Chinese herbal teas are technically called Tisanes. These are recognized as infusions made herbs and not tea from the Camelia Sinensis plant. The essence of the herb is extracted when the tea is steeped in hot water.
Traditionally, the Chinese herbal teas are used for their medicinal and healing properties. However, there are many varieties that are also enjoyed simply for their taste. Today, these teas can be bought in China as the country produces an entire pharmacy of herbs.
The Benefits of Chinese Herbal Tea
One of the well-known benefits of Chinese herbal tea is that it offers the tea drinker caffeine free alternatives. Many of them are considered to be very soothing and comforting. The Rosebud and Chrysanthemum herbal teas are just two of them.
The Rosebud and Chrysanthemum teas are known in China as a woman’s herb. However, it is also useful for aiding digestion. As noted, even a hardcore tea drinker will surely enjoy the flowery freshness of these miniature rosebuds. The Chrysanthemum in particular has a unique flavor. It has long been used to cool the body and reduce fever.
The Chinese herbal teas are even great beverages to have at night, especially when you might not want caffeine.
The Famous Flower Herbal Teas
There is a number of Chinese herbal tea varieties, one of those are the flower teas. These teas are caffeine free alternatives and offer various benefits. Most of them are calming and soothing, while offering a palatte of flavors.
Here are the most famous flower teas:
• Carnation Flower Tea – This is an attractive red flower tea which is said to help restore the energy of the body. It is also considered great for relaxing.
• Chrysanthemum Herbal Tea – This is but a top grade of the famous cooling tea infusion. It has a subtle sweetness and is highly refreshing.
• Gongju Herbal Tea – Another caffeine-free tea, which is smooth tasting. The whole flower is known for its soothing as well as relaxing attributes.
• Jasmine Bud Flower Tea – According to some experts, this Chinese herbal tea consists solely of the small and beautiful Jasmine flowers that have yet to open. This produces a caffeine-free and sweet brew.
• Forget Me Not Flower Tea – This is also caffeine-free and is said to aid the lungs. It brews a mild and grassy flavored tisane. And, it is known for its beautiful purple flowers.
• Yunnan Flower Bud Tea – As the name implies, this Chinese herbal tea grows in the old forests of Yunnan. This is considered a rare flower and is a local Yunnan drink that is caffeine free.
• Wild New York Ginseng – Here is another well-known Chinese herbal tea intended for those who appreciate the wild growing conditions in which the roots lived. It is said that because of the rugged wild conditions, each root has a unique appearance and personality. Some of these wild roots can be very small but also very old. There are also some larger roots that can be younger. Accordingly, these herbal roots lives for at least seven years and up.
• Kuding Pearl Tea – Many who have tasted this tea noted that this is a bitter tea. This variety is rolled into large pearls which are also called “one leaf tea” because of the size of the leaves. Others call it “one leaf” because one needs only one leaf of this tea to heal a number of things. In addition, this is an ancient leaf and is deemed by many as an interesting herbal tea.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
'Tis the Season for Flower Girl Dresses and Children's Formal Wear
Spring is just around the corner, which means it's the season for children's formal wear. Weddings call for flower girl dresses and boy's tuxedos, as well as for First Communion dresses and boy's suits. What's in this season? Read on to find out!
Flower Girl Dresses
When it comes to flower girl dresses, you have several options that will bring smiles to the faces of your attendees, and make your flower girls feel like little princesses. A sleeveless satin bodice with a satin skirt and organza overlay is a simple but stunning combination. Scattered colored stones with a matching band at the waistband coordinates well with the attire of others in the bridal party. Depending on the age of the flower girl, choose either tea length or floor length.
For a feminine yet upscale look, choose a flower girl dress that is tiered in the back. A full peau satin skirt with one tier in front and three tiers in back, accented with a large bow with tails and fabric roses, will make the day special for both the flower girl and the bride.
If you're budget conscious, don't overlook some of the discount flower girl dresses that are available online. Just as beautiful as the pricier flower girl dresses, you can find satin and organza dresses, as well as tiered dresses, for between $35 and $80.
Communion Dresses
Every little girl will remember her First Communion for the rest of her life, so Communion dresses are an important part of the ritual. An organza scalloped princess style gown with coordinating veil will make her feel special, as will the simple lines of a satin Communion dress with lace and a removable bolero jacket.
Boy's Suits
This season, there are many choices for boy's suits. Whether it's his First Communion or whether he's attending in a family wedding, he'll be thrilled to wear a traditional five-piece suit. Double-breasted jackets are back in style, and come in white for the perfect First Communion outfit. For a more formal occasion, a boy's tuxedo - with or without tails - is always appropriate.
Christening Dresses
When it comes to girls' christening dresses there are many choices. An all-white batiste dress with smocking on a bodice dotted with white pearls, along with matching bloomers, is adorable. For more traditional christening dresses you can choose a length of up to 32 inches with intricate embroidery and a matching bonnet. Keep in mind that a christening dress is something that can be handed down for generations, so choosing a timeless style may be in order.
Christening Outfits for Boys
For boys, christening outfits are usually five-piece sets that consist of a shirt, pants, bowtie, vest, and hat. The typical pant length is either shorts or knickers. Some sets feature brocade, while others have satin trim.
How to Buy
With the Internet, a wide variety of children's formal wear is available at the click of a mouse. Plus, you're more likely to find discount flower girl dresses and bargains in children's formal wear at an online store. When ordering online, look for a company that not only offers flower girl dresses, boy's tuxedos, Communion dresses, and christening dresses, but that also asks you for the date of the event. Before ordering, check out the sizing charts, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Then, on the big day, make sure that your little ones enjoy themselves, and feel as special as they look!
Flower Girl Dresses
When it comes to flower girl dresses, you have several options that will bring smiles to the faces of your attendees, and make your flower girls feel like little princesses. A sleeveless satin bodice with a satin skirt and organza overlay is a simple but stunning combination. Scattered colored stones with a matching band at the waistband coordinates well with the attire of others in the bridal party. Depending on the age of the flower girl, choose either tea length or floor length.
For a feminine yet upscale look, choose a flower girl dress that is tiered in the back. A full peau satin skirt with one tier in front and three tiers in back, accented with a large bow with tails and fabric roses, will make the day special for both the flower girl and the bride.
If you're budget conscious, don't overlook some of the discount flower girl dresses that are available online. Just as beautiful as the pricier flower girl dresses, you can find satin and organza dresses, as well as tiered dresses, for between $35 and $80.
Communion Dresses
Every little girl will remember her First Communion for the rest of her life, so Communion dresses are an important part of the ritual. An organza scalloped princess style gown with coordinating veil will make her feel special, as will the simple lines of a satin Communion dress with lace and a removable bolero jacket.
Boy's Suits
This season, there are many choices for boy's suits. Whether it's his First Communion or whether he's attending in a family wedding, he'll be thrilled to wear a traditional five-piece suit. Double-breasted jackets are back in style, and come in white for the perfect First Communion outfit. For a more formal occasion, a boy's tuxedo - with or without tails - is always appropriate.
Christening Dresses
When it comes to girls' christening dresses there are many choices. An all-white batiste dress with smocking on a bodice dotted with white pearls, along with matching bloomers, is adorable. For more traditional christening dresses you can choose a length of up to 32 inches with intricate embroidery and a matching bonnet. Keep in mind that a christening dress is something that can be handed down for generations, so choosing a timeless style may be in order.
Christening Outfits for Boys
For boys, christening outfits are usually five-piece sets that consist of a shirt, pants, bowtie, vest, and hat. The typical pant length is either shorts or knickers. Some sets feature brocade, while others have satin trim.
How to Buy
With the Internet, a wide variety of children's formal wear is available at the click of a mouse. Plus, you're more likely to find discount flower girl dresses and bargains in children's formal wear at an online store. When ordering online, look for a company that not only offers flower girl dresses, boy's tuxedos, Communion dresses, and christening dresses, but that also asks you for the date of the event. Before ordering, check out the sizing charts, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Then, on the big day, make sure that your little ones enjoy themselves, and feel as special as they look!
What Is The Best Watch Winder?
People keep asking me – which watch winder to buy. Surprisingly, there are dozens of different watch winders in the market. You could always find a discount watch winder or buy the cheapest watch winders, but most of the automatic watch owners are dealing with the decision whether to buy Steinhausen watch winders, Scatola watch winders or Eilux watch winder.
For the sake of propriety, a few words about watch winders: Automatic watch winders are mainly used for two purposes:
1. Automatic watch winder – Automatic watches are getting more and more common. Instead of rewinding the watch manually each time the power reserve is out, one can use a watch winder. It may get more complicated to manually wind watches with complicated parameters such as perpetual calendar and moon phase.
