• Home

The Best Remodel

• General Tips to Clean Marble Fast and Easy

  15Jul
  Categories: Landscaped Comments Off

  Cleaning marble needs time and effort to be completed. Most of the time, it also needs money to be fully accomplished. After all, it is a cleaning process. And in a cleaning process, time, energy and money are the basic requirements.

   

  However, there are times that marble cleaning takes longer than usual. There can be many specific things that can cause that to happen. Generally though, it can be said that the reason or reasons behind that are the mistakes that you could have committed no matter how small of an error it is.

   

  But those mistakes can be avoided. And if you have already committed them before realizing it, there are ways to fix it. Only when you do nothing about it can it really be worst. And by worst, that means it can cause irreversible damages to the marble surface and to your pocket.

   

  Apart from the means of avoiding and fixing possible mistakes that you could have committed, there are also steps that can make cleaning marble process fast and easy. Without much explanation, it can be said that those steps will sure be beneficial to you. Specifically, they can make you clean marble with less difficulty and less time. And logically, it is but wise to carry out those steps.

   

  But what are those general steps that will make clean marble fast and easy? They are the following.

   

  • Be knowledgeable. Information will help you execute the cleaning of marble fast and easy. Knowing what steps to take will make you continuously implement the process cutting the time for pondering what to do next. As you will know the exact thing to do, it will also make you carry out the steps with less difficulty as the knowledge that you have gained will sure prepare you from using to executing tools and steps.

   

  • Be efficient. To work efficiently in cleaning marble will avoid mistakes. Those mistakes, depending on how severe they are, may require steps or the entire process to be repeated and that would be an added work. Obviously, that will need more time and energy prolonging the process. But if you are efficient and got things right the first time, then you wouldn’t have to repeat a part or all of the work.

   

  • Be quick. This refers more to the cleaning of stains and spills. Once they happen, immediate action must be taken. This prevents them from hardening that will make them more difficult to get rid off. To clean them as soon as possible will render their cleaning easier and faster to accomplish.

   

  • Be wise. You have to choose well the cleaning product that you will be using. The inappropriate or ineffective marble floor cleaner will make the process produce lousy effects which can also make you repeat the process with the use of another cleaning product. This then can make the cleaning marble process harder to complete as you will need to execute again every step.

   

  To clean marble, you will need time, money and energy. However, mistakes can slow down the completion of the process. Not to mention, failure on other aspects can make it harder to accomplish. Nevertheless, there are general tips that can make you complete the cleaning marble process fast and easy.

   

  Tags: marble floor cleaner | marble floor cleaner | cleaning product | clean marble

• One-Dish Meals for the Crock Pot

  11Jun
  Categories: Landscaped Comments Off

  We’ve all heard of the benefits of crock pot cooking, but one thing that discourages most people is the cooking time. Most recipes for crock pots take most of the day to cook, even for just one course. While you can leave them on and do other chores, you often have to whip up a quick side dish to go with it anyway. Busy cooks simply don’t have the time to make a complete meal. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a balanced diet with slow cooking. Crock pots offer a simple solution: one-dish meals.

  Some people think of one-dish meals as those ready-to-eat packs you get from the grocery. But originally, one-dish meals are simply what the term says: a complete meal with starch, meat, and vegetables combined in just one dish. It saves you the trouble of making three separate dishes while keeping a good balance of nutritional values. And when made in the crock pot, they’re even healthier since you don’t have to add extra fat or seasonings to bring out the flavor. Get started with these four crock pot one-dish meal ideas.

  Beef stew

  Beef stew is one of those classic family recipes that never fail to satisfy. A simple crock pot beef stew recipe gives you the perfect combination of meat, veggies, starch, and just the right amount of spice—definitely one of the most balanced meals out there. The slow-cooking process also enhances each ingredient’s flavor, so you get that rich, all-day taste that’s hard to get with stovetop recipes.

  Like any other stew, the main challenge with crock pot beef stew is the difference in the ingredients’ cooking times. Some vegetables take longer to cook than meat and tend to get overcooked with long hours in the crock pot. To avoid this, layer your ingredients so that the slow-cooking foods are at the bottom, where it’s usually hottest. These usually include root crops and other heavy vegetables. The meat usually goes on the top layer along with lighter ingredients such as herbs and stalks.

