Guides To Finding A Railing System

By Adam Peters

Instead of going out on weekends, it would be extra fun for you and your family to just stay at the backyard and enjoy extreme fun. This way, you can spend a considerable amount of quality time with your loved ones without having to break your bank account. The sun, good barbeque, and relaxation are the only things you need to enjoy your weekend. As you are having a good time with your family, security and safety of your loved ones should also be taken into consideration. They should be securely enclosed in stylish deck railings.

Most of the households today are already equipped with highly effective and at the same time stylish railing systems in order to provide security and style all year round. Since weather these days are already unpredictable, you need to consider a railing that do not easily succumb to corrosion and could preserve its beauty in the years to come.

How To Choose an Excellent Railing System

The proliferation of many railing manufacturers has made the hunt of many homeowners of excellent railings a lot more difficult. With the vast choices offered to them, choosing can be really confusing. Manufacturers may be advertising that they have the best railing systems around but a wise consumer is not easily fooled by advertisements. So, if you are on the quest for a good or even excellent railing system, read on as you discover some of the railing system factors you need to consider.

The very first factor that you should take into consideration is the strength of the railing. Of course, you don't want to be bothered by substandard railings that could easily cause injuries to your loved ones. Aside from the quality of the product, aesthetics is also a priority. A railing would prove to be futile if it does not have a good appeal to people. And lastly, budget is also a big factor. You can still find an affordable railing system without spending too much cash.

Modernize your Home with Metal Deck Railing

Who would actually want a home that looks from the medieval era? Definitely, not you. So if you want to have a good looking home and a backyard, then you have to invest on the aluminum deck railing system. This boasts of a modern finish yet does the compromise the structural strength you are looking for.

This deck railing is also child-friendly as it has no sharp objects which could cause injuries to children and even to adults. And most importantly, installing the aluminum deck railing is as easy as one-two-three. In just a span of hours or even minutes, you can now enjoy a stylish and sturdy railing in your backyard.

Some Friendly Advice

So, if you are already decided to install the aluminum deck railing to your home, there are still some important things you need to know. While strength is important in any railing, aesthetic appeal should never be compromised. In the market, you can find different stylish railings that would provide greater beauty to your home. Also, exterior finish is another important consideration to note. You can find railings that are electro statically charged to ensure uniform adhesion paint.

These are just some of the factors to be considered. However, it is still the homeowner on who could decide on the style of the railing. After all, the maxim "to each his own" still proves true.

Read full article about aluminum deck railings and deck designs available here at this web.

About the Author:

Adam Peters is a freelance writer .For additional information on aluminum deck railings have a look at his web http://www.deck-porch-railings.com/aluminum-deck-railing.html

A Guide to Choosing Your Garden Furniture

By Lucille Green

A set of reliable garden furniture would be great to add an element of drama to your garden. The right choice will complement the atmosphere and decor and creates a harmonious look. The garden furniture of today is built based on the high expectations of the modern day user. The furniture you select must always match the overall theme of the garden.

It is amazing to know that by simply adding some furniture to an open space you can dramatically transform it into a cozy and welcoming spot. Be as careful when choosing garden furniture as much as you did when choosing indoor furniture. There are many ways you can use your furniture to transform your backyard. Perhaps a large dining area for lavish parties sounds appealing to you. Ensure that is still comfortable without overcrowding the space.

We can see a lot of different materials being used in modern garden furniture. These designs can be both stunning and cozy. You will want to consider the care required to maintain the look that you want to achieve. What differentiates outdoor with indoor furniture is the ability to withstand the harsh environment. The importance of maintenance and care cannot be underestimated.

Do not compromise comfort for style for your garden furniture. Cushioned seats are great if you value comfort, love seats would be pretty cool for young couples, and lounges to rocking chairs for lazy evenings outdoors. Side tables can be used as well and will help reduce the chance of broken glass. Outdoor furniture comes in a splash of vivid colors and you can definitely find one that is right for you. Is you cannot find a set suitable for your garden, select a few piece and match them with your overall decor.

Any type of social gathering outdoors requires the use of suitable garden furniture. Check out those large tables that let you entertain more people at your next outdoor dinner party. For formal looks, choose an oblong table and you can entertain more guests at one time whereas round tables are cool for casual themes. To create an adult entertaining bar, be sure to include a bar. You can always find one that will appeal to you.

About the Author:

You welcome to visit: great sandwiches recipe and sandwiches served in coffee cafes for more information.

Round Area Rugs: Fun Decorations

By Joan Starks

A quick way to change the look of your room is to add interesting decorations, and one of the ideal picks is a round area rug.

The shape and design of area rugs can make a room beautiful and interesting. The addition of unusual shapes adds to this beauty and interest. While most of your friends may be purchasing rectangular floorings you can start a new trend with your out of the box choice of a round rug.

Almost all rooms in the house can be adorned with a round-shaped rug. The bathroom, bedroom and living room are three ideal places. Just a reminder - avoid placing a round area rug in a crowded space. It can either overshadow the other furnishings (in a bad way) or it can stand out as an unfitting decorative piece. A round area rug should be the focal point. With its shapely curves, why not?

Coordinate your round area rugs with the rest of the room. Consider the color, theme as pertaining to the furniture's material, and the area's size where you plan to place the rug.

Placing a round area rug in your bedroom is also a good idea, especially if you're dying to change your bedroom's decors. A simple area rug, in a very eye-catching shape of round can surely change your room. You can put it in the center, at the foot of the bed or at the doorway. Harmonizing the rug with the color of your bedroom will make the space coordinated. If the color is as bold as red, orange or purple, then wow! That's certainly one lively room you have there. When's the party?

Round area rugs look gorgeous in living rooms. This will be the room where your proud possession will be seen by the most people. When choosing one for the living room, you will want to make your choice based on the color, the design, and the fiber it is made of.

Just like with any other shapes of area rugs, the size for a round one should be considered. Check the area and make sure you purchase the right size. The rug shouldn't be too big or too small. The colors and the designs also have an impact in the total look of your rooms, so better to match or complement, instead of rebel against the other decorative items.

You will find that round rugs come in many fiber choices. You will find everything from authentic wool or silk Orientals to easy to care for synthetics at carpet stores. This is when it is important to know how much you can afford to spend on your home dcor.

Natural fiber rugs are more expensive but more luxurious. Synthetic fibers can withstand more wear and tear and are cheaper. Spend time looking for that perfect rug - one with the perfect balance between style, quality, and price.

About the Author:

Home Decorating has never been so easy with these area rugs. Be sure to take a good look at shag area rugs.

Lawn Makes Roses More Attractive

By Kent Higgins

Our town, is in an area heavily forested with pine trees, but my two lots and others to the north and south are what would be called a clearing in most forests. The reason, the soil too thin over an impervious underlayer for trees to grow, save one and its the problem in my story.

I have always been an enthusiastic gardener but I shied away from roses. They were more trouble than their worth, pruning, spraying, etc. After moving to Oregon I acquired by purchase a house, two lots and a few scraggly rose bushes. All I knew to do for them was to give them water (not enough though I later learned).

After a long period of neglect they responded so slowly that I said in disgust, "Im going to dig'em up and plant a lawn." Next spring came and they suddenly took off and I found myself a rose grower.

Not many of the original planting remain. I learned by trial and error which would and would not grow (for me, let us say). White and most of the red varieties are best left alone.

I have purchased, planted, dug up and thrown away so many that I am immune to the blandishments of the rose catalogs; A few varieties are the exception. The pink and yellow roses do well.

I do not use a mulch. While the rest of the country is having 100 heat, here the summer fog ghosts through the trees leaving mildew, rust and other ills in its wake.

Last summer I was almost licked. After giving them their weekly spraying with my supposedly all-purpose spray as well as some liquid fertilizer, I viewed the results with a jaundiced eye and on impulse picked up some sulfur, which is not from a certain liquid fertilizer and dusted them. From then on things were better.

All my beds have to be raised for reasons mentioned earlier. We will now go back to that pine tree; because it stands alone it not only grew tall but wide. Being to the south it casts a shadow which blankets my yard from September to March.

Through the years I have learned just where the sunshine will be and for how long. Thats where the roses are planted, seemingly without rhyme or reason. I have about 50 plants and would have room for a few more, if I could persuade my neighbor to prune that pine tree.

That I have achieved a measure of success may be illustrated by this incident which gave me much pleasure. Some out of town friends were trying to find our place for the first time, they asked a man, unknown, where Lobos St. was. The reply, "thats the street the roses are on" and proceeded to direct them.

