

And yellow's complementary color (in terms of the artist's "color wheel") is purple, which is why purple pansies or violas, or dark purple grasses look so dramatic teamed with a yellow accent plant.

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About the Author: Article by Steve Boulden. Steve is the creator of Landscaping Videos.com which offers free landscaping advice, landscaping pictures, and videos. Get even more free landscape and garden design ideas at www.landscapingvideos.com.

Building a Greenhouse: 10 Important Things to Consider

2009-01-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

If you're getting ready to build a greenhouse, there are a number of questions you should ask yourself before beginning. What size greenhouse do you need? Do you have a good, sunny location planned out? Do you have easy access to build on that location? These are just a few important considerations that you should evaluate during the planning stages of your project to ensure a successful result. The following is a list of 10 important things to consider before you begin building your new greenhouse or hothouse:

1. Insure that the greenhouse you choose fits your own needs. The interior must allow enough room for potting plants and moving around easily.
2. Choose a clean, level site that will be easy to build on.
3. Remember that the location of your greenhouse is critical. You don't want to block a traffic path in your yard; however, the greenhouse should be close enough to your home that it's easily accessible on a daily basis.
4. Be sure to plan for snow removal. In the wintertime, you don't want to have to trudge through piles of snow to get to your plants.
5. Be sure there are no trees nearby that will excessively shade your greenhouse. You want maximum sun gain in your greenhouse. Also remember that deciduous trees will not cast shade on your greenhouse in the wintertime; however, evergreen trees will cast shade year-round.
6. Consider the change in angle of the sun from winter to summer and study how much solar gain you want for your particular climate. If possible, align the longest side of your greenhouse to face south. This will allow the roofline to catch the maximum amount of sunlight during the daytime. Also, if you need to use shade cloth during the hottest part of the summer, you'll probably only have to shade one side of the roof instead of two, thus reducing the labor and cost of materials.
7. Be sure to include potting benches inside your greenhouse of an appropriate height. You'll want a surface that's high enough so you're not constantly bending over.
8. Some potting benches are designed to fold down and out of the way when not in use. If you have a smaller greenhouse, these may be a good option. Also, some benches are designed with slatted surfaces so dirt falls through to a collection bin below, and this can be advantageous as well.
9. Remember that you'll need to water the plants in your greenhouse. Will you be able to run a hose in? Or will you have to carry watering cans back and forth? Furthermore, will you want a source of water inside the greenhouse, such as a utility sink that you can use to wash your hands or tools?
10. Don't forget storage for your gardening tools. A small workbench with shelves or a pegboard back can do wonders for organizing your gardening implements.

Remember, to ensure a good successful result to any project, it's important to devote plenty of time and thought in the planning stages. Building a greenhouse is a big investment in time and money. Be sure that you make the most of both by doing your homework before you begin. A little time invested in the beginning in good planning will pay you big dividends in the end. Happy greenhouse gardening!

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About the Author: For more information on building a greenhouse, visit Home Products 'n' More, where you'll find a variety of greenhouse kits and wholesale greenhouse supplies, all with free shipping!

Adding an Arbor or Trellis to Your Yard

2009-01-19T16:30:00.000-08:00

If you are a home gardener, and you're looking for a project to tackle this summer that will enhance your garden and your home's curb appeal, consider adding an arbor or trellis to your yard. Whether in the back yard, garden, patio, or other area, an arbor or trellis will create an ambiance and charm that is well worth the time and investment. The following are some questions and factors you may want to consider before you begin the project of adding an arbor or trellis to your yard.

The first question you must ask yourself is whether you want to build your arbor or trellis from scratch, or if you want to purchase a ready to assemble kit. The former will certainly require more tools, knowledge, and time. But for those who enjoy DIY projects and building in general, designing and building your own arbor or trellis can be rewarding. On the other hand, arbor and pergola kits are readily available through many garden stores as well as catalog and online retailers. These kits allow you to assemble your own arbor, pergola or trellis in a matter of days or even hours, providing a much faster means to an end.

If you are not someone who enjoys lengthy projects or building things, a ready to assemble kit is probably the better choice. In some cases, the cost of a kit is comparable to what you'd spend if you built the arbor or pergola yourself. The materials can be expensive, and when you factor in the cost of your own time, it may be well worth it to buy a kit and save yourself a lot of time and frustration.

The next question you must ask yourself is what type of arbor or trellis do you want? What look are you trying to achieve? Do you want a grand entrance to the garden area? Or do you want a cozy nook within the garden itself? If you want something that looks clean and sophisticated, you can't beat the look of white vinyl. It's clean, contemporary, and many of the vinyl arbors and pergolas available today are virtually maintenance free. A white vinyl arbor also makes a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor wedding!

Wood is another good option if you prefer a more rustic or natural look. There are many choices available in wood arbors and trellises. In general, steer away from pine and other soft woods that decay easily. Redwoods like cedar are a very good option because they are naturally weather and decay resistant.

Lastly, metal is a good option if you want something extremely durable and long lasting. There are many metal arbors and trellises on the market today. Be careful what type of metal you choose, though. Steel and iron are not the best choices, because rust can be an issue after a few years. Aluminum is an excellent choice because it is lightweight, yet very durable, and it will not rust. Also, look for a metal that is finished with powder coat paint, as this will be the most durable.

Whatever you choose, be sure to think your project out well in advance. Projects that are started hastily will usually run into problems before they're finished. With a little forethought and preparatory planning, you're sure to end up with a successful result that will add charm and character to your home for years to come.

Turfgrass Fungus - Causes and Remedies

2009-01-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

One of the most frustrating things for a meticulous gardener and homeowner is for their lawn to have problems with fungal diseases. Lawns are particularly susceptible to problems because they are monocultures—millions of the same plant in the same place, without diversity. Whenever you have many of the same plant without variety, there is always a greater potential for problems. Fungi are one of the most common causes of turf diseases. Fungi spread by spores that are carried by air and water. The microscopic, lightweight nature of the spores makes the spread of fungi wildfire-fast. How do you know if your lawn has fungal problems? After all, there are a variety of bacterial and insect problems that plague turfgrass in addition to fungi. Insect damage is less uniform in variety. It would be spottier and less symmetric. Some fungi have noticeable structures (mushrooms) on top of the lawn. Other fungi cause noticeable symptoms, but no large, above-ground structures.
Common Types of Turfgrass Fungus

Fairy Ring: Fairy Ring fungus causes a circular or semi-circular band in the grass. If the symptoms are not all over the lawn, water and fertilizer can mask the fungus by greening up the rest of the lawn. You can also treat fairy Ring fungus by aerating and breaking up the fungal mat. That will improve air and water penetration. If the fungal ring has grown large, you may have to dig out the soil and replace it with uninfected soil and re-seed. There are some fungicides, but they are expensive and do not always work well. Cultural controls work better than fungicides, generally.

Dollar Spot: This fungal disease is caused by the fungi Lanzia spp. and Moellerodiscus spp. It produces the effect of dead circular spots of six inches to two feet in diameter. When the grass is wet, you can see the cobweb-like strands of fungus in between the blades of grass. To control this fungus, keep your lawn properly fertilized and watered. The fungus thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity, but low soil moisture. Fertilizing and watering schedules do a lot to control this fungus.

Necrotic Ring Spot: This fungal disease appears as rings of dead grass surrounding tufts of healthy, green grass. More prevalent when the weather is cool.

How to Prevent Turfgrass Fungal Problems

It is a lot easier to prevent fungus problems than to cure them. Most plants have problems when they are stressed. Turfgrass becomes stressed when the water conditions and nutrient availability are not optimum. Compaction and thatch buildup are other problems. To keep fungal problems from taking hold, learn what type of grass you have in your lawn and care for it appropriately. Most grass needs one to two inches of water a week. More or less water can cause stress. It is important to not over-fertilize. Excess nitrogen can cause weak growth in grasses. Thatch and compaction can be addressed by punch-core aerating in the spring and the fall, followed by topdressing with a compost/topsoil mix.