  Chicken cacciatore

  “Cacciatore” is an Italian word meaning hunter. The dish originally came from the hunter-style meals consisting of some kind of meat cooked with simple, cheap ingredients like tomatoes and onions. It eventually evolved into a more elaborate recipe with mushrooms, bell peppers, and sometimes a bit of wine thrown in. As a one-dish meal, it adds a touch of class and festiveness to the table while giving you all the basic nutrients. And the best part is that’s it’s easy to recreate in the crock pot.

  Crock pot chicken cacciatore can be served as an everyday dinner or as the main dish for a party. This versatility makes it ideal for those on a budget, or those who simply don’t have time to prepare a multi-course meal. You can make it with jarred pasta sauce, or if you’re feeling creative, just make your own sauce from scratch. You can also adjust the amount of chicken as needed—most recipes yield just enough sauce for about eight servings.

  Vegetarian curry

  For vegetarians, slow cooking is often a challenge because vegetables either get overcooked or lose all their flavor. But often, it’s more a lack of ideas than the wrong cooking process. Vegetables actually go very well in the crock pot, and there are entire books and websites dedicated to vegetarian slow cooking. All you really need are a few good ideas and some basic crock pot skills.

  A good way to start is a curry crock pot vegetarian recipe. The spicy flavor of the curry adds a certain bite to the dish, so you don’t really miss the taste of meat. And you can use any vegetable you want, from heavy root crops like carrots and potatoes to lighter ones like tomato, peppers, and eggplants and celery. In fact, the more varied your ingredients are, the more interesting your results become.

  Rice recipes

  A lot of one-dish meals are centered on the starchy ingredients, which provide most of the weight in the meal. That’s why many of them use potatoes or are served over pasta. But if you want something really filling, nothing beats a good bowl of rice. A medium-sized serving can keep you full for hours, so it’s great for those who are watching their weight. While rice alone won’t qualify as a one-dish meal, it makes an excellent base for other healthy recipes.

  To make crock pot rice, simply throw in the uncooked rice with water, broth or milk, keeping the proportion of liquid about 50% more than your regular stovetop recipe. You can top it with leftover stews or with a thick soup of your choice, and perhaps some meat and vegetables. Or if you want an unusual dessert, cook it with coconut milk and castor sugar and serve with a variety of stewed fruits.

  Tags: curry crock pot vegetarian recipe | curry crock pot vegetarian recipe | crock pot chicken cacciatore | crock pot chicken cacciatore | crock pot beef stew recipe | crock pot beef stew recipe | recipes for crock pots | recipes for crock pots | crock pot rice | crock pot rice

• How To Encourage Going Green Through Natural Rust Removers

  08Jun
  Categories: Landscaped Comments Off

  Going green truly has become a phenomenon nowadays.  More and more people are getting inclined to changing their habits into a green way of living.  Not because going green has somehow become a trend that many people follow; but mainly for the reason that it can actually create a good influence in one’s life.  And since resorting to going green is one very effective thing that can help save the almost-dying planet, this campaign should really be embraced like no other. 

  However, not all folks are interested with this so-called green living no matter how much effort environmental organizations put to tell the world that it is badly needed.  There are still some unconvinced people regarding this movement thinking that this could only be a part of some kind of hype.  Moreover, many people have this misconception that switching to a green ay of living can cost a lot of time, money and effort.  Usually, busy folks are the ones inclined to opposing this campaign since they don’t really have the time to cope with another big change. 

  You don’t have to join various environmental organizations just to lend a hand in this going green campaign.  You can do things on your own that would not only promote green living to other people but more importantly, to your own home or family, relatives and friends.  By as simple as going green with your cleaning products such as with the use of natural cleaning products, you get to encourage a lot of people by means of serving as an example. 

  Aside from the ease that the application of eco-friendly products can give you, it can actually provide you with the safety that you never thought could be possible from a cleaning product.  And since such cleaners are biodegradable, you are helping clean and clear up the atmosphere.  The development of safer or chemical and toxic-free yet more effective and convenient cleaning products have been made possible through the going green trend.   

  One of the many household dilemmas needing adequate and thorough attention as well as time and effort is rust removal.  Dealing with rust itself is already harmful since exposure to rust and rust stains can bring about loads of annoyances and damages.  Added with improper cleaning products or rust removers used, rust removal has become one of the main culprits why the atmosphere is at risks.  And usually, although many people suffer from the application of chemically-enhanced cleaners or rust removers, they just can’t stop their selves from using it considering its efficacy and convenience.  And this is where quality and safety is being taken for granted. 

