CASTLEMANAGER

Green Living In Your Backyard

If we were to think for a single minute about how much we hurt this planet by our invasive way of life we would feel extremely guilty. We produce too much garbage, we burn too much fuel from the natural reserves, we pollute the air every second with our cars, plants and domestic animals. If we want to keep living on this friendly planet despite our increasing numbers we need to start doing the small things which can make a difference.

These are already out there so we don’t have to work our minds to discover how to help the environment. People have discovered the benefits of wind turbines and they are using them, but not on a scale large enough to reduce visibly the fuel consumption. Solar panels show us how to use a source of energy which is very cheap and practical. Geothermal energy is also used and it is one of the most efficient sources which can be used successfully both during summer and winter.

Green living is not only about what we do but also about how we do it. If you have fallen in love with the idea of having a garden office you need to turn it into something consistent with the surroundings. You can choose a form and a color which will look very much suitable for the surroundings.

A small chalet-like building with windows large enough to allow natural light in most of the time is the perfect option. All you need is for the space to allow you to install the equipment necessary for working. Natural light will help you work in the healthiest way possible without any energy wasted. You can choose to paint the building in green or simply leave it in the natural color of the wood to make it friendly for the landscape. For the energy you need to use in it you can install a few solar panels on its roof.

The other ecological way s of producing energy are suitable for larger spaces like an entire home or a block of flats. Recycle the paper you don’t need, be very careful at what you choose to print and install double or triple hung glass windows to keep the heat in or out according to the season.…

Herbs Containers – Flavorsome Freshness At Its Best

Growing a herb garden is a fascinating hobby for a chef. Having the availability of picking some of the freshest herbs just in time for those final touches to a dish can be a chef’s dream come true! Have you ever watched the Jamie Oliver shows where he visits his garden then comes back to his kitchen and cooks up a storm with his fresh herbs and fresh vegetables?

Herb growing has become one of the most popular hobbies worldwide giving every homemaker an opportunity to indulge in some of the best set of fresh herbs while cooking. Growing herbs in containers has become quite easy with the different containers that are available and the best part is that most varieties can be grown in herbs containers. This really suits the person who does not have an outdoor garden, or has an outdoor garden but it is too cold to grow herbs out there.

Herb containers can be placed anywhere around your house, on your windowsill, balcony or even patio. Having a portable herb garden can not only give you great herbs but also make some of the most decorative artifacts for your home.

Alternatively you might find that it is a pleasure to step out of your door and pluck your favorite herbs from your beautiful herbs garden containers and not grow indoor herbs at all.

It is very easy to grow herbs in your container gardens, but here are some tips that you will find useful:

Water drainage: you can choose any type of herb containers as long as they have a good drainage system. This is highly important to make sure that your herbs do not rot in accumulated water. Always put about 2 inches of course gravel or similar in the bottom of your large pots to prevent root rot and less in smaller pots.

Size: most herbs do not have a large root system so you can use small containers for these type. Just ask at your nursery. This way you can not only save a lot of space but can also make space for other types.

Self watering containers: some herbs need a constant level of moisture in them and these herbs can be grown in self watering containers so that they can grow to their maximum potential. Herbs like parsley, mint and chives do well this way.

Number of herbs: some people like to have bountiful crowded herbs containers, but it must be remembered that there are some plants like basil, which does not like overcrowding and need a very good air circulation. Hence, it totally depends upon the type of plants and their growing requirements which helps you decide on which containers to use.

Design: do not shy away from showing some of the most decorative elements that are hidden beneath these herbs containers. They look fantastic if you can arrange them around your house and can be mixed with perennials and annuals.