If your lawn is attacked by fungus, despite your best efforts, you can hire a professional to apply fungicide. You can also use corn gluten (which also serves as a pre emergence herbicide) to attract a type of fungus that feeds on other fungus. This is a biological control that can help keep your soil healthy. The key to lawn fungus control.healthy lawns fungus control is healthy soil. Regardless of your plant problems, if you notice a problem, you need to correctly identify it in order to fix it. Turfgrass fungus is no exception. With proper care, and treatment in the case of problems, you can have a luscious, green lawn, free of turfgrass fungal problems.

Casey Coke is a Marketing Manager for Natural Environmental Systems, LLC. The company is a global supplier of microbial products including compost starter and other organic soil conditioners.

Secrets of Commercial Greenhouses

2009-01-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

No matter if you are considering opening a commercial greenhouse, selling a few plants from your front yard, or simply want to grow better plants, knowing a few inside secrets of commercial greenhouses is an appealing idea. These tips from the commercial greenhouse experts can help your plants and your business flourish.

The best selling plants are annuals, herbs, and foliage plants. 6" pots sell best, and carefully pruning off discolored leaves and over-ripe blooms encourages customers to purchase more plants.

Impatiens are a very popular bedding plant. Marigolds and geraniums are good sellers as well. Ferns are terrific sellers and nearly every commercial greenhouse includes these green favorites. Include a few hydroponic vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, in your selection of plants.

If you are selling your plants to consumers, include a display of basic gardening supplies and seeds to help boost sales. A selection of gardening books and magazines is also a great way to increase your profits.

Keep a nursery log. Include important growing information for each type of plant for easy cross reference on peak times and suggested plant care.

Place fragrant plants near the entryway of the greenhouse to entice customers into the structure. Mix colorful plants in with greens to provide a visually appealing selection.

Fresh, moving air is essential to healthy plant growth, especially in winter months. Use a thermostat controlled heater to maintain temperatures of between 70-75° while ventilation flaps are open.

Take care of any standing water inside your greenhouse to prevent excessive humidity. Some commercial greenhouses will dig a ditch along the sides of the greenhouse wall to aid proper drainage and avoid standing puddles of water.

Invest in cooling pads to keep the humidity down and the soil moist. Keep in mind that using a cooling fan will decrease the overall temperature of the greenhouse by 10° for each fan used.

Growing terrific plants like commercial greenhouses is easy with a few insider tips like these. Commercial greenhouses pay top dollar for marketing and gardening experts, but you can take advantage of their secrets by observing the habits of successful commercial greenhouses.

About the Author: Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful information about greenhouses for sale and greenhouse gardening at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com

Jacaranda The Beautiful Tree

2009-01-03T06:11:00.000-08:00

Submitted by urlreader
Sun, 28 Dec 2008

Jacaranda is a kind of flowering plants and native to tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America. In many parts of the world, the blooming of this tree is welcomed as a sign of spring.

Jacaranda's size varies from 2 to 30 m tall. The leaves are bipinnate in most species, pinnate or simple in a few species. The flowers are produced in conspicuous large panicles, each flower with a five-lobed blue to purple-blue corolla. The fruit is an oblong to oval flattened capsule containing numerous slender seeds.

Several species are widely grown as ornamental plants throughout the subtropical regions of the world, valued for their intense flower displays. The most often seen is the Blue Jacaranda. Some are also commercially important. For example the Jacaranda copaia is important for its timber because of its exceptionally long bole.

Young trees are upright but assume an irregular branching pattern that produces beautifully asymmetric open crowns as the trees age. From April to June the tree covers itself with showy trumpet shaped flowers that are about 1.5 inches wide and are arranged in panicles that grow at the tips of branches.

Most jacarandas are big size trees, and are not for small properties. Occasionally certain varieties are available that are smaller and can be enjoyed in suburban yards and for patio plantings. Since this is a deciduous tree it is best planted among evergreens that will hide its bareness in the winter and provide a green backdrop for the vibrant flowers in the spring. This tree is especially impressive when reflected in the still waters of a lake.

The jacaranda boasts some of the most electric and intense colors that nature has to offer. It stays in bloom for more that 8 weeks, this makes it even more desirable. Jacaranda are inexpensive and easily available from most nurseries and garden centers in areas where it will grow.

Jacaranda prefers enriched sandy, well drained soils but is tolerant of most soil types. It is not a salt tolerant plant. It prefers bright sunny conditions. This tree will tolerate some shade but will bear fewer flowers. It likes moisture but will tolerate some drought. Doesn't like soggy or poorly drained situations. Selected varieties are grafted. But in most situations, it propagates by seed.

Pretoria in South Africa is called as The Jacaranda City due to the enormous number of Jacaranda trees planted as street trees. In flowering time the city appears purple in color. The time of year the Jacarandas bloom in Pretoria coincides with the year-end exams at the University of Pretoria, and students believe that if a Jacaranda flower drops on your head, you will pass all your exams.

The University of Queensland in the city of Brisbane in Australia has a very high concentration of the tree, and due to the impressive display of purple flowers in mid-Spring, students claim that one will not start studying for exams until the jacarandas have molted. At Sydney University, stundets claim a similar expression: By the time the jacaranda in the main quadrangle flowers, it is too late to start studying for exams.

Brisbane's hilly geography allows views of the city and suburbs in which the brightly coloured flowers can be easily seen for miles. The jacaranda has become a part of the city's identity, despite the fact that it only flowers from September through October.

About 70 years ago, when new mothers leaving the hospital, they were given a jacaranda sapling to plant. People believe that is the main reason for the Jacaranda's proliferation in Brisbane.

The city of Grafton on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, is also famous for its Jacarandas. Every October the city has a Jacaranda festival during the period of full bloom.

Jacaranda is also popular throughout most of southern California. In California, jacarandas are known as the trees that bloom twice a year, although the fall bloom is generally not as striking as the spring bloom.

Jacarandas were introduced to Israel over 50 years ago, where they are in full bloom during May. They are popular and can be found in cities all over Israel.

Weedless Gardening

2008-12-27T16:37:00.001-08:00

This article will give you a few good ideas for dealing with weeds in your garden. One of the most frustrating things about gardening is the appearance of weeds. If your flowers and plants are thriving, chances are the weeds are too. So what do you do to get rid of these pesky problems?

The first steep in getting a weed free garden is to get rid of any existing weeds by pulling them out by the roots. Do this as early in the season as possible. It is easier to pull up seedlings than to pull full grown weeds. Watering the ground first may make the process easier. Once the weed is pulled, dispose of it. Do not leave it laying on the ground to release seeds that will cause more weeds to grow. If the weed seems to have a long root, dig it with a spade or gardening knife. Weeds that are growing amidst plants may be loosened by inserting a screwdriver into the ground and loosening the soil around the weed and then just pull it out.

Once the weeds are removed from your garden, cover it with mulch. This will provide ground cover and discourage weeds from growing. A good mulch can be a combination of wood chips, garden compost or straw.

Another method to discourage weed growth is the newspaper method. Lay newspapers on your garden as a ground cover and then you can spread mulch or topsoil on top of it. The good thing about newspaper is that it is cheap and completely biodegradable. Newspaper is also easier to plant in. It rips easily, so it is easy to form small holes to place your flowers in. You can also buy landscape cover at any nursery or major department store. The landscape cover works well also, but it can be a bit of a pain to cut holes in which to plant your flowers. If you have a big area to cover, landscaping cover can become quite expensive.

There are also weed killers on the market that you can use to kill the weeds in your garden. Make sure that you read all instructions carefully and that the weed killer will not harm your existing plants or the neighbor's cat. There are different types of weed killer on the market. Some will kill only the top growth of the weeds and others are designed to kill the weed down to the root.

The best way to get ahead of your weed problem is to thoroughly weed your garden early in the season. Cover it with a few layers of mulch and then keep the weeds under control by weeding at least once a week. Face it, weeds are always going to be around, but you can show them who's the boss!

This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory for educational purposes ONLY! It cannot be reprinted or redistributed under any circumstances.