  Make that big difference by going through such a small change.  Encourage the use of natural rust removers instead of those powered by chemicals and other harsh ingredients.  Start it off by using it in your own home and making others see its remarkable results which are actually achieved without the occurrence of any harmful fumes or dangerous exposure that would bring forth trouble to your health and the planet.  By letting others witness the wonders of applying rust removers manufactured from organic materials, you are not only adding value to your home but promoting something that would make Mother Earth proud.

  Tags: natural cleaning products | natural cleaning products | natural rust removers | natural rust removers | rust removal products | rust removal products | cleaning products | rust removers | rust removers | rust remover | rust remover | rust removal | rust removal | going green

• The Dos And Don’ts Of An Effective And Safe Granite Cleaning

  05Jun
  Categories: Landscaped Comments Off

  People are always on the lookout for easier and effective granite cleaning tips and tricks.  Usually, they would only go for those cleaning methods which could offer more convenience than the ones they utilized previously.  Since most of the people are living in a fast-paced world, time and convenience are always of an essence.  As a result, many folks tend to disregard the basics or the so-called safer and conscientious means so long as their needs are met. 

  Granite cleaning should be both safe and effective by all means.  Your granite cleaning methods would not be deemed successful if it would only inflict harm to your stuffs in the future.  And you should know that whenever a certain cleaning technique has hurt you physically or endangered your health, it is best to stop making use of it.  Moreover, granite cleaning must also be as eco-friendly as possible.

  Many people think that the application of chemicals or the use of chemically-enhanced cleaning products is the only and the best way to do a proper and successful granite cleaning.  They don’t know that there are loads of better and safer options to choose from that would not only provide them with the results they’ve always wanted but also to help save the planet.  The best part is, with certain innovations in today’s technology, the development of natural cleaning products that are earth-friendly and handy in all senses have been made possible. 

  When it comes to keeping granites clean and stunning, cleaning tips and tricks are not the only ones you should seek for.  You have to determine which methods are genuine and which are not.  There are some cleaning techniques that may not be applicable to you or those that can’t even do any good at all.  By evaluating your situation, you can actually come up with credible solutions.

  Here are some of the dos and don’ts of a proper, safe and efficient granite cleaning that you should equip yourself with: 

  1.  Always have a regular cleaning routine.  Not just a simple cleaning habit but a thorough and gentle one.  Your ways don’t have to be that harsh or pressing but a systematic one.  Though granite pieces are tough natural stones, they too can be damaged with rough means of cleaning.      

  2.  Do clean granite countertops with non-abrasive cleaning tools and granite cleaners.  Avail and make use of natural granite cleaners for a better and safer way of cleaning granite surfaces.  Seal and polish granite countertops with appropriate granite products.  Do not use strong acids such as vinegar and lemon juice as well as chemicals or toxic-filled cleaning products.    

  3.  A soft, clean cloth or paper towel should always be made available around your countertops or anywhere near for convenient and easy cleaning or whenever stains and spills ruin your solid surfaces.  Do not use second-hand, torn or worn out and unclean sponges and the like since they would not only cause more cleaning problems as germs and other health risks can also be achieved.    

  4.  Be gentle as much as you can in removing dirt, stains and spills in order to prevent further damage or not to widen the affected area.  Do not harshly wipe but slowly buff.    

  There are so many ways on how to effectively clean granite-made surfaces without hurting your family and the planet.  If you would only widen your knowledge or be open to safer options, you can always get a hold of better means.  Cleaning granite is not only concerned with removing stains and the like.  In a real sense, it should also contribute to the welfare of your home, family and the planet.        

  Tags: granite countertop cleaning | granite countertop cleaning | clean granite countertops | natural cleaning products | natural cleaning products | natural granite cleaners | natural granite cleaners | granite cleaners | granite cleaners | granite cleaning | granite care | granite care

• How Can The Best And Safest Granite Cleaners Help You Achieve A Successful Granite Cleaning

  04Jun
  Categories: Landscaped Comments: 2

  Every household is in dire need of assistance especially in dealing with various kinds of cleaning dilemmas.  Usually, busy moms or always-on-the-go people are the ones likely to have the most worries in terms of home cleaning.  And no matter how less the time you make use of your granite surfaces, it is still needed to keep them as clean and germ-free as possible.  In fact, granite countertops which are not utilized more often are the ones most prone to dust, dirt, stains as well as germs or bacteria. 

