General Article

Garden Fountains Produce A Nature-Inspired Environment

If you have a particular look or theme you are pursuing for your garden, it shouldn’t be hard to locate garden fountains to complement. There are numerous materials that can be helpful for fountains including stone, wood, and glass. To get a breathtaking effect, real stone may be bought. It is pricey, and when set up can be really difficult to move. However nothing at all looks as good as real stone, so when you really want the full effect of stone garden fountains, there’s no replacement. While there are undoubtedly types of artistically crafted stone fountains in modern times, modern tool has also created these accessible to the regular consumer.

Decorative indoor and outdoor garden fountains have become a preferred choice for those who desire to produce a peaceful, nature-inspired atmosphere for their homes, backyards or workplaces. They can vary in price from $50.00 to $3500.00 and are available in sizes from 15 inches tall to fifteen feet in height. The reputation of decorative garden fountains has recently increased due to the fact that many of these fountains have become solar-powered. Solar powered fountains spend less on energy and the environment and they’re safe around children and pets because there are no electrical cords. They could be placed in almost any outdoor area, are low maintenance and they are very quiet.

Directional lighting is used to make a dramatic effect in several garden fountains. Outdoor and indoor ones can be used as a variety of purposes including covering background noises, improving air quality, and creating focal points in rooms. Tabletop fountains have a soft, trickling water sound. Fog fountains are incredibly quiet. Wall-mounted and also floor standing fountains sound like a quieter version of the waterfall and are well-suited for covering background noises from office machines or other equipment. Outdoor spitter garden fountains possess a steady stream of water that may sound like a running faucet. Large, cascading fountains sound like waterfalls and may easily drown out unwanted noises coming from nearby roads.

Small, trickling tabletop fountains are often placed on coffee tables in narrow entranceways or in bathrooms. Floor standing fountains are usually placed in rooms that are adequate enough for the fountain to get viewed from all of the sides such as a large living room or a hotel lobby. Wall-mounted fountains look best in locations just where they can be viewed from the front and are preferred options for offices, patios and balconies. Fog or misting fountains are usually found in the bedroom to help alleviate insomnia. They could also get rid of a headache and assist with air conditioning sickness. Misting fountains act as air purifiers, sterilizers and disinfectants in one.

Garden fountains are usually positioned in any central viewing location so they can be viewed and accessed from all of the sides. Solar ones are self-contained and also portable so can be placed almost anywhere. They need 6-8 hours of sun a day to perform at full strength. Decorative garden fountains are exciting, constantly changing pieces of art that offer up a feast to the eyes and ears. Somehow the peaceful sound of running water lets you feel at ease with the world and surroundings in a manner that no other can.…

Improve Your Home’s Landscaping With Wattles

When taken care of properly, wattles can enhance a home’s landscaping by a significant degree. If you have been searching high and low for plants and flowers that will kick your landscape design up a notch, you should definitely put wattles near the top of your list.

A Wide Variety Of Options –

There are many different varieties of wattle to choose from. The kind that you select will largely depend on what your specific preferences and circumstances are. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, wattles run the gamut from foliage that is quite dark to a more reddish-green hue. The flowers on a typical wattle plant can be several different colours, ranging from pale yellow to a very deep orange shade. As there are so many varieties and styles available, it is quite easy to select wattle plants that will beautifully complement your landscaping.

The Popularity Of Wattles –

One particular variety of wattle – the Acacia pycnantha – is actually the floral emblem of Australia, which highlights the popularity of this flowering plant. Depending on the specific variety of wattle, the plant may flower during the late spring and summer – or might even bloom all year long. Wattles can withstand a great deal of direct sunlight, which is largely what makes them so popular in this very sunny country.

The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Wattles –

Unlike many other kinds of plants, wattles do not require a lot of fertilizer. In fact, they are extremely sensitive to such substances and shouldn’t be exposed to an excessive amount of them. It is important to note that some people may find wattles at times a little difficult to manage as they can outgrow boundaries of their garden. With a bit of care and by paying a bit of attention to them, though, they can be kept under control. They grow quite fast, but do have very short lifespans as far as such things go.