Soil Bacteria's Role in Soil Conditioning

2008-12-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

Bacteria are the unsung heroes of gardening. Without bacteria, gardeners would not have the rich, loamy soil in which plants grow without bounds. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that chemically digest organic matter in soils into smaller nutrient components in forms available to plants. There are hundreds of thousands of different kinds of bacteria, and many types of bacteria can digest hundreds of different forms of organic matter into humus. The bacteria are able to do this because they can produce many different types of enzymes to digest different compounds. Bacteria in Soil vs. Bacteria in Compost
Each type of bacteria works best under certain conditions. In a cool compost pile, or in garden soil, bacteria that thrive in cool conditions will form the bulk of the bacterial population. In hot compost, other bacteria that can survive the high temperatures dominate. When considering a bacterial soil conditioner, keep in mind the way in which you plan to use the conditioner. Understand the bacteria you are adding, if you are adding bacteria as soil conditioners, so that you add the right kind of bacteria. Once conditions change drastically, bacteria that cannot function in those conditions will perish. (Bacteria are not very mobile, unless they have water to float along in or wind to carry them.) The upside of bacterial immobility is that they will stay and multiply in place as long as conditions are favorable.

Bacteria for Soil Structure Improvement

Using a bacterial soil conditioning program not only helps with nutrient availability, it also helps to improve soil structure. Soils with poor structure benefit as bacteria breaks down soil compounds and the soil re-aggregates. Spaces for air and water will open up, and the structure of the soil will become more uniform.

Add Beneficial Bacteria for Oxygenation

Well structured soils provide plants with necessary oxygen in the root zone. Plants use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, but they use oxygen for respiration, which is the process whereby plants break down stored sugars and starches to use as energy for growth. They get their oxygen by absorbing it in the root zone. Soils with good structure have plenty of spaces for oxygen. Soils without structure or organic matter generally do not have enough oxygen. When the plant cannot successfully undergo respiration, it cannot grow well.

Not all Bacteria is Good Bacteria

There are beneficial bacteria and there are bacteria that spread diseases. For bacteria to aid in soil conditioning, they need to be beneficial. Not just any bacteria will do. You can’t really open your refrigerator, grab something old and throw it in the garden! You need the type of bacteria that will function well in your soil, in your climate, to decompose organic matter. Good bacteria does something other than break down organic matter. Good bacteria in soil is instrumental in keeping harmful fungi and viruses at bay. Be careful about your source for garden bacteria. Many will sing the praises of compost tea for adding bacteria to your soil, but these teas can also add pathogens that will harm your plants. If adding bacteria to your soil, it is best to go with a reputable source that can provide beneficial bacteria that will produce results.

Casey Coke is a Marketing Manager for Natural Environmental Systems, LLC. The company is a global supplier of humic acid and other organic soil conditioners

Fruit Tree Care Tips

2008-12-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

If you have just planted a new fruit ranking, I think it is anodyne to think you are not yet an authority on the subject. More fruit leaves die in their beginning days due to destitute treatment habits than any disease or pestilence. Therefore it is essential that you understand how to fear for plants in a way that will guarantee their abrupt star as well as upcoming good strength.
During the first stages of the ranking's life, the roots, coffer, and twigs have not yet totally urbanized to an identity supporting asset. Therefore, if your ranking is budding fruits, occasionally the mutual influence is enough to instant off a full sphere. If this is the instance, you should supply outdoor stanchion for your kindling - sustain them up with boards, or tie them to something at a superior altitude. While you can impart your ranking the provision it desires in these early living, it should grow to be independent in no time at all.

Proper diet is not only crucial for the production of healthful fruits, but is also required for the hierarchy to outlive longer than one spell. The thorough specifications contrast with the vicinity, climate, and kind of ranking, but I've found that there is no better well than a nursery worker. Maybe they're just eager to vend you the right style of fertilizer, but in my experience they are almost never mistaken. Just notify them about the conditions your ranking is living in and how well it is looking, and they should be able to help you find something to upgrade the majestic of your ranking.

Much people think that the only way to ensure a hierarchy's healthiness is to grant it insane amounts of water. This is not the issue at all. As a count of fact, bountiful too much water to a hierarchy can be more unsafe than making it go thirsting. At the best it will have a damaging provoke on the choice of the fruit. Nevertheless at nastiest, your intact hierarchy could die and foil you from ever mounting fruit in the potential. So do not ever try to elucidate your problems by bountiful it masses of water! Solve your tree's health problems at the ransack, so to speak. Go to where the puzzle originates from, and fix that.

If it is too behind and you're already initial to see unhealthy kindling that look whichever unwell or smashed, you should always subtract them. If the tree slaughter nutrients by sending them out to the side that cannot be saved, it is practically throwing away all the nutrients that it could use on the other, recovered branches. When you advantage to see a separate that is deteriorating or becoming unhealthy, chop it off right away. At the very least, edge down the unhealthy part but permit all the segments that still look like they could prolong growing.

Once your tree has happening to write the option juncture, never delay any of the fruit on the ground that touch to accident. Also, be delicate to get every part off the tree. Even if it is an obnoxious looking fruit that you don't want to keep, you should still choice it and baffle it away. Once these fruits begin to rot, they bestow a textbook home for uninvited insects or diseases that can transport to the tree itself. So always memorize to gather up these fallen fruits, and foil manually a lot of eminent grief.

Getting a fruit tree and caring for it throughout its life can be a scary brief. It may even look impossible sometimes to keep footstep of all the factors that make a tree vigorous. Nevertheless if you just pay thought to the nutrients that your tree needs, you should be on a good conduit. Besides nutrients, notable out the accurate amount of watering that you should be burdened to keep your tree's thirst quenched without drowning it. Just do all these gear, and you will have a great tree that produces delicious fruits.

Grow Lights will help you Grow Award Winning Tomatoes

2008-12-16T11:31:00.001-08:00

Not every tomato enthusiast lives in Oklahoma with perfect tomato growing soil and beautiful sunlight able to grow tomatoes weighing in at seven pounds and twelve ounces (the current world record holder) so it’s important to set yourself for success if you wish to try your hand at in-door growing! Whether you plan on growing enough tomatoes to supply you through the winter months or you are in need of adequate lighting in a mid sized green house, many urbanites are turning to artificial light sources designed specifically for growing plant life.

The days of trying to position your plant racks on a windowsill in a futile attempt to catch light between the twenty-story buildings that have been strategically positioned to block all viable sunlight from your window are gone. With a small investment you’ll be set up to grow tomatoes in any room in your home. And you’ll be successful at it!

Lighting that’s suited for professional results usually comes in several pieces that require a small amount of assembly and it’s done that way so a grower can fit the right pieces together to suit their needs. First you need a lighting fixture. They come in a large array of sizes ranging from 2’ up to and surpassing 5’. Once you find a size that fits your needs you can tackle the ballast, which have an equally large amount of options for that custom growing experience. You can then cap everything off with a nice reflector to direct all that new light where it is needed the most; on your tomatoes.

If you are starting to feel a bit overwhelmed fear not: you can simply order up a kit that fits your needs. These kits are offered mainly for those people who have less demanding needs and you’ll find them to be professionally built and more than adequate for the needs of the average grower. As with the individual parts that can be purchased, the kits have a very wide range of sizes and wattage to fit any application that you could possibly dream up!

With the lighting possibilities that exist today just about any produce or plant that requires large amounts of sunlight to grow can be successfully grown in-doors and with great success. After all, the largest tomato plant in the world currently grows in doors at Epcot Center In Disney World and has produced a record-breaking harvest of over 32,000 tomatoes.

Planting And Care Of Shrubs

2008-12-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

In general, trees and shrubs are planted and cared for in the same way, the difference between them being chiefly one of height. One definition of the difference, however, is that while a tree has only one trunk, a shrub has several stems or trunks.

Not so long ago the number of reliable shrubs was quite limited, but today the many new hybrids have lengthened the list and the gardener's choice is almost endless. No matter the region, it is now possible to plant shrubs that will satisfy color needs, bloom at various seasons, cover bare spots where grass won't grow, or grow in such profusion and depth that screening purposes are served.