I read the news of others not so fortunate to enjoy roses and the landscape and consider myself fortunate indeed. As usual, my roses lead the pack. It is my favorite group of plants because they bloom in bursts all summer, ending with a final burst in October.

I root feed only once and then foliar feed as I spray (once a week including a foliar feeding every two weeks). I do not know why I felt impelled to share this unless it gave me an excuse to put on paper the great enjoyment I get in the growing of roses.

About the Author:

You may not always get what you want, but you can find what you need on liquid fertilizer. You're only a click away - http://www.plant-care.com/lawn-fertilizing.html.

Floor Care 2

By Rio Calven

Developing good habits in cleaning, maintaining and looking out for your floor is one sure-fire way to preserve and lengthen the life span of your floor. To develop a habit, one must look into reinforcing the action into their daily routine, over and over again until the habit is hard to break. Not that you'd have any reason, if it benefits, you, your family, and most especially, your floor. Make these actions a daily part of your routine.

First and foremost, do a light test. That means, on a sunny day, try and spot dust floating in the air through a beam of sunlight usually from the window. If the dust particles are numerous and heavy, you have an arduous task ahead of you. Heavy dust settles more quickly and can accumulate in large numbers, especially in the corners of your house.

Dust can also stick to the floor via static charges thereby causing it to be much harder to wipe away. At least use a vacuum cleaner for large floors. For those who have a smaller floor area, use a damp rag or a not-too wet mop to wipe the nasties. For carpeted floors, vacuuming is recommended. It would be rather pointless to use a mop.

Marble floors require a different kind of care. Use at least lukewarm to warm water when damping it to remove dust, stains, or just for general cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or anything that may contain acid or is acidic in nature. Acid rots marble away, and can lead to early replacements if you are not careful.

Think of acid rain if you still cannot get the drift. Just use a damp towel with lukewarm water, wet the floor and wipe it away, and then use a dry rag to finish it off, leaving naught a spot of water. Marble easily spots if left damp on hours for end, so make sure to dry it after giving it a good scrubbing over.

About the Author:

Searching for a good tile cleaning company? Rio Calven recommends Richmond Tile and Grout Cleaning for your tile and grout problems. They also deal with other floor related stuff, like restoration, renovation and even marble polishing. Invest in your home. Visit Richmond Tile and Grout Cleaning for your concerns.

Making Your Home Romantic For The Evening

By Philip Winston

If you are just taking some time to show him or her how much you love them or if you are new in the dating field and you want to get to know someone a little bit more you want to be able to set the mood in your home.

Candles are a must for any romantic evening. People often limit themselves in their use of candles and do not use them to their fullest potential. Lighting candles at the dinner table is a great idea but candles can also be used elsewhere. Having candles placed all around the room would be a great way to create the perfect ambience in which to have a meal and spend time lounging around afterward.

Some people also do not realize that candles make excellent decorative pieces. A simple search online will show hundreds of thousands of different types of candles available. While some of these candles are plain and simple, others have been painstakingly crafted, with elegant and ornate designs. These candles can be used as part of the decoration in your house, and you need only choose the right ones to complement your existing decorations. The great thing about this is that you can simply light these candles up if the need ever arises and you do not have enough time to lay out candles.

Add an area rug in front of your fireplace and let that be your focal point for the evening. You can lay out an area rug of your choice and place candles all around making it a warm romantic evening by the fire on a cold night outdoors.

If you do not have a fireplace, make your romantic spot in front of the television or couch instead. You can place an area rug in front of the couch and add candles all around. Use candles to accent the area and surround your area rug in beautiful pillows for a very romantic moment.

Try placing some scented oils in the room. You can purchase a scented oil burner or an incense burner to help create a romantic atmosphere. These scents come in several different choices. If you know her favorite flower, try to find a scent of that flower to fill the air.

These tips were meant to help anyone create a romantic evening at home on a shoe string budget. Make it a wonderful night that they will never forget.

About the Author:

Home Designers all agree that it is vital to decorate with decorative area rugs. One of the most sort after is orange rugs.

Retractable Awnings on the Deck

By Adam Peters

If you have a deck in your garden then you will notice just how much everyone loves to spend time on it during the summer months. Barbecues are often enjoyed on the deck and it provides you with the perfect place to entertain friends and family. No matter what you use your deck for, sometimes in the summer months in particular it can get a little uncomfortable whilst you are out on it. Also the deck can start to fade because of the suns rays. This is when a deck retractable awning would come in extremely handy!

What Are Deck Awnings?

Deck awnings are ideal for blocking out the suns rays and for protecting your deck from overheating. They allow you to enjoy the summer weather without getting burnt and it makes it easier to entertain friends and family as you will all be a lot more comfortable. No matter what type of deck you have you will always be able to find an awning which is suitable for it.

You can choose from either manual or automatic awnings. Basically manual awnings are used by pulling a lever or a hand wheel which will then pull the awning out. Automatic ones on the other hand are controlled through electronic devices. However with the automatic awnings they also come with a manual override option just in case the automatic controls fail to work properly. This comes in particularly handy when the power goes off and you cannot control the automatic awning!

You will find that generally the two most popular types of deck awnings are canvas and aluminum. Now aluminum ones are used quite frequently and this is because they tend to be better at reflecting the light away from you and your property. However they can also cause a lot of noise when it rains and so some people prefer to have canvas awnings instead. Now canvas awnings also come in a wider choice of styles and colors. The only downside to canvas awnings in comparison with aluminum ones is that they do not last as long. So if you are looking for something which will last you for years to come then aluminum awnings may just be what you need. Or if you would prefer an awning which is a lot more visually appealing, canvas awnings should be what you opt for.

Overall awnings are excellent to have in any garden and they do come in a large variety of styles and colors. So if you do have a deck and you find that it gets too hot in the summer months, why not consider purchasing an awning? It will help to keep you cool and stop your furniture from becoming ruined also.

Read more articles about railings and decking available here.

About the Author:

Have you enjoyed this article on patio umbrella??, Adam Peters is the editor of some internet magazines on similar subjects. More articles on railings and decking at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/railing.html .

How To Organize Clutter

By Marc McDavis

When you have too organize clutter, and don't know how to get rid of it, you have a terrible time organizing your house. In the event that you allow your house to become cluttered, you have to make your top priority to deal with the clutter, before you can even clean it.

They will now be spending most of their time trying to get rid of the clutter to be able to clean, and when they finally get everything uncluttered they are too worn out to clean or they have run out of time. But here are some tips to getting control over the clutter so it will not become overwhelming.

The thing that clutters most houses is papers. Newspapers, mail, work papers, school work type papers or other school stuff, are all things that can be part of this clutter, but take heart there are many methods to get yourself organized, to keep these things from causing clutter in your house.

Make sure to sort out your mail as you come in the door, have a trash can at that door and deposit the junk mail into it, this way it does not get to be clutter. Make a special place for your incoming bills that will need to be paid. There are regular bill organizers that you can get or you can just use a basket. Put the bills where you will remember to pay them, either by the telephone or possibly your home office desk. Store your important papers right off, and don't leave them till tomorrow, because tomorrow never gets here, and the clutter starts accumulating. Repeat the same process with your work papers. Just make sure you have the incoming area for the things that need to be worked on or paid, and put the papers of importance up right away.

A lot of you probably have your garbage cans under you sink. Well you could also put a bin for you old newspaper beside the garbage can. This way you will remember and take the newspapers to your recycle bin as you take your garbage out.

Being a parent it is easy for you to get buried in school papers from your kids. You can have a hard time deciding what of the school papers to keep for your kids to have later, and what you need to let go to keep the clutter at bay. But you do not have to get rid of all of it you can simply use a plastic container in the area of the house, that you go through your child's book bag. Put what you want to keep for your child in the bin and throw the other away. Then in your basement, bedroom, or attic have a larger storage unit to empty the other bin in. Now you have a method of saving the memories for your child and they can fondly look back on these days later in life.

As you try to control the clutter keep a few thing in your mind. Do you actually have a use for this object or item? Now be honest too! Have you used the item in a year? If your answer is no, chances are you will not be using it again, so don't just keep it laying around dispose of it in some manner. You can either sell it or possibly give it to charity if it is still working or not torn. If it is something that does get used but very little you can store it in the basement for 6 months, to see if you use it before getting rid of it.

