tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15571673723823249602023-11-15T23:27:55.652+07:00Home Gardengarden,gardening,home garden,savage garden,garden tracor,garden center,garden decor,gardens,flower garden,garden plants,garden tree,tropical garden,olive garden,busch gardens,garden ridge,madison square garden,gardening,better homes and gardens,hilton garden inn,garden state,olive garden restaurant,home and garden,winter garden,outdoor garden,garden designs,garden furniture,garden view,office garden,landscape garden,rock garden,bamboo gardenariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-42832924341301603622012-03-28T22:21:00.001+07:002012-03-28T22:25:33.502+07:00Advantages of Metal Garden Furniture<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Metal garden furniture is affordable and most people like it because it can take any shape and contain any pattern hence it becomes easy to achieve the desires that they could have for their </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> The material is also popular among many people because it comes with a variety of advantages.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Metal is strong: this is one of the advantages that come with metal garden furniture. You will find that most of the items come coated with a rust resistant coat and this is what gives the material strength hence it will be resilient over time and will manage to withstand different and changing conditions of the weather.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Offers versatility: there are different kinds of </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">metals</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> which can be used to make the garden furniture. The differences offer versatility and therefore everybody ends with furniture that is most suitable for the garden. You can get anything from the light aluminum furniture perfect for picnics to the strong and heavier wrought iron furniture providing a more permanent solution to your garden needs.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Different designs and styles: as earlier mentioned, metal is easy to play around with and this therefore means that the makers of the furniture manage to come up with very attractive and unique designs on the furniture. In case you have a design in mind, you can have the furniture made especially for you thereby making it very unique to your garden.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> When looking for </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">garden furniture</span><span style="font-family: arial;">, one of the important things you will need to consider is the maintenance. When it comes to metal, maintenance is necessary but does not require much. Nowadays, you will find that the metal furniture come coated with rust free varnish and therefore manage to resist rust for a long time. In cases where rust does occur, you can try scrapping off using wired brush that does not leave any damage.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> You can get the furniture coated all over again once you find that the initial coating is not serving its purpose and is exposing your treasured furniture to the harsh conditions of the environment. The cushions will however require regular cleaning and it is therefore important to go for colors and fabrics that not only bring out the best in your garden but are also easy to wash and keep looking good for a long period of time.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Every kind of </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> furniture has its advantages and disadvantages and you will need to consider them all before making the last decision.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-18443909241540588552012-02-21T22:07:00.000+07:002012-02-21T22:09:43.351+07:00Using Garden Stools to Add Culture and Character to Your Home<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How many times have you visited someone's home and thought, "this place looks familiar." From the standard granite and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, to the tried and true beige Pottery Barn sofa, our homes can easily turn into boring look-alikes devoid of any unique, differentiating design elements. While most of us are too timid to go for a drastic change (say, a tangerine accent wall or expensive art installation), there are small ways to imbue your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">home</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> with character and style.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Garden stools are a great way to set your interior apart and add intrigue. Available in an endless array of punchy, bright colors, </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">stools</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> have so many uses! Try placing one in the corner of a neutral room. The color and unique shape will draw the eye outward and make the space seem larger. Make sure to choose the color based on what is personally visually appealing to you and try to incorporate that same color in corresponding accent pillows and decorative throw blankets.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Another interesting way to use stools inside is by placing them next to a sofa or chair and using them as a side table. The flattop and low profile is ideal for small interiors that need more petite furniture and accents. You may want to consider having a piece of glass cut to fit the top if you will be using the side table as a place to rest drinks or other items.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Since there are so many Asian inspired </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">stools</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> available for purchase, we suggest using this variety in any room that needs an injection of culture and style. Guests will think you procured the stool in a market in the Far East and you will love the way the shape and color of the stool adds depth and an exotic flair to your interior.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> We would be remiss if we didn't mention the most common application for garden stools....in the garden! First, make sure that your </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">stool</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is all weather appropriate. While an item may be called a 'garden stool,' it may in fact, not be weather proof or able to stand up to the elements in the region where you live. Once you choose a stool that can handle the weather, place it, or a cluster of 2 or 3 of them, in your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> or on your deck. The stools create instant seating and a place to rest and enjoy the nature and scenery that's right outside your door. Hopefully we've inspired you to use garden stools as another design element in and out of your home.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-51139841928876891352012-01-25T23:40:00.000+07:002012-01-25T23:42:06.034+07:00Using Garden Sheds To Get The Most Out Of Your Home<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To many people a garden shed might be little more than an outdoor dumping ground for odds and ends of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> tools or household items they can't store indoors. Little more than an eyesore, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">shed</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> sits in the garden at odds with both its surroundings and its owners. Research has shown that up to 70% of people use their sheds as a junk room.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Just a little imagination and inventiveness, however, can turn the humble garden shed into a positive asset, providing an extension to your living space that's as attractive as it is useful. Using </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">sheds</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> to get the most out of your home takes a little money but reaps large rewards.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Garden Produce</span></span> <br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Give your vegetable garden a head start and save money in the process by using a section of the shed as a potting area. Arrange a bench, or shelf, beneath the window to catch the most light, and use the area to bring on seeds, repot houseplants, or divide </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> shrubs. The warmth of the shed will offer vital protection to seedlings until they can be planted out in the vegetable garden, and you'll have the satisfaction of growing from seed.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Summerhouse</span></span> <br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Sheds come in all shapes and sizes, and if yours is large enough you could turn it into a summerhouse or a crafts area. Paint the shed in a pale, summery shade and adorn it with hanging baskets. Place colourful planters by the door and soften its edges with mature shrubs.</span></span> <br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The kids will welcome somewhere to play out of the weather and it'll give you a place for messy craft activities, such making papier mache, that won't leave your kitchen in a tangle. Alternatively, your summerhouse can be a convenient garden area to prepare cold drinks or store summer snacks. If you run an electrical cable down the garden, you can install a small fridge or set up a television. Transporting some of your activities out to a suitably equipped </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">shed</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> expands the use you get from your home, allowing to more fully use the available space.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Home Office</span></span> <br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Dividing work hours and leisure hours is a constant thorn in the sides of those who work from home. Having a home office that's detached from the house provides the solution since the physical act of entering or leaving the workplace marks the beginning and end of the working period. Make sure the roof is secure and the interior walls are lined and weatherproofed, secure the door with a sturdy lock and provide some form of heating, and your </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">shed</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is ready to be kitted out with a desk, cabinets and drawers.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-16456128444490417562012-01-05T23:25:00.000+07:002012-01-05T23:27:55.077+07:00Japanese Garden Design Options<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You have a few Japanese </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Options... but don't waste your time and money with the free designs advertised. There is no such thing as a free Japanese landscaping design that is worth having! To most people this may seem like common sense, but on the other hand I have seen many advertisements for these type of plans.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> I recommend anyone who is seriously interested in having a Japanese garden in their backyard to avoid such schemes. Similarly, many of the Do-It-Yourself in one weekend advertisements and books are also going to be very misleading.</span></span> <br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Anyone who is interested in having an authentic garden should first study up on what style of Japanese garden they are interested in. Next, you need to take into account what type of property you have and where you would like to have you garden. From there you have two </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Japanese garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> options:</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 1) Either look into hiring a professional </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> and installation company, which will cost more, but in the long run you will be happier with the outcome.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 2) Do it yourself after you have investigated many different styles of gardens, determined which fits best for you site, and obtained the necessary garden tools to build and maintain your </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> In either option there needs to be a dedication to studying a little about the styles of gardens available as well as some kind of financial commitment to you project. This is something you cannot achieve though a free online </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Don't expect to spend $200 and recreate the atmosphere of a famous rock garden one Saturday morning.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> There are a handful of good Japanese landscapers outside of Japan. Take the time to seek out these authorities with experience, the outcome will be worth it.</span></span> <br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Although many Japanese </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> appear to be very simplistic, it is in the simplicity that millions of details lie in wait to be discovered by the observer.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you are drawn to and intrigued by a picture of a garden and strive to emulate that in your garden, understand that this tradition is hundreds of years old and has developed over time. Think about what it is that appeals to you in that particular garden and think of how you can realistically create that feeling or atmosphere in your potential garden location.</span></span> <br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> A good garden designer will visit the location and check out the environment, surrounding areas, the view from the home, check your climate hardiness zone etc. None of these essential pieces of information are possible via ordering Free Japanese </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">designs.</b></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-5763408136399676032011-12-22T21:40:00.002+07:002011-12-22T21:44:46.827+07:00Tropical Garden Design - Have A Holiday Resort Right At Home<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you have sufficient place around your house then you can really let your fantasies run wild when it comes to picking your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> There are plenty of wonderful themes you could go with depending on what your exact preferences are and also on how you plan to use the area. Tropical garden design is one of the most popular themes for outdoor spaces these days since it gives the feeling of luxury and sensuousness. It is also a concept that is very easily personalized because there are so many different aspects to it.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> One of the most defining features of tropical garden design is the abundant use of plants and flowers in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colours. Tropical foliage comes in many vibrant colours that include yellows, reds and purples in addition to many shades of green. These plants also tend to have dramatic looking flowers; frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea being some of them. You can have a great time picking and choosing these plants, adding jasmines as well because they are beautiful and fragrant. Bamboos and canna lilies are also popular because they give an instant tropical look to a </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Tropical</b></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> also includes the use of statues, lanterns, vases and other decorative containers, banners and colourful umbrellas. These articles are very easy to find these days and you do not have to travel to tropical destinations in order to pick up decorative elements for your garden. You could also include paths and water features.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Most </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> firms offer this particular concept in a contemporary manner. They will create a garden that has a Thai, Balinese or Polynesian look depending on your preference. Have a detailed discussion with the landscape designers you hire to find out how much the project will cost, including how much you will need to spend in order to maintain the garden. Your garden will need a lot of maintenance in order to remain looking attractive and you should only put in as many plants as you are comfortable looking after.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> You will have a lovely time entertaining friends and family in your garden if you put in the right kind of infrastructure such as seating, lighting, a bar or a barbecue pit. Choose a landscape design firm that has a lot of experience in doing up tropical themed </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> You can then be sure that your money will be spent effectively.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-68398676775032816302011-12-07T19:18:00.001+07:002011-12-07T19:21:45.981+07:00Garden Lighting Is A Necessity<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lighting up your garden is not something that falls under a luxurious hobby that people only indulge in to impress the neighbors and friends. </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">lighting</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is basically a necessity more than a fashionable hobby or a passion.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Imagine how inconvenient and boring it can get to organize a graduation party that you need to wind up before the sun goes down, only because you garden is not properly lit. Forget about parties, can you even stroll in your garden in a breezy summer night without lighting, or sip on a strong espresso to enjoy winters in a dark garden? Without lighting, your garden can look dreary and instead of giving respite, it will scare you.