  For a particular granite cleaning method to be incorporated into your daily cleaning routines, first, it should be put to test in order to prove its capacity and efficacy.  Indeed, any type of household cleaning is trial and error.  How would you know that your neighbor’s cleaning method actually works if you don’t try it yourself?  Would you have any idea what the home cleaning experts on television say if you haven’t seen them applied at all?  Don’t tell me that you have never ever taken a so-called professional or celebrity tips and tricks when it comes to keeping homes clean and fresh. 

  There are so many ways on how to clean granite countertops and other granite-made surfaces.  Some may prove to be effective but most may not actually work for you.  Its efficacy varies and you’ll have to know which among the myriad of granite cleaning options to follow.  But, exposing your countertops to different cleaning techniques might inflict harm not just to your solid surfaces but also to yourself.  So how will you truly be able to know which is which and what is what?

  Granite cleaning doesn’t need anything harsh.  Its methods should be as delicate as possible but with meticulous system incorporated.  A slow but sure granite cleaning is what you and your family as well as the planet needs.  With the application of biodegradable cleaning products, you can achieve a safer and better way of keeping things clean and fresh-smelling.  As to your granite-made countertops, choosing natural granite cleaners can certainly save you tons of granite cleaning worries. 

  The best and the safest granite cleaners are in the form of convenient spray bottles or other handy containers which are just so trouble-free to use and risk-free.  Such cleaning products are powered with eco-friendly ingredients which are in contrast with the conventionally-manufactured ones.  Through the use of cleaners that are all-natural and don’t contain any harsh fumes whatsoever, cleaning granite countertops has been made easier, safer and more enjoyable that you can even let your children help you out or do the job themselves. 

  A successful granite cleaning can be confidently attained if you are able to effectively remove stains, spills, annoying dull color, stubborn dirt and the like as well as irritating smell without the use of chemicals, strong acids and other detrimental cleaning products or those enhanced with toxins.  You have applied the best means towards cleaning granite if you have dealt with all your cleaning dilemmas using natural cleaning products or natural granite cleaners.  If you are happy and confident with your cleaning methods which are as effortless and safe compared to your old sickening ways, then you can call it a successful one. 

  Tags: granite countertop cleaning | granite countertop cleaning | clean granite countertops | natural cleaning products | natural cleaning products | natural granite cleaners | natural granite cleaners | granite cleaners | granite cleaners | granite cleaning | granite care | granite care

• Decorative Landscaping With Walls

  20May
  Categories: Landscaped Comments Off

  A masonry wall, no matter how ugly it may momentarily seem, is an asset to any garden. It does not matter if it is old or new, brick, stone or concrete block. Its very existence is an opportunity for exciting design. If your lot has more than one wall, you are blessed indeed. Say “wall” to your landscape contractors, and immediate associations will be formed: warmth, radiated from whatever sun is available; shelter, from wind and potentially from frost; shade; structural strength, particularly related to developing garden ‘rooms’; vertical growing surface, with potential for espaliered specimens – all these and many more ideas will crowd into the consciousness (and imagination) of your chosen professional.

  Let’s take a potentially disastrous situation: a wall constructed of concrete block (it is in fact the garage wall of the property next door), twelve feet high and sixteen feet long, faces north. Six feet away the side of your house runs parallel to this wall, extending beyond it towards the rear of your lot. Presently the ground is covered with mossy grass, as the area receives limited sun. How can we respond to the challenge? The 96 square feet of ground and 192 square feet of wall are about to become a suburban oasis. For construction or landscaping or garden design, the secret lies in breaking up the barren rectangular shapes, and creating focal points of interest. The first such treatment is to install a small raised pond about two-thirds of the way along the wall. The top of the pond is four feet above the ground, it is two feet at its widest point and four feet long. The pond is formed from a shallow polythene bowl sourced from a garden centre, supported on a wooden frame. The framing is disguised by cladding in the same style as the house wall opposite.

  To vary the rectangular shape of the ground we construct a circular raised garden bed, two and a half feet in diameter and two feet high; its center is two feet from the side of the house, and one third of the way along the wall.

