Whether you're playing games in the garden or preparing for winter bulbs, give a thought to decorating your outside space. There are lots of fun and interesting things you can do without spending tons of money...
1. Wind-Chimes - There are some beautiful wind chimes on the market, and you should be able to find some that suit your style and budget. However, you could go one step further and make your own. Study how they are made, and get the kids to join in! Wind chimes are soothing and very compatible with gardening, so position your chimes well.
They must be in at least a slight draught, which you should be able to find outside with ease. Also, they can scare the birds away from your fruit bushes. Hang them on the patio and in the vegetable garden.
2. Lights and Lanterns - For those smooth hot summer nights. Choose candles for calm nights and opt for lanterns if there's a breeze about. Solar powered lights are a good choice as there aren't any cables, batteries or plugs to worry about. They must be in sunlight during the day to re-charge though. Large garden candles will burn for many hours and are available in all sorts of aroma-therapeutic scents.
3. Garden Furniture - Invest in some comfy chairs for the garden. We don't spend half as much time as we should outside, simply because we don't feel comfortable. Look at unique ways of furnishing your garden. Do you have a couple of trees a hammock could be strung between? Or how about a park-type bench with comfy cushions set under the shade of the apple tree? Whatever the style or size of your garden, look for relaxing furniture so you can fully enjoy your outside space.
4. Fake Flowers - Well, hey, we don't all have mature gardens and fresh flowers blooming all year round! If you have to resort to a little 'deception' who cares if it looks good? Hang some pretty silk flowers on a wall, or low roof or even in a tree! If nothing else, you'll keep your visitors guessing :-)
5. Colour it up - If you still need a bit of colour around the place, get the kids involved. No, I don't mean let them loose with a tin of paint and brushes... what they could do is draw some great pictures of trees, flowers, animals etc, and you can pin them around the patio area or 'blu-tak' them to a tree or two. Remember to rescue them if it rains!
6. Cut down on Big Toys - Children's outdoor toys, such as swings, slides etc; can take up loads of room in the garden, and they're not always very attractive. Look for something a little less permanent. Maybe separate items you can load away in the shed at night, or go for something completely different and build a giant chess set. Or if you really feel creative, what about a tree-house? They can always go to the park for the swings!
7. Containers - Collect large pots and grow plants you can move around the garden, every day if you like! Grow herbs and flowers and position sweet smelling plants on the patio or round your seating area. Strawberries grow very well in containers as do other useful plants. Make sure the pots aren't too heavy for you to move, or invest in a garden trolley if they are. If you grow colour co-ordinated flowers, a wonderful display can be created by positioning your pots well.
8. Wild Corner - I know this may be hard if you like a neat and tidy garden, but leaving a wild patch can be very entertaining and visually very pleasing. Nettles and other wildflowers attract butterflies and bees, and it's often suprising how delicate and colourful wildflowers can be when allowed to grow in their own space. If you're still unsure, how about building a little fence around the area and making a wooden plaque declaring it a wildlife zone...well, it was just an idea!
9. Water Features - are becoming more and more popular and also more affordable. Create a water feature that will suit your garden. Try not to be persuaded by an over-enthusiastic sales assistant trying to sell you a system that will be far too big or even too small for your outside space. Do some research before you start. There could be a fair amount of physical work involved and you should arrange some strong arm help. You could go for a full waterfall and pond or perhaps a simple water feature on your patio.
10. Rock Gardens - Rock gardens can take on different themes and colour schemes throughout the year with a little careful planning. There is again some heavy physical work involved when you're putting together your rock garden but well worth it in the end. Make sure you can get to all areas for weeding, watering etc; Try out different rock plants and flowers until you feel happy with the overall view, and even then you can change it. Nothing's set in stone!
These are just a few ideas. Let your imagination free and decorate your outside space with love. Read through the Garden Decor and Garden Ideas pages on the Flower and Garden Tips website for more ideas and resources.
About the author: Decorate your home and garden with style! More ideas and places to visit can be found at Linda's website, Flower and Garden Tips. Drop in on the home and garden page and wander round from there - Bring a cuppa! H ome and Garden
Sunday, January 20, 2008
6 Ways of Creating Your Own Composting Machine
Composting as everybody knows is not a difficult, costly and time consuming process. Even the equipments and tools involved can be made available by just reusing any of your unused items stored in your backyard. If you're not into the build from scratch or crafting ideas, ready made composting items can be purchased quite easily and cheaply. I'll show you 6 different steps on how you can start composting, with the least fanciest equipment you can find.
Method 1 : Pile
The most simplistic idea ever. The only thing you'll need is an open area, measuring at least 3' x 3' x 3' for best results. There will be no supporting structure whatsoever to accommodate your composting activities within the defined area. Just throw in your composting materials and let the nature do its work.