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Garden lighting is immensely useful in a number of different ways. The first, being its use in allaying your fear to stroll in a dark, and gloomy garden. Then properly lit garden can encourage you to arrange different family and friends dinner parties and late-night get-togethers. This will eventually help you enjoy more with your near and dear ones and collect some memories along the way that you will love cherishing throughout your life. Other than this, the </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">lighting</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> can actually lease a new life to your dark and dreary garden, provided they are installed at the right locations. Creating a wonderful atmosphere in your garden does not imply that you need to install big bright bulbs all around. Bright and sharp lights can only serve to irritate your guests as well as neighbors, but will never provide a soothing atmosphere, a beautiful evening party demands.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> There are a number of different types and designs of </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">lights</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> available in the market. Before going for shopping, see if there are separate portions in your garden for sitting and cooking, etc or not. If yes, then you may need to provide extra lighting to that area rather than using the same dim lights as in the rest of the garden area. Afterwards, you should know that the most usual type of garden lighting is the down lighting that can be used anywhere in the garden. Nevertheless, if you have a pond or fountain in your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> as well, you should always think about installing the underwater or spotlights. In addition, you need to highlight the walkways and sidewalks, as it gives further definition to your garden. However, whatever type of lights you use, make sure they are soft and low-voltage lights.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Prices of </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">lighting</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> vary widely; nevertheless, it is not expensive at all. To get an even more cheap deal, you can use solar </span><b style="font-family: arial;">lights.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> They are available in various attractive designs.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-19853822142342076752011-11-24T21:20:00.001+07:002011-11-24T21:25:02.951+07:00Solar Outdoor Garden Decors<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Do you have passion when it comes to gardening? There are so many people who have passion and are enjoying gardening. If you are one of those people, what are the things that you usually use to make your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> look beautiful and attractive? Do you use some decorations and other items? What type of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> decors do you use? If you want to use something that could help you save the use of energy, then try using solar outdoor garden decors. solar decors are decors that get the energy that they use from the sun. You don’t need to worry about using electricity to make them work. Like if you want to use lights in your garden to make it look more attractive during the night.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> There are so many </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">solar</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">outdoor</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> decors that you can choose from at the market. The decorations will depend on the type of garden that you also have. Make sure that the decors that you will use match the style of your garden as well. Matching the decorations is very important for it is the factor that determines the beauty of a garden. solar outdoor are only ideal and best to those garden that has big space like those backyard garden. Putting lights in your garden could really set a mood. It could also promote a relaxing mood. It depends on what mood you want to project in your garden. If you want to see your options with regards to solar garden decors, what you can do is do a little research online or visit the nearest garden store in your place and see what they have for you. This might require your time, effort and patience.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Few tips before you buy make sure that you have an idea what type of </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">solar</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> decors you want to use and have for your garden. Buy only those that you need and suits your budget. If you are not sure, try to ask people who have expertise in </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> for ideas and tips. Using the right kind of solar garden décor could really help you save money for you don’t have to end up buying the wrong items.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-59678643935845468452011-11-07T21:22:00.001+07:002011-11-07T21:25:43.283+07:00A Gardener’s Delight In Greenwood, South Carolina<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Park Seed Company’s trial gardens in Greenwood, South Carolina, are a </span><b style="font-family: arial;">delight</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> for </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardeners.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> The gardens showcase a great variety of new plants and old favorites. Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the lovely </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> each year and choose plants and seeds to try at home.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Since 1868 the Park Seed Company has provided gardeners with seeds, plants, and other gardening products. The company was founded in Libonia, Pennsylvania, by George W. Park, a teenager who first sold dried seeds to his neighbors. Park published his first small seed catalog in 1868. Over the years the company grew, and in 1902 it moved to a larger facility in La Park, Pennsylvania. The Parks moved to Florida in the early 1920s, but they found the weather there to be too hot and humid to properly store seeds. In 1924 Park moved the company headquarters to his wife’s hometown of Greenwood, South Carolina. Today the business is located on 500 acres of land. There are research facilities, processing areas, temperature controlled storage facilities, the mail order business, a garden center, and extensive trial </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> on the site. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The Park Seed trial gardens draw visitors from all over the country. Gardeners are welcome to walk through the nine acres of demonstration gardens. A number of the company’s All American selections may be viewed. Plant lovers will be able to see the best new plant selections before they become available to the general public. Only the highest performing selections will eventually come on the market. Visitors may enjoy the rose garden, the water garden, the container garden, and a number of other theme gardens. Over 2,000 varieties of plants may be seen.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The Park Seed garden Center also welcomes visitors. The center is open during the spring and summer months on Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-6pm. More than 1,100 varieties of flower and vegetable seeds are available for purchase. All seeds are top quality untreated seeds. Certified organic seeds are also available. In addition bulbs and live plants are available for purchase.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Each year the Park Seed Company trial gardens are a featured venue at the South Carolina Festival of Flowers. The festival is one of Southeast Tourism’s Top 20 Events. Park Seed Flower Day is one of the most popular activities. The greenhouses are open to the public and horticulturists give guided tours of the trial </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> The festival’s 2011 Flower Day is June 25 from 8am-4pm.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The Park Seed Company’s Garden Center and trial gardens are located on Highway 254 (Cokesbury Road) in Greenwood, South Carolina. There is no charge to stop and smell the flowers.</span></span> </div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-34849800757217186712011-10-23T20:49:00.000+07:002011-10-23T20:50:54.761+07:00Easy Tips For A Beautiful Garden<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Having your own plot of land is a great way to find some harmony within yourself as you cultivate the land and make the nature your personal shrine of happiness and wonder. You can do this easily by planting an assortment of things and watching them bloom on your acreage, on your land, and it will give you a sense of triumph as well as a sense of joy at giving back to a world by making it more beautiful of your own hands' work. For the springtime, you can plant a </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of flowers. Initially, before starting, you need to cultivate the land and make it ready. Choosing a plot of land in your backyard, you must rake through the dirt, as a lot of times there are rocks and other debilitating factors that will cause a garden not to grow.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> So, raking through that dirt, get rid of all of it and then replace it with something else, like cow or horse manure. This soft dirt is wonderfully fertile and will help your garden grow. Then, choosing your seeds, there are so many to pick from! You can choose poppies, sunflowers, roses, wisteria, daisies, daffodils, lilacs, peonies, bluebonnets, morning glories, lilies, lavender, or you can choose from a number of herbs, like sage, basil, mint, or you can choose from a variety of plants, such as peas, mushrooms, snow peas, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, carrots, spinach, potatoes, leeks, cauliflower, okra, peppers, chilies, and a number of other things that please you. No matter what you are growing, whether it be strawberries, onions, and any other number of things, you can find seeds and read the instructions on the back to figure out how to plant them. Then you plant them and enjoy the fruits of your labor, quite literally, as within a few weeks they will begin to grow and you will see the success of your labors.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Keeping your garden alive is often done naturally with sunlight and rain, but you must be sure to water it, as well, and keep an eye on your budding crop, too. Also keeping it safe from pestilence and harm is another important factor, so be sure you keep bug spray and pest repellent on hand, at all times, so that your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> doesn't get devoured by hungry bugs and rodents. This means you might have to set some traps otherwise the instant your lovely green begins to bloom, it will have bite marks all over the place.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you don't want to wait all that time for green to sprout, you can get small potted plants and then un pot them to stick them into the dirt, that way you already have something to look at and don't have to stare at a plot of lifeless dirt for weeks before you see results. No matter which way you go, within a matter of weeks you will have a beautiful, flourishing </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> one that will rise and fall with the seasons and bring you a special kind of joy that is unparalleled by any other sport or hobby.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-62841922577227031012011-10-02T22:12:00.000+07:002011-10-02T22:15:50.336+07:00Garden Designer - 6 Benefits To Hiring A Pro<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Even if you love do the gardening yourself, a professional </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">designer</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is worth calling on. There are numerous reasons why these professionals are so valuable to your home's landscape and overall aesthetics. You may think you can handle it on your own. On the other hand, you want your landscaping to be the best in the entire neighborhood. Can you do it on your own? You may be able to do so, but when you call on a professional, you will have a guaranteed approach to improving the layout and beauty of your outdoor space.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Why a Professional Is Best</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Why should you hire a garden designer instead of just doing it yourself? There are actually numerous reasons why these professionals can help you.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • A professional is able to create the space you want to do what you want. In other words, his or her skill can help you to get the function you want out of the landscaping. That is not the easiest thing to do on your own.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • What is the budget? If you do not want to spend a lot of money on the project, or you need to stay within a specific budget, it is best to turn to a professional to get the job done. You can often get more for less with these professionals.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • Do you have a specific idea in mind but don't know where to get the supplies you need? That is another reason to call on these professionals.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • Are you searching for the help you need to get your design off the ground? Perhaps you have no idea even where to start. This type of professional can help ensure the right design for your needs is put into place.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • It is a good idea to turn to a professional </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">designer</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> to ensure that your system is structurally sound. From hard and soft landscaping the installation and design needs to ensure water flows away from the home. It also needs to work to reduce water needs.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • With a professional, you get a </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> that will grow and do wonderful things for you. Without that professional, you have to assume that your plants and lawn are getting the right nutrients necessary.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> To ensure that your landscaping has the right tools to grow and do wonderful things, turn to a professional. A garden designer will work with you, hand in hand, to design the space that is right for you, based on what your likes and needs are. It is also a good idea to turn to a professional just for the experience. You will learn a great deal about what you can expect from your landscaping, how to maintain it and even how to add to it or change it down the line. Hiring this professional can help make your job easier to manage overall. It adds value to your home and can help your home to shine for years to come.</span></span> </div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-14503138763809973082011-08-19T21:02:00.000+07:002011-08-19T21:03:57.126+07:00Garden Tips For Bermuda Grass<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bermuda lawns can be kept green all winter by sowing rye grass on top of the Bermuda. This custom is well-known in the southern states. The Bermuda will go dormant with cool weather but next spring will wake up again. Rye grass is low-priced and will keep your lawn green over the winter. For a complete renovating job, however, it is best to sow a high grade mixture which does not contain rye.</span></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> If space is lacking in your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> for a wide planting of bulbs then grow them in pots. Several varieties are available and you will really gain much from this type of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardening.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Buy your bulbs now while dealers still have a satisfactory assortment.</span></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Watch soil moisture carefully. Natural rains during fall are not enough to keep plants going. Mulches of peat will tend to keep the soil moist for a fairly long period of time. To a certain extent this reduces your water bill.</span></span> </div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-942437975255369382011-07-31T22:30:00.000+07:002011-07-31T22:34:36.826+07:00Garden Seed Tips<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">All of your </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden%20seed">garden seed</a></span><b style="font-family: arial;">,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> whether it is for a flower garden or vegetable garden, is best if purchased from a very reliable source. You want the garden seed to give you the best crop possible and the prettiest flowers ever. Your seeds, needless to say, should be purchased from a company that has a good reputation and has been well established for many years.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Many vegetable seeds will grow well and give you a good crop if you can plant them straight into tilled soil in hills or rows. The supplies that you are going to need for a vegetable garden include a garden hose, garden rake, </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> trowel, vegetable seeds, shovel, and a watering can. First be sure your outdoor temperatures will not be dropping to the freezing level; if the seeds freeze they will not survive. The vegetable seed packets will give you the information regarding when you can start planting in your area, how deep the seeds need to be place, how far apart the seeds should be and the best method for producing great results.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you plan on planting the seeds in rows you need to make several channels with the use of a garden hoe. Each of the channels needs to be as deep as recommended by the seed packet for that vegetable. Generally speaking the larger the seed the deeper it gets planted in the soil. The small carrot seeds only need to be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep while the larger seeds, such as beans, will need to be planted a good two inches deep. Place the seeds in the channel at the recommended distance apart, then cover loosely with the back of a rake or with your hands. Tamp that row of seeds with the back side of your rake enough so the wind will not blow the soil away. Water thoroughly but use a </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> hose or watering can that is equipped with a fine-spray.