Christmas decorations and other seasonal items just store them in the attic or other storage area you may have. Large clear bins that stack are a great idea for storage, some even are drawers, which are the most convenient kind. You can get irritated if you buy some decoration, and use it and then forget to put it away with the rest of the decorations, when you can't fit it back in the box it came in. And you can't get to the right storage bin because everything is dumped on it. So having the drawers make the storage bins very convenient to open. The fact that they are clear makes it great when you go to decorate for the next holiday, and can see which bin holds the right decorations.

Throw away anything damaged, broke or stained. You will wind up being sorry if you keep stuff like that. The only reason to keep something that is not completely good is if it has sentimental many like an old holiday ornament or a baby's first outfit.

About the Author:

If you have been seeking for the solution to organize clutter than Marc has the answers. Get the secrets to clutter control from cleaning secrets exposed. It has never been so simple to clean clutter with these systems.

Tub Chairs Are Perfect For Your Living Room

By Adrian Green

The history of tub chairs could be traced back to the French King Henry who had ordered that they be used in his court, as he was really fond of the curved armrest. He felt that they would add to the luxury of the court. From France and England, the tub chairs had journeyed to America by 17th century, with people from one continent going to the other. Further innovations to the designs and styles were done in the 17th century by a furniture maker from America- George Bright. His ideas are seen in market even in the current times.

Charles Montgomery, yet another American, suggested the name "tub chair" because the chairs closely resembled the shape of a bathtub. A typical characteristic of a tub chair is the extended curved armrest, which luxuriously stretches up to the ground.

When someone sits on a tub chair, they practically "sink in" into the frame and only their hands are left draping along the armrest. Because tub chairs are designed to be very comfortable to the back by supporting the back and spinal column, the comfort level is very high.

Due to the remarkable comfort they provide, tub chairs have been very much in demand among the senior citizens. Patients recovering from back surgery, back ailments or similar lower or upper back problems favored this chair as they are designed to provide the extra support that is of essence to healing and recovery. Many of the famous specialist in back and spine problems therefore suggest tub chairs to those suffering.

Tub chair's functionality is not restricted to the ailing and the old. These days the tub chairs find much value as exotic furniture. The vast spectrum of designs, colors and choices they offer bear testimony to this. Josef Hoffman on Vienna Austria has made the tub chairs more exotic with the inspired art deco designs. Thus the tub chairs of this type now find a place in all major furniture showrooms and art galleries enticing both aged and the young to buy it for their offices and living rooms.

We therefore see the return of tub chairs to the exotic furniture market and the reason for this resurgence in popularity is first and foremost driven by the comfort level of tub chairs. As we have mentioned, tub chairs are preferred especially by people who undertake high stress jobs because they are very comfortable to the lower back.

The fact that someone sinks his entire body into the frame which is comfortably cushioned means it is the ideal couch for those who perform manual work or those who perform jobs while standing.

Another reason for the resurgence in popularity for the tub chair is simply because it has a unique look. For those in love with interior decoration, tub chairs are the perfect way to accentuate your living room. Most tub chairs stand no more than three feet and therefore do not compete with the rest of the household furniture. This makes them ideal for interior living room decorating.

About the Author:

Author is writer and regular contributor to Tub Chair, a website with resources and information to help you find the right Tub Chairs and accessories for your specific needs.

Decorating Your Room With Rugs

By Guy Stavros

Rugs are much more than just covers for your floor; they are inspiring, warm, inviting, comfortable, and beautiful. You can choose to brighten up a room or a hall way. You may want to hang an oriental rug on a wall to decorate. Even though decorating with rugs is easy to do there are a few pointers to use when decorating.

One very important factor in decorating with rugs is the correlation between room and rug sizes and another is to what purpose the rug is used. Common rug sizes are 2 feet by 3 feet, 3 feet by 5 feet, and 4 feet by 6 feet. Small rugs of these sizes are used as accents for some item in the room like a piano, sofa, or bed, by placing the item on top of the rug, either at the center or at a side. These rugs can also be effective decorative pieces in a hallway, bathroom, den or entryway.

Larger common rug sizes range from 6 feet by 9 feet to 12' x 15', or sometimes as large as 15' x 18'. These are used in dining areas, living rooms or large bedrooms ---just about where they fit. However, the bigger the rug size, the less they become available because of the price and production considerations. Keep that in mind when thinking about buying rugs for your needs, especially if your space is odd-shaped.

When you measure for an area rug you want to take in consideration the area from door-to-floor. This clearance will make a difference when you are placing a rug at the door. If your home has electrical outlets in the floor you may not want to cover them up. Also pay close attention to areas in front of a fireplace or closet. Any protrusions in the room may cause the rug to look out of place.

If you are going to cover a hardwood floor you need to allow at least eight inches all around the edge of the rug so you can highlight the hard wood look. The area rug should be centered in the middle of the floor to enhance the look. Be sure to have the same amount of space all around the room.

Avoid placing rug edges in a high traffic path. This can cause the carpet to roll up over time and cause a fall hazard.

Whatever is the size of rug you think you need or room you have, be sure the rug fits the room. Think symmetry, balance, color and motif when selecting rugs, with the objective of making the space more attractive or pleasant. Such is the goal of decorating, and a rug is another item to use when you want to achieve it.

About the Author:

Interior Decorators love to use area rugs online, to finish a room. This one in particular is proving popular; green area rugs.

Birdwatching Tours - The Latest Outdoor Activity

By William Bigelow

Birdwatching is becoming a very popular outdoor activity all around the world. There are 835 species of birds in North America only and more than 70 million Americans are either feeding or watching birds. Birdwatching can be done in two ways: You can actually go to a location where there are a lot of birds; you can go by yourself or find a birdwatching tour in your area, or you can make the birds come to you, to your own backyard by some means. In order to really appreciate the excitement of birdwatching, you need some tools to enhance your vision, tools that enable you to see everything in striking detail.

There are also some other ways to participate in the hobby of birding: You can feed the birds, provide them nesting sites or birdhouses, you can grow special plants and gardens to attract birds, travel to nature sanctuaries or birdwatching areas, keep notes on birds you see in the wild, make diagrams or sketches or snap the perfect photograph of your favorite species.

Another way to enhance your birdwatching experience in winter can be learning bird's song. Sight and hearing are the birds' strongest senses and they use special signals to communicate and recognize their own species. You can turn your backyard into a much more interesting place by beginning to recognize bird songs. You will be able to see through the leaves and around buildings which will give you a feeling like you have supernatural vision. You will be amazed to realize how much you had been missing out on.

As you get more experience in birdwatching, you will want to broaden your vision beyond your backyard and to travel to some bird-rich areas. There are birdwatching tours planned by serious bird enthusiasts to some bird sanctuaries, nature parks and other locations where birds can be found in large numbers, in their natural habitats. You will have the chance to see some species you have never seen before by traveling to a region other than the one in which you live. For example, you can find many impressive species like acorn woodpecker in the south eastern Arizona Mountains, especially in the Chirachua Mountains. Another attraction in this area is the diversity of hummingbirds; you can observe as many as 14 different species. But you can find the large magnificent hummingbird only in the south west.

The following tips are useful when birdwatching:

- You have to make as little noise as possible, move slowly and keep your distance. The important thing is that the birds don't know you are there.

- Do not go close to a nest or scare a bird off its nest. This can cause the parents to abandon the nest and the eggs will then be vulnerable to predators.

- Avoid touching the eggs or young birds.

- Do not leave the paths and trails to get a closer look.

- Do not litter.

The easiest way to attract birds is to build a bird house and start feeding them, providing them water all year around, especially in extreme weathers. This is the best way to keep birds coming back to your backyard.

About the Author:

Shop online for decorative bird houses!

How To Keep My GreenHouse Warm

By Steven Karback

"Great balls of fire in the morning" Youve often heard that expression. But this morning it was literally true at our house. Maybe you can learn from our experience and avoid what might have been serious. The motor on the hot water circulating pump for the cool section of the greenhouse was put in close to the ground under one of the benches. Dirt was scooped out, a board put under it to keep it out of the dirt, and a piece of plywood put over the top to keep out any drip.

But this morning the motor shot out flashes of fire, then shuddered and died. I thought surely the motor had burned out. Upon examination, however, I found that dirt had filled in under the motor, it was all wet around there, and the lead-in wires had shorted out, blowing a fuse fortunately.

So cleaning out under the motor and retaping the connecting wires was all that was needed. But you may rest assured that this will have a periodic checking. This was one of those just below freezing early spring or late winter mornings, so it wasnt bad. But I shuddered to think what it might have been.

It seems that for several months now I have been so busy spouting off about various things that I have failed to report on the feathered company weve had all winter. In late summer we seldom saw anything of the blue jays and the cardinals. But with the first cool days, they showed up looking for their handouts.