2. Winding watches with screwed crowns – Each time one screws or unscrews the crown is worn down. Watch winders will enable the watch to operate for a longer time.
Before we go on, I must add one more suggestion: When buying a new watch winder, get also a watch winder box or a watch winder case to protect your watch winder.
The number one automatic watch winder is definitely the Scatola watch winder. The Scatola watch winder is designed by world class artisans. In fact, Scatola watch winders are manufactured in limited quantities so you can be sure of the extra care that goes into each watch winder. A Scatola watch winder is made of quality products such as gold plated clasps and zippers, and Swiss made high precision micro motors.
The next best watch winder would have to be the Steinhausen watch winder. A Steinhausen watch winders certainly has the best prestige look of all automatic watch winders. It is the best way to display your watches collection in your living room and impress your friends.
For the sake of propriety, a few words about watch winders: Automatic watch winders are mainly used for two purposes:
1. Automatic watch winder – Automatic watches are getting more and more common. Instead of rewinding the watch manually each time the power reserve is out, one can use a watch winder. It may get more complicated to manually wind watches with complicated parameters such as perpetual calendar and moon phase.
2. Winding watches with screwed crowns – Each time one screws or unscrews the crown is worn down. Watch winders will enable the watch to operate for a longer time.
Before we go on, I must add one more suggestion: When buying a new watch winder, get also a watch winder box or a watch winder case to protect your watch winder.
The number one automatic watch winder is definitely the Scatola watch winder. The Scatola watch winder is designed by world class artisans. In fact, Scatola watch winders are manufactured in limited quantities so you can be sure of the extra care that goes into each watch winder. A Scatola watch winder is made of quality products such as gold plated clasps and zippers, and Swiss made high precision micro motors.
The next best watch winder would have to be the Steinhausen watch winder. A Steinhausen watch winders certainly has the best prestige look of all automatic watch winders. It is the best way to display your watches collection in your living room and impress your friends.
Visit A Department Store And Be Amazed
I love to shop as much as most of the women I know. I enjoy nothing more than an afternoon or a weekend with nothing on the agenda other than to shop. However, as all busy people know, life rarely provides such a time. More often than not my shopping happens in small segments of time in between other errands and responsibilities. In the past few years, shopping at a department store has become my best friend for this very reason.
I love going to a department store especially when I am in a hurry because I can pick up almost anything I need in one stop. Whether I am looking for clothing, shoes, jewlery, makeup, or something for my home, the department store usually has just what I need. It is much easier for me to shop in one place that I know provides a variety of great products. There is nothing better than entering a department store and then leaving it an hour later with my entire list accomplished.
I also enjoy shopping at department stores because usually they are very reasonable in price. I do not have the money to spend on unique stores and specialized boutiques all of the time, so a department store is often a great alternative. I can usually find great name brand items at a fraction of the regular cost. Keep track of sale flyers that come in the newspaper or sign up to receive weekly store coupons through your email account. There are ways to make shopping more reasonable, especially at department stores.
Another great thing about a department store is that I can usually find items for everyone in my family, regardless of their ages or preferences. It is an amazing thing to be able to enter one store and come out with something for my grandmother, my father, my husband and my three year old daughter. I love it. I just move from department to department until I have accomplished everything I need. I cannot begin to think of all the time I save by just going to a department store or two rather than to a speciality shop for all the ages of people I need to shop for.
One of my favorite times of the year to utilize a department store is the holidays. Shopping during the holidays is magical no matter what, but there is no place quite as magical as a well-decorated department store. Department stores are often filled with great deals and specials based on the amount of money you spend there.
I encourage everyone to explore the possibilities that shopping at a department store offers. See if you don't just fall in love with how easy, reasonable and fun it is.
I love going to a department store especially when I am in a hurry because I can pick up almost anything I need in one stop. Whether I am looking for clothing, shoes, jewlery, makeup, or something for my home, the department store usually has just what I need. It is much easier for me to shop in one place that I know provides a variety of great products. There is nothing better than entering a department store and then leaving it an hour later with my entire list accomplished.
I also enjoy shopping at department stores because usually they are very reasonable in price. I do not have the money to spend on unique stores and specialized boutiques all of the time, so a department store is often a great alternative. I can usually find great name brand items at a fraction of the regular cost. Keep track of sale flyers that come in the newspaper or sign up to receive weekly store coupons through your email account. There are ways to make shopping more reasonable, especially at department stores.
Another great thing about a department store is that I can usually find items for everyone in my family, regardless of their ages or preferences. It is an amazing thing to be able to enter one store and come out with something for my grandmother, my father, my husband and my three year old daughter. I love it. I just move from department to department until I have accomplished everything I need. I cannot begin to think of all the time I save by just going to a department store or two rather than to a speciality shop for all the ages of people I need to shop for.
One of my favorite times of the year to utilize a department store is the holidays. Shopping during the holidays is magical no matter what, but there is no place quite as magical as a well-decorated department store. Department stores are often filled with great deals and specials based on the amount of money you spend there.
I encourage everyone to explore the possibilities that shopping at a department store offers. See if you don't just fall in love with how easy, reasonable and fun it is.
Underwire Bras Can Prevent Pain, Sagging And Fatigue
Since the basic purpose of wearing bras is to provide your breasts with the support they need, you'll have to be very clear about the type of bra that'll suit you best.
One simple rule here is that the larger your breasts are, the more important the type of bra you wear.
Large breasted women can almost never go without a bra, since it can lead to back, shoulder and neck pains but can also be extremely uncomfortable.
Can't Find A Bra That's Not Underwired? Don't Be Surprised!
Now if you're like most women, you'll like bras that are not only good looking but also provide your breasts with that strong support that prevents pain, sagging and fatigue. Furthermore, large breasted women need strong, firm bras that make them feel comfortable.
Underwired bras provide exactly that. They have wires that are placed in a semi-circular shape right below the cups. This results in providing that extra lift and support that a lot of women require.
It is precisely for these reasons that these bras have grown rapidly to become one of the most popular types. So much so that these days, you?ll have a real hard time finding a bra that does not have an wire in it.
Though it is true that they provide your breasts with more lift, some women do find them quite uncomfortable and prefer Wireless bras instead. This is truly a very personal choice. Some women swear by them while others stick to wireless.
The only way to find out which of these two types works for you is to try them out. Choose whichever ones makes you feel more comfortable and provides you with a snug fit.
For Nursing Mothers... A word of advice. You should not sleep wearing an underwire bra. Nursing mothers should also be careful when wearing them. Make sure that the wire in the bra is not putting undue pressure on your breasts. This could lead to the milk ducts getting blocked, resulting is mastitis.
Like I mentioned previously, you'll know the type that suits you best until you try one on. Keep trying them on and you'll finally be able to stick with a model that'll suit you for an entire lifetime.
One simple rule here is that the larger your breasts are, the more important the type of bra you wear.
Large breasted women can almost never go without a bra, since it can lead to back, shoulder and neck pains but can also be extremely uncomfortable.
Can't Find A Bra That's Not Underwired? Don't Be Surprised!
Now if you're like most women, you'll like bras that are not only good looking but also provide your breasts with that strong support that prevents pain, sagging and fatigue. Furthermore, large breasted women need strong, firm bras that make them feel comfortable.
Underwired bras provide exactly that. They have wires that are placed in a semi-circular shape right below the cups. This results in providing that extra lift and support that a lot of women require.
It is precisely for these reasons that these bras have grown rapidly to become one of the most popular types. So much so that these days, you?ll have a real hard time finding a bra that does not have an wire in it.
Though it is true that they provide your breasts with more lift, some women do find them quite uncomfortable and prefer Wireless bras instead. This is truly a very personal choice. Some women swear by them while others stick to wireless.
The only way to find out which of these two types works for you is to try them out. Choose whichever ones makes you feel more comfortable and provides you with a snug fit.
For Nursing Mothers... A word of advice. You should not sleep wearing an underwire bra. Nursing mothers should also be careful when wearing them. Make sure that the wire in the bra is not putting undue pressure on your breasts. This could lead to the milk ducts getting blocked, resulting is mastitis.
Like I mentioned previously, you'll know the type that suits you best until you try one on. Keep trying them on and you'll finally be able to stick with a model that'll suit you for an entire lifetime.
Tips On Pulling A Fabulous Fashion Act Together
Girl, are you intelligent, funny with a fab personality and an eye for the newest fashion trends but need a little help pulling it all together? Look no further, here are some tips on pulling together the right look.
Your personal style speaks volumes about who you are so let’s not blow it after you’ve spent your hard earned money on the latest new trends!