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> For hill planting gather your soil to form a mound to a 3 to 4" height and 12 to 18" width. Your seed packet will probably let you know high and wide the hills need to be for planting. You can use your finger or a stick to make a hole into the center of the mound as deep as recommended. Insert 2 or 3 seeds into the hole, cover them with the soil and press down just enough to make sure the soil contacts the seeds well. Thoroughly water the hills the same way as if you planted in rows.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Often times it can be better to plant varieties of flower seed indoors and then transplant them to the flower </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> after the last frost. The time needed before transplanting outdoors depends on the flowers you choose. All this information can be found on the individual seed packet or in a seed catalog. Some packets tell you to plant indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Some seeds such as zinnias or cosmos can be planted directly outdoors but in order to get an early start you can plant them inside first to transplant later. Geraniums and licorice plants may need as long as twelve weeks before they start sprouting.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The main reason for starting seeds indoors is to help germination by use of heat and water and seed growth with the help of grow lights. You can help prevent "damping-off" with proper drainage and air circulation; this air circulation can be done with an electric fan blowing across the soil surface gently during the daytime. You want to start "hardening off" your tender seedlings a week to 10 days before planting outdoors. Stop fertilizing, cut watering down to half the amount, keep then in a cooler inside space, start letting them receive some direct sunlight and introduce them to outdoor temperatures. You can start by placing the trays outside for about an hour during mid day and increase gradually the time spent outdoors. You do not want them out when it is cold, in heavy rain, strong winds and bring them inside during the night.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Before you purchase any garden seeds pick up some </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden%20seed">garden seed</a></span><b style="font-family: arial;"></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> catalogs and do some browsing to see the different varieties of flower seed and vegetable seed packets that might interest you. You may even want to try some that you have never heard of before and it might turn out to your liking. Just remember to use reliable sources when you purchase your garden seed.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-72520762742642250012011-07-20T23:17:00.001+07:002011-07-20T23:24:08.054+07:00How to Make a Garden - 8 Key Tips On Making a Garden Easily<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Do you know how to make a garden? Well, these days most adults immediately response "Of course I know how to make a garden!" Yes, but do you know how to make a </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> that actually grows the fruits, veggies, and flowering plants that you want? And, a garden that grows them in a healthy way?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Let's look at some of the keys to how to make a garden successfully.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 1.Soil is all. Your have to have well-turned soil that is rich in nutrients and has the correct pH balance for what you plan on growing. Then you need to keep it well-watered,but also well-drained. You will have to fertilize it and provide it with compost or rich manure. Get your soil tested professionally or by using a home kit before you plant anything. You need to know in advance if you have to balance it out for more or less alkalinity or acidity.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 2.Buying cheap plants is fine--if you know how to make a </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you don't know how to make a garden, the most expensive plants will fail.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 3.Use organic methods to control pests and plant diseases. You can use heavily diluted bleach (diluted by water) as a "pesticide" spray. You can have Lady Bugs and other natural predators of aphids and such things in your garden. Spray "green" herbicides on weeds. Use these and other organic gardening methods.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 4.Make your </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> in 4x4 raised beds (four feet, that is). This gives you much more surface area in a more limited space in which to work. It keeps the soil richer.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 5.If you don't have a lot of space for </span><b style="font-family: arial;">g</b><span style="font-family: arial;">ardening, mix things together and maximize what space you do have. Why not use red cabbage for an edging, marigolds to keep out pests, and then have some herbs as your main "food crop"? You can also try container gardening if you lack acreage.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 6.Water, water everywhere. The key to successful watering, besides knowing in advance what amount of water each one of your plants requires, is doing it consistently but never overdoing it. Too much water causes root-rot a and breeds fungi, while not enough obviously causes plants to wither.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 7.Make a garden that is colorful and the form of which gives pleasure to the eye.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> 8.Use the seasons to make different </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=gardens">gardens</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> with appropriate plants, colors, and layouts. Do a little research to achieve this.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-76587577257985573892011-06-30T21:27:00.000+07:002011-06-30T21:31:37.930+07:00Olive Garden: A New Way to Experience Fine Dining<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Are you for some authentic Italian food? Well, </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Olive%20garden">Olive garden</a></span><b style="font-family: arial;"></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is bringing the Italian cuisine closer to you wherever you are in the United States! With its famous chain of restaurants offering genuine Italian delicacies, you won't feel that far away from your beloved Italy. From the food offered to the ambience of the restaurant, you will feel at home in this fine dining place. So, what makes this restaurant different? What is its magic that it's able to attract a wide group of people? Well, there are many reasons.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • Its authentic Italian cuisine. When you visit this restaurant for some Italian dining experience, you won't be disappointed. It's nothing like other cheap restaurants out there doing some lousy imitation of Italian food. When you go for </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Olive</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> you are sure to get only first-class, original Italian taste that you will surely look forward to next time. And, this can be attributed to the next two points mentioned below.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • Its use of fresh ingredients. When you go for this restaurant, one of the first things that you will notice is the richness of its food. You can attribute that to the fact that the restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients available. From cheese to wine, all these are of the finest quality and they are used to enhance the taste.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • Its skilled chefs. The use of the finest ingredients is one thing; having professional and highly trained people prepare them is another. And the good thing is, you get both from </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Olive</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Its chefs are trained from its very own Culinary Institute of Tuscany, so you can expect the best of both worlds.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • Its great selection. While you may think that Italian food revolves around pasta, you'll be amazed at the great selection offered by this restaurant. From its main menus (lunch and dinner) to its dessert and beverages, you will never run out of choices. It even caters to budget-conscious individuals with its </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Fare options, so it's really for everybody.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> • It's easy on the pocket. Most fine dining restaurants often come at a high price, but you will be glad to know that you can still enjoy the food that this restaurant offers at a low price because there are coupons available. You can enjoy as much as 10% off on your favorite dish with these coupons.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> So when it comes to Italian food, then </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Olive</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> should always be on top of that list.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Olive</b></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is the way to go, and using Coupons </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Olive</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> offers to lighten the load a little will make everything taste that much better.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-80848989338635794502011-06-16T23:45:00.000+07:002011-06-16T23:50:09.431+07:00How to Plant a Vegetable Garden - Planting a Healthy Vegetable Garden at Home<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you want to learn how to plant a vegetable garden you are making terrific decision. </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Planting</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> a year around </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=vegetable%20garden">vegetable garden</a></span><b style="font-family: arial;"></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> will allow you to grow enough fresh vegetables for you and your family that you will soon have fresh and organic vegetables on your table daily. Whether it's to save money or to avoid genetically modified vegetables at your supermarket, planting a veggie garden provides countless benefits.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> One of the first things you need to know when looking to learn how to plant a vegetable garden is making the most from your the space you have available. You will be surprised how many fresh vegetables you can grow even with limited space for a plot. If possible try and stay away from any trees which can steal nutrients away from your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">vegetables.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Vegetables need plenty of sunshine, look for an area that receives plenty of morning sun. Preparation is the key to learning how to plant a vegetable garden you can be proud of. One of the secrets to growing a great </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> is soil preparation, it is critical.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> With soil preparation you must remove all weeds, avoid any weed killers and remove them by hand. You must test the pH level of your soil, anything around a reading of 6.5 is ideal. If you are unable to test it yourself head over to your local gardening store for testing.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Having your soil pH either too high or two low will restrict nutrients to your vegetables. garden lime is commonly used to bring up low pH soil levels. Dig the soil over and look to get to depth of about 30cm (12").You should allow 4-5 weeks before you begin to plant any vegetables.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Now you might be asking what vegetables you can plant? This will be dependent on climate zone so speak to your gardening store about the ideal vegetables for your area. You can pick up seedling for a great price and begin </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">planting</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> after your soil preparation.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The key to learning how to plant a vegetable garden from scratch picking the right vegetables that you can rotate year around to help eliminate pests and disease problems.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Organic fertilizers such as animal manure and garden composts are fantastic for providing nutrients to your vegetables as well as improving soil conditions and structure. Organic fertilizers help retain moisture which is very important. Watering your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a></span><b style="font-family: arial;"></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is important but try to ensure it doesn't become waterlogged and allow for proper drainage.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-8271691633890902872011-06-06T20:17:00.001+07:002011-06-06T20:22:00.927+07:00Garden Decor -- It Is More Than Just Decorations<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Garden%20decor">Garden decor</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;">... when post people think of décor, they probably think of the decorations in their living room, or elsewhere in the house. Only a minority of people connect "décor" with gardens and yards.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Some people may say that the best way to decorate your garden is with flowers and beautiful plants. And yes, this may be true, but there is so much more that you can do! With the proper garden décor, you can turn your garden into your own personal oasis.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Great types of garden décor:</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> · garden Benches. What is the point of having a beautiful garden if you do not have a good vantage point to see it from? Setting a garden bench in the midst of your garden gives you the perfect place to sit, relax, and watch your garden grow. A garden bench is not only an inviting place to sit, it is also a beautiful visual addition to almost any </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> · Bird Bath. There are many styles of birdbaths available these days. There are birdbaths that suit contemporary styles as well as birdbath that suit more traditional styles, and there are ones to suit any taste and style that falls in between. Not only do birdbaths themselves add beauty to your garden, but the birds that they attract add beauty, as well.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> · Water Fountain or Pond. Water has many soothing qualities -- even the look and sound of water can be soothing. Placing a fountain or a pond in your garden will transform your garden into a mini oasis. You will love coming home from a hard and stressful day of work and sitting near the peaceful sounds and sights of your garden water feature.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> · garden Statues. garden statues come in many different varieties. You can find garden statues that add humor, elegance, sophistication, or whimsy to your garden. Indeed, you can find a garden statue to suit any gardener's taste, whether you want to place and hide bunny sculptures throughout your garden, or whether you want a funny garden gnome.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> · Lights. There are many different ways to light up your garden at night. And why shouldn't your garden be lit up at night? There is no reason that you should not be able to enjoy the beauty of your garden at any time of day or night.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> These are just a few types of garden décor that you should consider adding to your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a>.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Adding garden décor to your garden is like adding a beautiful frame to a painting - it enhances it. Sure, your flowers and other plants are still the main event, but the right garden décor can really make your garden unique and beautiful.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-71536039320026593132011-05-17T02:21:00.002+07:002011-05-17T02:28:16.202+07:00Designing Your Garden - What Makes a Good Garden?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is a very personal thing and is often an expression of your personality. What I like you, you may not and vise versa. Some people like neat and tidy </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/2011/01/aero-garden-indoor-gardening-technique.html/search?q=gardens">gardens</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> where there are no surprises, others love the thrill of windy paths, lots of different plant material and not knowing what is around the corner. There are three main styles of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> formal, semi formal and informal. They can then be divided into many types of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> and that depends on what you would like. </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> can be intimately tidied to the style of your house as in example of the grand french chateaux where the geometric patterns of the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> mimic the geometric construction of the house or it can have no connection to your house at all.