The bird feeder was back in the wind-break shrubbery border. This has now grown into a thick mass that really does give the birds protection from the icy blasts. But the bird feeder was practically covered up, so we did move it out in the clearing. It is easier to get to now, and the wind can turn it to keep the open side away from the wind. The feeder is mounted on a metal post to keep out squirrels and cats.

Speaking of cats. After the excitement of the motor, I got my laptop out and sat down with a coffee in front of the window overlooking the back yard. Suddenly I became conscious of something out of the corner of my eye and looked out.

There was a HUGE black Angora cat with long, long hair at the edge of the pool. He was magnificent and had limpid amber eyes. I had never seen him around here before, but he was beautiful, and moved gracefully, slowly and very dignified.

He came up and lapped at the thin scum of ice to get a drink. Then as he walked along the edge of the pool, he spied a gold fish just under the surface. I almost thought I could hear him say to himself, "Ah! a tasty, after breakfast snack." He cautiously stepped out on the ice with one foot, the other raised to land his meal. Of course he broke through. He backed out, settled on his haunches and vigorously shook first one foot, then the other.

Frankly, I laughed uproariously. But Mr. Black Kat resumed his dignified stroll on his way across the yard. He seemed to shrug and mutter to himself, Oh well, it was all full of bones, anyway?

After years of discussion we finally decided to make another rose bed. There are just too many new roses on the "must" list. We prepared this in late fall, but there still is time to make one. You can dig up almost any place and plant roses, but I like to give them special treatment.

The area decided upon was four feet wide by 28 feet long, and ran at right angles, making an ell to the present bed. First the sod was tilled to break it up. Next the soil on one half was spaded 18 inches deep, sand thrown on top of the other half. Then in the bottom of this trench bone meal, leaves, peat moss and sand were mixed with the soil.

Some wide boards were laid along the edge to hold the overflow. The other half of the bed was prepared the same way. The added material left us with a raised bed. It would have been nice to line the outer edge of the bed in some way. We decided to use a decorative landscape brick.

I am happy that roses cant read. Some place I once read that it was a waste of time and material to use steamed bone meal. All I know is that whenever we have used it, roses and other plants have always seemed to do exceptionally well. It is true, bone meal is not high in nitrogen one to three per cent.

Steamed bone meal is of organic origin, and its real value lies in the fact that its 23 to 25 per cent phosphorous becomes available slowly, and over a long period of time. Dont expect quick action. Just like expecting a healthy landscape color it takes up to a year for it to become available in any appreciable quantity. But it sort of takes over when the landsape plant has exhausted the normal phosphorous in the soil.

For long, happy plant life use 5 pounds of steamed bone meal to 100 square feet, and get it mixed up well, deep down in the soil, where the roots will be searching for it in a year or so.

About the Author:

The time has come to gain a clearer understanding on the topic of landsape color. Join us http://www.zone10.com/landscaping/annuals-for-landscape-color.html.

Why Drip Irrigation System Is Best For Watering Your Garden?

By Erich

Irrigation systems are planned and designed to supply an adequate amount of water to plants in a timely manner. This is the purpose behind designing and installing an irrigation system as the better watering solution.

With the advancement of technology, various irrigation methods are developed that can distribute as little water as possible giving more satisfactory results. Drip irrigation is one of such techniques for you. Buy some necessary drip irrigation supplies and properly design and install drip irrigation systems in your garden.

There are mainly two types of systems for available for offering water to plants and vegetations in the garden. They are drip or trickle irrigation systems and sprinkler/spray head.

The most common types of systems developed for large areas of crop or lawn are sprinkler type systems. There are permanent fixed sprinkler heads or some form of moving or movable spray head/sprinkler system came into existence for easy watering task.

Most of the large irrigation systems are divided into many independent irrigation/watering zones. Such zone is a group of sprinklers or emitters all can be controlled together at the same time. Pump and delivery pipe-work should be capable of supplying at least one such zone with water at any time.

It is because, there is not always enough pressure/flow to run sprinklers for an entire yard at once, therefore, it is important to have watering zones for your irrigation systems. Moreover, for each zone, there has to be a solenoid valve on it, which is controlled via wire by a controller.

When it comes to the chance of potable water contamination, your irrigation systems can become high-risk. But there are some components like sprinkler heads that can allow contaminants for instance, pesticides, pet feces, fertilizers, etc. into water supplies, and for that reason, back-flow prevention equipments are used for eliminating such possible hazards.

Now consider drip irrigation systems. There serve as a great way to offer constant moisture to the plantation without saturating. They also facilitate applying water slowly and directly to the soil. This dripping type of irrigation method is highly efficient.

Buy drip irrigation kits. These kits can help you water your garden plants separately with emitters, or the water groups of plants with micro-spray tapes that can ooze water along their complete length.

Unfortunately, drip emitters have certain drawbacks as they are easily plugged by silt or other particles not filtered out of the water. Moreover, the emitter blockages might be caused by growing in the tape and/or by chemical deposits at the emitter head.

So, for drip irrigation systems, there has to be fine filtration and higher water quality compared to sprinklers. If it is surface water source such as ditch and reservoir, you need to use high quality filtration stages. If it is a borehole source, then less filtration is required.

Sprinklers water unevenly, and sometimes give a way to water wastage. Moreover, they are not easy to reconfigure. But still, sprinkler irrigation systems are most commonly used watering systems in the world.

Most of landscape plants typically dry out quickly. Plants are appropriate in one climate might not work well in another. The skilled operator of an irrigation system will ensure that his/her plants will always receive the proper amount of water for health, and optimum crop, landscape planting growth, or lawn quality.

About the Author:

Lawn irrigation method is efficient way to water your lawn. Get more info about drip irrigation installation at IrrigationDirect.com, one of the industrial best providers of irrigation supplies.

Finding the Right Area Rug for Your House

By Wylie Constant

If you want to purchase an area rug you need to find a shop that specifically specializes in area rugs. This may be easier said then done but it will help to find one that only offers area rugs.

Look for yard sales sometimes a person may have an area rug that they are trying to get rid of. You may not find them often, but if you don't look you never know. But if they are in the process of moving they may be selling bigger items like area rugs so they don't have to lug it to their next house. While other people may be going about a redesigning or their home.

Household shops are another possibility. Many shops that sell furniture for homes will also sell some area rugs. The great thing about these shops is that they normally sell area rugs that complement their furniture. If you are also in the market for furniture, then this is an excellent way to obtain furniture as well as an area rug that nicely complements it. The shop owners will also likely be able to advise you on the type of area rug you should buy to match the furniture that you have at home.

The largest source of area rugs, however, is the Internet. A simple search for 'area rugs' in a search engine is bound to bring up more results than you could possibly browse through. There are many online stores that specialize in the sale of area rugs. These stores are also likely to have the largest selections of area rugs for sale in any single place. With online catalogs, you will find a great range of styles and selections to choose from.

You won't need to worry about lugging the rug from the store to your car and than into your house. When you get a rug from online you will have it sent right to your house.

There is probably a much greater selection of area rugs available online than in a physical store. This way, you are much more likely to find the area rug that is perfect for your home, instead of having to settle for one that is simply okay.

Look online before you even head out the door to buy your area rug, you will be pleased with what you see. You can always go and compare the prices with another store in your area, than you will see if you're getting a good deal. Also make sure that the quality is good of the rug you pick out.

About the Author:

Interior Designers all agree that it is vital to decorate with area rugs. One of the most sort after is southwestern area rugs.

Koi Pond Construction - Should You Do It Yourself?

By John Stoner

Constructing a Koi pond is both a work of art and engineering. The completed pond should be beautiful to behold and, at the same time, provide a good home for your Koi.A Koi pond construction project can be a most rewarding endeavor if you have the knowledge and skill to do it yourself.

If you have some construction experience and are handy at projects like this, you could choose to build the Koi pond yourself. If you decide to take on the project yourself, I suggest using a pond kit to help you get started.

Professional builders usually charge a premium for their expertise, so using a pond kit to build your own Koi pond certainly saves you a lot of money. But, if you damage the materials required or install it improperly, you will have turned this advantage to a disastrous disadvantage.

The biggest reason for doing the project yourself is getting it done the way you want. Building something that you created yourself will certainly allow you to brag to friends and family. Plus, such a project can be quite enjoyable if you like working outdoors with hands.

There are some other disadvantages to doing the work yourself. If you do use a pond kit, you may find some limitations that you don't like. You may want to make adjustments in the size or other design aspects that the pond kit just won't easily accommodate. Trying to make these changes fit can easily get you into trouble.