The key to putting together a great outfit is risky and simple. The rule of thumb is balance and “less is more.”
Choose one “wow” item and build around it. For example, if you have this absolutely fabulous piece of jewelry that you mush show off, try wearing it with a simple black dress. Black flatters just about all figures without overwhelming the look of your jewelry.
Want to show off your new elaborately stitched jeans? A solid shirt paired with heels works well with decorated jeans. If the design on the jeans is too busy the shirt will tone it down some.
How about those new bright pink pumps? You can’t go wrong by complimenting the shoes with a pair of solid black jeans and white shirt. Black jeans and solid colored shirt matches well with any brightly colored pumps.
And what about those gold sequin flats that you just couldn’t pass up? Petal-pushers and a simple shirt are ideal compliments for your golden feet.
The key is to pick one item and build around it. Don’t just stick with one look. Be glamour one day and urban the next.
Take the time to educate yourself on different styles. Learn how to draw inspiration from your favorite looks of past eras.
Fashion is about confidence. If you feel great in an outfit, others will feel your vibes. And if you don’t feel confident, fake it! Whether you are 18 or 50, take pride in your appearance and it’s important to feel comfortable in your style.
Your personal style speaks volumes about who you are so let’s not blow it after you’ve spent your hard earned money on the latest new trends!
The key to putting together a great outfit is risky and simple. The rule of thumb is balance and “less is more.”
Choose one “wow” item and build around it. For example, if you have this absolutely fabulous piece of jewelry that you mush show off, try wearing it with a simple black dress. Black flatters just about all figures without overwhelming the look of your jewelry.
Want to show off your new elaborately stitched jeans? A solid shirt paired with heels works well with decorated jeans. If the design on the jeans is too busy the shirt will tone it down some.
How about those new bright pink pumps? You can’t go wrong by complimenting the shoes with a pair of solid black jeans and white shirt. Black jeans and solid colored shirt matches well with any brightly colored pumps.
And what about those gold sequin flats that you just couldn’t pass up? Petal-pushers and a simple shirt are ideal compliments for your golden feet.
The key is to pick one item and build around it. Don’t just stick with one look. Be glamour one day and urban the next.
Take the time to educate yourself on different styles. Learn how to draw inspiration from your favorite looks of past eras.
Fashion is about confidence. If you feel great in an outfit, others will feel your vibes. And if you don’t feel confident, fake it! Whether you are 18 or 50, take pride in your appearance and it’s important to feel comfortable in your style.
The World According to Designer Handbags 101
There's a new kid on the block in the wonderful, wacky world of designer handbags. In case you haven't heard, World According to Jess is taking the fashion accessories industry by storm. But don't let the amateurish name fool you, this design house is taking no prisoners! In a relatively short period of time, this company has achieved immense respect and credibility in the industry. Jessica Alpert-Goldman, namesake and owner of World According to Jess, has firmly entrenched herself in an industry that is not always kind to outsiders.
The designs are bold, quirky, and cute…much like Jess herself. With an impressive catalogue of designs, and the support of her ever-growing legion of fans, 2006 may just be the year of Jess. Without a doubt, she is off to a smashing start. Her bags have already been photographed with famous fashionistas like Beyonce Knowles, Sarah Jessica-Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lindsey Lohan.
Just recently, Jess had her remarkable designs included in the celebrity grab-bag backstage at the Oscars. This is, by all means, no small feat. Every major company in every significant niche wants their product included in the Oscar gift bag. The mere act of having your product photographed with major Hollywood stars is a guarantee for overnight success but Jess is already well ahead of the game, in that regard.
Jess contributed 250 of her favorite purses to the Oscar cause, and she hasn't looked back. In her own words, "I worked hard to let the world know that World According to Jess was the only bag designer included in the official Oscar gift bag." For her efforts, she received countless press accolades and ended up with placements on some of the biggest television programs in America, including The Today Show.
World According to Jess has fun, funky handbags in countless shapes and sizes. Evening bags, cosmetic bags, wallets, diaper bags, travel bags…it appears that Jess has covered all of the bases. Some of my personal favorites include the smashing Arthack and the oh-so-hot Scandalous designs. If these designs are any indication of things to come, World According to Jess is going to be more like world domination.
The designs are bold, quirky, and cute…much like Jess herself. With an impressive catalogue of designs, and the support of her ever-growing legion of fans, 2006 may just be the year of Jess. Without a doubt, she is off to a smashing start. Her bags have already been photographed with famous fashionistas like Beyonce Knowles, Sarah Jessica-Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lindsey Lohan.
Just recently, Jess had her remarkable designs included in the celebrity grab-bag backstage at the Oscars. This is, by all means, no small feat. Every major company in every significant niche wants their product included in the Oscar gift bag. The mere act of having your product photographed with major Hollywood stars is a guarantee for overnight success but Jess is already well ahead of the game, in that regard.
Jess contributed 250 of her favorite purses to the Oscar cause, and she hasn't looked back. In her own words, "I worked hard to let the world know that World According to Jess was the only bag designer included in the official Oscar gift bag." For her efforts, she received countless press accolades and ended up with placements on some of the biggest television programs in America, including The Today Show.
World According to Jess has fun, funky handbags in countless shapes and sizes. Evening bags, cosmetic bags, wallets, diaper bags, travel bags…it appears that Jess has covered all of the bases. Some of my personal favorites include the smashing Arthack and the oh-so-hot Scandalous designs. If these designs are any indication of things to come, World According to Jess is going to be more like world domination.
Tea: Origins, Flavors and Health Benefits
How many times do we just want to drink tea after a heavy meal, but are then bombarded with all the various tea flavours that we get lost. This article answers that need.
What you should always remember is that there are only four types of tea.
1) Black tea
2) Green tea
3) White tea
4) Oolong tea
All these are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, also known as the tea plant. Other herbal infusions such as chamomile tea, ginger tea or red tea made of rooibos leaves are disqualified as types of tea since the tea plant is not involved in their making. The difference between the four tea variations lies in the process of making them. In addition, each type of tea has another flavor and various health benefits.
1) Black Tea
The strong flavored burnt Sienna colored hot beverage is the most popular type of tea in the West. Either served with a squeeze of lemon or added milk and a cube of sugar, the cup of black tea is part of daily tea ceremonies that take place worldwide. Black tea is made of heavily oxidized Camellia sinensis leaves. When served plain, it contains no calories, carbohydrates, or fats. A cup of black tea contains more caffeine than any other types of tea but less than in any cup of coffee.
2) Green Tea
The lightly oxidized tea has been popular in China, Japan and Korea for centuries. Recently, rumors on its health benefits increased its popularity in the West as well. It has been proven that drinking green tea can lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, increase metabolic rates and be helpful in variety of other conditions and illnesses. The green tea is lightly oxidized, dried, but not fermented. It is usually served plain, without sugar or milk. Since some of the green tea variants taste a bit bitter, it should be brewed in lower temperature than the boiling point.
3) White Tea
White tea is rarer and more expensive than the other types of teas mentioned above. Originated in the Fujian province of china, the white tea is made of young Camellia sinensis leaves, which go through a long process of steaming or frying, inactivate fermenting and drying. Since the leaves are harvested while the buds are still covered by white hair, it is called white tea. White tea has the most delicate, sweet taste than the other types of tea. Moreover, it contains the smallest amount of caffeine and the largest amount of antioxidant that help prevent cancer.
4) Oolong Tea
The traditional Chinese tea is the common companion of Chinese foods such as dim sum and chop suey in American Chinese restaurants. The oolong tea, black dragon in Chinese, got its name after its long, dark distinguished leaves that look like wild black dragons when brewed. The unique taste of the oolong tea is achieved by a long process that includes sun drying of the Camellia sinensis leaves, light oxidization, cooling and drying processes. The result is a lighter flavor than the popular black tea and stronger than the delicate green tea.
What you should always remember is that there are only four types of tea.
1) Black tea
2) Green tea
3) White tea
4) Oolong tea
All these are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, also known as the tea plant. Other herbal infusions such as chamomile tea, ginger tea or red tea made of rooibos leaves are disqualified as types of tea since the tea plant is not involved in their making. The difference between the four tea variations lies in the process of making them. In addition, each type of tea has another flavor and various health benefits.
1) Black Tea
The strong flavored burnt Sienna colored hot beverage is the most popular type of tea in the West. Either served with a squeeze of lemon or added milk and a cube of sugar, the cup of black tea is part of daily tea ceremonies that take place worldwide. Black tea is made of heavily oxidized Camellia sinensis leaves. When served plain, it contains no calories, carbohydrates, or fats. A cup of black tea contains more caffeine than any other types of tea but less than in any cup of coffee.