Method 2 : Pallets
If you can find abandoned pallets, then you're in luck. But fear not, pallets can be easily purchased if you don't have any. Get at least a minimum of 4 pallets to form a 4 sided, open-top box. You may call it as a composting well if you want. The existing structure of the pallets which have empty spaces will allow a better air circulation throughout your composting process. Install a hinge on one of the pallets to create a door for easier addition of materials and for extraction purposes.It's a good idea to secure the 4 walls of the pallets together as well as to the ground for a better hold.
Method 3 : Concrete Cinder Blocks
The only drawback of this method is acquiring your own supply of cinder blocks, but this is probably a one time investment as this strong structure will get you going on for a long time. Start by stacking the blocks as high as you see fit. Air circulation is crucial, so stagger the blocks to allow proper circulation through the sides and back of the unit. To save excessive usage of the blocks, assemble a 3 sided composting unit. Provide a supporting wooden or iron posts to stabilize the overall unit structure. For a more organized structure, and provided if you have a lot of blocks to spare, you can create a considerably huge composting unit, divided into 3 areas of storage, for fresh, maturing and finished areas.
Method 4 : Wire (chicken wire or hardware cloth)
This method is relatively easy to implement. Get a galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth approximately 10' in length and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. This measurement varies depending on the size of your unit you wish to build. You don't want to create a overly sized unit as the flimsiness of the wire structure might ruin your whole effort at certain point. Fashion the wire to form a cylinder or a well look alike structure. Get a couple of wooden or iron posts to hold the structure together. You can nail the chicken wire onto several posts on certain areas to give it a "backbone" before putting it up. Create a door with one of the ends so you'll have easy access to the contents.
Method 5 : Wood bin (single or multiple bin units)
When it comes to any conventional wood architecture, you obviously will need nails and the hammer. This method will require some carpentry skills and other tools that you may have to purchase. These units of design typically end up being larger than the other methods, so you might have to budget your available space should you want to go with this route. A permanent structure of this kind usually will require a slightly higher budget.
Method 6 : Ready-made composters
The simple buy it and use it straight away method. Nothing beats this, as you can find complete ready made composters at your local garden center or any online stores. Pre-fabricated units include tumblers, rotating barrels and boxes for the home gardener. Selection is huge, so you should have most of your options right in front of your eyes.
Happy composting!
About the author: Provided by the Websition Article Team where you will find free gardening tips to use for your website, newsletter, or ezine, all with royalty-free reprint rights. http://www.websition.com
Method 1 : Pile
The most simplistic idea ever. The only thing you'll need is an open area, measuring at least 3' x 3' x 3' for best results. There will be no supporting structure whatsoever to accommodate your composting activities within the defined area. Just throw in your composting materials and let the nature do its work.
Method 2 : Pallets
If you can find abandoned pallets, then you're in luck. But fear not, pallets can be easily purchased if you don't have any. Get at least a minimum of 4 pallets to form a 4 sided, open-top box. You may call it as a composting well if you want. The existing structure of the pallets which have empty spaces will allow a better air circulation throughout your composting process. Install a hinge on one of the pallets to create a door for easier addition of materials and for extraction purposes.It's a good idea to secure the 4 walls of the pallets together as well as to the ground for a better hold.
Method 3 : Concrete Cinder Blocks
The only drawback of this method is acquiring your own supply of cinder blocks, but this is probably a one time investment as this strong structure will get you going on for a long time. Start by stacking the blocks as high as you see fit. Air circulation is crucial, so stagger the blocks to allow proper circulation through the sides and back of the unit. To save excessive usage of the blocks, assemble a 3 sided composting unit. Provide a supporting wooden or iron posts to stabilize the overall unit structure. For a more organized structure, and provided if you have a lot of blocks to spare, you can create a considerably huge composting unit, divided into 3 areas of storage, for fresh, maturing and finished areas.
Method 4 : Wire (chicken wire or hardware cloth)
This method is relatively easy to implement. Get a galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth approximately 10' in length and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. This measurement varies depending on the size of your unit you wish to build. You don't want to create a overly sized unit as the flimsiness of the wire structure might ruin your whole effort at certain point. Fashion the wire to form a cylinder or a well look alike structure. Get a couple of wooden or iron posts to hold the structure together. You can nail the chicken wire onto several posts on certain areas to give it a "backbone" before putting it up. Create a door with one of the ends so you'll have easy access to the contents.
Method 5 : Wood bin (single or multiple bin units)
When it comes to any conventional wood architecture, you obviously will need nails and the hammer. This method will require some carpentry skills and other tools that you may have to purchase. These units of design typically end up being larger than the other methods, so you might have to budget your available space should you want to go with this route. A permanent structure of this kind usually will require a slightly higher budget.
Method 6 : Ready-made composters
The simple buy it and use it straight away method. Nothing beats this, as you can find complete ready made composters at your local garden center or any online stores. Pre-fabricated units include tumblers, rotating barrels and boxes for the home gardener. Selection is huge, so you should have most of your options right in front of your eyes.
Happy composting!