  Next, by way of preparation, we prepare two garden beds. One runs parallel to the wall, and has a scalloped edge, which varies in distance from the wall from twenty-four to thirty inches. The other is a straight-edged plot that runs down the side of the house and is eighteen inches in width. Obviously, one third of the way along its length it merges with and then emerges from the circular raised bed.

  Finally, the remainder of the mossy lawn is covered with weed mat. Four wooden two by four posts are laid at right angles to the two garden plots, with the four inch side upward,  commencing at the start of the wall and then at distances of five, eleven and sixteen feet. The areas between them are filled with scoria.

  Now we can prepare a planting plan. The main constraints are that the area is north-facing and receives limited sun, and at present the wall is a very dominant structure.  We choose to fill the plot against the house with a profusion of low-growing, low maintenance shrubs – dwarf evergreen Veronica varieties are perfect for these garden landscaping ideas and give a profusion of white flowers throughout May-July, and varied foliage colour all year round. They grow from six inches to a foot high. Add to these a couple of Euonymus fortunei ‘Blondy’ for winter interest, and either winter-flowering heather or dwarf plumbago. The circular raised bed is reserved for seasonal display – spring-flowering bulbs, primula and polyanthus, perennials such as cineraria: anything that will make a bold splash of color in keeping with the season.

  On the opposite side, against the wall, we select for taller plants. Grouped around the pond are a number of ferns: two or three tree ferns, for example Cyathea cooperi  or Dicksonia fibrosa; and an understorey of Asplenium bulbiferum, Asplenium oblongifolium (likes shade, but not excessive damp) and Blechnum minus. Beyond this grouping, and stretching to the end of the wall (a distance of some three to four feet) is a grouping of Drepanostachym Khasianum (Himalayan Blue) bamboo. This plant has fine foliage and delicate coloring at the nodes, and can grow to twelve feet in most landscaping and garden situations. In front of these are a selection of ornamental grasses – quaking grass (Briza media), some representatives of the Carex species (perhaps Carex glauca ‘Blue Zinger’ to echo the colors of the bamboo) and two or three Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘White Cloud’. On the other side of the pond are two flowering cherries, with a selection of hydrangeas at their feet: Hydrangea macrophylla normalis ‘Lemon Wave’; the oakleaf hydrangea ‘Snow Queen’; and Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Frillibet’. Against the wall are two winter-flowering honeysuckle plants that will, eventually, cover much of the blank face of ther wall and provide a heady scent during the winter months.

  From disaster zone to interest-filled arbour, with year-round color and seasonal points of focus.

  Tags: garden design ideas | garden design ideas | landscaping ideas | landscaping ideas | landscaping walls | landscaping walls | retaining walls | retaining walls | garden walls | garden walls | walls | walls

• Lemon Cupcakes

  08May
  Categories: Landscaped Comments Off

  Tired of your usual chocolate treats? Try livening up your desserts with new flavors. While traditional tastes are always a hit, there’s nothing wrong with trying out new flavors every now and then. Putting something new on the table can renew your interest in old-school favorites. And if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, lemon cupcakes are certainly worth a try.
  

  
  Like chocolate and vanilla, lemon is one of the most easily recognized flavors. A touch of lemon on any dish adds a nice contrast and makes it more interesting. But perhaps the best thing about it is that it can suit any occasion. Whether you’re serving a quick afternoon snack or a fancy dessert for a formal dinner, you can’t go wrong with freshly baked lemon cupcakes to finish off the meal. Read on for some suggestions on making, decorating, and serving lemon cupcakes for any occasion.
  

  
  Start with a basic recipe.
  

  
  You don’t have to be a pro to follow a simple lemon cupcake recipe. Most of them are pretty straightforward and require only a few ingredients. Some of them even take less than half an hour of prep time, so you can make several batches if necessary. Of course, if you’re really on a tight schedule, you can always just pick up a box of ready-made cupcakes and decorate them back home.
  

  
  If you have time, try baking a few trial batches first to help you get the feel of the recipe. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can start experimenting and customizing them to suit your tastes. You can make them sweeter or tangier, add a few spices, or throw in some nuts to give it some texture. It all depends on what you feel like, or if you’re hosting a party, what your guests like.
  

  
  Invest in good liners.
  