2) Green Tea
The lightly oxidized tea has been popular in China, Japan and Korea for centuries. Recently, rumors on its health benefits increased its popularity in the West as well. It has been proven that drinking green tea can lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, increase metabolic rates and be helpful in variety of other conditions and illnesses. The green tea is lightly oxidized, dried, but not fermented. It is usually served plain, without sugar or milk. Since some of the green tea variants taste a bit bitter, it should be brewed in lower temperature than the boiling point.
3) White Tea
White tea is rarer and more expensive than the other types of teas mentioned above. Originated in the Fujian province of china, the white tea is made of young Camellia sinensis leaves, which go through a long process of steaming or frying, inactivate fermenting and drying. Since the leaves are harvested while the buds are still covered by white hair, it is called white tea. White tea has the most delicate, sweet taste than the other types of tea. Moreover, it contains the smallest amount of caffeine and the largest amount of antioxidant that help prevent cancer.
4) Oolong Tea
The traditional Chinese tea is the common companion of Chinese foods such as dim sum and chop suey in American Chinese restaurants. The oolong tea, black dragon in Chinese, got its name after its long, dark distinguished leaves that look like wild black dragons when brewed. The unique taste of the oolong tea is achieved by a long process that includes sun drying of the Camellia sinensis leaves, light oxidization, cooling and drying processes. The result is a lighter flavor than the popular black tea and stronger than the delicate green tea.
Six Ways to Look Spectacular in Eyeglasses
A look at any fashion magazine, TV show or movie proves that eyeglasses are a hot fashion trend.
"With so many people wearing glasses, people are starting to use eyewear as an accessory to match their personal style," said Kristin Bonfield, accessories product manager of LensCrafters.
The secret to looking good all the time, said Bonfield, is proper care habits that keep glasses looking great.
1. Keep glasses sparkling. Nothing spoils your look like smudged, dirty lenses. Make cleaning a daily ritual. A spray bottle of professional eyeglass cleaner and soft micro-fiber cloth in your purse, car or desk drawer makes it easy.
2. Use the case. If you need to take your glasses off, put them in their case. Stuffing them in a pocket or purse is an invitation to scratching.
3. Keep your shirt on. According to one study, 52 percent of people clean their glasses with their clothing. Dust and particles in clothes can scratch lenses. Even dry paper products can grind dust and fibers into the lens. Disposable moist cleaning towelettes make it easy to keep your world sparkling.
4. Give high-tech lenses high-tech care. Today's lenses are thinner, made of lighter materials and often have coatings that prevent glare or add other benefits. Don't damage them by using household cleaners. Even today's concentrated or "extra strength" dish soaps can damage coatings over time. Eyewear cleaners are formulated to safely remove fingerprints, cosmetics, dirt and grime.
5. Wear goggles for do-it-yourself projects. Removing paint spatters with rough rubbing or chemicals can easily damage a lens. Sawdust and plaster dust can scratch or get ground in during cleanup.
6. Take time for a regular eye exam. Nothing ruins your look like squinting!
"With so many people wearing glasses, people are starting to use eyewear as an accessory to match their personal style," said Kristin Bonfield, accessories product manager of LensCrafters.
The secret to looking good all the time, said Bonfield, is proper care habits that keep glasses looking great.
1. Keep glasses sparkling. Nothing spoils your look like smudged, dirty lenses. Make cleaning a daily ritual. A spray bottle of professional eyeglass cleaner and soft micro-fiber cloth in your purse, car or desk drawer makes it easy.
2. Use the case. If you need to take your glasses off, put them in their case. Stuffing them in a pocket or purse is an invitation to scratching.
3. Keep your shirt on. According to one study, 52 percent of people clean their glasses with their clothing. Dust and particles in clothes can scratch lenses. Even dry paper products can grind dust and fibers into the lens. Disposable moist cleaning towelettes make it easy to keep your world sparkling.
4. Give high-tech lenses high-tech care. Today's lenses are thinner, made of lighter materials and often have coatings that prevent glare or add other benefits. Don't damage them by using household cleaners. Even today's concentrated or "extra strength" dish soaps can damage coatings over time. Eyewear cleaners are formulated to safely remove fingerprints, cosmetics, dirt and grime.
5. Wear goggles for do-it-yourself projects. Removing paint spatters with rough rubbing or chemicals can easily damage a lens. Sawdust and plaster dust can scratch or get ground in during cleanup.
6. Take time for a regular eye exam. Nothing ruins your look like squinting!
Sizzling New Sunglass Trends To Feast Your Eyes On
When it comes to this season's big fashion trends, oversized sunglasses are huge. Here are some tips on finding supersized shades from sunwear stylists at Solstice Sunglass Boutique, a luxury sunglass specialty chain:
• If your face is oblong, look for frames with contrasting temples.
• If you have a diamond-shaped face, choose cat's-eye, square or rimless frames.
• For a round-square face, choose rectangular or geometric frames.
• Frames with heavily accented color on the top half work best with a triangular face.
• If you have an oval face, almost any style will work.
Some of this season's hottest styles are:
• Sunset Boulevard-Oversized plastic "Jackie O" shapes that provide the Hollywood starlet look or anything that is aviator inspired.
• MetalWorks-Metal is one of the hottest fashion accents and sunglasses with studs, grommets or chain links make a bold, flashy fashion statement.
• Pearl Essence-Any shade from brilliant white to subdued ivory is the perfect accent to a brightly colored ensemble.
• Charms and Jewels-These playfully elegant designer styles are accented with Swarovski crystals and/or charms and trinkets like buttons, hearts or butterflies.
• Signature Style-For personal flair, designer-inscribed sunglasses are in high demand.
• Cutting Edge-Peek-a-boo cut-out temple designs and laser engraved outlines make a bold, edgy, new fashion sunglass statement.
• If your face is oblong, look for frames with contrasting temples.
• If you have a diamond-shaped face, choose cat's-eye, square or rimless frames.
• For a round-square face, choose rectangular or geometric frames.
• Frames with heavily accented color on the top half work best with a triangular face.
• If you have an oval face, almost any style will work.
Some of this season's hottest styles are:
• Sunset Boulevard-Oversized plastic "Jackie O" shapes that provide the Hollywood starlet look or anything that is aviator inspired.
• MetalWorks-Metal is one of the hottest fashion accents and sunglasses with studs, grommets or chain links make a bold, flashy fashion statement.
• Pearl Essence-Any shade from brilliant white to subdued ivory is the perfect accent to a brightly colored ensemble.
• Charms and Jewels-These playfully elegant designer styles are accented with Swarovski crystals and/or charms and trinkets like buttons, hearts or butterflies.
• Signature Style-For personal flair, designer-inscribed sunglasses are in high demand.
• Cutting Edge-Peek-a-boo cut-out temple designs and laser engraved outlines make a bold, edgy, new fashion sunglass statement.
Rent-a-bag…The Hottest New Trend
I was surfing the net the other day, and came across an article that left me flabbergasted. As you all likely know by now, I am a designer handbag fanatic. There have been months where I have seriously considered bouncing my rent check in order to buy a purse I simply could not do without. Who am I kidding? I have bounced my rent to buy a new handbag! And I would likely do it again.
Well, it appears that my dilemma has come to an end. I was surfing the net the other day, and came across an interesting article. It was about the burgeoning industry of designer handbag rentals! Now I have heard of luxury car rentals and even designer wedding dress rentals, but I never imagined a day when I could rent the latest Chanel purse. Can you picture yourself going into Blockbuster Handbags and renting the purse you have been saving your money for? I know I can!
There is a company called Bag Borrow or Steal that, as far as I can tell, is the first of a kind. They have a wonderful website, and a business model like no other. It is very similar to Netflix or something to that effect, but you rent handbags instead of the latest DVD. Somewhat similar to renting videos, you pay annual subscription fee and you are given access to a collection of beautiful handbags to use on a temporary basis. The type of bag you are allowed to borrow is determined by your membership level. Memberships range from $19.95 to $174.95 per year. You can keep the bag for as long as you like, but it must remain in the condition you received it in. I wonder if they have an insurance plan.
After doing some research, I discovered another company that is offering something similar. They are called From Bags to Riches, and their service are slight different from the company mentioned above. Instead of charging an annual membership fee, this company allows you to rent on a weekly or monthly basis. The price of the rental is determined by the duration and type of bag you want to rent. This site organizes their collections by brand name, and monthly rentals range from $$19.90 to $79.80. They also offer their customers the option to purchase their rented purse, if they cannot bring themselves to return it. They know me so well, don’t they?