When you planned out your pond design on paper it looked perfect. But once you get into the project you will probably find the need for special tools and equipment. Not being an expert with the equipment, you may find the results don't turn out just the way you wanted. Even worse there may be some hidden construction problems that will be expensive to correct.

Hiring a professional contractor may not be the cheapest initially but in the end may be the best way to get your dream Koi pond. Remember, you are making a long term investment in your pond, so that added cost may easily pay off in the long run. Your Koi will happy as well in their new home.

One thing to remember if you decide to use a professional contract is that the Koi pond is a dynamic ecosystem. There are many parts that have to work together properly. Make sure your contractor knows what he is doing. Be wary of seemingly low bids. Spending a little more may save you much added expense in the future not to mention the disappointment. Also remember that it is a permanent structure and not easily modified. My advice is to make it as large as you can afford to start with. Put in all the design elements you can financially handle. It will pay off in added enjoyment for years.

About the Author:

John Stoner is a long time koi enthusiast. For more information on Koi pond construction, visit http://www.koifishenthusiast.com.

What Are The Needs Of Ficus Trees

By Keith Markensen

Although many beginning gardeners choose the ficus tree for their home, many do not realize that there are actually hundreds of different Ficus tree species. The Ficus tree is a very popular house plant, especially for indoor gardeners who are new to gardening. The Ficus benjamina is also known as the weeping fig tree. A beautiful decorative plant, you can train it using bonsai-like methods to get it to grow exactly how you want it to. Ficus trees require constant care if you want them to thrive.

The ficus tree is quite sensitive, and it will not flourish without adequate care. Changes in the amount of light or water, or even simply moving it across the room, can cause it to drop its leaves. Make sure that you place your Ficus tree in an area where it will not need to be moved, because moving it risks making it shed its leaves. Also ensure that you regularly water your ficus tree, and do not subject it to either prolongued sunlight or darkness.

Many people overwater their ficus tree, which will make the leaves change colors. Many beginning gardeners think that yellow leaves is a sign that your tree needs water, when in fact the opposite is true. To see if your ficus tree needs to be watered, stick your finger in the soil. If the soil is damp a few inches down, do not water it. If the soil is dry, give it a good watering.

The majority of ficus tree species thrive in humid climates. The average home may not be humid enough for the ficus youve chosen. Mist your new ficus tree with water several times per day to introduce moisture to the leaves. You can also set trays of water to evaporate around the ficus. Your ficus will reward you with healthy foliage when you provide it with a humid atmosphere in which it will thrive. You will be rewarded with healthy foliage once you properly follow the condition requirements for your ficus tree as stated in ficus benjamina care guide.

For your ficus tree to flourish, it needs a bright light source. However, do not expose it to full sun during the day. Your ficus needs a steady temperature throughout the day, so avoid placing it near heating or air conditioning vents.

Fertilize your ficus tree for optimum growth. During the primary growing season, you should add fertilizer at least once per month. In the wintertime, do not fertilize the plant. Instead, use a slow time-release fertilizer during the growing months to keep your plant happy during the winter.

If you want to grow a ficus tree, youll need a lot of patience. Always check the light levels near your ficus tree, and keep an eye on drafts and humidity. Check the soil moisture levels before watering your plant, and remember that yellowed leaves do not mean that your plant lacks water. Ficus trees can be tricky to keep happy, but they will reward you when you provide them with proper care.

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Take in more on the topic of ficus benjamina care today!

Choosing The Kitchen Tile Backsplash That's Right For You

By Adam Barak

In the good old days, kitchen tile backsplash was plastic and simple to install. It looked likewhat is currently seen as six-inch square ceramic kitchen backsplash tile. Soon, people started making use of ceramic instead of the plastic, as it did not look cheap and stayed nice. Also, it was easier to keep clean. Prior to using kitchen backsplash tile, many people simply painted this area near the stove in the kitchen. This is the area that is affected most severely by food preparation, and paint will begin showing its age quickly. Some people thought that putting wallpaper over the kitchen backsplash area was the smart choice, but they soon discovered that the wallpaper faded in that area and did not maintain a pretty appearance once time had passed.

In the 1980s, ceramic kitchen backsplash tile became the next big decorating idea. The measurements of kitchen tile backsplash have expanded from the six-inch squares of tile to bigger 12-inch squares of tile. The sort of tile has changed considerably, as well. The previous tiles that were affixed as kitchen backsplash tile were unfailingly high-gloss tiles. These were simple to clean but hard to keep unmarred by streaks. Matte finish became more widely used on kitchen backsplash tile in the 1980s.

In these days, you get an amazing array of choices when you need kitchen backsplash tile. You can use what is referred to as quarry tile; it is cut from a very thick piece of rock. Alternatively, you can make use of thinner ceramic tile. Ceramic tile is often polished and glazed, but this category includes many recognizable styles. It is the vast majority of the offerings that you find when you want kitchen backsplash tile.

Other kitchen backsplash tiles that are not ceramic are tin tiles that are reminiscent of tin-type roofs of years past, as well as glass tiles. Glass tiles are used in more modern-looking kitchens as a kitchen backsplash tile.

No matter what type of kitchen backsplash tile that you choose, you should see that it is neutral concerning color and style. This is important, as it is probably going to stay in the kitchen for years to come and can become out of date before long if you follow a current trend. When you pick a neutral shade as your kitchen backsplash tile, you are likely to get tile that will grow with the times. As it can be very hard to remove kitchen backsplash tile, you will want to choose wisely when you go with this backsplash option. You will not want to remove it for a long time.

You can maintain your kitchen backsplash tile by spritzing on an all-purpose cleanser that will get through grease. Grease is the worst foe of a kitchen backsplash, so if you can get a product that will clean the grease as well as make the tile shine you will have spic-and-span and beautiful kitchen backsplash tile.

About the Author:

Adam Barak writes for an online project that educates consumers on the benefits of installing a kitchen backsplash. Its a great improvement your home!

Reasons To Choose Under Cabinet Lighting Fixtures

By Tom Sanderrs

Under cabinet lighting fixtures are a great addition to any kitchen but you need to get the best ones to suit your decor. So you can do this, you need to start out with a good selection to choose from. This is why you should choose a business that offers a good variety of under cabinet lighting fixtures. The right business will have the latest styles, as well as old favorites, that give you exactly what you need.

The style of your home will decide the style of under cabinet lighting fixtures that suit your needs. When you enter a store with a large selection of lighting fixtures you will be able to take a good look at each style and see which one will actually fit your needs.

There are many uses for this type of lighting.

* Kitchen counter tops: cabinets can create shadow and dark spots. This often creates a bad effect in expensive kitchens. Under cabinet lighting fixtures give bright light to your working areas and help to show off that great kitchen.

* Enhancing decor: different under the cabinet lighting fixtures can produce subtle lighting affects that can enhance the decor of your room. This type of lighting is not only useful but can add subtle beauty to a room when it lights up certain areas.

* Remove dark niches: small niches need to have lights to properly show off decoration pieces. These areas can really detract from a rooms ambiance.

* Wet bars: under counter lighting fixtures will give you better light for your counters and work space.

* Bathrooms: under the cabinet lighting fixtures will illuminate dark corners and supply you with more light.

* Atmosphere: a room's atmosphere can be enhanced with subtle under the cabinet lighting placed in areas that would normally be quite dark. Clever use can quickly yield incredible results that are very affordable.

* Night lights: if you have a big family, or people in your house that get up at night, it is a good idea to install under cabinet lighting fixtures. They act as night lights and are cheap and efficient to run. An average under counter light take's up less energy than a doorbell light. This type of lighting can be of great assistance if elderly people are living in the house.

The best under the cabinet lighting fixtures are small ones that are rarely seen in the day time. If you make them too big they will waste energy and probably clutter the area with unnecessary looking fixtures. With smaller lights you create brightness and save energy for an extraordinary show room look that will match the most stylish magazine layouts.

They are easy to install and maintain. This saves you money and helps the environment, which is a big issue with many people these days. In fact, many houses now need to improve their energy efficiency before modifications can be made.

The great part of these fixtures is that they are practically invisible. This means that you can put them to many different uses. Whether you need subtle lighting to enhance decor or a useful utility light, under counter lights are a marvelous addition to any home.

About the Author:

To learn more about under cabinet lighting, visit this website all about undercounter lighting.

Koi Pond Filtration - Do It Right

By John Stoner

To remove the buildup of waste products and other harmful substances in your Koi pond, a good Koi pond filtration system is a necessity. To keep your Koi healthy and thriving and to insure their long life make sure you use the right equipment - if you don't bad things can happen.