Shrubs are valuable to the gardener because they bridge the gap between trees and flowers. As do trees, they serve as boundary markers, soften the lines of buildings, act as a decorative background for flower beds and hide unsightly views.

Like flowers, they add character and shape to the garden, blooming forth with colorful blossoms and attracting birds with their berries. One big item in their favor is that they mature rapidly, yet remain as hardy and long-lived as trees.

Planting of shrubs is tittle different from planting of trees. Early spring is the most favorable time since it gives the plant a long spell of good growing weather to get reestablished. In the milder sections of the country, however, transplanting may be done through the winter months. In New England, evergreens may be planted in September and May, and deciduous shrubs in October and May.

Dry roots are the chief cause of planting failures, and steps should be taken to prevent this�i.e., balling and burlapping, and heeling in. After receiving shrubs from a nursery, water as soon as possible; shade them from sunshine at first, mulch the ground around them, and prune back severely.

The older the plant you get, the more severely it will have to be cut back, so that in the long run, you come out just as well buying the less expensive, smaller shrubs. Forsythia and azalea may be moved while in flower, but most plants should not.

Watering in the fall, before the ground freezes, is important for box, azalea, rhododendron, mountain laurel and broadleaf evergreens, whose leaves lose moisture in winter.

Pruning of shrubs helps to keep them young and vigorous. Rather than cutting all branches off to an even length, prune out the older branches, even though they may be sound. With lilacs, for example, use a keyhole saw, and cut as close to the ground as possible, cutting out the oldest stems.

Some shrubs need pruning every year, especially those which have dead branches as a result of winterkill. (These include some deutzias, hydrangeas, buddleia, spireas and privets.) Other shrubs such as rhododendron, azaleas, magnolia and buddleia should have the flower heads pruned off after blooming.

About the author: Paul Curran is CEO of Cuzcom Internet Publishing Group and webmaster at Trees-and-Bushes.com, providing access to their nursery supplier for a range of quality plants, trees, bushes, shrubs, seeds and garden products.Visit their trees section to find a great selection of shrubs for your garden

Gardening And Landscaping Careers

2008-11-25T06:26:00.000-08:00

If you have ever enjoyed a lush garden, fresh vegetables, a nice park, or a grassy golf course, you may have thought of a career in gardening and landscaping. There are a lot of different kinds of opportunities in this field, from actually digging in the dirt outside to planning, buying, and selling in an office or store. There are also many places to learn the trade.

Digging In The Dirt

Working outside in a natural environment is an absolute job requirement for some people. Enjoying both the sun and the rain seems better than a desk any day. Many of these people get into the gardening and landscaping fields.

The easiest job to get, but also the most backbreaking, is planting and maintenance for a landscaping company. These are the folks who are outside every season planting new flowers around office parks, stores, and parks. This work does not pay as much as more specialize work, but it is a good way to get acquainted with this kind of gardening and landscaping task.

With some training in botany and plant care, it’s possible to get a job with a little more independence – and pay. Places like botanical gardens, city parks, and college campuses need managers for their grounds departments that plan, grow, and plant each season’s display. Part of the year you may be running a greenhouse, and part you may spend mostly outside.

Perhaps the most demanding job for an individual gardener is raising a truck garden – growing food to sell to individual customers and restaurants. You must have great skills in all aspects of gardening and landscaping, and management too, to keep a garden producing enough food in every season to supply regular customers. High-end restaurants often like to serve fresh, local, organic food. But they will not buy from a gardener that has an erratic harvest schedule or that produces poor vegetables.

Places To Learn

There are many places to learn the gardening and landscaping trade. The first is just to take an entry-level job with a company or city and just learn on the job. But it is hard to move up to a position of more responsibility without some education – and not just in how to grow plants.

Many community and vocational colleges give gardening and landscaping degrees. Expect to study for two to four years, but also expect to learn all about planting, and how to run a business too. Gardening and landscaping is a great field for people who want to be self-employed.

Jerry Cahill Master gardener and author of gardening related articles. http://gardenlandscapedesigns.com/http://gardenlandscapedesigns.com/dewitt-prospun-6x300-non-woven-landscape-fabric/

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

2008-11-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

Lovely Swings for your Lovely Gardens

By: Travis Olague

What else but a swing can make your garden look so lovely and cozy? It can make your yard or garden a perfect place for relaxation in any time of the year. These outdoors types of swings can suit all ages from babies to senior people, because both children and adults love garden swings. They can enjoy swinging all year round breathing fresh air and admiring the nature around. On hot summer days swinging can cool you off. There are many types and designs of garden swings. Some of them are designed for only one person; the other swings can suit the entire family. Swings with covered tops can keep you from the sun or even rain, so you can enjoy swinging whenever you want. You will show real hospitability to your guests inviting them for a cup of nice tea or coffee in your garden, where a decorative swing can serve a perfect seat for all of you. You can sit hours talking about old good days, the weather and your children. Fresh air, friendly conversations and a soothing and relaxing effect of swinging will create the atmosphere of unity of nature and people. The negative part of it is that your guests will not wish to go home.

Garden swings are still very popular
Garden swings were and still very popular nowadays, they are used in many outdoor places, such as terraces, bars and others. You can also put them on a porch, by your garden, on a patio, in the middle of your yard. Adults can enjoy themselves while their children are busy merrily swinging back and forth. Even some of them like using swings to rock with their children or grandchildren. Swinging sets come in different shapes and sizes, and their well-constructed forms are made to be out in different types of weather. Moreover you can order a special designed swinging set, which construction can hold more than four people if you wish. The materials, used for making windup swinging sets on cranks are such as wood and metal, that is why windup swings can serve you for a pretty long time, because they are 926durable and last for years. Thanks to various styles and sizes of garden swinging sets you can choose one for your local home to make your garden or yard the most fantastic and comfortable place to relax.

Purchasing a garden swing
Purchasing a garden swing for your home is a crucial and important moment. You can buy them in specialized stores and they are also available online. The Internet gives us a great possibility to make a choice sitting home and looking through a large selection of many swings of different styles and sizes. You can find a great deal of such companies which offer you their products. Some of the less expensive garden swings can be found for less then one hundred dollars. But larger swings may cost a lot more. And it is up to you to decide which one will be the most suitable for you to decorate your place.

Author Resource:-> Our company offers a huge choice of many outdoor baby swings of several styles and sizes at excellent prices, and their well-designed forms are made to be out in several types of weather. Moreover you can request a special designed baby swings, which construction can hold more than four people if you want. Go ahead, make your selection.

Article From Free Article Publishing

2008-11-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

Beefsteak tomatoes gardening

There is absolutely nothing better than a fresh tomato out of your garden. You start by planting a beefsteak tomato plant and nurture it daily with fertilizer, water and weeding. Finally, you notice the hint of a small fruit on the plant. The days seem endless as you check the plants daily for signs of red, finally after the long wait; there it is the ripe, red delicious beefsteak. Even after the first ten tomatoes, each one is still a marvel.

The growing season of the beefsteak tomato is about 85 days to the first harvest. These hefty delicious globes continue to produce from late summer until the first heavy frost. Covering the tomatoes with thick amounts of leaves in the fall allow you to extend the growing season.

You can grow your own seedlings or purchase them at the store. If your garden is large, a makeshift greenhouse in the basement of your home is far more economical. Purchase an inexpensive shop light and put a grow light instead of florescent bulb into the light. Follow the directions on the package for planting. It’s best to use a small plastic starter container for large numbers of plants. Use a good planting soil created for starting seed. Make sure you have adequate drainage.

Before you plant the tomatoes, make sure that the soil has adequate fertilizer. Add a good nitrogen rich fertilizer after you till the ground and then lightly turn the soil once more. Adding compost to the soil is a good idea if the soil is hard clay or sandy.