Herbs containers are available in a variety of designs and textures, so it is totally up to you to choose your containers according to your garden design. However, it must be remembered that you should only grow what you think is essential and looks beautiful. Keep in mind that terracotta and unglazed ceramics pots do absorb water so in hot climates these are not always a good option as a herbs container.…

Deciding Your Buying Factors With Water Fountain Tips

Owning a water fountain sounds really good. But how good you will feel when you will actually have it. I know you always wanted to add on the beauty of your house, garden or business area by a water fountain. The trickling sound of water spell bound you and takes you away from your worries. You can walk around the incredible natural beauty, collect the ever pleasing moments and can have the joy of being surrounded by the dreams only staying at your cozy home.

So do you really find a water fountain a worth investing decor piece. I know that the answer will surely be yes. But moving further I want a point to be clear that these are not the decor items only they are the natural healers and have the ability to cheer up your mood instantly. It is a good exercise to have a water fountain right in your place and up keeping the same on regular basis. This task is not daunting anymore; this is really a fun now.

There are several fountains available in the market but the common most are wall mountable and freestanding those are created by wood, plastic, cement, metal, pottery, rock, or resin and various other materials. You can select a fountain considering the financial resources and your construction expertise. Moreover a fountain should match the customer expectations and suit the space requirements. There are certain deciding factors that you should bear in mind while selecting a garden water fountain such as:

1. First and foremost select exact location where you can fulfill the power needs of the fountains as the small ones basically need solar energy while the giant shapes need run on electrical sources that are placed aside.

2. Work out the size that you need to be installed in as per the space and the interior.

3. If you want a focal point fountain then it will certainly be large in size while the small one can be placed on the walls or side corners.

4. Gather significant knowledge before having it entailing the maintenance needs, the need for power that is required for assembling and winterizing.

5. Decide the budget and accordingly the lay outs as the custom fountains with installation will cost a bit high but opposite to that a one-piece ready-to-use fountains will relatively be cheaper.

6. There are certain factors that are the real constituent of a water fountain such as water fountain pump, water, surface material and weather conditions. These are responsible for smooth working of the fountains.

This is an absolute center of attraction mounted in your office, home or outdoor setting. You must be receiving the consistent compliments for the artistic bent of mind that insisted you to buy the same. But with the passage of time it is losing it’s charm the actual reason behind this is neglecting the up keeping needs. So do not let it happen to you be cautious and enjoy the natural charm just behind you.…

Wooden Planters Suit Any Garden Design

Garden planters add interest and variety to any garden. There are so many different styles and sizes available that you are sure to find the perfect one for your needs.

One construction material that many people think of when they are choosing planters is wood. Wood planters can offer your garden oasis a sense of style and variety that cannot be achieved with any other type of material.

Why Everyone Can Use Garden Planters:

Whether you have plenty of garden to work with, or are living in a one-bedroom flat, every home can benefit from the use of planters. They will allow you to bring a new level of definition and clarity to your plantings if they are used on the ground.

They can line walkways, or create unique points of interest in larger gardens. Perhaps their most common use is to bring the plants onto a deck or patio. And with garden planters, the plants can be elevated to any level.

Windows can now be graced with lovely flowers, and sign-posts can do double duty when a planter is included. Wherever your imagination and desire may take you, the right garden planter can make it possible.

Planters built using teak or cedar will last a long time and add a sense of timelessness to your garden. These containers are at home with any decor. They will fit nicely with any area from the salty seaside to the countryside, and especially the city.

Whether your style is sophisticated and chic, or traditional and elegant, wooden planters will fit in beautifully. They can be painted to match any decor, although care should be taken when choosing stains as they can be toxic to some plants. They can also be lined with plastic to help protect the wood and prolong the life of the planter. They are also easily combined with trellises, benches and fences to create a centerpiece that is attractive, elegant, and highly functional.

Tips for Choosing:

Bigger is usually better. Larger planters will allow you to plant a greater variety of flowers. They also do not dry out as quickly as smaller ones. Keep in mind where you will be placing it, however.

Large containers do not always hang well as they can quickly become too heavy. Keep in mind that the planter will still need some airflow. If yours will be at ground level, it’s a good idea to have feet under it so it will be raised slightly.…