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Some people are lucky and have this innate gift of knowing how to </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> space, making it a pleasing place to be in. Others don't have this gene and find it very difficult to visualise how the space will work. To create a good </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> it is important you understand that </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is about managing space and people moving around it. The core of good </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> centres round patterns and the space within these patterns. By using geometrical shapes, circles, triangles, rectangles etc. you can achieve a unified feel to your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> So you need to think about ground patterns and movement around your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Where would you like people to go? Ground patterns can be achieved with the use of bricks, paving and plant material such as cut grass etc.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Formal </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> are symmetrical and geometrical and are strict in terms of repeating patterns and plant materials on either side. It is very controlled, plants are clipped, shaped, manipulated regularly and today is often suitable for small </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> like court yards. Urns, balustrades, stone, gravel paths, parterres, formal pools and framed views are all part of the formal </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> There are no surprises, you know what to expect.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Informal </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">designs</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> are asymmetrical and not as regimented. Plant material is allowed to spill over the structural elements such as walls, steps and paths. Plant material is allowed to self-seed and wander around the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Informal </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/2011/02/guide-to-successful-water-gardening.html/search?q=garden%20design">garden design</a></span><b style="font-family: arial;"></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is softer, full of surprises thus you don't know what to expect.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> And semi formal is the combination of the above two. Usually it is the built structures such as retaining walls, paths and steps that are formal and the informal element is the plant material which is allowed to spill over them, softening their hard outlines.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Within these three types, there are many different styles of </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> to choose from such as contemporary, Japanese, Mediterranean, cottage, courtyard, kitchen </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> or secret </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Contemporary is a modern style that likes to reflect the surrounding but also use a wide range of plant material. Form and texture of foliage are as important as flowers. Hard landscaping is woven into geometrical shaped buildings; all of which flow into the wider landscape. Plants are used as focal points to highlight the architectural forms.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Cottage was a late nineteenth-century ideal to return to the simple cottages of the country. They were planted with hardy bulbs, flowers, fruit bushes and herbs and vegetables. They were geometric, colours were harmonised and luxurious as plants grew well as they were heavily manured regularly.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mediterranean is not limited to one particular area but are defined according to hot summers and low rainfall. They encompass entertaining areas, shade, good views and dramatic shadows. Hot colourful plants are used and lots of lush green foliage plants to create a cool atmosphere. Plants need to be drought tolerant. Evergreen plants are popular because they cast shade on hot days. Walls are white washed to reflect the sun, pergolas built to create shade and use terracotta pots. There is often a water feature and water provides cooling vibes.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Japanese </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> encompasses religion and Japan's cultural history. Japanese </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> are very symbolic often the symbols relate to nature. Plants are 'tamed' and there is an emphasis on evergreen trees and shrubs. They are very controlled and often minimalist. True Japanese </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> are contemplative a place of meditation and great calm.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Planning</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start when </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">designing</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> I suggest you break it up into areas called rooms thus dividing one big space into several smaller spaces. For example: there is the front </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> the side </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> and the back </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Once you have decided where they begin and end you can then divide each of those areas up again. For example in the back </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> you could have the entertaining area, the grass/children's area, the utilities area (includes the compost heap and shed), the pool area and the vegetable/orchard area. Once you have defined the areas/rooms you can tackle one at a time, thus making a huge project into several smaller projects.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The Three Planning Stages</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> To create an interesting and exciting </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> there are 3 sets of plans (may be four if you need an engineer's structural plans) you need to devise:- Site Analysis Plan, Concept Plan and Planting Plan, usually all drawn to scale.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The First Steps</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> To </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> a </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> that works there are several things you need to do before buying plants and planting them. If you follow these steps you are more likely to have a successful </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Site Analysis</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> It is important to make an inventory of the area you are </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">designing.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Things to include are:</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Levels - steep/flat</span></span> <br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Aspect - North/south</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Sun/shade</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Sun Summer/Winter</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Shadows</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Existing trees and buildings</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Wind</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Views - good and bad</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Soil conditions</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Entrances - Front/back doors</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Power lines</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Underground cables and pipes</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Clothes line</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Fences</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Sheds and garages</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Paved and unpaved areas</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Patio/BBQ</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Lighting</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Drainage - runoff of storm watered</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Once you have noted the above, it is time to draw up the space. You can draw it roughly (not to scale) but eventually you will have to draw it to scale. Start by measuring the area you are </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">designing,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> draw it to scale ie. 1:100 and put all the above points onto your drawn plan. All these influences need to be drawn on paper, so that you can gauge any trends. For example there might be a paved path from the back door to the garage, but everyone takes a short cut across the lawn, creating a desire line. No - one uses the paved path. So perhaps pave the desire line and make it the official path.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The next step is the concept plan and this is the plan where you put down you ideas. It can be as wild and as adventurous as you like. Forget cost, enjoy your creativity. This is the stage where you put down your dreams of what you have always wanted. Later on, you hip pocket will decide for you whether you can have them. Anything is possible, so don't be shy, dream away. Again this can be roughly drawn or to scale, it is up to you.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The third and final plan is the planting plan and it is preferable that it is drawn to scale as this allows you to know exactly how many plants you will need. It incorporates all the ideas you have decided upon and shows you how the finished </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is going to look. It is the road map which will guide you to building your new </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> There may be a fourth plan if your site is steep or you are having major elements built, as you may need the advice of an engineer.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Points to Consider</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Think about your soil conditions, is it heavy clay or light and sandy? What plants will grow in these conditions? Are some areas boggy and some always dry?</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Sun conditions</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The sun is higher in the sky during spring and summer and shadows are shorter. Whereas in winter, the sun is lower in the sky and casts longer shadows. So a plant might be in full sun in summer and complete shade in winter. Can it tolerate this? Also think about the conditions the plants require. Are they full sun plants like roses or shade loving plants like azaleas?</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Wind</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> You also need to think about wind direction. Which way does the prevailing wind come from? Screens and hedges are one way of managing this problem but what problems are they going to cause? Making the block feel narrow, casting shadows etc? It is important to know because some plants don't like wind and it is no good putting the BBQ/entertainment area in an uncomfortable spot.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Views</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Views out your window or from your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> are very important. Some are intrusive while others are desired. If you wish to block out flats/neighbours etc. you may need to put in a higher fence or a hedging screen of some kind. Or you may want to </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> to enhance the view of the mountain, ocean etc.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Utilities and Service Lines</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> You also need to be aware where your services and utilities are; things like clothesline, overhead power lines etc. If you damage the gas, telephone or electricity lines, you are liable to pay for their repair.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Principles of </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> To create a well </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">designed</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> it is important to put the right plant in the right position. This means considering the cultural requirements of the plant. For example putting a full sun plant such as rose into a shady position isn't going to work, because the rose won't be receiving the right amount of sunlight for it to grow. The idea of good </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is to follow this philosophy, using the placement of plants to create mystery, tension and surprise by using tricks of the eye, colours and textures.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Tension, mystery and surprise make a </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> interesting. One way to create these is to use hedges, low walls, screens, paths, steps to make individual '</span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> rooms' with tension points that captures your attention on the way. For example a narrow oblong </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> can be made more interesting if you can't see the back fence - that there is a feature (plant or statue etc.) that obscures the fence. It also becomes more interesting if the path way is narrow then opens up into another room. A winding path adds mystery to the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> if you can't see what is around the corner. Surprise comes when you go around the corner and discover a focal point.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> A focal point is something like a seat/statue/water feature that leads your eye directly to it. For example - a pergola that has a statue at the end of it. The statue is the feature and is the reason why you look/walk to see it. Another example of a focal point is a pathway leading through a door that is open and shows a vista of the wider landscape.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The success of the focal point can depend on the how successfully the ground patterns lead you there. If the paving encourages you along this path thus creating some tension and mystery, you are more likely to follow the path to see what's there because you have become inquisitive. Narrow paths encourage you to walk quickly and not to dilly dally along the way, where as wide paths say stroll, take you time, look at the surrounding vegetation. A gentle curve can be negotiated at speed, but a tight curve can't be so people slow down as there is risk involved. Paving is used as a directional tool says don't walk that way, but walk this way. Edging bricks say don't step over this - this is a boundary. Paving can also be used to reflect the ground plane of the house or other shapes in the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/2010/11/flowers-for-your-garden-pond.html/search?q=garden">garden</a>.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Long narrow </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> have a strong directional emphasis that needs to be broken up. Square plots are static. To solve these problems the space's shape needs to be changed. A circular </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> distracts the eye from the straight lines of the boundary fence. You could also use a series of rectangles using the boundaries as part of the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Another method is to turn the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> onto a 45 degree angle. A long diagonal line will immediately create a feeling of space. The paving near the house could be done on an angle and high light the diagonal line of the entire </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> with a dog-leg in them can utilise the bend by using tension, mystery and surprise to lead you around the corner to a focal point of some kind.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Unified space is created by controlling the movement around the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> It is the way areas are linked together by paths, bridges, pergolas, steps and terraces that determine whether a </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is successful. Careless placing can ruin the flow of the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you wish to direct someone's attention to a particular point then there must be a clear reason in the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">design</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> for following this pathway.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Ground levels are very important when </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">designing</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> a </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> If a slope is too steep to walk down safely, steps may be needed and if the entire block is on a slope, the whole area may need to be terraced. What material you use is also important. Steps should not be of slippery materials and gravel may wash away. The surfaces need to be flat otherwise they could be dangerous and people will not want to walk along them and instead they may create a desire lines.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Levels help to create interest and 'rooms' in a </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> because you move from one place to another by steps/paths/etc. Allow your levels to gently flow into one another and keep them simple. Don't over decorate them. A slope up from the house will appear foreshortened whereas a slope down from the house will appear larger.