That unsightly green scum we all seen on stagnate water is the result of poor filtration. Don't let this happen. Parasites and other harmful bacteria will develop and spread quickly among the fish. With all this the water will quickly start to smell. If this happens it will be a deadly situation for your fish.

A koi pond is a big investment. Don't risk that investment and the health of your Koi by not planning for a proper Koi pond filtration system. Take the time to carefully plan the kind of system that's best for your particular pond.

Some Koi experts recommend a filter system that will handle a volume of not less that 33% of the total pond water volume. Therefore, a 3,000 gallon pond should have a filter capable of handling 1,000 gallons of pond water at any given time. At the very least, it should not be less than 10%.

Make sure you use the best type of pump for your Koi pond filtration system. It's not that hard since there are only two major types to consider. For large ponds the best choice would be the recirculating pump because of the efficiency and life span. For smaller ponds, go with the submersible pump. They are quiet as well as small and unobtrusive.

Make sure you use a filtration system that has both mechanical filtering and biological filtration. Preferably it will have two stages for both. These two types of filtration are important for good maintenance of your Koi pond and to insure the health of your fish. As physical waste and debris build up in the pond, the mechanical filtration traps these particles using sand, beads, brushes or pads. Koi fish give off ammonia which can be deadly in large enough amounts. The biological filter uses a natural biological process to convert this harmful waste into less harmful elements. The process utilizes anaerobic bacteria to convert ammonia ultimately into nitrates which are not harmful to the fish.

Be sure to install a bottom drain. It will save you a lot of maintenance effort. Place it in the deepest part of the pond. The dirty water will be sucked out by the pump and into the filter chambers for cleaning. If your pond has no drain you'll have to clean your pond manually very frequently.

Whether you are building a new pond or refurbishing an existing one, take the time to plan for a proper Koi pond filtration system. It will pay for itself many times over in less maintenance and healthier Koi fish. You'll be glad you made the effort.

About the Author:

John Stoner is a long time koi enthusiast. For more information on how to setup Koi filters correctly in your koi pond, visit http://www.koifishenthusiast.com.

Choosing The Right House Plant For Your Home

By Kent Higgins

When you walk into a home, office or indoor space and its filled with healthy, lush plants, I am sure you would agree with me: Nothing else is quite as appealing, refreshing and uplifting. Indoor plants serve many purposes. They clean the air in the home, provide lovely decorating statements, and they give us a calm and invigorating feeling that does a great job of uplifting our spirits.

For all of these reasons, everyone should have at least one houseplant. When you are ready to begin including plants in your home, there are things you need to know prior to choosing which kind of plants you will have.

The first thing to remember is safety. Many of the common indoor plants though beautiful and easily grown, can be quite toxic to children and animals. Different species of ivy are a good example of a poisonous plans, while a philodendron is another popular indoor plant that can be very deadly if consumed.

If you have kids of pets in your home or visiting frequently, you need to do some research on the types of plants you can grow first. Be sure you carefully explore and learn as much as you can about your potential choices. If you want certain types of plants in your home, in spite of the danger, then you need to get educated about the symptoms that occur if the plant is ingested by a child or pet.

Try to put the dangerous house plants high up and out of the reach of pets and children. Be on the side of safety and make sure you have marked the dangerous and the best plants with their name, in the event you have to identify it for emergency purposes.

Another thing to think about when getting houseplants is how much lighting is available for them. If your home does not have windows in an area that gets enough sunlight every day, then you may not have good luck trying to grow plants that require direct sunlight exposure. Instead you may want to get plants that do well with minimal light or in full shade.

The temperature of the house is an issue as well. Most plants need moderate temps consistent all year to survive and grow. You need to chose a in your home that allows for summer heat to filter in and the winter cold to come blowing in, then you will not have any luck with a plant in that location.

A flowering plant will need more sunlight than one that is only produce foliage. Tropical plants need to be in a home that has moisturized air, while desert plants like a cactus will be divine in a drier home.

About the Author:

More knowledge, more power, more success when you better understand the subject of best house plants. Drop by today at http://www.plant-care.com.

Modern Area Rugs

By Jackie Davidson

A wonderful way that will help to decorate your home is to get a modern area rug. Many times people may go for that slick new modern look, but when they go to buy an area rug, that look gets all messed up. It's because the area rugs that are normally out there for sale have that more traditional look to them. However several outlets are now carrying more modern looking area rugs that you can buy.

One location you should look into is those home improvement stores. Most of them have begun carrying a more modern looking area rug. You have ones that come with a geometric pattern or even several different colors that may fit perfectly into your newly decorated room. They are available in some very large areas so they will be able to even work in those larger rooms in your home.

Be sure to check out carpet stores because they should have some modern area rugs available for you too. People seem to be choosing other ways to decorate their homes instead of wall to wall carpet. A hard wood floor with a great modern area rug is a great way to make your home look wonderful. Although you will find that the prices for those area rugs will be a lot more in a carpeting store. You are paying for what you get; the carpet store will normally have a much better quality of rug than the home improvement stores. In some areas you may find stores that only handle the sale of area rugs. You will need to make sure that the store you shop at is one that is a reputable place known for selling the best quality area rugs out there.

With the internet you can easily find a modern area rug by doing a search engine search for modern area rugs. This way you can buy your area rug and have it sent right to your home. Shopping online will let you have a plethora of choices of colors and designs. And with shopping online you may be able to buy a premium high quality area rug for a discounted price. That's because places online do not need to pay for the rent at a store.

When you begin looking for a modern area rug you should make sure that it goes with the dcor that is there. You don't want a rug that doesn't fit in with the rest of the room; it will only make the room look bad. But if you find the right rug to fit in with the color and dcor you will have a warm addition to the room making your home look inviting and nice. Good luck on the search for your very own modern area rug. Remember to match the color and style to the dcor and the color of the room so that the rug will fit in perfectly.

About the Author:

Home Decorators all agree that it is vital to decorate with area rugs online. One of the most sort after is transitional rugs.

Weird flowers for your garden

By Tracy Anderson

Are you looking for new and unusual plants for your garden? Are you hoping to find something that will stand out and make you the talk of the town?

Look no further for I have assembled this unusual collection of rare plants and flowers for your reading pleasure. Take your pick from this odd assortment and your garden will never be the same again!

For my first selection, you'll have to travel deep in the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo. There you'll find the Rafflesia Arnoldii better known as the "corpse flower."

Unlike other plants, the corpse flower has no noticeable leaves, stem or roots. This parasite lives on the Tetrastigma vine which also grows in rainforests. Like fungi, it gets water and other nutrients from its host. What makes the plant unique is the fact that it produces the largest individual flower on earth. The flower is huge - over three feet across - and has a reddish-brown color.

It has a hole in the center that can hold about seven quarts of water. Its moniker comes from the fact that it stinks of rotting flesh much like a corpse. The bad smell attracts flies that pollinate the plant.

Scientists say the flower wasn't always that big. You'll be surprised to know that it is related to poinsettias and cassavas. For some reason, it evolved to be 79 times its former size over 46 million years ago.

Sadly, this freak of nature is nearing extinction as the rainforests slowly disappear. The corpse flower is getting harder to find nowadays, especially since it takes many months to develop and the flower lasts for only a few days.

"Some environmentalists are thinking of a way to recreate the species' environment, in an effort to stimulate a recovery in the population of this endangered species. This has proved unsuccessful so far, but the efforts have continued," according to the editors of Wikiedia.

Dracunculus Vulgaris may sound like a relative of Dracula but it's actually a flowering plant that is also known as the Dragon Arum, the Black Arum, the Voodoo Lily or the Stink Lily. It is native to Greece and Crete and is also found in Oregon and California.

It has a large purple flower from which protrudes a long spadix or spike. The Greeks believed that the spike was the tail of a small dragon hiding in the flower. Like the corpse flower above, Dracunculus Vulgaris has an awful smell and is also pollinated by flies. (Next: Another corpse for your garden.)

About the Author:

If you'd rather have "ordinary" flowers, visit your nearest florist. For fresh flowers that are professionally designed and perfect for any occasion, go to the trusted source - Discount Flower Delivery Canton

Best Choice of Wood for Outdoor Furniture

By Steve Olbas

Spring and summer means the return of barbecues that most of us enjoy or the occasional evening entertaining friends or family in an outdoor setting. It is because we relish our outdoor life that we build and decorate our patio or deck.