Wattles: Things To Keep In Mind –

If you make a decision to plant wattles in your garden, remember to select a spot where they will receive a decent amount of direct sunlight. Remember that wattles contribute a great deal of nitrogen to the soil, making them suitable neighbours for a large number of other plants and flowers. They can be grown from seed, but you do need to treat the tough seeds prior to planting them. Beyond that, a small amount of pruning and a little bit of attention will make these plants be a truly stunning addition to any part of your overall landscape design scheme.…

The Scientific Evidence on Herbs

A scientific evidence regarding the ‘effectiveness of herbs on several diseases’ has been procured by several clinical and laboratory studies that have been carried out. The following nine herbs known to have been subject to maximum scrutiny stand up to the highest clinical standards.

Chamomile: Generally used as a tea in the United States, chamomile extracts, ointments and tinctures are used by most Europeans to treat a range of health problems, from indigestion to skin rashes. Famously known for its being relaxing, chamomile tea is taken as a bedtime drink. Its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective qualities have been supported by scientific studies too.

Echinacea: This plant was used by the Native American healers as a remedy for snakebites and skin wounds. Research shows that echinacea aids in the stimulation of the immune system thereby helping it to defend against bacterial and viral infections.

Feverfew: Several British studies proclaimed in the 1980s, the ability of feverfew to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. They believed that feverfew contains parthoenolide, an active ingredient present in feverfew that inhibits the secretion of serotonin and prostaglandin, the hormones that are known to trigger migraine.

Ginkgo: Research has proved the use of this herb for treating the enhancement of blood flow to the brain. Consumption of ginkgo has known to have aided elderly people, who have suffered from memory loss, as a result of disorder in circulatory problems. It has known to have increased their mental clarity also. By improving the blood circulation, throughout the body, ginkgo helps prevent blood clots and mood swings accompanied by anxiety, thereby relieving the symptoms of tinnitus (ringing in the ears), asthma, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein ) and vertigo.

Lemon balm: Studies have proved the soothing powers of this herb that calms nerves, protecting the body from bacterial infection. Europeans have taken its advantage to cure cold sores that are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Preliminary tests suggest that a cream that contained lemon balm extract helps herpes lesions heal faster and also helps to end the period between outbreaks of herpes.

Milk thistle: Both animals and human trials have proved its promising supplemental treatment for liver conditions, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. Milk thistle contains a mixture of flavonoid derivatives called silymarin that works directly on the liver cells.

Saint-John’s-wort: This herb was traditionally used as a relaxant for muscles in order to reduce menstrual pains, as a tranquilizer as well as a treatment for depression, nervousness, anxiety and insomnia. The active components this herb consists of, appear to function as MAO(monoamine oxidase) inhibitors. Depression may be the possible cause of an excess of depression.

Valerian: This herb has proved to be a safe and an effective alternative to sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Not very certain of its working, scientists believe that Valerian depresses the central nervous system activity.

We fully trust that Health is man’s wealth, what better garden herbs cure could be there than healing it naturally using herbal treatment?…

Inspiring Gardens For Growing Food In Small Spaces

If you do not have enough space to create a full fledges garden, indoor gardening would be a rewarding experience for you. With the help of hydroponics systems you can easily grow flowers as well as vegetables you desire without worrying about the outdoor setting or soil problems. Even the smallest of balconies, patio gardens or even window boxes can provide an abundance of foods for you to enjoy through hydroponic gardening methods. You can use small container to grow food in areas where it would otherwise be impossible to grow plants. The best containers to use for hydroponic gardening are dark colored plastics to prevent algae growth in the nutrient solution. Dark colored square containers fit together nicely to make the most of your space, and also to block light.

Hydroponic system produces some of the highest quality, fragrant flowers. There are special flavor enhancers used in the hydroponic flower gardening, which helps to improve the aroma of flowers. You can grow any kind of flower in your garden. However, zinnia and sunflowers work especially well in a hydroponic garden. To grow roses hydroponically you can go with N.F.T (nutrient film technique). It is the most common hydroponic growing system used in rose plantation. Coco coir is the best growing medium for rose plants as it enables the roots to breathe and absorb maximum nutrients. There are various sizes of hydroponic set ups, from something quite elaborate to even just a sealed deep tray.