Well, it appears that my dilemma has come to an end. I was surfing the net the other day, and came across an interesting article. It was about the burgeoning industry of designer handbag rentals! Now I have heard of luxury car rentals and even designer wedding dress rentals, but I never imagined a day when I could rent the latest Chanel purse. Can you picture yourself going into Blockbuster Handbags and renting the purse you have been saving your money for? I know I can!
There is a company called Bag Borrow or Steal that, as far as I can tell, is the first of a kind. They have a wonderful website, and a business model like no other. It is very similar to Netflix or something to that effect, but you rent handbags instead of the latest DVD. Somewhat similar to renting videos, you pay annual subscription fee and you are given access to a collection of beautiful handbags to use on a temporary basis. The type of bag you are allowed to borrow is determined by your membership level. Memberships range from $19.95 to $174.95 per year. You can keep the bag for as long as you like, but it must remain in the condition you received it in. I wonder if they have an insurance plan.
After doing some research, I discovered another company that is offering something similar. They are called From Bags to Riches, and their service are slight different from the company mentioned above. Instead of charging an annual membership fee, this company allows you to rent on a weekly or monthly basis. The price of the rental is determined by the duration and type of bag you want to rent. This site organizes their collections by brand name, and monthly rentals range from $$19.90 to $79.80. They also offer their customers the option to purchase their rented purse, if they cannot bring themselves to return it. They know me so well, don’t they?
Seventies Hairstyle – Do You Have One?
The era of the seventies was dominated by the punk Hairstyle. It was the short spiky hairstyles that ruled the roost in that era. In the case of women, the shag and bob hairstyles were the ones that were the craze of the era. The era is famous for its hep style statements.
The seventies hairstyle also coincides with the hippy era wherein the girls can be seen in wild flowing hair that provide a natural look to the hair. The era involved a lot of use of hair irons as straight hair was the fashion of those days. During the seventies a lot of emphasis was laid on glamour, this is the reason whywe all could see shony and styled head bands being used in that era.
During the seventies even the 60s plaits were been carried over. There was a craze of hair dos in that era, the most famous being the Afro hairdo. The afro hairdo was considered to be frenzy at that time. It is also known as the disco era wherein the people were fond of flaunting their style. Style was the mantra of the time.
The shag hairstyle was considered as one of the most happening hairstyles. The style involved irregular layers of hair that provided a shaggy look. The other hairstyle that had gained popularity was the pageboy hairstyle. The hairstyle was done by inward curling of the hair. The style gave the hair a fluff. The mulled haircut was another hairstyle of the seventies that worn by both men and women.
The seventies hairstyle also coincides with the hippy era wherein the girls can be seen in wild flowing hair that provide a natural look to the hair. The era involved a lot of use of hair irons as straight hair was the fashion of those days. During the seventies a lot of emphasis was laid on glamour, this is the reason whywe all could see shony and styled head bands being used in that era.
During the seventies even the 60s plaits were been carried over. There was a craze of hair dos in that era, the most famous being the Afro hairdo. The afro hairdo was considered to be frenzy at that time. It is also known as the disco era wherein the people were fond of flaunting their style. Style was the mantra of the time.
The shag hairstyle was considered as one of the most happening hairstyles. The style involved irregular layers of hair that provided a shaggy look. The other hairstyle that had gained popularity was the pageboy hairstyle. The hairstyle was done by inward curling of the hair. The style gave the hair a fluff. The mulled haircut was another hairstyle of the seventies that worn by both men and women.
How to Find a Good Inexpensive Hotel
When going on vacation somewhere you have never been it can be hard to find a good quality Hotel working on a budget. So here is a guide to help you find a good place cheap, so you don’t have to worry about where you will stay.
In my life I have done a great deal of traveling, and I have many nightmare stories about the things that have happened to me in some of the cheap hotels I have stayed in. I remember once I was ok a ski trip and half the floor in my room actually dropped about 6 inches. I woke up and my head was lower then the rest of me and was confused for several seconds before I managed to come to my senses. Lucky for me the room was on the first floor. On another trip, the police raided the hotel looking for illegal immigrants, and there was noise all night long. It was probably quiet the next night, but I did not stick around to see.
Finding a good inexpensive hotel should not be a gamble. The best way to find a good hotel is to go to a place you have been before, but assuming that is not an option the next best thing is from someone who has been there.
If you know someone who has been to the same vacation spot as you are planning on going, ask them about the place they stayed, the worst that can happen is they tell you they hated it or that it was too expensive.
But what if no one you know has ever been to where you are going to be? Unless you like to gamble, you can't just make reservations anywhere, if you are looking to gamble on something play blackjack or poker in a casino, but don’t roll the dice with the place you are going to use as your home base for your vacation.
Use the internet to look for hotel reviews. There are many websites that have reviews from people who have stayed in the hotel. Now one mans hell may be another mans heaven, but at least this way you can see that 5 people stayed there and said it was fine and two said it was not good maybe these 2 people were the exception.
Or maybe the two that did not like the hotel were in town for business in an area popular with tourists. This can be an annoying situation when everyone around you is partying and you are trying to sleep, this is one of the reason why no business is conducted in Daytona Beech during Spring Break.
Talking with a travel agent is always a great way to assure your happiness with your lodgings, and helps keep the gambling in the casinos and out of your room.
A good thing to do is to make sure to ask lots of question on the phone with any hotels you are considering staying in.
In my life I have done a great deal of traveling, and I have many nightmare stories about the things that have happened to me in some of the cheap hotels I have stayed in. I remember once I was ok a ski trip and half the floor in my room actually dropped about 6 inches. I woke up and my head was lower then the rest of me and was confused for several seconds before I managed to come to my senses. Lucky for me the room was on the first floor. On another trip, the police raided the hotel looking for illegal immigrants, and there was noise all night long. It was probably quiet the next night, but I did not stick around to see.
Finding a good inexpensive hotel should not be a gamble. The best way to find a good hotel is to go to a place you have been before, but assuming that is not an option the next best thing is from someone who has been there.
If you know someone who has been to the same vacation spot as you are planning on going, ask them about the place they stayed, the worst that can happen is they tell you they hated it or that it was too expensive.
But what if no one you know has ever been to where you are going to be? Unless you like to gamble, you can't just make reservations anywhere, if you are looking to gamble on something play blackjack or poker in a casino, but don’t roll the dice with the place you are going to use as your home base for your vacation.
Use the internet to look for hotel reviews. There are many websites that have reviews from people who have stayed in the hotel. Now one mans hell may be another mans heaven, but at least this way you can see that 5 people stayed there and said it was fine and two said it was not good maybe these 2 people were the exception.
Or maybe the two that did not like the hotel were in town for business in an area popular with tourists. This can be an annoying situation when everyone around you is partying and you are trying to sleep, this is one of the reason why no business is conducted in Daytona Beech during Spring Break.
Talking with a travel agent is always a great way to assure your happiness with your lodgings, and helps keep the gambling in the casinos and out of your room.
A good thing to do is to make sure to ask lots of question on the phone with any hotels you are considering staying in.
How To Buy Designer Bags With Confidence
It can be difficult buying a designer bag these day. With the proliferation of on line sites selling fakes as authentic and unscrupulous salespeople. With all the designer knock-offs being called "authentic" it's easy to be misguided into spending way too much money for a fake without knowing it.
There is a difference between buying a designer knock-off and knowing it and being told you're buying the actual bag when it's not.
When you see that Chloe python Silverado bag on i offer you are told it is 7 star quality and mirror image up front, that's honest salesmanship. I don't see a problem with knowingly buying a designer knock off. However, watch these knock-offs too. There are many different qualities. Some will sell an inferior quality knock-off bag for much more than it's worth. I saw a seller on i offer who offered the same exact bag for two very different prices. When I questioned her as to why the same exact bag was being sold for two different prices her reply was that she had to "fix" her description. Hmmmmm. I have also noticed nothing in the description of these bags has changed. I wonder how many people have unwittingly paid for the more expensive of the two bags. Investigate before you buy.
Know the old sayings "if it's too good to be true it probably is" and "you get what you pay for" hold true. You can be assured that lovely Fendi Spy Bag on that online auction, the one starting at $249.00, the one with the bright yellow Fendi tag is not the real thing. No one would offer an authentic Fendi Spy Bag for $249.00.
Who you're purchasing the bag from is of utmost importance. You can be guaranteed that when purchasing that Prada bag from Nieman Marcus or that Gucci from Bergdorf Goodman you're getting an authentic bag, although perhaps not a deal. Check the e-luxury site. Louis Vuitton is one of the actual owners of the e-luxury site. Purchase your Coach bag from their online site. Needless to say authenticity is guaranteed.