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Choosing Plant Materials</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> There are 3 types of </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens:-</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> the plants man, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">designer</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> and the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardener's</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> (mix of the first two). The plants man </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> consist of lots of singular plantings, unconnected and often rare and difficult to source. The </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">designer's</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> consists of plants that are tried and tested - they use plants that they know and how they perform. The </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardener's</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> has learned that their favourite plants can be more effective if planted in a scheme.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> When choosing plants you must consider what the conditions are of your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> There is no point putting alkaline tolerant plants in acid soil or vise versa. It won't work! You need to think about what your plants you have chosen require moist soils, dry soils, shade, sun, well drained, boggy soils. If you do your research correctly and place your plants in the right position, you are well on the way to a successful </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The height and spread of your plants also needs to be considered. Tall growing plants are placed at the back of the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> bed, graduating down to the low plants. Remember some plants send up flower spikes that may be much larger than the plant itself, so they need to be positioned according to their flower spike height. Some plants are bushy so don't forget to leave sufficient room for them to spread. They may need annual pruning to keep them in check.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Colour</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Another trick in the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">designing</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> tool bag is using colour. Colour is the sensation of illumination which is light. The way colours inter-react with each other depends on their position in colour wheel. Manipulating colour is great fun and can create all sorts of illusions. Colours are divided into 2 groups primary red, yellow, blue and secondary green, violet, orange. Secondary colours are made of combining two primary such as mixing blue and yellow together to create green. You can make a space look cold or create distance by using pale and brown colours. You can also make a space looker bigger than it really is by using warm colours such as oranges, reds or yellows. If you want to make a space look closer to you, again use warm colours. As reds, oranges or yellow are very busy colours to the eye, it is a good idea to intersperse white flowers or grey foliage plants to calm the visual scene down. White and grey also intensify blue and pale colours.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> One thing to remember about the Australia sun is that the best time to look at our </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-control-garden-pests.html/search?q=gardens">gardens</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> is in the late afternoon when the sunlight is not as strong. Our hot sun tends to fade our flowers colours and the glare at mid-day tends to wash the colour out.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you are feeling overwhelmed about </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">designing</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> divide your space up and take it slowly, completing one section at a time. Don't start another part until you have finished the section you are working on and very soon you will have a beautiful </span><b style="font-family: arial;">garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Remember </span><b style="font-family: arial;">gardens</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> are ephemeral, it is a process that is for ever evolving. You never really finish.</span></span></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-19236909410620634062011-05-11T00:40:00.005+07:002011-05-11T00:50:40.093+07:00Finding Your 'Garden of Eden'<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As one travels the path of life, one begins with externalities as their reality. As the passage of time reveals that internality is the path </span><b style="font-family: arial;">homeward,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> and they discover if they venture into it, one finds the beauty and grace of the internal world.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> As we begin our life journey, we tend to think that everything we see outside with our senses are real and anything else we don't see as an illusion. For this reason, since time began as we evolve, we have been told of this wonderful place called the '</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Garden">Garden</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden',</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> the place where everything began, this place is heaven. As it is, we seek outside for this heaven, this </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> We go to the furthest reaches of the world in search for this </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> but we fail over and over again to finding such a paradise called the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Why?</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> We go outwards, just as we venture from our </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">home</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> only to return later in the night.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> We seek for this </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> outside, but actually it is inside, at </span><b style="font-family: arial;">home,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> all the time.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> We have been looking at the wrong place, it is always with us, it never left us, only that we were too blind to see and not know, because our perceptions overwhelms us to believe the external world is the only one there is.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> There are two worlds for this discussion.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> A world inside us that is constantly creating and a world outside of us that is the result of our creating inside, the world of the created.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> A world inside and a world outside.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Everything that is created in our world, our reality is from our 'mind', inside. Other then nature to which was created before we, the humanity came into being. Other than what nature is, everything else is 'human made', human created.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The world within is a world of creating!</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The world without is a world of created!</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The world within IS the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden!</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The world without IS the world of the Fallen!</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Lets put it this way...</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The world was created perfect, called the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Then as the outer world was created, the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> was surrounded by, in the world outside became, hence it was subject to the world outside's influence, the environmental factors like wind, insects, birds, water etc.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The wind blew, the seeds of weeds was blown into the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Garden%20of%20Eden">Garden of Eden</a></span><b style="font-family: arial;">.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> The seeds gets hold and began to grow, the weeds. Soon the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> no longer looks like the perfection it was, it was hidden in weeds, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> still exist, only hidden from view!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Someone begin to ponder and look outside but fails to find, because the weed were so long they no longer see the big picture, the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> to which it all began, then someone decided to remove the weeds in the world outside to slowly reveal the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Slowly but surely the weeds are removed and soon it was revealed and the more excited the person became, the more passionate the discovery began and soon the weeds are all gone, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> revealed itself and the person took rest to enjoy the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Many people stop there, to enjoy.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The journey continues, the weeds were 'pulled' out, soon, the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> because of the rest, begin to grow again, the weeds fill the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> again, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is left un-aware of the weed growing because the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> has taken holiday, only to find when the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> returns, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> was once again gone.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Because the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> knows where it is now, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> sets to work on clearing and revealing the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> once more, pulling out the weeds, this time more effective, shorter time required to clear the weeds to disclose the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden...</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Only one thing, every time the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> cleans it, pulled away the weeds, the weed will grow back in a shortest time. Even though the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> was more effective at pulling the weed away, it still comes back. The </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is confused and wonder, wonder the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> did. The </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> wonders away from the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> in search of a solution of the growing weed, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Gardener">Gardener</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> wants to remove the weeds once and for all without having to repeat, routinely remove the weeds and allow the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> to remain the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> absence of weeds.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Confusion sets in to wonder how to clear the weeds once and for all, the weeds grow taller and taller until the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> can no longer find its way out of the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is totally lost and confused, frustrated at the same time. One </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> would slash out at the weed only to grow tired and fall asleep, another would sit quietly among the weeds to wonder about the solution of the growing weeds.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> One would soon return to the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> when the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> awakes, the weeds were miraculously cleared and gone, it is again at the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> again with the passage of time, the weed began to grow away and the situation repeats itself, only that every time the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> awakes, he also forgets about the past, the tending to the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> was forgotten, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> process is repeated over and over again...</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The other </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> who sit quietly to ponder and wonder, finally realizes that the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is right here all the time, the weeds grow because the 'cause' is still there, the 'seeds' of the weeds exist below the soil, blown in from the world without (external world). To solve the weed issues once and for all, all the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> need to do was to 'pull the weed out and remove the seed', this way, the weed will end its reign and the weed stop populating the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> This was a realization that the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> needed, now the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> sets out to clear the weeds at the cause. Slowly but surely the weeds was cleared and never to return again. The </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> now lives in the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> free from the weeds of the external world. The interesting thing was this, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> realizes, when the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is maintained, the world outside changes also, it begins to mimic the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> and soon, the world external, our reality becomes the world within, the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> realizes that, in order to change the world outside, it must first begin from the world within, from the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> by slowly removing all the weeds from the world within, at its cause, then and only then will have the time to appreciate all its work to live in the beautiful </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> from which it began its journey called life!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Maintaining a </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> takes time and effort.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> It is your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> if you treasure your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> maintain it.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Sure there will be weeds here and there, slowly discover the roots, pull it out and 'remove' the seed below and it will slowly be cleared.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> It is your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> you are the </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Gardener,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> tend to it, maintain it, slowly but surely, thy work be done, thy </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> be revealed with your insistence of seeing and living in your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Sooner or later, with the maintenance, you will have the paradise reflected in the world without, soon heaven be here in the world without and you are in heaven, for you have found your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> to which you live in now!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Now you know, begin to tend to your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> today!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> By the way, the </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> in 'external world' terminology, it is called 'mind'.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Tend to your mind, weed out what you don't want slowly, one at a time, remove the causes and all is revealed. How to remove it? That's another story!</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Happy clearing the weeds from your </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Garden</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> of </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Eden.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Tag : <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Garden">Garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Eden">Eden</a></b></span><br /></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-12616884641264560872011-04-29T01:23:00.003+07:002011-04-29T01:29:36.777+07:00Chinese Gardens and Fountains Are Clues to the Mind<div style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" id="body"> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Classical <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Chinese%20gardens">Chinese gardens</a> and fountains are more than collections of beautiful plants, trees and water. They are representations of nature, providing insight into the philosophical and spiritual mind of past Chinese artisans and high-ranking citizens.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The principles of classical Chinese gardening can be useful and insightful to garden lovers living anywhere in the world. Chinese design objectives can inspire American home gardeners to try something new such as a garden fountain and encourage the expression of culture and philosophy through gardening.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">In the 2,000 years since the imperial family first set aside natural areas for hunting, traditional gardens in China have developed into an art form equal in rank to painting, calligraphy and poetry. Several of the finest gardens, built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912), have survived the ravages of time and politics.