  
  Cupcake papers (also called cupcake liners) aren’t just a way to hold your cupcakes in place. They help give your cupcakes that distinct shape and keep them from breaking down when you take them out of the pan. While they won’t really affect flavor, they can affect the texture and appearance of your cupcakes. And when you’re cooking to impress, the last thing you need is a crumbly, unattractive dessert.
  

  
  Decorative papers are great for parties, especially if they suit the party theme or mood. There are different designs for every occasion, so it’s not that hard to find ones that fit. You can use confetti prints for birthday parties, and holiday-themed ones if it’s for a Christmas or New Year party. Just make sure they’re thick and high-quality, so they don’t break down during baking.
  

  
  Add variety to the menu.
  

  
  Not everyone likes lemon, so you may want to throw in a few traditional flavors so there’s something for everyone. A basic chocolate cupcake recipe can provide a nice contrast against the tangy lemon taste. That way, if you’ve got a kid with a sweet tooth, they can always go for the chocolate—or even have a bit of both. Two or three flavors should be enough for a single platter, especially if it’s just a small get-together.
  

  
  As an added perk, using more flavors also looks better on the table. The contrast between light and dark can make a nice decorative element, if you know how to arrange them. If you’re combining lemon and chocolate, try putting them on a large platter and alternating the colors to highlight the difference. With a bit of creativity, you can even use them as your table centerpiece!
  

  
  Decorate with frosting.
  

  
  Lemon cupcakes are great on their own, but a simple frosting can make them even better. It’s a great way to make them a touch fancier for parties, or simply to change up the flavor a bit. You can use store-bought buttercream frosting if you don’t have time, but if you can, try making your own. A simple lemon frosting recipe takes only an extra ten minutes and can make your cupcakes a lot more special.
  

  
  If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can mix and match different frostings on your cupcakes. Since lemon goes well with any flavor, you’re sure to find a good match after just a few tries. This can be a good idea for large parties, where you need to serve more food but don’t want to compromise variety.
  

  
  Finish off with toppers.
  

  
  When your frosting doesn’t seem to do the trick, don’t hesitate to add a few extras. After all, when presentation is essential, it pays to invest in food decorations that take your food from plain to fabulous. And easily the best way to finish off your lemon cupcakes is to add decorative cupcake toppers.
  

  
  Most cake toppers can also be used for cupcakes, so you should find a few at your local cake decorating shop. There are cheap plastic ones that you can reuse for your next party, or edible ones that give your guests an extra sweet treat. No matter what you choose, they’re sure to give your table that much-needed visual kick!
  

  Tags: chocolate cupcake recipe | chocolate cupcake recipe | lemon frosting recipe | lemon frosting recipe | lemon cupcake recipe | lemon cupcake recipe | cupcake toppers | cupcake toppers | cupcake papers | cupcake papers

• Getting Down to the Basics of a Rock Garden

  13Apr
  Categories: Landscaped Comments Off

  Professional contractors sometimes use an artificial stone made on the spot, by plastering colored cement over a basis of rough brickwork when designing a rock garden. Some clever work of this kind is indistinguishable from a natural outcrop of rock and it may serve the purpose well. However, unless this is done by skilled hands accustomed to imitating the form and stratification of the natural rock, it would be a failure.

  There are good imitation rocks may be made by coating brickyard waste with Portland cement. The objection to these processes is the liability of the artificial surface to be flaked off by frost or rough usage, thereby exposing the fraud. Some types of large fountains, patio statuary, or other large water features sometimes incorporate artificial rock as well, which would be ideal accent pieces for a rock garden.

  With regards to the soil of a rock garden, you cannot do better than follow nature. In alpine regions the crevices in the rocks become filled with fine debris, the disintegrated particles of the rock itself, and therefore containing small stones and sand, with which, of course, is associated humus derived from decaying plant   life. This, then, suggests an artificial mixture for your rock garden in which similar ingredients find place. Such a mixture may be made as follows:

  Good friable loam—6 parts

  Chips of sandstone—1 part

  Sand or road scrapings—2 parts

  Leaf mould—1 part

  To this mixture you can add a moderate proportion of well-decayed stable manure. The whole should be well mixed and is then ready for use. Although the above compost will suit the greater number of plants usually grown in a rock garden, it is unsuitable for bog plants and for those which thrive best in a calcareous soil.