Before purchasing a bag on e bay visit their Community Chat Room. There is a wealth of information on how to detect counterfeit bags. Even an e bay "powerseller" can be offering fake bags. When e bay is alerted about a particular seller it may take them some time to investigate. During the time it takes for the investigation the seller could have sold many counterfeit bags. E bay has shut down dealers selling counterfeit bags, but even e bay cannot protect you from all the unscrupulous sellers out there.
Some buyers take their bags to stores like Nieman Marcus or Lord & Taylor to have them authenticated AFTER they purchase them. These department stores will not give a written authentication on a particular bag, but the salesperson will probably tell you whether or not they think the bag is authentic. Don't purchase a bag from anyone without a money back guarantee - ever. If they don't offer a money back guarantee you can be assured the bag isn't authentic. Even if it's the bag of your dreams don't buy it. There will be another one.
Don't be fooled thinking that only authentic bags have holograms and serial numbers. Those that make their money producing knock off bags are on their toes and keep up with any changes made in authentic bags. Even more importantly, when you see a bag for sale anywhere, do you really know what the hologram should look like? Do you know if the serial number should be on a separate metal plate or embossed inside the bag? Should the name Gucci also seen imprinted on the hardware on an authentic bag?
The best way to protect yourself when making ANY purchase is to educate yourself.
There is a difference between buying a designer knock-off and knowing it and being told you're buying the actual bag when it's not.
When you see that Chloe python Silverado bag on i offer you are told it is 7 star quality and mirror image up front, that's honest salesmanship. I don't see a problem with knowingly buying a designer knock off. However, watch these knock-offs too. There are many different qualities. Some will sell an inferior quality knock-off bag for much more than it's worth. I saw a seller on i offer who offered the same exact bag for two very different prices. When I questioned her as to why the same exact bag was being sold for two different prices her reply was that she had to "fix" her description. Hmmmmm. I have also noticed nothing in the description of these bags has changed. I wonder how many people have unwittingly paid for the more expensive of the two bags. Investigate before you buy.
Know the old sayings "if it's too good to be true it probably is" and "you get what you pay for" hold true. You can be assured that lovely Fendi Spy Bag on that online auction, the one starting at $249.00, the one with the bright yellow Fendi tag is not the real thing. No one would offer an authentic Fendi Spy Bag for $249.00.
Who you're purchasing the bag from is of utmost importance. You can be guaranteed that when purchasing that Prada bag from Nieman Marcus or that Gucci from Bergdorf Goodman you're getting an authentic bag, although perhaps not a deal. Check the e-luxury site. Louis Vuitton is one of the actual owners of the e-luxury site. Purchase your Coach bag from their online site. Needless to say authenticity is guaranteed.
Before purchasing a bag on e bay visit their Community Chat Room. There is a wealth of information on how to detect counterfeit bags. Even an e bay "powerseller" can be offering fake bags. When e bay is alerted about a particular seller it may take them some time to investigate. During the time it takes for the investigation the seller could have sold many counterfeit bags. E bay has shut down dealers selling counterfeit bags, but even e bay cannot protect you from all the unscrupulous sellers out there.
Some buyers take their bags to stores like Nieman Marcus or Lord & Taylor to have them authenticated AFTER they purchase them. These department stores will not give a written authentication on a particular bag, but the salesperson will probably tell you whether or not they think the bag is authentic. Don't purchase a bag from anyone without a money back guarantee - ever. If they don't offer a money back guarantee you can be assured the bag isn't authentic. Even if it's the bag of your dreams don't buy it. There will be another one.
Don't be fooled thinking that only authentic bags have holograms and serial numbers. Those that make their money producing knock off bags are on their toes and keep up with any changes made in authentic bags. Even more importantly, when you see a bag for sale anywhere, do you really know what the hologram should look like? Do you know if the serial number should be on a separate metal plate or embossed inside the bag? Should the name Gucci also seen imprinted on the hardware on an authentic bag?
The best way to protect yourself when making ANY purchase is to educate yourself.
Moose Antler Art
Moose antlers are a creative form of décor for the outdoors. Bringing in a rustic feel to any area. With a little creativity and innovation moose antlers can add a lot to a garden. Of course antlers can be mounted on a wall to give that just hunted effect but that is all too common. More creative ways for decorating moose antlers involves using antlers to create unique inviting pieces of furniture that can be used both inside and outside the home.
Chairs and tables made up of moose antlers are not only beautiful but are an excellent conversation starter with company. Even more creative uses involve moose antlers as jewelry holders and as candleholders. Moose antler baskets make a lovely side decoration that will make guests do a double take. The majority of the Antler decorated products that can be found are handmade and hand crafted. Adding a sense of authenticity and rustic nature to any yard. Moose antlers make wonderful lamps and chandeliers that at a rustic beautiful ambience no matter where they are.
If you are not thrilled about using real moose antler there is an alternative available for you. Just as there is faux fur there is also faux Moose antler available for the average animal lover. Carved from wood these faux moose antler pieces can be used just like the real ones and have the very same effect and beauty.
Both real and faux moose antler art can be found online. There are several websites that offer various different pieces that appeal to the moose antler lover. The cost ranges greatly between pieces and artists. When choosing the right moose antler piece for you shop around compare prices and quality to get the best value for your money. Also if you are choosing to purchase a moose antler piece that is real be sure that you are choosing a piece that has been acquired legally. Meaning that the hunter that the artist gets it’s antler supply from is not breaking any local hunting laws. As these pieces are beautiful it is also important that the animals are not victims of poaching.
Once you have chosen a piece that suits you best display it proudly. The piece that you have chosen is a wonderful work of art that is unique and special. It is sure to be a piece that will be admired for generations to come.
Chairs and tables made up of moose antlers are not only beautiful but are an excellent conversation starter with company. Even more creative uses involve moose antlers as jewelry holders and as candleholders. Moose antler baskets make a lovely side decoration that will make guests do a double take. The majority of the Antler decorated products that can be found are handmade and hand crafted. Adding a sense of authenticity and rustic nature to any yard. Moose antlers make wonderful lamps and chandeliers that at a rustic beautiful ambience no matter where they are.
If you are not thrilled about using real moose antler there is an alternative available for you. Just as there is faux fur there is also faux Moose antler available for the average animal lover. Carved from wood these faux moose antler pieces can be used just like the real ones and have the very same effect and beauty.
Both real and faux moose antler art can be found online. There are several websites that offer various different pieces that appeal to the moose antler lover. The cost ranges greatly between pieces and artists. When choosing the right moose antler piece for you shop around compare prices and quality to get the best value for your money. Also if you are choosing to purchase a moose antler piece that is real be sure that you are choosing a piece that has been acquired legally. Meaning that the hunter that the artist gets it’s antler supply from is not breaking any local hunting laws. As these pieces are beautiful it is also important that the animals are not victims of poaching.
Once you have chosen a piece that suits you best display it proudly. The piece that you have chosen is a wonderful work of art that is unique and special. It is sure to be a piece that will be admired for generations to come.
Man Made Puddle
During hot summer days bird baths are excellent attraction for birds. Bird Bath welcomes birds to your garden. Bird Baths are available in different size and materials like glass, metal, plastics, mosaic tile, etc that can weather well and hold water.
Shallow bird bath is more preferable and its surface should be rough enough so that birds can grip. Also it must have recirculating pump with filters along with water supply. The arrangement has to make such that water should be clean and clear and the maintenance of bird bath is important. The water filled in the bird bath should be clean and clear. The water should be changed routinely and in the hot weather every day it has to be changed.
Bird feeders also attract birds towards your garden. Bird feeder also called bird table are provided to supply food to birds. Consistency of feeding is very important. Feeding throughout the year is important rather than feeding only during winter or some seasons. Generally the feeders supply seeds, such as millet, sunflower, safflower, hollyhock, nasturtium, thistle and rapeseed to feed birds.
Bird bath gives you a lively environment and watching this scene will give you a splash of happiness. It will bring everlasting joy and cheerfulness. Bird bath makes birds to come closer. We can enjoy the wonders of nature from the place where we are by placing a bird bath.
Birds are distinguished by their physical characteristics. Birds differ by body shape and size, also beak shape and size. Canada goose, one of the larger birds also enjoys baths. Bird baths must place such that birds should feel safe. It should be kept far enough from squirrels, rats and big birds.
Shallow bird bath is more preferable and its surface should be rough enough so that birds can grip. Also it must have recirculating pump with filters along with water supply. The arrangement has to make such that water should be clean and clear and the maintenance of bird bath is important. The water filled in the bird bath should be clean and clear. The water should be changed routinely and in the hot weather every day it has to be changed.