Plant the seedlings outside after the danger of frost is past. Plant them four to six feet apart. If they are too close, there is a potential for water borne fungal diseases like fusarium and verticillim wilt, that turn the leaves yellow and brown. You’ll need to plant the beefsteak tomato seedlings an inch or two deeper than they were in the container. Remove any lower leaves if necessary. This encourages a healthier root system. If your soil is low in calcium, add some before planting beefsteak tomatoes. This deters blossom end rot, those black spots at the bottom of the tomato.

Several types of pests attack tomatoes at different points and do different types of damage. Some pests attack the leaves or bore into either the fruit or buds. Tomato fruitworm, tobacco budworm, tomato pinworm and vegetable leafminer are these types of pests. Pests that chew both holes in leaves and fruits are blister beetles, cabbage loopers, Colorado potato beetles, flea beetles and hornworms. Sapsuckers, which cause fruit to deform, and defoliation are aphids, thrips and greenhouse whiteflies. Cutworms and Southern potato wireworms feed on the lower stems and roots.

When you have planted beefsteak tomatoes, expect the tomatoes to start ripening all at once. you can’t use them all, you can freeze them whole. Simply wash, core the center and put into a freezer bag. When you’re ready to use them, rinse them under warm water and pull off the outer skin. These tomatoes aren’t good for salads but great in cooked dishes. If you expect a frost before the end of harvest, bring the green tomatoes indoors and wrap them in newspaper. Store these in a cool area and allow them to slowly ripen.

Tracy Ballisager provide info on gardening. See her website for tips on tomato growing Tomato Plant Diseases.html

To read more on gardening tips go to gardening help

Author:
Tracy Ballisager provide info on gardening. See her website for tips on tomato growing Tomato Plant Diseases.html

To read more on gardening tips go to gardening help

Terms: Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live

Source: www.articledepot.co.uk

Your Garden Must Be Safe For Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

2008-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Do you think your garden is safe for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Some people consider their garden as their little sanctuary - a place where they can relax and enjoy the serenity and beauty the nature brings. However, as much as it is relaxing for humans, the garden may not be a safe place for our furry friends after all.

Based on studies, there are 700 plants that can possibly harm our pets because of enough toxic in them. Also, while a plant may not be toxic to pets, it can cause allergic reactions and cause discomfort to your dogs. As a responsible dog owner and a plant lover as well, it is important that you learn how to identify what plants are dangerous to your dog's well-being.

First in line is dieffenbachia. Named after a German physicist, Ernst Dieffenbach, the plant is considered one of the deadliest plants on earth. The plant will cause serious reaction when come in contact with an animal's mouth, tongue or throat. If chewed, swelling can occur along with a temporary inability to speak, mouth irritation, upset stomach, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures and eventually death.

Other plants dangerous to pets include:

Amaryllis. Symptoms of toxicity include diarrhea, excessive salivation, depression, tremors and vomiting.

Asparagus fern. Clinical signs include allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea.

Azalea. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death.

Christmas rose. Signs of toxicity include abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, convulsions and delirium.

Daffodil. Belongs to amaryllidaceae family, toxicity of daffodil causes severe gastrointestinal disorders, convulsions, shivering, hypotension, dermatitis, muscular tremors and cardiac arrhythmias.

Gladiolas. Clinical signs include vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), excessive salivation and abdominal pain.

yacinth. Clinical signs include intense vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), depression and tremors.Hydrangea. The rootstock causes vomiting, depression, anorexia, diarrhea, increase in heart rate and increase in body temperature.

Morning glory. Signs of toxicity include diarrhea, frequent urination, hallucination and nausea.

Other common plants dangerous to pets are cactus, chrysanthemums, daphne, jasmine, nettles, sweet peas and wandering Jew.

Plants are good to look at. A pot of your favorite flower adds beauty and color inside the house. But you must remember that this beauty could be your dog's way to danger, to death even. So learn to choose what's safe and not. Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is at stake.

About the author:
Richard Cussons writes information articles on different breeds of dog such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Find out Cavalier King Charles Spaniel information here... Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/1718

7 Liter Green

2008-10-17T05:10:00.001-07:00

A few great landscaping tips

2008-10-16T13:20:00.001-07:00

Landscaping has become an art with many companies offering to transform the inside and outside of a home from the kitchen to the garden patio. Along with interior decorating, many professionals will also change the look of your garden along with the rooms by using garden design software, paving slabs and plants to make your garden patio spectacular. The courtyard or veranda is an extension of the home and the living space is extended to the outdoors.

Decorating, landscaping and paving will not only improve pride in your home, but it will increase the resale value. The first impression that potential house buyers will have is the outside of your home and it could guarantee the sale when they see the well maintained yard. The impression of care and time taken to maintain the outside of a property impresses many people. Paving slabs can now be custom made to make your garden patio a living space to be proud of. Faced with choices such as cobblestones, concrete and other flooring materials to line the patio, various factors must be taken into account such as the weather conditions, traffic through the area, children, animals and affordability. Function should be weighed against aesthetics and decisions should be made about the main use of the area. If it is to be a playing area for the children, grass and carpeting would be a softer surface to fall on, but if the area is used for outdoor cooking, a non-stick and non-slip surface would be ideal to wipe stains. Paving slabs can be installed by the home owner if they are cut to the correct measurements. Paving professionals develop paving products, layout patterns and installation services to suit budgets. Redecorating the patio could be a family affair and everybody could get involved in transforming the garden patio. This project can become a nightmare and research and preparation such as reading gardening books, studying design software and consulting an expert is recommended before taking the veranda apart. Time lines should be set as adhered to just as it would be managed if done by a professional to prevent your garden becoming overgrown or a storage area for gardening equipment instead of the entertainment haven it was planned to be. Garden design software that is easily comprehended can be successfully used for private garden designing and the 3d feature can help to visualize the end product. Pre-designed objects, material textures, plant encyclopedias and photo editors allows you to design houses, decks, fencing, yards, gardens, swimming pools, water features and other patio features. The final touches can be put into the garden electronically before the manual labor begins. It is up to the home owner to decide who will do the work to make the 3d tour come to life in the garden.

Landscaping is quite simply the ability of sculpting a garden or backyard that the home owner will be proud of. When one is attempting to grow a picturesque garden, the preparation is a vital aspect, so that problems can be avoided in the future. The art of landscaping is a way of painting the world around one beautiful and livable. We can influence nature in a manner that is more practical and pleasing, enlarging our territory beyond the brick and mortar of the home.

About the author:

If you are loking for more information on Garden patio or Paving slabs please visit this links and you will find great Garden design software Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/233

Fine Gardening Secrets Revealed

2008-10-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

I hope you don't think I'm a bad person for admitting this to you. I was feeling a little bit jealous of my sister. Let me explain...

Every year, I visit my sister Joan in Houston -- and every year, her garden just keeps getting even more beautiful. On my last visit, she had a dazzling display of fabulous cutting flowers that absolutely took my breath away.

When she saw how impressed I was -- and how inquisitive I was about how she had created such a magnificent garden -- Joan finally let me in on her secret. It's a secret that just a small number of avid gardeners had kept to themselves for years.But the secret isn't a secret anymore.It's Fine Gardening magazine!

Fine Gardening is the magazine dedicated to gardening enthusiasts like you and me who want to surround ourselves with beauty, but need some guidance to achieve our dream gardens! With the inspiration and information found only in Fine Gardening, your garden will thrive like never before with colorful, abundant spreads of your favorite flowers!

I want to share the secret and also tell you about Fine Gardening because it's the perfect companion for every gardener -- no matter where you live, no matter if your available gardening space is a window box or an acre of fertile ground!

Here's why: The expert advice and techniques you get exclusively in Fine Gardening are brought to you by botanists, entomologists, nursery specialists, commercial growers, curators, landscape architects and groundskeepers, so you can be assured that you're getting accurate, tested, reliable information that you can use to cultivate everything from the simple to the spectacular.As you can see, Fine Gardening knows what's important to gardeners like you and me!With well wishes for your own fabulous flowers,

About the Author
Sally Summers is Editorial Director at www.BlueDolphin-Magazines.com and www.Magazine-Supermarket.com. You can read her weekly blog at http://sallysummers.blogspot.com where she talks about today's most popular magazines and how they can enrich your daily life.