  To meet the needs of these it is desirable to reserve a place where some peat may be introduced for the benefit of the bog plants, and to add a limy constituent to the compost (lime or broken limestone) for those parts of the garden in which you intend to grow lime-loving plants. In between outdoor statues, large fountains, or patio water features are ideal locations for these plants. Beyond that it is hardly feasible or worthwhile to go in specializing the soil.

  The prepared soil must be entirely free from clay, and to ensure this care should be taken to obtain the proper kind of loam. Once you have selected the site and prepared the soil, you can get started with actually making the rock garden. This involves forming the actual contours of the garden. In most cases a path will pass through it, but this will have to be made last.

  Bearing in mind the importance of drainage, the gardener must first decide whether his rockwork shall stand above the general surface or be partly sunk below it. On heavy clay soil the former plan is best; on gravel, or other kind of porous soil, the latter. A sunken garden has the advantage that the excavated soil is useful for building up the banks, provided, of course, that it is suitable as an ingredient in the compost just described.

  You can then proceed to mark out the plan, by pegging or otherwise, and then barrow the soil into place. Now comes an important part of the operation, for the final effect is controlled by the way in which you arrange the heaps. You should try to avoid a formal or symmetrical distribution of masses, which is never seen in nature, by throwing them up as if their shape and height were a matter of chance, especially when patio waterfalls, a wall fountain, or an outdoor fountain may be introduced.

  You should not start adding any rocks until you have completed the base work of the rock garden. This is because as the work proceeds you may find it advisable to raise the ground here or lower it there to improve its contours, which you should view from various standpoints to make sure that you have obtained a good general effect.

  That much accomplished, now you can start to place his rocks by outlining with them the foot of each slope, thereby defining his path at the same time. For this part of the work you should select rocks of various sizes, here and there introducing a bold mass to accentuate some angle, and avoiding the effect of an artificial edging.

  The edging of the rock garden must be well done, with the rocks in close contact. Otherwise much of the soil will be subsequently washed out on to the gravel; but no cementing medium should be employed. Such crevices as remain may be well rammed with compost, and will then offer temptation to the plants to thread them with rootlets, by which the soil will be sufficiently held in place.

   

  Tags: large water features | large water features | patio water features | patio water features | patio waterfalls | patio waterfalls | outdoor fountain | outdoor fountain | large fountains | large fountains | outdoor statues | outdoor statues | patio statuary | patio statuary | wall fountain | wall fountain

• Landscaping Pictures: Using Other’s Ideas In Your Own Design

  13Apr
  Categories: Landscaped Comments Off

  If you are a beginner at do-it-yourself landscaping and gardening ideas, then you are probably having a hard time starting out from scratch. Brewing up ideas for landscape design can be rigorous, especially if all you have to start with is a piece of lifeless, barren land.
  
  Sure, you already know that a manicured lawn accompanied with some well-positioned flowers can make for a fairly eye-catching landscape. But how can you have ideas to make a unique landscape? – By using other’s ideas in your own design course!
  
  Yes, it is possible for you to use a mishmash of great garden and landscaping ideas to construct an exceptional landscape design for your very own land. And no, it’s not the same as duplicating. Making replicas would not be part of finding inspiration from other’s ideas to make your landscape unique, since the unique factor would be automatically crossed out in the first place.
  
  Look: The Key To Brewing A Unique Idea
  
  The first thing to do is to look. Go on, there’s no harm in looking. Try to look at various landscaping examples that you can find. The question is, where can you find landscape designs to look at? Well, there are various sources available for you, and all you have to do is know them.
  
  Landscaping Pictures
  
  There are a lot of landscaping pictures for you to view. You can easily find pictures like these on the Internet, and view them at the comforts of your own home. You can also browse for landscaping pictures in magazines or catalogues.
  
  Coffee table books for gardens are also a great source for landscaping pictures.
  
  Photography books showcasing landscapes as its theme is another great option, although these last two sources may be a bit expensive.
  
  Experience The Real Thing
  
  Another cheap way to view different landscaping designs is by taking a trip in your neighborhood. Your can actually pick up a thing or two from the design of your neighbor’s front yards that might be useful in your own landscape design.
  
  If you can go to places with beautiful gardens, then that is even better. Not only do you get fresh ideas, but experiencing the beauty of the place itself also rejuvenates you. You can take some pictures of the place and review them when you get home.
  
  What To Do With Landscaping Pictures?
  
  Of course, you don’t stop at just looking at landscaping pictures. Active participation is also required from you. As you view each landscaping picture, decide on which ones that you like best.
  