Bird feeders also attract birds towards your garden. Bird feeder also called bird table are provided to supply food to birds. Consistency of feeding is very important. Feeding throughout the year is important rather than feeding only during winter or some seasons. Generally the feeders supply seeds, such as millet, sunflower, safflower, hollyhock, nasturtium, thistle and rapeseed to feed birds.
Bird bath gives you a lively environment and watching this scene will give you a splash of happiness. It will bring everlasting joy and cheerfulness. Bird bath makes birds to come closer. We can enjoy the wonders of nature from the place where we are by placing a bird bath.
Birds are distinguished by their physical characteristics. Birds differ by body shape and size, also beak shape and size. Canada goose, one of the larger birds also enjoys baths. Bird baths must place such that birds should feel safe. It should be kept far enough from squirrels, rats and big birds.
Lawn Mower Blades As The Hard Working Part Of Lawnmowers
This article explains the care of the lawnmower blades. The lawn mower blades have to be kept sharp by sharpening regularly. The article will give you tips how do it yourself safely and in most efficient way.
Details Of Lawnmower Blades
The lawnmower blades are made of tool steel or ordinary steel called mild steel or carbon steel. The edges of the blades made of tool steel remain sharp for longer time and will require lesser sharpening over the age of the blade. Tool steel blade is costly and generally cannot be sharpened at the DIY workshop. The mild steel or carbon steel is cheaper and easy to maintain. The blades have to be kept sharp. If this is not done, grass blades will be torn off instead of being cut. Apart from the obvious ugly look, the growth of grass blades is adversely affected as the moisture retention capacity of blade is reduced.
Sharpening Of Lawnmower Blades the DIY Way
You can sharpen the lawnmower blades your self quickly and easily. This operation can take a very short time. The procedure is very easy and you can do it yourself. The following procedure will apply irrespective of the type of lawnmower. Consult the operation manual of your lawnmower for removal of blades.
1. Be sure to disconnect all the power sources before begin with the process. In case that your lawn mower was a battery powered one, then remove the battery or batteries, depending on the model. Check twice that all the power controls are off to avoid an accidental engine start.
2. The second step will be finished as soon as you remove the blades totally from the mower. You might need external help to achieve it, using a couple of spanners may help a lot, however be sure that it doesn’t slip. BE careful while doing this, because it’s easy to cut yourself whether the spanner slips.
3. Once the blades are out of the mower, you need the number them in order to fit them back later.
4. Fix a blade in a stable holding or a vice to work easily.
5. The sharpen process begins here. You will need a grinder or file for it. Make sure to follow the blade’s contour and sharpen it to your convenience. Sharpen all blades using the same sharpened to a perfect later cutting grass.
6. Time to refit the blades along. Make sure to do it along with balancing, if it exists any.
7. There is an option of sharpen blades without removing them from the mower, however it’s uncomfortable as well as more difficult. You will also need a flexible shaft angle grinder to a perfect sharpened, which will save you time.
8. The last step is the blade balance checking. To carry the blades balancing you need a balancer. A clue to find whether or not the blades are correctly refitted, is checking if the mower vibrates, if so then blades are not well balanced.
Details Of Lawnmower Blades
The lawnmower blades are made of tool steel or ordinary steel called mild steel or carbon steel. The edges of the blades made of tool steel remain sharp for longer time and will require lesser sharpening over the age of the blade. Tool steel blade is costly and generally cannot be sharpened at the DIY workshop. The mild steel or carbon steel is cheaper and easy to maintain. The blades have to be kept sharp. If this is not done, grass blades will be torn off instead of being cut. Apart from the obvious ugly look, the growth of grass blades is adversely affected as the moisture retention capacity of blade is reduced.
Sharpening Of Lawnmower Blades the DIY Way
You can sharpen the lawnmower blades your self quickly and easily. This operation can take a very short time. The procedure is very easy and you can do it yourself. The following procedure will apply irrespective of the type of lawnmower. Consult the operation manual of your lawnmower for removal of blades.
1. Be sure to disconnect all the power sources before begin with the process. In case that your lawn mower was a battery powered one, then remove the battery or batteries, depending on the model. Check twice that all the power controls are off to avoid an accidental engine start.
2. The second step will be finished as soon as you remove the blades totally from the mower. You might need external help to achieve it, using a couple of spanners may help a lot, however be sure that it doesn’t slip. BE careful while doing this, because it’s easy to cut yourself whether the spanner slips.
3. Once the blades are out of the mower, you need the number them in order to fit them back later.
4. Fix a blade in a stable holding or a vice to work easily.
5. The sharpen process begins here. You will need a grinder or file for it. Make sure to follow the blade’s contour and sharpen it to your convenience. Sharpen all blades using the same sharpened to a perfect later cutting grass.
6. Time to refit the blades along. Make sure to do it along with balancing, if it exists any.
7. There is an option of sharpen blades without removing them from the mower, however it’s uncomfortable as well as more difficult. You will also need a flexible shaft angle grinder to a perfect sharpened, which will save you time.
8. The last step is the blade balance checking. To carry the blades balancing you need a balancer. A clue to find whether or not the blades are correctly refitted, is checking if the mower vibrates, if so then blades are not well balanced.
Keeping Soil Healthy
Soil is a composition of weather-beaten rock, minerals, decayed plant materials and other organic ingredients. All this takes a long time to develop, but can be damaged by our action or neglect in a single season.
Plants can obtain nutrients from the soil using their roots and change them to usable materials to grow new roots, leaves and flowers.
All gardeners are to be custodians of the soil, taking the time to replace food and other elements as they are used. We need to treat it like we want to be treated, not like dirt.
Healthy soil should contain a mix of air, water, nutrients and organic matter. We can protect this mixture by:
Adding organic matter on a regular basis is probably one of the most important things we can do. Adding compost, cover crops and animal manure can do many things:
+ increases the soil's capability to hold nutrients.
+ makes food available to plants over a longer period of time.
+ lessen the amount of nutrients lost by erosion or leaching.
+ provides micro-nutrients that are needed by plants in small amounts.
+ release nutrients already in the soil by increasing the action of beneficial microorganisms.
+ increases the water-holding capacity for sandy soils.
+ increase the drainage of clay soils.
+ saves money.
Do not apply fertilizer to lawns until we get a good soaking rain, and for the best, safest, long-lasting results use organic fertilizers. The wet soil puts the nutrients into a solution and helps distribute the nutrients to the plant roots to be absorbed.
The ability of soil to drain water is important. But when you read phrases like "plant in a well-drained soil" or "does not like wet feet", they are talking about the plant's need for air. The roots of plants require oxygen and any soil that is waterlogged will be lacking oxygen.
Many plants will put up with high moisture-conditions during the growing season, but when the plants are dormant the same conditions may kill them. By improving the drainage the plant will have a better growing environment.
Another problem is soil becoming compacted by tractors and other equipment or just by tilling it year after year. You will find soil compaction in most soils, from gardens to farm fields.
Tilling the soil when it is too wet will clump and ruin the composition of the soil. This condition takes a long period of time to bring it back to health. To tell if the soil is too wet take a handful and squeeze it, if it crumbles in your hand then it is ready to till but if it clumps then it is too wet. Some people now believe that tilling at all is not good for the structure of the soil. It exposes the helpful microorganisms to the environment and they are destroyed.
Gardeners may wonder if it is best to till the garden in the fall or spring. Tilling the soil in the fall has advantages over springtime. When spring arrives it allows for earlier planting since the basic soil preparation is done. Tilling in the fall allows a large amount of organic matter to be turned into the soil and start decomposing because the microbes are active currently.
An excellent source of organic matter is the fall leaves. Try tilling a thick layer of leaves into the soil this fall and by spring it will have decomposed.
Fall is a good time to test your soil and should be done every couple of years. In conclusion, doing all the previous steps should be done the organic gardening way. It's back to basic.
Plants can obtain nutrients from the soil using their roots and change them to usable materials to grow new roots, leaves and flowers.
All gardeners are to be custodians of the soil, taking the time to replace food and other elements as they are used. We need to treat it like we want to be treated, not like dirt.
Healthy soil should contain a mix of air, water, nutrients and organic matter. We can protect this mixture by:
Adding organic matter on a regular basis is probably one of the most important things we can do. Adding compost, cover crops and animal manure can do many things:
+ increases the soil's capability to hold nutrients.
+ makes food available to plants over a longer period of time.
+ lessen the amount of nutrients lost by erosion or leaching.
+ provides micro-nutrients that are needed by plants in small amounts.
+ release nutrients already in the soil by increasing the action of beneficial microorganisms.
+ increases the water-holding capacity for sandy soils.
+ increase the drainage of clay soils.