Southern Patio Round Offset Umbrella Canopy

2008-10-12T20:02:00.001-07:00

white small butterfly house

2008-10-12T19:54:00.001-07:00

yardiac Gift Certificate

2008-10-10T11:30:00.001-07:00

Artificial Grass For Easy Lawn

2008-10-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Maintaining a lawn can be really time and efforts taking as you have to spend much time on mowing, trimming, spraying, and fertilizing the grass. You pay bills for watering and electricity. When you are going on holidays you ask your neighbors to take care of your lawn. And when you finally have the ideal lawn of your dream you are afraid that kids or pets can disturb or damage it.

Is there a way for having easy lawn without extra maintenance efforts and problems?

Yes, if you use artificial grass. Artificial grass (artificial turf) is a pioneering product made of polymer fibers that offers the opportunity to own a healthy lush looking, practically no maintenance lawn all year round. With artificial lawn never again you will have to look at ugly scorched grass in the summer, you will never have to water the grass and it stays green and lush all year round. Artificial lawn is child friendly that makes it perfect for playing and rolling on as well as for picnics and inflatable swimming pools, and such lawn is pets-friendly and proof as well.

Artificial turf may be applied to any size or shaped garden including roof terraces and patios and it is the perfect answer to muddy patches that arise in shaded areas, and moss does not easily occur. Thanks to the very strong back on which the grass is attached, roots have no chance as they cannot grow through. This applies also for moles. They will stay underneath the grass.

Artificial grass is the best choice for a natural looking lawn at your vacation residence. The advantages for installation of the grass at your vacation residence are:- Cost savings in maintenance; you won't need time of your gardener to cut, maintain and water your lawn. - Cost savings in water use; you will drastically decrease your water bill! On average you can save up to 50% of your water use. Especially when your bill is scaled pro-rated on your water use, this can have a tremendous impact on your monthly water bill.- Tranquility; during your stay at your vacation residence, you will be less bothered by maintenance people in your garden since artificial grass needs no mowing or watering or other weekly maintenance.

Always green, your lawn at your vacation residence will always look perfectly green and well maintained with artificial grass. Water sprinkler systems could fail during your absence, or even your water flow could be stopped for any reason. Natural grass would rapidly become yellow and die. With artificial one, you won't need to worry about this any more.

Is it fire safe?High quality artificial turf must comply with the most severe norms for fire safety. Artificial grass is also used in the aviation industry next to runways. Of course elaborate tests with flammable liquids have been done and the results of these tests were satisfying. Just like on carpet, when for instance coals fall unexpected on artificial grass, the coals will leave scorch marks, but hot coals will not set the grass on fire.

Does it need any maintenance?

Like almost anything, artificial grass needs maintenance as well. Though, the maintenance will be minimal. The special coated quartz sand, especially when the grass is used intensively, will compact after course of time. Therefore, it is advised to fill up the grass again with the quartz sand once a year. Furthermore, it is required that all natural debris, like leaves and seeds, are removed when necessary from the grass to prevent weeds coming up. If weeds however do come up, they can be removed by using a rank. The roots of the weeds can never grow deeper than 2 centimeters since the grass is manufactured on an anti-weed fabric.

To clean artificial lawn a blower can be used without any problems. Due to the fact that the grass is very even, the leaves will be blown away easily by use of a blower. When a leave plunger is used, it is very important to use it carefully to prevent plunging the infill sand.

Artificial grass is not damaging for the environment. Even better, it helps the environment as it does not need any water, pesticides, fertilizing or mowing. That makes a great difference, especially with the hot summers, and in dry and water restricted areas in countries around the Mediterranean sea, artificial grass can save tremendous amounts of scarce water that is being used for watering natural grass. Of course, artificial grass needs to be recycled in an appropriate way after its use.How to choose artificial grass for easy lawn?

Choose high quality product that will ensure beautiful color in all weathers, season after season, year after year. To ensure lasting color of the lawn, the artificial grass must have no fade guarantee. For safe usage it must be made of non-toxic materials. Ask about installation as only specialists can properly install artificial turf taking care of the optimal drainage and surface preparation, after which the grass will be installed and with an eye for detail it is finished on the site.

Source: Free Articles

About the Author
Julia Ramyalg EasyPlants & EasyLawns is sells online Artificial Grass Royal Grass? - safe, child and pets friendly and proof product with 10-years of No Fade Guarantee. View and buy it online at http://www.easyplants.co.uk

Amazing Robotic Lawn Mower

2008-10-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

The days of the Lawn Mower tasks on Sunday are long gone, no more family arguments about chores and duties and work in the hot sun... the robotic lawn mower operating rights is something your kids will have fights on for some time. This futuristic invention was something you could only dream about twenty years ago, when lawn mower designs were constantly trying to impress the public, when you will have one of those circular disks that shoot across your yard, gently humming and leaving grass clippings in its wake you will feel like your in a robotic dream.

Did you think you were dreaming? Well, you are not. Welcome to the twenty-first century and the advent of the robotic lawn mower. This is no space invaded robot, the robotic lawn mower is self-propelled, battery powered mower that can be programmed to cut your grass all on its own. All you need to do is to set the parameters and the time of day that you would like the lawn to be cut and wait for the robot to go do its thing. Some of the robots can run up to an hour on their powered batteries and when they are done, they return to their docking station to begin charging for its next session, as a obedient worker should do.

Another great feature is that you can program robotic lawn mower to mow in several ways, thus it can follow your mowing plan. You can tell it to begin on the perimeter and work its way to the interior, or it can begin in a spot in the center and work its way outward. Some people like to have the robotic lawn mower to move in a crisscross pattern, creating your own little backyard fairway pattern, maybe even encourage you to work on your approach golf game. Doesn't the idea of having a small private golf course in the backyard sound nice?.

A robotic lawn mower has several advantages over its noisy, manual, gas-powered classic designed lawn mower cousins. The prime advantage here is naturally the fact that you do not have to do anything other than watch the amazing technology as it winds its way through the yard. The other, more mundane advantage is that robotic lawn mowers are quieter, their gas or oil use are nothing and would not cost you anything, and they are as "green" as you can possibly be, they will not harm the environment m and would not pollute your backyard.

What about those flowers bordering the walk or the maple tree in the middle of the yard? Do not worry. Robotic mowers are equipped with sensors that can detect an object in its path. The flowers, the trees, and even your pets are safe from the wrath of the modern robotic lawn mower. They can operate on just about any slope and most are fully guarded from the elements. So, if a shower breaks out on your mower, it will live to fight those dandelions another day.

Source: Free Articles

About the Author

Daniel Roshard is a designer that has been enchanted by outdoors and garden design, he is currently writing Lawn Mower articles for http://lawnmower.zupatips.com/

Killing Crabgrass

2008-10-09T08:11:00.001-07:00

Once Crabgrass gets foothold in your lawn it can be
difficult to fend off (even with the best pre-emergent control products!)
However it can be done! Here
is what we recommend!

The first step is to purchase our Crabgrass
Killer! This chemical is formulated to specifically attack
the roots of crabgrass! It is a
Post-emergence control for grassy weeds in Bermuda, zoysia and bluegrass lawns.
It kills crabgrass, sandbur, dallisgrass, johnsongrass, goosegrass,
barnyardgrass and more.

This concentrate and will cover up to 4,000 square feet!
For Blue Grass mix 2 oz (4 tablespoons) in 1 gallon of water to cover 200
sq. ft. Spot treat the areas that are infested with crabgrass.

The second step is critical for optimal application --
always mix a "Spreader Sticker" with the weed killing chemical.

The "spreader sticker" we recommend is called Wilt
Pruf. Mixing a spreader sticker (1 oz. per gallon) with a weed
killer will ensure the chemical spreads over the entire foliage area and then
sticks! As an added benefit, it
will keep an application from washing off during an unexpected spring rain
storm!

The weed should begin to wilt and brown within 5 days --
spot treat as needed every two weeks until you have killed off that nasty
crabgrass! It should not take more than 2-3 applications to wipe out event he
most mature crabgrass.