To insure the comfort of our guests and to maximize our success as a great host we need the right patio furniture. By choosing carefully our patio furniture we will not only provide a relaxing atmosphere to our guests but will improve our outdoor surroundings. There is on the market today patio furniture for any budget and for all decor. Choosing the right kind is important.

Patio furniture should be chosen based on the following characteristics: Good quality to withstand the activities that we will impose on it Good looks to fit the decor of the house and the personality, style and taste of the owner

We have many materials to choose from today when buying patio furniture. Technology has improved all of them. Wood or wicker, metal or plastic, all offer some advantages and some disadvantages. The choice is really personal decision.

In this article I will only compare Teak wood and Cedar.

Teak is a very hard wood native to Southeast Asia often used for large patios areas. It is highly weather resistant, and its natural oils makes it suitable for exposed areas, where durability is a factor.

Teak became popular in the 50's and the 60's as a modern style of furniture from Denmark was in fashion. The style passed but Teak remained popular for its endearing and enduring qualities.

Teak remains cool even under a very hot sun, and it does not splinter. These qualities have made it a most sought after material not only for today's furniture but also for vintage furniture.

With all the praises said about Teak we should not be surprised that is a fairly expensive wood. But because it is a most popular type of patio furniture the manufacturers are taking steps to lower prices worldwide, to allow affordability to more people.

Another much prized wood is Cedar, and it is widely used for furniture. We all know the strong odor of Cedar and how distinctive it is, what many might not know if that odor makes it a great repellent to insects. Cedar can also withstand dryness and wet weather very well.

Used for garden furniture as well as construction of pergolas, Cedar is an excellent outdoor wood as it ages and dries without much changes. It will not warp, contract, or splinter. Any kind of paint or other finishes can be used and it is very easy to work with cedar for do-it-yourselfers.

While cedar is less expensive than teak, I think it is a special wood for any patio, it always makes me feel warm and comfortable, and I find its odor soothing like an old friend.

Which you will choose is really a matter of individual preference as both these woods will give you years of satisfaction and use with relatively little maintenance. If care and maintenance is the prevalent decision maker then teak should be the winner.

About the Author:

Steve Olbas is a retired furniture maker who now mostly enjoys sharing his patio with friends and Shows people how to create beautiful and functional outdoor retreat areas. For ideas on how to choose patio furniture visit Steve's site Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory

Tips For Allergen Free Decorating

By Jack Harley

When it comes to home dcor you want it to look nice and you want it to be allergy friendly. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies you need to take extra care in choosing what material you use to decorate your home. But just because allergies are in the home doesn't mean that you can't decorate the way that you want to, you just need to take precautions. Here are some tips to making home dcor easy when you suffer from allergies.

1. First you should get rid of that wall to wall carpet. With carpet it will catch that dust that is floating around and the dander will also settle in the carpet. Switch to wood flooring and you will notice that a person who has allergies in your home you will notice that they will not be near as bad. Since carpet can collect so much dust and dander it's important to get this out of your home.

2. Use Ceiling Fans- Ceiling fans are one way to not only add light to your home, but also to circulate air. This can be beneficial if you have someone in your house who suffers from allergies. Installing ceiling fans is not difficult and can be accomplished by anyone who has a beginning knowledge of light installation. You will also find that ceiling fans help with the heating and cooling bills.

3. Also look into getting a humidifier or even an air purifier. You will find some that are even decorative with will add to the dcor of your home. These products will help to clean up the air and make it much easier for the person who has allergies to breathe. When you get a humidifier or air purifier you should place it in an area that is not out in the open, perhaps hidden a little so it doesn't detract from your dcor much. There are some really modern looking products out now that may add to a room though.

4. If you want you should add an area rug it will provide a warm atmosphere to your dcor. These area rugs are even made from natural products now that will even be better in your home and helping the person with an allergy. Go online and you should be able to find an area rug that is sharp looking and will fit in with any kind of dcor you may have.

5. Take down those curtains and replace them with blinds. Blinds will help to cut down on the dust collection that drapes usually are full of. Blinds are much easier to clean too, all you need is a rag and you can wipe them off. You will be able to find blinds in any color that can go with your dcor too. If someone in your family has allergies you don't have to clear out the house of everything. Make the changes above and get your home to be allergen free. It will be a great help to those allergy suffers, and you home will still be able to look stylish and like it's liven in.

About the Author:

Home Decorators love to use rugs, to finish a room. This one in particular is proving popular; bamboo rugs.

What You Should Know About Home Security Systems

By Tony DeFranco

Years ago, home burglar alarms were only found with rich homes. These days however, the prices have dropped and they are becoming more common with homes of average folk. A lot of people who invest in burglar systems go for the do it yourself systems. They can be wired or wireless, setting off an alarm when an intruder attempts to break in or when they are moving around inside of your house.

You can get two different types of home security alarms, either open or closed circuit. How the open circuit works is when the circuit closes. So if you have the system set up on your door and it is opened, it will trigger the alarm. And closed circuits work in reverse. So if that same door is opened and the circuit is broken, then the alarm goes off.

Motion sensors are a little more fancy. They work by detecting motion in a set parameter. As soon as it picks up motion, it runs the motion through its computer to calculate if it is worthy to trigger the alarm. So if the action is considered a threat, it can either trip the alarm or send a distress call to the authorties.

You can set up your motion sensor for different things. Such as if you have a pet or other common movements in you house. Going with a motion sensor is a very good idea and has caught on recently, and it is a wonderful way to protect your house and the ones you love.

The best setup is to go with both motion sensors and magentic switches. The motion sensors can take care of the big rooms while you protect your doors and windows with the magnetic switches. When you put these two together, you really will have a strong home security setup that will be hard to beat.

The security camera is another way to go in home security. When placed in the right places, these can be a very effective home security measure. They do a good job of tracking the areas they watch, and you can moniter them closely. Most security cameras allow you to record to a tape, so you can go back to something that might have happened while you were away.

You can also get a burglar system from a home security company as well. Most companies monitor their systems remotely, and always have someone in the office to look after the system. Once the alarm is set off, the company will immediately inform the local police or send their own security personnel out to your home. This way, night or day, no matter where you go, your home will always be protected.

Home security systems are by far one of the best investments you can make for your home. And with all the many options, you can get what you really need. If getting robbed is something that is always on your mind, then you definitely need to get a security system. It helps you know that you are protected. And the fact that the price range is so flexible is nice too. If you are a home owner then you really need to make sure you protect yourself!

About the Author:

Tony has spent a lot of time researching on home security and knows what makes the ultimate home security. Thanks for reading.

Mirror On The Wall: Improving How A Space Looks

By Julie Grimes

Mirrors at home are a staple. I read somewhere that Kiefer Sutherland doesn't like to look at himself in the mirrorbut he still has a mirror. So that doesn't count at all in the logic that he doesn't have a mirror (in a dramatic kind of way) just because he doesn't look at them. Give me a name who doesn't own a single mirror and I will climb Everest.

Mirrors are positioned in different, or for some, almost all areas in the house. The hallway, near the front door, bedroom, bathroom and the living room are the most common places that welcome mirrors with open arms. I have a friend who has a mirror hanged on her kitchen just above the cooking stove, because she said she likes to check herself while waiting for food to be cooked without having to go to the bathroom. Ah, how creative. We need mirrors to tell us if we look okay to face other people and if we are in the right combination of clothes. We need mirrors for our daily hygienic practices like brushing our teeth and combing our hair. And can you imagine having to shave your face with only an image of your face in the head? Too difficultand crazy.

Mirrors are about style and decors too. A house looks more chic with a nicely hanged mirror on the wall as it is a great accent to an otherwise boring wall. A uniquely shaped mirror adds personality to the room. A mirror placed on the wall makes the space look bigger than it actually is.

In improving your home's look, you can try integrating mirrors and area rugs together. Woven area rugs are recommended but any kind will do. Rugs come in a lot of colors, designs and patterns that there is surely one to catch your eyes. Matched with a nice-looking mirror, that's a partnership you wouldn't want to miss.

If you have a wall or space that is strangely proportioned, there usually isn't much you can put in those spaces to create a sophisticated or contemporary feel that doesn't also make the space look cluttered. Small spaces, large spaces, octagonal spaces- it doesn't matter what size or shape the space, there is a mirror out there that will fit it. Sure, you can hang a picture there, but pictures have a way of becoming old hat when you have to look at them every day. Mirrors always offer a different picture every time.