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Suzhou, about 50 miles west of Shanghai, is known as "the city of gardens." For generations, rich officials, merchants, landowners, scholars, garden designers and garden crafters settled in Suzhou to enhance its fame. The principles of classical Chinese gardens were well represented in their gardens. Visitors come to learn their secrets and experience their magic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">These gardens provide insight into the traditional Chinese view of nature, which includes the role human's play in the natural order. The <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=gardens">gardens</a> hold clues to the ancient Chinese mind through the winding paths, the use of symbolism and the selection of plants. In the traditional Chinese view of nature, humans were equals with everything in the natural world. As the philosopher Lao Tsu wrote in the Tao Te Ching, "Man follows the earth. Earth follows heaven. Heaven follows the Tao. Tao follows what is natural." Traditionally, Chinese people assisted in the expression of nature but did not impose their will upon it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Chinese gardens were originally designed to symbolize a living entity: rocks formed the skeleton, water and fountains functioned as the blood, while plants provided the clothing. To portray the influence of human beings in nature, architectural constructions (bridges, pavilions, halls, courtyards, gateways, windows, doors and pavings) were integrated into a garden's design. Their purpose was to illustrate the ideal interaction of humans with nature. Together, these elements made up all that is natural on Earth: vegetation, mountains, and bodies of water with gently flowing Chinese fountains as well as human influence. The way they were integrated into the garden expressed the relationships they have in nature.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Gardeners in the West may be unable to mimic the grandeur with which the ancient Chinese gardeners represented nature, but they can include parts of each element. The goal is to create a sense of wholeness within the limitations of the site and to consider all these elements as integral parts of the garden.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Just as a garden's main elements are symbolic of the parts of a living whole, symbols that make up the culture's beliefs are scattered throughout Chinese gardens and integrated in their design. For example, bad spirits were believed to travel in straight lines so pathways were seldom designed straight or flat. It was believed that the many changes in levels and directions made it difficult for these spirits to infect the people enjoying the garden. Dragons, symbols of strength, change and goodness, frequently adorn Chinese fountain walls and roofs of garden structures.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Suitability -- The most appropriate location for every feature of a garden must be found. Seasonal changes in weather and plants as well as the physical requirements of the garden site are considered. In addition to finding the most suitable site for each garden element (plants, rocks, water fountains and architectural constructions), details such as the size, shape, color and placement of railings, windows and doors in a building, for example, are also considered to ensure complete harmony of the surroundings.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Taking Advantage - The Chinese garden designer attempts to use the garden's surroundings, whether near or distant, to the best advantage. Sights, sounds, movement and stillness, the subtle and the obvious, are used as part of the scenes created within the garden. Many of the private gardens in China were small in size -- no larger than the typical garden sites of single family homes in the United States. It is the challenge, then, of the garden designer to create the illusion of spaciousness by incorporating far-off sights and sounds into the garden's ambiance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Refinement - To define what is refined in the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden%20design">garden design</a> is a judgment rooted in culture. In Chinese gardens, this refinement has meant incorporating a tranquility, gracefulness, elegance, neatness and distinctness that is in accordance with nature. The expression of these characteristics is judged in China against culturally accepted historical standards. Outside of China, gardeners can define what is considered refined according to their own standards.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Simplicity - To Ji Cheng, being simple means not being extravagant. Resources that are on site or nearby are considered the best materials to use in designing the garden. Rare or unusual objects and plants are considered extravagant.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Changeability - This objective is prominent in traditional <u>Chinese gardens </u>because it expresses the natural law of constant change. A garden design can create a sense of change and unexpectedness with scene changes in every turn of a path, an unexpected or different view from each window and aesthetic changes with each season. Designs can include changes caused by clouds, sun, wind, rain, snow, insects, birds, plants and water.<br />A garden's plants provide a link among all its elements, symbolizing harmony in nature. Plants are the garden's dynamic, living component.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">In accordance with the Chinese view of gardens as representations of nature, the trees, shrubs and flowers of a garden are chosen to reflect the unique features of the garden's region. Most traditional Chinese gardeners select native plants, or plants with special meaning in Chinese culture. Bamboo, for example, is common in Chinese gardens because of the many lessons it teaches. Bamboo is strong and resilient. Staying green throughout the winter, it teaches that one can flourish despite harsh conditions. Bamboo grows in clumps, modeling life in the family. Its fast growth illustrates self-development.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The plants are situated in ways that show off an individual plant's unique features. Their arrangements in the design demonstrate their interrelationships with other species as they occur in their natural habitats. The purpose of plants in Chinese gardens is to reflect the inherent order of nature. More than a collection of plants or even an expression of beauty in the purely visual sense, the classical Chinese garden is a physical representation of Chinese philosophy and culture. These gardens embody the best of traditional Chinese thought and culture, which sees humanity functioning as part of a greater natural order.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Today, <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=home%20gardeners">home gardeners</a> can apply their plant growing talents in the spirit of these old Chinese gardens by expressing their own culture and philosophy toward nature in their garden designs and by applying Ji Cheng's design objectives. The result will be a garden that unites aesthetics, plant cultivation, philosophy and culture.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Tag : <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">,</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=chinese%20garden">chinese garden</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">,</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=fountains">fountains</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">,</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=chinese">chinese</a><br /></span></p> </div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-45313638381284861712011-04-19T22:37:00.003+07:002011-04-19T22:48:19.804+07:00Top 10 List Of Tips For Container Gardening Using Garden Pots<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Container gardening has been around for centuries and is actually gaining in popularity. In some instances there is no other option BUT to use garden pots for a <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a> such as high-rise or apartment living. The following is a list of considerations if you are thinking of using garden pots in your own garden: </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">1. Choose the Proper Material </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Garden pots can be made from a variety of materials. Some heavier, some more durable and some more stylish. By thinking about how the pots will be used, you can narrow down your options. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">2. As a Matter of Fact, Size Does Matter </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The kind of plant you will be planting (and the number of plants) will help determine how big the pots you will need to have. Obviously, small trees will require a larger pot than, say, a tulip. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">3. Vary The Sizes </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">If you vary the sizes of the plants and the pots, you will create a garden with a more eye-catching appearance. Place small pots up close and scale them up as you go back. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">4. Place Your Pots in Groups </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Add interest or a focal point to your garden by grouping smaller and mid-sized pots around a large pot. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">5. Place Plants That Require The Same Amount of Watering In Each Pot </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Obviously, you shouldn't put a water-loving plant (like a fern) in with a group of cactus. Watering requirements should be the same for all the plants in a single pot. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">6. Place Plants That Require The Same Amount of Sunlight In Each Pot </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Also, keep in mind how much sunlight your plants require. Pots heat up quickly and lose water when they are in direct sunlight so try to make sure they are in shade at least part of the day. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">7. Choose Plants That Require Less Water </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Small pots tend to dry up fast since they can't hold much water. Picking out plants that don't need much water in the first place will make your <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=container%20garden">container garden</a> easier to maintain. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">8. Good Drainage Is Key </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Most <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden%20pots">garden pots</a> already have a hole in the bottom for drainage. If the ones you have don't, you will have to drill them yourself. Place either a screen, a couple layers of newspaper or a shard from another broken pot over the hole. This will allow water to drain out the bottom but keep the soil from falling out. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">9. Add Waterproofing to Terracotta Pots </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Terracotta makes a great material for pots, but they tend to soak up quite a bit of the water intended for your plants. Brush on a water sealant to the inside of the pot to keep this from occurring. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">10. Use Potting Soil </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Use potting soil instead of regular dirt. Potting soil is specially blended for the purpose of putting in pots. Its made to hold water better than normal soil and its considerably lighter in weight.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Tag : <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden%20pots">garden pots</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=pots">pots</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=container">container</a></span></span><br /></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-58520340619517801942011-04-10T00:47:00.002+07:002011-04-10T00:51:42.924+07:00Vegetable Garden Plans - 7 Types Of Vegetable Gardens<p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Are you considering making a vegetable <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden?">garden?</a> If so, you should check into some vegetable garden plans. Garden plans inspire new, creative ideas even as they allow you to plan things out in advance before you do the "real" work of moving things around and planting and transplanting. It's always best to have a plan on paper first before you do the harder-to-correct work of actually putting things in order and planting things. Having garden plans in advance will save you time, money, and frustration.</span></p><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><strong>Vegetable garden plans</strong></em> should be designed around factors such as personal taste, where you live geographically, and how much space you have for planting. Let's consider some garden plans that you may want to implement.</span></p><ol style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Patio vegetable garden. Make a compact and easily tended garden on your deck or patio. Use two small soil beds and have a dense, synergistic mixture of herbs, vegetables, and flowers in each one.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Colorful vegetable gardens. Use harmonious but contrasting colors in your choice of things you plant. These are interesting gardens. They also tend to be very healthy for you, since it's recommended that you get a "mixture of colors" in your veggies and fruits for optimal health.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Heritage vegetable garden. Now, what's this mean? It means make it full of heirloom varieties of veggies. Again, this is diverse to the end of good health while at once being interesting and artistically inspired to create.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">The Asian <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=vegetable%20garden">vegetable garden</a>. You might have to look online for some (or most) of the veggies you would grow in this garden. But it would yield different tastes than what you may be used to. Furthermore, Asian vegetables tend to need less space for growing than what could be found in Farmer MacGregor's garden.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">The Italian garden. We all know that the Italians make incredibly tasty food. Imagine having the tomatoes and herbs and other ingredients you need to make your own spaghetti or pizza sauce among other Mediterranean dishes.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">The All-American veggie garden. Hey, who says Americans just make hot dogs, burgers, fries, and take-out pizza? Research American veggie varieties and put together a garden that you'd be proud to "drag" a Chicago-style hot dog through.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Autumn yield garden. What's better than still harvesting fresh produce on crisp mornings or evenings, just before the Winter sets in? Lay up your stores for the months of plant dormancy.</span></li></ol><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Now you've seen some very interesting and creative <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden%20plan">garden plan</a>. To learn even more about vegetable garden plans that you can use, just follow the link below.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Tag : <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden%20plans">garden plans</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=vegetable%20garden">vegetable garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=vegetable">vegetable</a></span></span><br /></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-86706845406766451852011-03-13T00:10:00.002+07:002011-03-13T00:14:55.486+07:00The Basics of Japanese Gardening<div style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;" id="body"> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Things to keep in mind for a beautiful garden</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Main principles on the garden's design</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Bring the Japanese feeling into your <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a> with these basic steps. First of all, embrace the ideal of nature. That means, keep things in your garden as natural as possible, avoiding to include things that could disrupt this natural appearance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">For example, don't include square ponds in your design as square ponds are nowhere to be found in nature. Also, a waterfall would be something closer to what exists in nature if we compare it to a fountain. So you also have to consider the Japanese concept of sumi or balance. Because one of Japanese gardening design main purposes is to recreate large landscapes even in the smallest place. Be careful when choosing the elements for your garden, because you don't want to end up filling your ten by ten courtyard with huge rocks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">As a miniaturized landscape, the rocks in the garden would represent mountains and the ponds would represent lakes. A space filled with sand would represent an ocean. By that we assume that garden masters were looking to achieve a minimalistic approach, best represented by the phrase "less is more".</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The elements of time and space</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">One of the things westerners notice at first are the many portions of empty space in the garden. In fact, these spaces are an important feature in Japanese gardening. This space called ma, relates to the elements around it and that also surround it. The concepts of in and yo are of vital importance here, they are best known to the Western civilization by the Chinese names yin and yang. If you want to have something you have to start with having nothing. This is an idea quite difficult to understand, but it is a rule of thumb in Japanese gardening.