A couple of other notes: For best results, apply Crabgrass
Killer to the lawn in the morning (after dew has dried) on a sunny, calm day to
allow maximum absorption of the weed killer.
Higher temperatures result in a quicker uptake of this product for faster
control. However, do not apply
Crabgrass Killer if temperatures exceed 90 degrees. If daytime temperatures are
expected to exceed 90 degrees, apply the product in early morning when it is
cooler.

The combination of these two products will take care of
your weed problem!

Click
Here to Learn More about Crabgrass Killer

Click
Here to Learn More About Wilt Pruf.

Proper Pruning techniques

2008-10-09T08:07:00.001-07:00

Pruning is a vital part of plant and tree care. This task can be confusing so we developed the following guide to help you prune properly.

Three basic tools suffice for most pruning jobs: shears, loppers, and a pruning
saw. Keep them sharp for clean cuts; disinfect after pruning diseased material.

1. When Do Roses Need To Be Pruned?

Prune in winter or early spring when plants are still dormant. Prune plants to maintain symmetrical
bushes and to encourage strong new growth. Cut back all
previous years growth as much as one-third its length. Remove branches that cross through center and remove plants understock.
Also prune weak and dead stems as needed. This will also encourage strong new growth.

2. When Do Crepe Myrtles Need To Be Pruned?

The best time to prune crepe myrtles is in February. Prune out twiggy stems and any dead wood. Thin out
crossing or crowding branches in the plants center. If tree form,
prune lower branches. Prune top to maintain symmetry. Each year
after flowering, cut 12 to 18 inches off the tips of branches that have bloomed.

3. When Do Hollies Need To Be Pruned?

Prune in winter or early spring mostly to shape plants. Cut back wayward branches and prune
out weak unproductive dead stems as needed.

4. When Do Butterfly Bushes Need To Be Pruned?

Butterfly bushes bloom in summer on new
spring growth. They can be pruned in late winter or early spring. By
pruning old blooms you will encourage new flowers. Also prune out old dead
and unproductive branches.

5. When Do Hydrangeas Need To Be Pruned?

Hydrangeas fall into two groups.
Some you prune in early spring and others after the flowers fade.

Early Spring Pruning

Hydrangeas bloom on new growth. These plants are Climbing
Hydrangea, Annabelle, Grandiflora, and PeeGees.
After-Bloom Pruning

Hydrangeas bloom on last years stems. These include Bigleaf
Hydrangeas, Oakleaf Hydrangeas, Lacecaps, SummerBeauty, and Nikko
Blue. Pruning should be done when the flower has faded. Cut back the flowering stems to the strongest pair of new shoots. As plants mature, begin to thin out the oldest woody stems. Remove crowded crossing, broken, or dead branches.

6. When Do Clematis Need To Be Pruned?

Clematis can be put in three
categories: Spring-flowering, summer-flowering , and twice-flowering.

Spring-blooming

Clematis produce flowers on stems that grew during the previous year.
Prune when flowers are done blooming. Cut back the flowers that are
now dead. Prune out any old dead stems as well.
Summer-blooming

Plants bloom on new growth produced in the spring. Cut back stems before new growth begins. Late autumn or early spring is a good time to prune. Cut back about 12 inches of old growth. Each year the vine will grow larger and stronger.
Twice-blooming

Plants first bloom in spring on stems produced the previous year.
Late summer or fall will be the next bloom time. In late fall or very early spring, prune lightly to thin the stems. After the spring bloom, prune more heavily for more healthy stems to develop for the next bloom. After a second bloom, prune old flowers away.

7. When Do Fruit Trees Need To Be Pruned?

The most common fruit trees are apple, peach, pear and cherry.

Apple Trees

Apple trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Always remove all suckers (summer is a great time).
Also remove dead and other unproductive branches as needed.
Peach Trees

Peach trees are fast growing and need to be pruned in winter.
Without pruning the peaches will grow farther away from the tree's center.
This will put great strain on the branches, causing them to break. In winter, thin out upward-growing branches that cross in tree's center.
Pear Trees

Prune back in early spring. Always prune dead and unproductive
branches as needed.
Cherry Trees

Prune in winter. Prune out branches that cross in center and dead unproductive branches as needed.

8. When Do Azaleas and Rhododendrons Need To Be Pruned?

They can be pruned in winter or early spring.
However pruning at this time will prevent plants from producing many blooms. The best time to prune azaleas and rhododendrons is just after their blooming period in spring. If you prune
at this time , no additional pruning will be necessary.

9 When Do Junipers Need To Be Pruned?

Junipers need very minimal pruning. They should be pruned to correct their shape, to accent their form, or to limit their size. This should be done during the juniper's growing stages
in mid-summer.

10. When Do Flowering Trees Need To Be Pruned?

Flowering trees should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Prune as little as possible. Dead branches, branches that cross in the center, and branches that are unproductive should be pruned out.

Three basic tools suffice for most pruning jobs: shears, loppers, and a pruning
saw. Keep them sharp for clean cuts; disinfect after pruning diseased material.

Gardening: Growing Great Tomatoes

2008-10-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

For many people, growing big juicy tomatoes is part of what makes vegetable gardening so enjoyable. Whether purchasing plants from your local nursery or starting tomatoes from seed, there are a few basic steps to follow to ensure that you harvest an abundant crop at the end of the growing season. There are many different varieties of tomatoes to choose from, depending on whether you will be cooking, canning, slicing, or eating miniature or grape-like varieties right off the vine. Sweet 100's are very abundant, and are good for salads as well as eating fresh from the garden. Roma tomatoes are good for making salsa, because the peels are not as tough as others so you don't need to peel the skins off. Romas are also known as the classic paste and sauce tomato. There are Early Girls, Early Boys, Big Boys, Big Mamas, Sweet Baby Girls, Beefsteaks, French Rose hybrids, Big Rainbow, specialty tomatoes and many more. So start by choosing the kind of tomato you would like to grow.

Planting Tomatoes from Seeds

Tomatoes grown from seed will require six to eight weeks before they can be planted in the garden. Purchase individual containers or flats, starter soil or mixture, and the seeds of your choice. Fill each container with soil, pressing it tightly to remove air and to avoid settling problems after watering. Typically, seed companies print instructions for planting right on the tomato seed package. Each variety is a little different so follow instructions carefully.
Prepare a label identifying the type of tomato and the date started. You can make your own from Popsicle sticks or purchase them at the store or garden center.
Insert your label in the pot and mist with water. Place containers in a sunny window and keep seeds moist by placing a plastic bag over them. Small greenhouse containers are also available at your local nursery. Watch for seeds to germinate and remove plastic when plants emerge. Wean out weaker looking seedlings to give strong ones more room to grow. Keep moist by misting or watering tomatoes when needed. When plants have a second pair of leaves it is time to transplant these seedlings to your garden or a large pot in which they are to grow.
It is a good idea to harden off or acclimatize a plant to outdoor conditions before planting by setting it out in direct sun during the day and bringing it in at night. After a few days, the tomato plant will have adapted to the new surroundings and can be transplanted in the desired location. Place plants directly outdoors after the threat of frost in a shady location, out of the wind and protected from heavy rains.

Purchasing Started Plants

If you prefer to purchase plants from your garden center or greenhouse, select dark green plants that are stocky in size and that do not have any fruit. The fruit will stunt the plant growth and the total yield will be reduced. Tomatoes are one of the few plants that will tolerate being planted deeper than they sit in the pot. So a taller plant can be placed a little deeper if preferred. As mentioned, harden off the plant before moving it to a final location.
Preparing Garden Soil For Tomato Plants The soil should be deep, loamy, and well-drained for the best harvest. Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. The term pH balance refers to acidity or the alkalinity of your soil from a numerical scale of 1.0 to 14.0. The neutral point on the pH scale is 7.0. Higher than 6.5 indicates alkaline soil, lower than that indicates acidic soil.
Test kits are available at garden centers or through local horticultural organizations. To raise the soil's pH, work agriculture lime into the soil. Use sulfur to lower the pH of alkaline soil. Using fertilizers and compost amendments will also change the soil's pH over time. Adding decomposed organic compost will improve any soil structure. You can purchase or make your own compost. Once you have cultivated your garden area and prepared the soil, it is ready for the plantings.