Mirrors can be simple or ornate, inexpensive or decadent, small or large, square or circular. There are few standard home decorating pieces that can match the diversity of the mirror. You can have a mirror in your home, your office, your dorm room or your home gym. If you want to create a space that is useful and beautiful; paint the walls a color fitting your taste, hang a mirror, carefully place a few area rugs (woven or braided) over your plain carpet, and furnish to your sense of style. That sounds easy doesn't it?

Scrap the thought that mirrors are mere objects. They are not. Aside from showing us the faces we can't conceal behind layers of makeup or gook of sunblock, mirrors are simple yet amazing decorative items that you shouldn't live without.

About the Author:

Discover where Interior Design professionals do their own shopping and uncover their most sort after grey area rugs.

What kind of weed killer will do the job for my lawn? What is the best herbicide?

By Ansel Greener

With the new season upon us land and homeowners want a terrific looking, real nice green and healthy lawn that everyone wants. In addition any flower, bushes, and shrub beds need to have that neat appearance. Arguably the hardest job throughout the growing season is how to control the weeds.

When choosing a weed killer there are general questions you have to answer so that you implement the best weed control plan for your situation.

There are a few different types of weed killers that you should be familiar with. They are;

Contact kill weed killer - These will kill all vegetation that is sprayed and then when in contact with the soil becomes inactive. Commonly active ingredients called glyphosate.

Total vegetation Ground Sterilizer - These will kill all vegetation sprayed on and becomes active in the soil to stop re-growth for multiple seasons. Common active ingredients include bromacil and prometon.

Selective Weed Killer- Most commonly called a broadleaf weed killer that will kill all broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, chick weeds and poison ivy, but not grass, flowers, or ornamental shrubs and bushes. Other weed killers kill Grassy Weeds (non-leaf) and not the grass. Active ingredients include 24D and mcpp

What should you consider when designing your weed control program?

There are other groups of herbicides for crop-lands and these are usually very expensive.

What should you consider when planning your weed control campaign?

1- Weeds are very hardy and are designed to survive. One mechanism is by generating thousands of seed. 1 pig weed will generate 500,000 seeds. If they in turn grow then you have 500,000 weeds generating 500,000 seeds each. You do the math! So then the #1 goal is to start to kill weeds early, BEFORE they generate seeds. Use less herbicide and do less work.

2- Weeds can and do become resistant to herbicides and weed killer. If one active ingredient does not work for you then your weeds might be resistant. Check the label, note the active ingredient and find another one to do the same job. Check Weed resistance at weedscience.org

After reading this guide you should be able to pick the right weed killer to control weeds for your situation.

If you need questions answered go to our website mroCHEM.com below for brochures, weed killer, and herbicides.

About the Author:

Forget everything you thought you knew about herbicide.This website weed killer shatters all the current myths and gives it to you straight

How to avoid toxic flowers

By George Nava True II

As I mentioned in my previous article, children under age 5 are the usual victims of plant poisoning owing to their curious nature. At this age, it is hard to resist the allure of bright-colored and sweet-smelling flowers even if some of them are poisonous.

"Lots of plants are poisonous or capable of causing highly allergic reactions. Some will also pierce you with their sharp spines. Few actually do lasting harm but some should be treated with care and respect," according to doctors at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia.

"Many plants have poisonous bulbs or roots but as these are usually safely underground, they are not likely to poison anyone. Others taste so awful that it is difficult to eat enough to cause a serious injury. Oleander, for example tastes so bitter and unpalatable that it is difficult to accidentally eat very many of the leaves. On the other hand there are plants that look appealing but contact can have bad results," they added.

However, protecting our kids is easier said than done since it can be difficult to recognize a poisonous plant. Often there are no telltale signs or characteristics that distinguish a poisonous plant from one that isn't. Therefore, we have to educate ourselves to save our children.

"The amount of poison in a plant tends to vary with location, age of plant, season and weather conditions. In some plants, the toxin is confined only to certain parts. Additionally, plants normally considered non-toxic may have been treated with an insecticide, making them toxic," revealed the experts at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Canada.

What are the symptoms of plant poisoning? Be wary of the following: vomiting, stomach cramps, irregular heartbeat and convulsions.

"The type and severity of symptoms will vary according to the type of plant eaten, the amount swallowed and the size of the child. The most common problems are stinging around the mouth and skin allergies," said doctors at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia.

In case of skin contact, wash the area with clean running water to flush out the poison. Likewise for the eye which should be irrigated for at least 20 minutes. Check the child's mouth and remove any remaining plants before washing it. Call your local poison control center immediately. (Next: Beware of these poisonous flowers.)

For fresh flowers that are professionally designed and perfect for any occasion, go to the trusted source - Discount Flower Delivery Cicero.

About the Author:

National Press Club and Philippine Dental Association awardee George Nava True II is a popular Manila-based freelancer who has written thousands of articles on a variety of topics under the pseudonyms Janet Martin, Jill Stewart, Sharon Bell and, more recently, Tracy Anderson. He can be reached at sparklingtrue@yahoo.com.

Indoor Garden Room

By Alan Rock

We all have our problems when it comes to plant care indoors, hut in future when your rubber plant decides to shed a leaf.

Sometimes a plant is required for a special display point, a corner of a hall or living room which demands one dominant feature.

Some of the majestic screw pines have beautiful saw-edged yellow leaves and may attain a height of 8 to 12 ft. when roots are confined to a plant pot, or large tub. Tightly overlapping leaves radiate in all directions and may give the really super plant a diameter in the region of 12 ft. Tight, warm conditions are needed and, because of the saw-edged leaves, a position away from the general stream of humanity that may be passing. Alas, plants are in acutely short supply and take many, many years to .reach maturity, so it may be a little unfair.

Trained to wires suspended from the ceiling of the garden room they will be quite effective and are very easy to care for. Once established, vines will make rapid growth and will require periodic trimming back during the growing season. In winter they should be cut back to two eyes from the main stem.

Almost all of them are purely green foliage plants, so are ideally suitable for the lighter order, but with a possible bias towards my own favourites, the following are suggested for that very special position where ample space is available to show the plant off to best advantage, not forgetting headroom.

One rather ferocious parrot had a habit of pecking through the sterns of some of the more mature plants, and seemed to have a particular partiality for Aralia elegantissima. So much so that the contract man in charge of maintenance stood there one day and watched as the tall stem of one of these plants toppled and fell to the floor, Polly having performed a very creditable bit of tree felling.

About the Author:

Tolerating a wide range of conditions, Monstera pertusa borsigiana is an excellent specimen indoor garden houseplant with its huge, deeply serrated leaves.

Are You Tired Of Buying Bedding? Buy A Bed In A Bag Set.

By Peter Bulartic

Perhaps you're setting up a bedroom, or maybe refurbishing a bedroom. Either way you're not finding it easy. There's so much to think about, and when it comes to bedding it's way too confusing. What you need is a great bed in a bag.

There just seems to be so many different things that go on your bed. Sheets or duvet? Comforter perhaps? What pillows or pillowcases? Which design? Which colors? What matches with what?

It all gets extremely difficult, and expensive too. Trying to work out everything that you need for your bed, match designs and colors and buy them all one by one isn't easy.

And not cheap either. When you buy all your bedding individually it all costs a heap.

You need a great bed in a bag set. What is a bed in a bag set? It's a complete way to buy your bedding all in one go. Everything you need all together, all color and design matched. It takes away all the difficulty of choosing it yourself.

Pillowcases, comforter, bed skirt and lots more, it's all there, all matched ready to set up your bed in one go. All in a bag. One bag to buy and all your bedding is sorted, looking good, easy.

There's so many different colors and designs to choose from, but once you've made one choice you've got it all. It makes choosing your bedding so easy.

But that's not all, there's one more massive positive. It's way cheaper buying your bedding as a bed in a bag than as individual pieces. Buying bedding individually adds up really expensive than if you buy it all together.

Its like buying car parts. You know how it is. If you buy a whole care you end up paying way less than if you bought the parts individually one by one. Because each part priced on it's own is way more expensive.

It's price that is the biggest bonus of buying a bed in a bag. And as many people who are looking for a bed in a bag are doing so you need to know where to buy them to get the best buy.

There are some fantastic clearance bed in a bag sets at prices that will surprise you if you've been adding up the prices of bedding individually. You can shop online and find stunning deals with prices way below retail.

There's many reasons to buy a bed in a bag set. Ease of choice, great matching colors and design, but overall you'll save a stack if you select a bed in a bag instead of buying individually. Check them out.

About the Author:

Visit Peters website to find a great Discount Bed In A Bag sale as well as a wide range of other Cheap King Size Bed In A Bag Sets.