It is important to provide plenty of lights for your indoor flower garden. Hydroponic grow lights come in a variety of types that include full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs, metal halide grow lamps, high pressure sodium lights, and high-intensity LED grow lights. Among them, fluorescent lights and LED are designed to support bigger growth of indoor plants with improved quality of bulbs. These eco-friendly lights give hydroponic growers the facility to select specific light levels and color temperatures to grow the plants in a healthy way. Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) are very useful for growing flower plants that need indirect light. These lamps have soft light intensity compared to others so no need to worry about foliage curling or burning.

Plants grown in an indoor hydroponic garden require less water compared to soil based gardens. This is because the hydroponic system is able to recycle the nutrient solution. Right amount of hydroponic fertilizers and nutrients is very essential for plants growth. You have to understand the nutrient needs of your plants and accordingly provide well-mixed nutrient solution to your plants for healthy blooming.

For your precious flower garden, use rockwool as a growing medium because it provides roots with a good balance of water and oxygen. To create an ideal environment for the plants, indoor system provides manual adjustment of temperature, humidity, amount of light and moisture. Once you’ve got your plants and flowers moved in, you only need to add water and nutrients to keep them growing like wild fire.…

Lawn and Garden Furniture

For those who love to spend time outdoors, lawn and garden furniture is an important part of their backyard. With so many choices, your outside space can be just as comfortable and stylish as indoors. It can function as an additional room without an expensive addition to your home. Covered patios, decks, and three season rooms allow use even when the sun isn’t shining.

More people are including all the luxuries of living indoors in their outdoor spaces. A place to sit and relax is probably the most important element of an outside space. Look beyond the usual aluminum patio table and chairs, and you’ll find benches, swings, Adirondack chairs, and outdoor sofas and loveseats.

Adirondack chairs are designed for comfort with a high back and low seat that curves to conform to your body. They are perfect for lounging and the arms are usually wide enough for resting your arms and a drink. The chairs, along with many benches and swings, are usually made fairly inexpensively with materials that naturally stand up to the elements, such as wood, plastic, or resin.

Outdoor sofas and loveseats, on the other hand, can be much more expensive than Adirondack chairs because of the material from which they are made. The sofas are designed to be as comfortable as indoor furniture, with soft fabrics and cushions, but also to be left outside. Durable frame materials for outdoor furniture include aluminum, wicker, and teak wood, and fabrics best suited for outside use are acrylic or vinyl covered materials or canvas. Pieces can be sold individually or sets can include a sofa, loveseat, chair, end tables, and coffee table, as an indoor living room set might. Styles, finishes, and fabric choices are available to fit every taste.

To make your outdoor room even cozier, an outdoor rug and fireplace are nice options. An area rug gives the space a finished feel and is available in weather resistant materials. A fireplace is cozy and extends the functionality of the outside space into cooler months. Free standing outdoor fireplaces can be purchased at discount stores for under $100 and permanent structures can cost more than $10,000.

Outdoor areas are a great way to expand your home’s living space and enjoy time outside. You will be surprised at the amount of time you will find yourself spending in your garden once you have created an area that you like and will enjoy being in. Considering the number of furniture options and prices to fit nearly any budget, there is no reason to suffer from “cabin fever” any longer.…

Growing Organic Vegetables – Producing Your Fertilizers

Putting organic fertilizers on your garden soil ensures that the soil get the necessary nutrients that it needs. A great number of gardeners growing organic vegetables will tell you that if you do this 2-3 times a year it will greatly augment the earth in your vegetable garden.

Including organic fertilizers to your garden soil insures that the soil get the required nutrients which it needs. The majority gardeners growing organic vegetables will tell you that if you do this 2-3 times each year it will vastly improve the soil in your vegetable garden.

Do not forget that doing this the organic way ensures that there are no man made chemical compounds being put back into your soil.

Types of fertilizer:

These can be broken down into two basic types. Organic animal based and organic plant based fertilizer:

Organic Animal fertilizer:

Organic animal fertilizer is more usually known as manure. Usually you will find that it comes from cows, horses and chickens. Also you can include bats and rabbits in this particular list of animals.