  Then try to make a list of the different features and characteristics of each landscaping picture that you personally think is unique, beautiful, or just simply fits your taste. You should also take note of the characteristics that you don’t like.
  
  See the different elements like water features, lighting designs, types of plants, arrangements and the presence of statues and other decorations. Also try to find out if the maintenance of the features you’ve picked suits your expected level of maintenance.
  
  Wrap It Up
  
  When you’re done picking out your favorite landscaping and garden design features for the different elements, you now wrap things up by combining all of them to brew up your own idea. Try to make something from these various features and some of your own personal ideas. You can also make variations from the features that you decided upon.
  
  The decision is all yours to make. Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment on different combinations since this is the key to making your design have the touch of "you" factor in it!
  

  Tags: landscape design ideas | landscape design ideas | landscaping pictures | garden design ideas | garden design ideas | landscape pictures | landscape pictures | landscape design | garden pictures | garden pictures | garden design | garden design | landscaping | landscape | landscape | gardening | gardening | garden | garden

• Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Garden

  09Apr
  Categories: Landscaped Comments Off

  The picturesque character of a garden may be marred as much by sins of commission as by sins of omission. There are gardens in which no expense has been spared to ensure a splendid succession of bloom, that have been utterly ruined by the introduction of garish and incongruous accessories. The smaller the plot, the stronger the temptation to import these eyesores seems to be.

  The garden maker cannot be too careful about being aware of the features of the property that may not be in harmony with the garden. Such accessories as summer houses, large fountains, patio statuary, wall waterfalls, arches, pergolas, dials, and garden seats should be designed to suit the garden. Their details and mode of construction should be simple and unostentatious. Paint should be sparingly used, if at all, and its color should be chosen so that it does not compete with the flowers.

  One example of inharmonious features in a garden is that of a wide expanse of trellis painted canary yellow, which in itself is crude and in bad taste. To add insult to injury, the owner then plated nasturtiums on the trellis, unaware that this is one of the outrages of the canon of art.

  The so-called “rustic” work in a garden design is rarely in good taste. If you want to decorate the summer house, what better way to do so than to allow some pretty creeper to scramble over it? This softens its outline and loads it with bloom. Or perhaps consider a patio statue or wall water fountain that could be either a wall mounted fountain or some other type of wall water feature.

  Terra-cotta, china, and cast-iron vases should be used with caution. They are generally out of scale in a small garden, and never quite satisfactory unless associated with a terrace wall, or some similar structure. In most cases they should be replaced by stout oaken tubs, with advantages on the score of appearance.

  The gardener must be hopelessly depraved to allow such objects as minerals, mechanical models, and sea-shells into his garden. The proper place for any of these curiosities let him find a place for them apart in a special museum.

  Given discretion in excluding the inartistic and incongruous, there may be still room for mistakes in the use of garden accessories. They may be selected so as not to be in proper scale with the garden, or with that part of the garden in which they are to be installed. In these matters the designer’s instincts must guide him to the attainment of what is correct.
  Good proportion in a garden is largely a matter of intuition, though a sense of fitness may come from knowledge and good sense. A garden designer should use an equal amount of both when designing and laying out a garden. The golden rules of garden design are:

  ·         Use before ornament

  ·         Simplicity

  ·         Appropriateness

  ·         Sound construction

  ·         Scale

  As every garden picture must have a focus, or, in other words, a point of interest to which the eye will naturally direct itself before it can properly appreciate the general effect, the summer house has a lot of value as a suitable device for the purpose. It makes a very natural terminal to the principal path, and is therefore “led up to” in such a way as to enhance its usefulness for this purpose.

  Again, the pointed roof is admirably adapted for constituting the apex or summit of the garden picture. This particularly applies to new gardens, before it is possible to utilize the trees, large fountains, or other garden water features as conspicuous elements in the picture.

  A well-constructed summer house, weather proof, and placed so that its open side is in shade, is a most desirable addition to any garden, however small, both as a picturesque feature in the design and as a useful retreat in hot or rainy weather.

  Tags: wall mounted fountain | wall mounted fountain | garden water features | garden water features | wall water fountain | wall water fountain | wall water feature | wall water feature | large fountains | large fountains | wall waterfalls | wall waterfalls | patio statuary | patio statuary | patio statue | patio statue | gardens