Planting The Tomatoes

Inspect all of the transplants, looking for insects, wilting or blight. Plant only healthy plants. Tomatoes prefer full sun, so choose an area with at least six to eight hours of sun per day. Practice crop rotation in your vegetable gardening by planting tomatoes and other vegetables in a different spot every year. Tomatoes prefer to be planted by chives, parsley, marigolds, nasturtiums, garlic bulbs, and carrots. Avoid planting tomatoes by potatoes or members of the cabbage family.
For large healthy tomatoes, give them plenty of room to grow. Space plants twenty-four inches between rows and leave twenty-four inches between plants. With your shovel or spade, make holes slightly larger than the plants. Tap gently on the bottom of the individual container, loosening the soil and gently removing from the pot. Tomatoes are susceptible to cutworms, but placing a 3-4 inch nail next to each stem before planting or wrapping strips of newspaper around the bottom of the stems will help prevent these pests. A paper cup surrounding the stem also works well.
Place tomato plant in hole and back fill with soil until it is well compacted. Place a rack or cage around each individual plant to help support future growth. Water around the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage. Do not over water or soak the seedlings as this can promote disease and rot.

Water early in the day to discourage blight.

Using a rake, spread organic mulch, such as weed-free straw, over plants at least two inches deep. These is an effective way to prevent weeds, preserve water and keep the soil warm, thus reducing the maintenance required for vegetable gardening. Fertilize the plants throughout the growing season with compost or organic matter. Water when needed and inspect leaves periodically for the signs of tomato blight and insects. If blight is discovered, remove any infected leaves and destroy them.

Treat plant with a fungicide.

Be sure to remove all debris from your garden in the fall, as blight can survive on the dried tomatoes over the winter.
Most tomatoes take 100-days to bear fruit, so follow these easy directions and get ready to harvest the fruits of your labors and enjoy that first BLT of the season.

Items Needed For Growing Tomatoes:
- Tomato seeds or plants - Containers or flats - A small greenhouse kit or plastic bags - Starter soil or mixture - Marking pen - Popsicle sticks or labels - Rake - Spade and shovel - Water, sun, adequate soil and patience

About the author: Karen Gross is a professional gardener and design consultant. She writes for www.vegetable-gardening-4u.com, providing valuable tips and advice about s eed companies, greenhouse kits and other vegetable gardening topics.

Square Cast Iron Plant Trolley

2008-10-02T06:48:00.001-07:00

Picking a Healthy Plant

2008-10-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

However, this method is a lot more risky. I can't tell you how many seeds I've planted and never seen any trace of whatsoever.
If you choose to buy the plant from a nursery and install it in your garden, it reduces a lot of the work involved in making it healthy. However, I have found in the past that many incompetent nursery workers will absolutely ruin the future of the plant by putting certain chemicals or fertilizers in. I have adapted to this incompetence by learning to choose the healthiest plant of the bunch. Here I will discuss some of the techniques I use in my screening process for plants.

It may sound superficial, but the one thing you need to check for on your prospective plants is how nice they look. As far as plants go, you can truly judge a book by its cover. If a plant has been treated healthily and has no diseases or pests, you can almost always tell by how nice it looks. If a plant has grown up in improper soil, or has harmful bugs living in it, you can tell from the holey leaves and wilted stems.
If you're browsing the nursery shelves looking for your dream plant, you want to exclude anything that currently has flowers. Plants are less traumatized by the transplant if they do not currently have any flowers. It's best to find ones that just consist of buds. However if all you have to choose from are flowering plants, then you should do the unthinkable and sever all of them. It will be worth it for the future health of the plant. I've found that transplanting a plant while it is blooming results in having a dead plant ninety percent of the time.
Always check the roots before you plop down the money to purchase the plant. Of course if the roots are in absolutely terrible condition you will be able to tell by looking at the rest of the plant.

But if the roots are just slightly out of shape, then you probably won't be able to tell just by looking at it. Inspect the roots very closely for any signs of brownness, rottenness, or softness.

The roots should always be a firm, perfectly well formed infrastructure that holds all the soil together. One can easily tell if the roots are before or past their prime, depending on the root to soil ratio. If there are a ridiculous amount of roots with little soil, or a bunch of soil with few roots, you should not buy that plant.
If you find any abnormalities with the plant, whether it be the shape of the roots or any irregular features with the leaves, you should ask the nursery employees. While usually these things can be the sign of an unhealthy plant, occasionally there will be a logical explanation for it.

Always give the nursery a chance before writing them off as horrendous. After all, they are (usually) professionals who have been dealing with plants for years.
So if you decide to take the easy route and get a plant from a nursery, you just have to remember that the health of the plants has been left up to someone you don't know.

Usually they do a good job, but you should always check for yourself. Also take every precaution you can to avoid transplant shock in the plant (when it has trouble adjusting to its new location, and therefore has health problems in the future). Usually the process goes smoothly, but you can never be too sure.

About the Author
For more useful information about your garden visit us at Flowers Box

Greenhouse

2008-10-01T08:37:00.001-07:00

Lawn Sweeper

2008-09-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

Picking a Healthy Plant

2008-09-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

When it comes to getting started with your garden, you have two choices; planting seeds, or buying entire plants. Both have their own benefits. If you plant seeds and care for them every day, you will find it is a much more rewarding experience when you have a full, healthy plant.

However, this method is a lot more risky. I can't tell you how many seeds I've planted and never seen any trace of whatsoever.
If you choose to buy the plant from a nursery and install it in your garden, it reduces a lot of the work involved in making it healthy. However, I have found in the past that many incompetent nursery workers will absolutely ruin the future of the plant by putting certain chemicals or fertilizers in. I have adapted to this incompetence by learning to choose the healthiest plant of the bunch. Here I will discuss some of the techniques I use in my screening process for plants.

It may sound superficial, but the one thing you need to check for on your prospective plants is how nice they look. As far as plants go, you can truly judge a book by its cover. If a plant has been treated healthily and has no diseases or pests, you can almost always tell by how nice it looks. If a plant has grown up in improper soil, or has harmful bugs living in it, you can tell from the holey leaves and wilted stems.
If you're browsing the nursery shelves looking for your dream plant, you want to exclude anything that currently has flowers. Plants are less traumatized by the transplant if they do not currently have any flowers. It's best to find ones that just consist of buds. However if all you have to choose from are flowering plants, then you should do the unthinkable and sever all of them. It will be worth it for the future health of the plant. I've found that transplanting a plant while it is blooming results in having a dead plant ninety percent of the time.
Always check the roots before you plop down the money to purchase the plant. Of course if the roots are in absolutely terrible condition you will be able to tell by looking at the rest of the plant.

But if the roots are just slightly out of shape, then you probably won't be able to tell just by looking at it. Inspect the roots very closely for any signs of brownness, rottenness, or softness. The roots should always be a firm, perfectly well formed infrastructure that holds all the soil together. One can easily tell if the roots are before or past their prime, depending on the root to soil ratio. If there are a ridiculous amount of roots with little soil, or a bunch of soil with few roots, you should not buy that plant.
If you find any abnormalities with the plant, whether it be the shape of the roots or any irregular features with the leaves, you should ask the nursery employees. While usually these things can be the sign of an unhealthy plant, occasionally there will be a logical explanation for it. Always give the nursery a chance before writing them off as horrendous. After all, they are (usually) professionals who have been dealing with plants for years.
So if you decide to take the easy route and get a plant from a nursery, you just have to remember that the health of the plants has been left up to someone you don't know. Usually they do a good job, but you should always check for yourself. Also take every precaution you can to avoid transplant shock in the plant (when it has trouble adjusting to its new location, and therefore has health problems in the future). Usually the process goes smoothly, but you can never be too sure.

About the Author
For more useful information about your garden visit us at Flowers Box