This manure should really have time to decompose and age before mixing it in thoroughly with your soil. If you are doing this yourself it is really important that the manure has fully decomposed to ensure the elimination of nasty bacteria.

Once your fertilizer is fully decomposed you can now mix this in with your soil. It will depend on whatever form your fertilizer is in as to just how you should do this. But in basic terms, if it is in either liquid or solid form you really should ensure that it is mixed in well with your soil. It is also a good idea to plan your planting for at the very least 3-4 weeks after you apply your fertilizer.

Not only will this allow the fertilizer to work it’s magic throughout the the soil but it will do away with any bad aromas from the manure that might otherwise make your planting an disagreeable activity.

Organic Plant fertilizer:

Widely known in most gardening circles as “Green Manure” Plant based fertilizer comes from a handful of sources.

Most common originate from seaweed and kelp.

This kind of fertilizer is superb for growing organic vegetables as seaweed has been shown to possess nutrients such as manganese, copper and zinc. All of which are closely associated with very good growth of your produce and provide the soil with the very important nutrients an organic gardener looks for.

A lot of organic gardeners currently make use of worm casings to fertilise their soil. It is possible to buy this in your neighborhood gardening store, but quite a few people now generate their own. To do this you need to make sure you have the right worms that you can get once again from the garden store.

A covered container and damp vegetable matter or old is a excellent and consistent way to get free fertilizer for your garden all the year round and costs practically nothing.

There is another “Green Manure” fertilizer you can use if you can find the right plants. Usually this is a crop such as soya that is grown and then harvested and blended with the soil so that the plant merely decomposes in the soil.

This works very well as the decomposing plant matter releases nutrients as it breaks down within your soil. Ensuring that you keep the soil of your organic garden well fertilised at least twice a year will ensure your crop is gaining it’s highest growing potential.…

Protecting Your Garden – Different Pests You Should Look Out For

No garden is ever without some kind of pest. If your garden is beautiful, if it is well cared for and lush, insects will obviously be drawn to it. There are many ways to control these pests and it is important to know exactly how to identify them so you will not ultimately get rid of insects that are actually beneficial to your garden. Identifying and controlling pests successfully will ensure your garden grows healthy and without interruption. You will have to look out for pests during summer, because this is when most insects reach their adult stages in their lifecycles and need food and a good habitat to lay eggs. Be especially on the look out for Japanese beetles, aphids, caterpillars and white butterflies. Look for damage on plants (bite marks or black spots) and then determine what you will do. The best way to go is the organic way, because this protects your plants and the environment immensely.

Symptoms that your plants might be aphid victims are when the leaves curl, when you see many ants moving up and down the stems or when the plant has little black marks around the flower heads or the stem. Especially vegetables and fruits like tomatoes and strawberries are usually victims of these pests and they are successfully controlled if you plant nasturtiums near the plants. You can hose the plants off to get rid of aphids and even use your hands to press these little bugs off. Use vinegar to chase away the ants and introduce ladybugs to your garden, because these helpful bugs feed on aphids. Spraying highly diluted dish washing liquid on the plant also helps, but can harm the plant.

The White Butterfly is especially attracted to cabbages and lays yellow eggs under the leaves. The eggs hatch into caterpillars and symptoms are chewed, broken leaves, small green and brown worms on leaves, bad growth and leaves turning yellow or brown and falling off. Caterpillars feed on most plants leaves, but go especially for vegetables. The best way to prevent them from destroying your plants is to cover plants with mesh and to grow nasturtiums close to them. Other ways are to find eggs under leaves and destroy them before they hatch into caterpillars and to water plants regularly. Try not to plant very colourful plants and flowers near vegetables and draw birds to your garden to eat the bugs.

When removing insects and pests from a garden, it is very important to think about how Mother Nature would do it, because this will naturally be the most successful way. Draw insects to your garden that will feed on other “bad” insects. You can also take some pots that are either broken or small and punch holes in them. Set them upside down where toads can get in – this will help control many problem insects.Praying mantis species are another to have, but they consume good insects as well, so limit them. Other good insects to be able to identify and look out for are “assassin bugs”, dragonflies, and parasitic wasps.…