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">An important clue in the development of a garden is the concept of wabi and sabi. There's no literal English translation for those words. Wabi is about uniqueness, or the essence of something; a close literal translation is solitary. Sabi deals with the definition of time or the ideal image of something; the closest definition might be time strenghtened character. Given the case, a cement lantern that might appear unique, would lack of that ideal image. Or an old rock covered in lichens would have no wabi if it's just a round boulder. That's why it is important to find that balance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Ma and wabi/sabi are connected to the concepts of space and time. When it comes to seasons, the garden must show the special character of each one. Japanese garden lovers dedicate time to their gardens every season, unlike the western gardener who deserts in fall just to be seen again in spring.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">A very relaxing view in spring is given by the bright green of new buds and the blossoms of the azaleas. In summer, the lush foliage in combination with the pond offer a powerful and fresh image. The vivid spectacle of the brilliant colors of dying leaves in fall are a prelude for the arrival of winter and its white shroud of snow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The two most important gardening seasons in Japan are spring and winter. Japanese refer to the snow accumulated on braches as Sekku or snow blossoms. Yukimi, or the snow viewing lantern, is another typical element of the Japanese garden in winter. The sleep of the garden in winter is an important episode for our Japanese gardener, while for the western gardener spring is the beginning of the work at the garden. Maybe because of the eastern point of view as death like part of the life cycle, or perhaps the western fear to death.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">About garden enclosures<br />Let's see the garden as a microcosm of nature. If we're looking for the garden to be a true retreat, we have to 'set it apart' from the outside world. Because of that, fences and gates are important components of the Japanese garden.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The fence and the gates have both symbolism and functionality. The worries and concerns of our daily life have to stay out of this separate world that becomes the garden. The fence protects us from the outside world and the gate is the threshold where we leave our daily worries and then prepare ourselves to confront the real world again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The use of fences is based in the concept of hide/reveal or Miegakure. Fence styles are very simple and are put in combination with screen planting, thus not giving many clues of what hides inside. You can give a sample look of your garden by cutting a small window in the solid wall that encloses your garden if that's the case. Sode-gaki, or sleeve fences, are fences attached to an architectural structure, that will only show a specific view of the garden from inside the house. Thus, we're invited to get into the garden and enjoy it in its entirety. That's what makes the true understanding of the garden, to lose in it our sense of time and self.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Basic Arrangements<br />Despite the fact that certain rules are applied to each individual garden, don't think that there's just one type of garden. There are three basic styles that differ by setting and purpose.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Hill and Pond Garden (Chisen-Kaiyu-skiki)<br />A China imported classic style. A pond or a space filled with raked gravel fronts a hill (or hills). This style always represents mountainous places and commonly makes use of vegetation indigenous to the mountains. Stroll gardens commonly use this style.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Flat Garden (Hiraniwa)<br />It derives from the use of open, flat spaces in front of temples and palaces for ceremonies. This is an appropriate style for contemplation and that represents a seashore area (with the use of the right plants). This is a style frequently used in courtyards.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Tea Gardens (Rojiniwa)<br />Function has a greater importance than form in this type of garden. The Roji or dewy path, is the main point of the garden, along with the pond and the gates. This would be the exception to the rule. The simple and sparse plantings give a rustic feeling to the garden.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Formality has to be taken in consideration<br />Hill and pond and flat styles may be shin (formal), gyo (intermediate) or so (informal). Formal styles were to be found usually at temples or palaces, intermediate styles were suitable for most residences, and the informal style was used in peasant huts and mountain retreats. The tea garden is the one that always fits in the informal style.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The garden components</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Rocks (ishi in Japanese) are the main concern of the Japanese garden. If the stones are placed correctly, then the garden shows in a perfect balance. So here are shown the basic stone types and the rules for their positions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The basic stones are the tall upright stone, the low upright stone, the curved stone, the reclining stone, and the horizontal stone. These must be usually set in triads although this doesn't happen always. Two almost identical stones (by way of example, two tall verticals or two reclining stones), one a little quite smaller than the other, can be set together as male and female, but the use of them in threes, fives, and sevens is more frequent.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">We have to keep away from the Three Bad Stones. These are the Diseased stone (having a withered or misshapen top), the Dead stone (an obviously vertical one used as a horizontal, or vice versa, like the placement of a dead body), and the Pauper Stone (a stone having no connection to the several other ones in the garden). Use only one stone of each of the basic types in any cluster (the rest have to be smaller, modest stones also known as throwaway stones). Stones can be placed as sculptures, set against a background in a two-dimensional way, or given a purpose, such as a stepping stone or a bridge.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">When used as stepping stones they should be between one and three inches above the soil, yet solid underfoot, as if rooted into the ground. They can be put in straight lines, offset for left foot, right foot (referred as chidori or plover, after the tracks the shore bird leaves), or set in sets of twos, threes, fours, or fives (and any combination thereof).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The pathway stands for the passage through life, and even particular stones by the path may have meaning. A much wider stone placed across the path tells us to put two feet here, stopping to enjoy the view. There are numerous stones for specific places. When observing the basic design principles, we can notice the exact character of the Japanese garden.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Water (mizu in Japanese) plays an important part in the composition of the Japanese garden because of Japan's abundant rainfall. Water can be represented even with a raked gravel area instead of water. A rushing stream can be represented by placing flat river stones closely together. In the tea garden, where there isn't any stream or pond, water plays the most important role in the ritual cleansing at the chozubachi, or water basin. As the water fills and empties from the shishi-odoki, or deer scare, the clack of bamboo on rock helps mark the passage of time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The flow of water, the way it sounds and looks, brings to mind the continual passage of time. A bridge crossing the water stream is often used as a landscaping complement. Bridges denote a journey, just as pathways do. Hashi, in japanese, can mean bridge or edge. Bridges are the symbolic pass from one world into another, a constant theme in Japanese art.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Plants or Shokobutsu may play a secondary role to the stones in the garden, but they are a primary concern in the design too. Stones represent what remains unchanged, so trees, shrubs, and perennials have to represent the passing of seasons. Earlier garden styles used plants to make up poetic connotations or to correct geomantic issues, but these have little meaning today.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">As the the Heian style diminished under the Zen influence, perennials and grasses fell out of use. So, for a long time, there were only a few plants that tradition allowed for the garden. However, in modern Japan, designers are again widening the spectrum of materials used. It is highly recommended that native plants are chosen for the garden, because showy exotic plants are not in good taste. Be aware that native plants are used in the garden, because it is in bad taste to use showy exotic plants. Although pines, cherries and bamboo immediatly remind us of Japanese gardens, we encourage you to use native plants of your locality that you can find pleasing. If we choose evergreens as the main plant theme and combine it with deciduous material that may provide seasonal blooms or foliage color we can recreate the look of the Japanese garden.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Now the next thing taken in consideration in a Japanese garden are the ornaments or Tenkebutsu. Stone lanterns are, for westerners, a typical impression of Japanese gardens.Stone lanterns are not important components of the Japanese garden. The reason is that ornaments are subjected to the garden's design. Lanterns, stupas, and basins are just architectural complements added when a point of visual interest is necessary to the design.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">A good way to finish yor <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden design">garden design</a> could be a well-placed lantern. The three main styles (although with many variations) are: The Kasuga style lantern, is a very formal one featuring a stone base. In the Oribe style lantern, unlike the Kasuga style, the pedestal is underneath the ground. The Yukimi or Snow-Viewing lantern is set on short legs instead of a pedestal. Consider the formality of your garden setting to choose the appropiate lantern.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">When possible, elements from outside the garden can be included in it. For instance, you can work a far away mountain including the scenery in your design, framing it with the stones and plants existing in the garden. <br />The borrowed scenery (shakkei in Japanese) can be: Far (as in a far away mountain); near (a tree just outside the fence); High (an element seen above the fence) or low (like a component seen below a fence or through a window in the fence).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">As much as it is perceived to contradict our sense of enclosure, it reminds us of how all things are interconnected.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The feel of your garden<br />The Japanese garden is a subtle place full of contradictions and imperatives. Where firmly established rules are broken with other rules. If you meet the Buddha on the road, you must kill him is a Zen paradox that recommends not to stick so tightly to rules, and the same goes for Japanese gardens.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">When building a Japanese garden, don't get too attached to traditions that hold little meaning for you. It would have no function to recreate a Buddhist saints garden. This also applies to trying to remember the meaning of stone placements, as this method is no longer used in Japan, or even in the United States, due to the lack of meaning for us in the modern world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">That's why we have selected a few gardening suggestions that do hold relevance and integrate them into a garden. These three ideas on gardening will give direction to achieve perfect results.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">First<br />The overall setting of the garden should always be right for the location, not the other way around.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Second<br />The stones should be placed first, next the trees, and then the shrubs.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Third<br />Get used to the concepts of shin, gyo, and so. This is of great help to start working on the garden.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Have in mind that the real <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Japanese garden">Japanese garden</a> are the traditional ones in Japan. What we can do in America is to shape a garden in the Japanese style. Rikyu once said about the perfect Roji: "Thick green moss, all pure and sunny warm". In other words, techniques are not as important as the feeling you evoke in your garden. Said in other way, the feeling is more important than techniques.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Tag : <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Japanese garden">Japanese garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=gardening">gardening</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=Japan">Japan</a><br /></span></p></div><table style="font-family: arial; text-align: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></td> <td> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-36107761674465918732011-03-06T00:31:00.002+07:002011-03-06T00:35:17.924+07:00Garden Pond Designs, Layouts, Questions Answered<div style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;" id="body"> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">The correct landscape design and the right materials are imperative, but what is also crucial is the placement of each stone and planting to produce the desired effect. The art of creating beautiful water falls landscapes involves the ability to artistically place the natural boulders and plantings in such a way that it looks as if Nature had done the work instead of a human. Garden Pond designs may vary from small bird bath types to large garden ponds. The information on this page will make it easy for you to install a pond in your garden. Even the birds will think they are in paradise. Garden Pond Design Aspects The sound of running water relaxes the mind It's a good idea to have some form of water running into your pond Running water blends in with the noise of traffic, it's like music to the ears and it calms the soul. A garden pond will create a peaceful welcoming atmosphere. Before you begin, decide on what type of garden pond design you want Integrate the pond design into your over all <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden design">garden design</a>. The pond design must fit in harmoniously with the rest of the garden design.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The size and location of your pond is not just dependent on the design principles. An often overlooked item is the natural flow of water on the garden site To look natural, you need to adapt your design to this. In a very formal garden design this aspect becomes less important. Remember that you must not fight against nature. If you are thinking of having a river or a waterfall into your pond, Remember, this simple rule: Downhill. This also means taking the natural slope of your garden into account. Different types of ponds influence the garden pond design. The size, purpose and durability required often determine the type of construction. There are different types of ponds: Concrete Ponds made with an inside plastic liner Pre formed ponds: Include fish in your garden pond design. Provide adequate shelter for the fish against birds. One way of doing this is by placing some broken pots in the pond. Their curved surfaces make an excellent hideaway. You must never be able to see the source of the water comes. For example, a large leaf plant could be placed in the area where the river comes from. The start of the river may also be hidden in some other way, for example a large pot or by another focal point. Provide this through plants close to the pond, and water plants that spread across the surface of the water.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Garden Pond Plants: Choose plants for your pond that will fit into your overall garden design. Water plants are dramatically different to normal plants. Introduce the water plants by choosing garden plants that blend in with your marginal plants. Soil nutrients constantly leached into pond water could result in green water. To overcome this, retain the media (soil) by placing gravel on top of the soil in the pot. Terra cotta pots work well in ponds. The sun can also cause the water to go green. Water lilies grow at the base of the pond. The valuable cover of the lily leaves shade the algae out in summer. Try and cover a third to a half of your pond with water lilies. You need one lily for every one and a half to three square meters of pond surface. Grow marginal plants along the edges of your pond. Fill a third of the circumference of your pond with marginal plants. Marginal plants include: Iris laevigate, lobelia fulgens, Mentha aquatica, Pontederia Cordata. Oxygenating plants (submerged plants), provide underwater foliage. These plants use up the waste nutrients in the pond, and starves the algae of nutrients. Use five bunches of oxygenating plants for every square meter.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">You can get these plants from pet shops that sell fish and aquarium supplies. Oxygenating plants include: Elodea densa, and Ranunculus peltatus. Floating plants can be attached to two empty plastic cool drink bottles. You can also get floating pots from your local nursery. Introduce one for every one to one and a half square meters of surface area A good floating plant is Azolla spp/Lemna. Plant bog plants (moisture-loving plants) in damp soil near the edge of the pond or a constructed bog garden. Most bog plants prefer to have only their roots in the water. Consider a bog garden as part of your garden pond design. Treating the Dreaded Algae Problem Algae are single celled plants. Spores are present in the air and will colonize any new body of water. They are rarely harmful to water-life, but are unsightly. In severe cases they may cause problems with the health of the fish. There are a variety of different algae that will colonize a pond, from thin long strands to floating clumps.