About the author: Provided by the Websition Article Team where you will find free gardening tips to use for your website, newsletter, or ezine, all with royalty-free reprint rights. http://www.websition.com
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Greenhouse Accessories
Accessorizing your greenhouse isn't quite the same as accessorizing any other 'room' in your home. Greenhouse accessories aren't a fashion statement - they're functional things like shelves, misters, irrigation systems, covers and heaters that increase the functionality of your greenhouse. What greenhouse accessories should you consider if you're building a new (or refurbishing an old) greenhouse? It depends a great deal on how you use your greenhouse and where it is.
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Among the greenhouse accessories you might consider are thermometers and humidity gauges, automatic plant misting systems, plant lighting options, soil sterilization and treatment kits, potting benches, specialty shelving systems that can create mini-greenhouses within the greenhouse, shades and shelters and venting and roof openers.
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Potting benches
Potting benches are one of the most useful greenhouse accessories you'll invest in. Generally, a potting bench has one or two shelves to hold potting supplies like pots, dirt and fertilizer, and a slatted top with a tray to make it easy for you to clean. By keeping all your potting supplies on one easy to move potting bench, you save yourself all sorts of steps and labor and keep everything you need close at hand.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greenhouse shelving
There are a number of different styles of specialty shelving for greenhouses that can be counted as greenhouse accessories. Grow shelves are aluminum frames into which you can fit seedling trays. Grow shelves often come with UV stabilized plastic covers to create greenhouse conditions within the greenhouse for starting new plants or isolating specialty plants that need different conditions than standard.
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Misting Propagation Systems
One of the most important factors for healthy growth and propagation of plants is the moisture in the air. Automatic misters can maintain the high humidity needed by rooting plants. They're available with timers that you can set to mist the entire greenhouse at specified intervals, or with moisture sensors that will send out a cooling mist whenever the moisture content of the air falls below a specific density. A misting propagation system can be one of the important greenhouse accessories in a greenhouse that grows tropical plants, or in which you intend to often start plants from leaf cuttings. There are many choices that can be both affordable and useful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rainwater Systems
For the eco-conscious gardener with a greenhouse, rainwater systems allow you to collect rainwater via gutters and downspouts and reuse it for irrigation and watering of your plants. Remember the old-fashioned rain barrel? Welcome to the modern version, which will automatically recycle rainwater for use in your greenhouse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lighting Greenhouse Accessories
Grow lights are one way to increase the amount of available full-spectrum light for your plants, particularly during northern winters when days are short. They come in full kits that include wiring, or as individual lights that can be set up for specific purposes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever the needs for your greenhouse, you'll find greenhouse accessories that are specially designed to fit the needs and help you grow lush, beautiful plants with a minimum of effort.
About the author: Garry John contributes to many home improvement and garden sites such as greenhouses and conservatories .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Among the greenhouse accessories you might consider are thermometers and humidity gauges, automatic plant misting systems, plant lighting options, soil sterilization and treatment kits, potting benches, specialty shelving systems that can create mini-greenhouses within the greenhouse, shades and shelters and venting and roof openers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potting benches
Potting benches are one of the most useful greenhouse accessories you'll invest in. Generally, a potting bench has one or two shelves to hold potting supplies like pots, dirt and fertilizer, and a slatted top with a tray to make it easy for you to clean. By keeping all your potting supplies on one easy to move potting bench, you save yourself all sorts of steps and labor and keep everything you need close at hand.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greenhouse shelving
There are a number of different styles of specialty shelving for greenhouses that can be counted as greenhouse accessories. Grow shelves are aluminum frames into which you can fit seedling trays. Grow shelves often come with UV stabilized plastic covers to create greenhouse conditions within the greenhouse for starting new plants or isolating specialty plants that need different conditions than standard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misting Propagation Systems
One of the most important factors for healthy growth and propagation of plants is the moisture in the air. Automatic misters can maintain the high humidity needed by rooting plants. They're available with timers that you can set to mist the entire greenhouse at specified intervals, or with moisture sensors that will send out a cooling mist whenever the moisture content of the air falls below a specific density. A misting propagation system can be one of the important greenhouse accessories in a greenhouse that grows tropical plants, or in which you intend to often start plants from leaf cuttings. There are many choices that can be both affordable and useful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rainwater Systems
For the eco-conscious gardener with a greenhouse, rainwater systems allow you to collect rainwater via gutters and downspouts and reuse it for irrigation and watering of your plants. Remember the old-fashioned rain barrel? Welcome to the modern version, which will automatically recycle rainwater for use in your greenhouse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lighting Greenhouse Accessories
Grow lights are one way to increase the amount of available full-spectrum light for your plants, particularly during northern winters when days are short. They come in full kits that include wiring, or as individual lights that can be set up for specific purposes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever the needs for your greenhouse, you'll find greenhouse accessories that are specially designed to fit the needs and help you grow lush, beautiful plants with a minimum of effort.
About the author: Garry John contributes to many home improvement and garden sites such as greenhouses and conservatories .
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