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Algae control can be done by obtaining a natural balance using a pond filter, an ultraviolet light purifier and as a last resort an algaecide. The natural balance consists of starving the algae of light and nutrients. Best form of algae control is a correctly balanced pond with enough plant material to screen out the sunlight and prevent the growth of algae. A mesh bag filled with barley straw can assist in algae control. The silicates in the straw bind nutrients, such as phosphates. The straw seems to promote as organism that feeds off the algae. Straw needs to be replaced on a regular basis as it will start to decompose and pollute the water. I suggest you replace the straw every six months. You can buy barley wheat from your local health shop. Enjoy your Pond Doing a garden pond design for your garden is really worth the effort. I have sat on my patio on many occasions and just marveled at the dragonflies, butterflies and birds visiting and enjoying the water. It is so therapeutic and a special meditation retreat for me. It's easy to give your garden statuary value.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Integrate the pond design into your over all <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a> design. Terra cotta pots work well in ponds. Try and cover a third to a half of your pond with water lilies. Grow marginal plants along the edges of your pond. These plants use up the waste nutrients in the pond, and starves the algae of nutrients. Consider a bog garden as part of your garden pond design. There are a variety of different algae that will colonize a pond, from thin long strands to floating clumps. Algae control can be done by obtaining a natural balance using a pond filter, an ultraviolet light purifier and as a last resort an algaecide. Best form of algae control is a correctly balanced pond with enough plant material to screen out the sunlight and prevent the growth of algae. [SUBTOPIC=4] Great Gardening Tips helps you to find multiple resources available on the web for water garden pond plan. [SUBTOPIC=5] It has been described as "Nature's Song," that relaxing sound of a mountain stream that leads us to a quiet place of balance and serenity. The art of creating beautiful water falls landscapes involves the ability to artistically place the natural boulders and plantings in such a way that it looks as if Nature had done the work. The correct landscape design and the right materials are imperative, but what is also crucial is the placement of each stone and planting to produce the desired effect. Garden Pond Design for Tranquility and Peace A good garden pond design wows just about any garden.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Garden Pond designs may vary from small bird bath types to large garden ponds Water seems to make a garden look bigger. The reflective qualities in a pond attract us, and nature. If your garden pond is designed correctly, it can add a new dimension to your garden. Even the birds will think they are in paradise. Garden Pond Design Aspects The sound of running water relaxes the mind. Its a good idea to have some form of water running into your pond Running water blends in with the noise of traffic, its like music to the ears and it calms the soul. A garden pond will create a peaceful welcoming atmosphere. Before you begin, decide on what type of garden pond design you want Integrate the pond design into your over all garden design The pond design must fit in harmoniously with the rest of the garden design The size and location of your pond is not just dependent on the design principles. An often overlooked item is the natural flow of water on the garden site To look natural, you need to adapt your design to this.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">In a very formal garden design this aspect becomes less important. Remember that you must not fight against nature. If you are thinking of having a river or a waterfall into your pond, remember this simple rule: Downhill. This also means taking the natural slope of your garden into account Different types of ponds influence the garden pond design. The size, purpose and durability required often determine the type of construction. There are different types of ponds: Concrete Ponds made with an inside plastic liner Pre formed ponds. Include fish in your garden pond design. Provide adequate shelter for the fish against birds. One way of doing this is by placing some broken pots in the pond. Their curved surfaces make an excellent hideaway. You must never be able to see the source of the water comes. For example, a large leaf plant could be placed in the area where the river comes from. The start of the river may also be hidden in some other way, for example a large pot or by another focal point. Provide this through plants close to the pond, and water plants that spread across the surface of the water.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Garden Pond Plants Choose plants for your pond that will fit into your overall garden design. Water plants are dramatically different to normal plants. Introduce the water plants by choosing garden plants that blend in with your marginal plants Soil nutrients constantly leached into pond water could result in green water. To overcome this, retain the media (soil) by placing gravel on top of the soil in the pot. Terra cotta pots work well in ponds. The sun can also cause the water to go green. Water lilies grow at the base of the pond. The valuable cover of the lily leaves shade the algae out in summer. Try and cover a third to a half of your pond with water lilies. You need one lily for every one and a half to three square metres of pond surface. Grow marginal plants along the edges of your pond. Fill a third of the circumference of your pond with marginal plants Marginal plants include: Iris laevigate, lobelia fulgens, Mentha aquatica, Pontederia Cordata. Oxygenating plants (submerged plants), provide underwater foliage.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">These plants use up the waste nutrients in the pond, and starves the algae of nutrients. Use five bunches of oxygenating plants for every square metre You can get these plants from pet shops that sell fish and aquarium supplies Oxygenating plants include: Elodea densa, and Ranunculus peltatus. Floating plants can be attached to two empty plastic cool drink bottles You can also get floating pots from your local nursery. Introduce one for every one to one and a half square metres of surface area A good floating plant is Azolla spp/Lemna. Plant bog plants (moisture-loving plants) in damp soil near the edge of the pond or a constructed bog garden. Most bog plants prefer to have only their roots in the water, Consider a bog garden as part of your garden pond design. See our page on how to build a pond for an easy way to build and integrate a bog garden into your garden pond design. Treating the Dreaded Algae Problem Algae are single celled plants. Spores are present in the air and will colonize any new body of water They are rarely harmful to water-life, but are unsightly. In severe cases they may cause problems with the health of the fish.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">There are a variety of different algae that will colonize a pond, from thin long strands to floating clumps. Algae control can be done by obtaining a natural balance using a pond filter, an ultraviolet light purifier and as a last resort an algaecide. The natural balance consists of starving the algae of light and nutrients. Best form of algae control is a correctly balanced pond with enough plant material to screen out the sunlight and prevent the growth of algae A mesh bag filled with barley straw can assist in algae control. The silicates in the straw bind nutrients, such as phosphates. The straw seems to promote as organism that feeds off the algae. Straw needs to be replaced on a regular basis as it will start to decompose and pollute the water. I suggest you replace the straw every six months. You can buy barley wheat from your local health shop. Enjoy your Pond Doing a garden pond design for your garden is really worth the effort. I have sat on my patio on many occasions and just marveled at the dragonflies, butterflies and birds visiting and enjoying the water. It is so therapeutic and a special meditation retreat for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Do not overlook safety</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Garden Pond Safety Do not overlook safety in your design. Water is always a hazard especially for small children Design your pond with child safety in mind A sturdy stainless steel grid a few inches under the water surface should provide protection on a deep pond A safer bet would be to have a shallow pond where small children will be able to crawl out of the pond Whatever design you decide on should adequately address this issue No matter how beautiful a design, it can never warrant the loss of a child or a pets life.<br /></span></p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tag : <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden designs">garden designs</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=pond">pond</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=designs">designs</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=layouts">layouts</a></span></span><br /></div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-64969429008575718362011-02-23T00:10:00.002+07:002011-02-23T00:14:36.651+07:00A Guide to Successful Water Gardening<div style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;" id="body"> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Do you have a garden with full of flowers in the backyard of your house? Or are you just planning to create one? If you have plans to create a water garden in your front yard then you have made an excellent decision. Garden with water attracts the interest of many. It gives a pleasing effect to your garden. Moreover, not only front yard but <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=water garden">water garden</a> at the backyard is enough to attract the eye-catch of your relatives and visitors.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">You must be aware of the fact that there are several types of gardens you can endorse at your home. You can create even a small raised bed garden or an elegant garden with a fountain. There are varieties of water gardens and some of them include waterfalls, small fountains and ponds. And it is easy to maintain too. However, it is vital that you choose the perfect spot to install a raised garden or water garden. Some fish and plants require sunlight and so you need to make sure that you create your pond or a water garden where there is plenty of sun warmth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Several Factors That Need to Consider<br />When you plan to start your water gardening there are certain things you should consider:</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">o Size of the Water Garden: The size of the water garden or the raised bed garden plays a great role in portraying the beauty of your raised gardens. Don't make it neither too big nor too small; just makes it proportionate to your area.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">o Budget for the Water Garden: Depending upon your budget and requirements you can set your water garden with rocks, fountains, and other styles to make it look prettier. Be careful in choosing the best useful plants for your garden that suits your budget.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">o Plants & Fish selection: Fish cannot alone be a beautiful attraction to your water garden they can keep the pool free from debris. There are various types of plants that you can choose, if you want the one that floats freely you can get them or you can plants that will be submerged too. Get some plants for your garden that provides oxygen, which helps to keep the pool healthy forever.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Apart from building a water garden in your area, you can also build a raised bed garden. These raised gardens enhance the look of your home and you can be comfortable working in raised beds. Building and maintaining a raised bed gardens are easy when compared to the normal gardens. These gardens not only save your time but it will ideally save your lots of money. If you don't have the adequate drainage facility then these raised bed gardens can be the ideal solution.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Raised bed <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a> is sufficient to offer you better soil conditions, and you can have varied soils from bed to bed. Whether you are interested in growing a vegetable garden or a flower garden, then raised gardens are your preferred choice. This type of gardens can easily drain the excess moisture. Your plants look incredible with these neatly arranged raised gardens. The raised bed gardens provide you with better yields. And the pest control is made easy in the raised gardens. In other words, these raised gardens definitely give your home and garden an appealing look just like water gardens.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Tag : <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=water gardening">water gardening</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=home garden">home garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden decor">garden decor</a><br /></span></p></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><table style="text-align: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><p style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller </a></span> </p> </td> <td> <div style="padding: 5px; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 10px; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </div> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1557167372382324960.post-85114298515164669732011-02-17T23:28:00.002+07:002011-02-17T23:32:34.292+07:00How To Make An Organic Garden - Maximize The Growing Times With Your Organic Garden<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Depending on where you live in the world, you may experience a very long growing period for plants and vegetables or you can experience a very short growing period. How do you maximize on your climate and seasons? What can you do to ensure you get the most out of your crops and plants?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">By starting them indoors. If you live in a climate where the growing season is very short, you may want to start your seeds or sprouts before the actual outdoor season starts to maximize on the crops you can grow.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Starting them inside isn't much different from starting your garden outside, except you'll obviously growing them in pots instead of in a full size <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a> bed.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The perfect timing is about 1-2 months before you will be able to transplant them into your garden outside. Any longer than this and you may end up with over crowding and stringy plants from them fighting each other for the sunlight.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> One way to avoid this potential issue is to only plant one to two plants per pot. While this may be the optimal way to do it, it may also be unreasonable. If you don't have adequate sunlight in the house, you'll end up with lots of pots full of dead plants.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The first step is to determine exactly how much growing space you have, that has access to direct sunlight and to go from that.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> You will also need to make sure your containers have proper drainage or you could end up drowning your seeds or sprouts. The best soil for this, if you are going the store bought route, is soil meant for African violets. It has adequate drainage, as well as the nutrients your seeds need to get started.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Make sure you follow the instructions on the seed packages as to how much soil they need to be planted in, as well as how much soil should be placed over top of the seeds. You don't want to plant them too deeply or they will have the inability to germinate.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Once planted, take care of them as you would in your <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=outdoor garden">outdoor garden</a>. Make sure they get adequate sunlight and water and just keep an eye on them till the season is right to plant them into your outdoor garden.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Organic gardening is a great way to save money and create healthy organic produce. Started early indoors you can maximize on your growing season and make the most of your plants, and crops.</span></span> </div><p style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;" class="author"><span style="font-size:100%;">By: <a href="http://www.articledashboard.com/profile/Scott-Lilly/357838">Scott Lilly</a></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;" class="articletext"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.articledashboard.com/">Article Directory</a>: http://www.articledashboard.com</span></p><p style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;" class="articletext"><span style="font-size:100%;">Tag : <a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden">garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=organic garden">organic garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=home garden">home garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=flower garden">flower garden</a>,<a href="http://garden-trips.blogspot.com/search?q=garden decor">garden decor</a></span><br /></p>ariyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00614964591683475571noreply@blogger.com0