+ saves money.
Do not apply fertilizer to lawns until we get a good soaking rain, and for the best, safest, long-lasting results use organic fertilizers. The wet soil puts the nutrients into a solution and helps distribute the nutrients to the plant roots to be absorbed.
The ability of soil to drain water is important. But when you read phrases like "plant in a well-drained soil" or "does not like wet feet", they are talking about the plant's need for air. The roots of plants require oxygen and any soil that is waterlogged will be lacking oxygen.
Many plants will put up with high moisture-conditions during the growing season, but when the plants are dormant the same conditions may kill them. By improving the drainage the plant will have a better growing environment.
Another problem is soil becoming compacted by tractors and other equipment or just by tilling it year after year. You will find soil compaction in most soils, from gardens to farm fields.
Tilling the soil when it is too wet will clump and ruin the composition of the soil. This condition takes a long period of time to bring it back to health. To tell if the soil is too wet take a handful and squeeze it, if it crumbles in your hand then it is ready to till but if it clumps then it is too wet. Some people now believe that tilling at all is not good for the structure of the soil. It exposes the helpful microorganisms to the environment and they are destroyed.
Gardeners may wonder if it is best to till the garden in the fall or spring. Tilling the soil in the fall has advantages over springtime. When spring arrives it allows for earlier planting since the basic soil preparation is done. Tilling in the fall allows a large amount of organic matter to be turned into the soil and start decomposing because the microbes are active currently.
An excellent source of organic matter is the fall leaves. Try tilling a thick layer of leaves into the soil this fall and by spring it will have decomposed.
Fall is a good time to test your soil and should be done every couple of years. In conclusion, doing all the previous steps should be done the organic gardening way. It's back to basic.
Moving Houseplants Outside
One of the happiest moments in a houseplant’s life is when it gets to go back outside for the summer. The increased sunlight and fresh rain act as major growth stimulants for tired houseplants. And, it is very fashionable to incorporate houseplants and foliage plants into garden design. Having said that, every gardener has to follow a few simple rules for successfully moving houseplants into the garden.
Houseplants can be moved outdoors during the day after all danger of daylight frost has passed. The temperatures for these first few days should at least be in the low 60’s F or greater than 15 degrees C. to avoid temperature shock. A windless site is also important as a cold wind will quickly chill a houseplant into shock. Leaving a plant outside for only a few hours a day for the first few days is optimal rather than leaving it outside from morning until night.
Plants can be left outdoors at night after all danger of night frost has passed and after a week of daytime acclimatization. Again, do not leave the houseplant outdoors if night temperatures are going to plunge or if there is a cold, raw wind. If you wouldn’t want to be outdoors, neither would your plant.
The key to successful acclimatization of indoor plants to outdoor gardens is slowly acclimatizing the plant to increased levels of sunshine, cool winds and natural rains. Usually a week of moving a plant outdoors in the morning and indoors at night will serve to harden off the tender indoor plant so it will survive and indeed, thrive in its new outdoor location. While we all want to rush the season in seeing our gardens fully leaved out, rushing or pushing indoor plants into cold gardens will only set them back.
Houseplants can be moved outdoors during the day after all danger of daylight frost has passed. The temperatures for these first few days should at least be in the low 60’s F or greater than 15 degrees C. to avoid temperature shock. A windless site is also important as a cold wind will quickly chill a houseplant into shock. Leaving a plant outside for only a few hours a day for the first few days is optimal rather than leaving it outside from morning until night.
Plants can be left outdoors at night after all danger of night frost has passed and after a week of daytime acclimatization. Again, do not leave the houseplant outdoors if night temperatures are going to plunge or if there is a cold, raw wind. If you wouldn’t want to be outdoors, neither would your plant.
The key to successful acclimatization of indoor plants to outdoor gardens is slowly acclimatizing the plant to increased levels of sunshine, cool winds and natural rains. Usually a week of moving a plant outdoors in the morning and indoors at night will serve to harden off the tender indoor plant so it will survive and indeed, thrive in its new outdoor location. While we all want to rush the season in seeing our gardens fully leaved out, rushing or pushing indoor plants into cold gardens will only set them back.
Keeping Water In - Pond Liners Reviewed
There are several kinds of pond liners available in pond stores.
The first is EPDM rubber – and this is extremely durable, resists punctures and quite flexible. It is normally sold in 40 or 45 mil thickness. If you intend to put a rock bottom on top of your liner, this is the liner for you as it is very flexible and will give and take with freezing. The puncture resistance and flexibility ensure a long life and consistent performance. Usually guaranteed for over 20 years.
Polyethylene is the cheapest liner you can buy. But with this lowered cost comes a lowered lifespan. If exposed to sunlight – this material may only last one season. It is not puncture resistant and it is quite stiff. The only serious use of this material is if you have a very large pond with a sandy bottom and can bury the edges so the sunlight can’t get to it. But if you think you want to build a backyard pond cheaply, using this is truly false economy.
Polypropylene is another choice and it comes in the same thickness as EPDM and is equally puncture resistant. The problem comes in the flexibility (about the same as polyethylene which is to say terrible) and this makes it difficult to go around corners. But it is the strongest of the liners.
Old swimming pool liners make terrible liners as they tend to degrade quickly in the sunlight and are quite stiff.
And what about cheaper materials such as that for roofing. The difference between fish-safe and other material is that the fish safe liners are made with a consistent formula. Other non-fish materials might be OK in this batch but if compound A becomes cheaper next week, it will replace the more expensive compound B. The difficulty is that it doesn’t matter for roofing that compound A kills off fish while compound B does not. In fish-safe liners, all material used is consistently fish-safe. But it is possible to obtain a real deal on roof liner material sometimes – just be aware that it may or may not be fish safe.
The first is EPDM rubber – and this is extremely durable, resists punctures and quite flexible. It is normally sold in 40 or 45 mil thickness. If you intend to put a rock bottom on top of your liner, this is the liner for you as it is very flexible and will give and take with freezing. The puncture resistance and flexibility ensure a long life and consistent performance. Usually guaranteed for over 20 years.
Polyethylene is the cheapest liner you can buy. But with this lowered cost comes a lowered lifespan. If exposed to sunlight – this material may only last one season. It is not puncture resistant and it is quite stiff. The only serious use of this material is if you have a very large pond with a sandy bottom and can bury the edges so the sunlight can’t get to it. But if you think you want to build a backyard pond cheaply, using this is truly false economy.
Polypropylene is another choice and it comes in the same thickness as EPDM and is equally puncture resistant. The problem comes in the flexibility (about the same as polyethylene which is to say terrible) and this makes it difficult to go around corners. But it is the strongest of the liners.
Old swimming pool liners make terrible liners as they tend to degrade quickly in the sunlight and are quite stiff.
And what about cheaper materials such as that for roofing. The difference between fish-safe and other material is that the fish safe liners are made with a consistent formula. Other non-fish materials might be OK in this batch but if compound A becomes cheaper next week, it will replace the more expensive compound B. The difficulty is that it doesn’t matter for roofing that compound A kills off fish while compound B does not. In fish-safe liners, all material used is consistently fish-safe. But it is possible to obtain a real deal on roof liner material sometimes – just be aware that it may or may not be fish safe.
Lawn And Landscape Watering Tips
When it comes to keeping your lawn and landscaping in peak condition, the odds are that you find yourself using a lot of water. Watering your yard can be an expensive proposition both in terms of the environment and your wallet, and most people do not realize that they could save a lot of time, hassle, and water by following some basic watering tips.
In terms of watering equipment, there are a variety of methods to employ when it comes to your yard. If you have the money, you might want to opt for an automatic sprinkling system that operates on a timer. These are expensive and they can also be complicated to figure out, especially for a large yard which will require a lot of hoses. Keep in mind that underground sprinklers have been known to erode ground and in some areas they may be banned by city ordinance because of the hazard of creating sinkholes.
There are also a lot of choices when it comes to manual sprinklers. The three most popular models are the traditional back-and-forth sprinkler, the rotating sprinkler, and rotor heads. Each of these models comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Back-and-forth models are great for coverage, but they can also be very hard to adjust. Rotating sprinklers are easier to adjust than the back-and-forth models, but they are usually pretty flimsy. They also don’t provide for the coverage of a large area due to their proximity to the ground. Rotor heads ensure the maximum coverage of an area due to their reset cycle, but they too can be difficult to adjust and usually will not adequately water the area around their base.
Drip lines are ideal for watering your landscaping ground plants. Excessive sprinkling can actually damage your plants by having the water fall on leaves instead of the ground, which might result in some decay or mold. Drip lines eliminate this problem by applying the water directly to the ground underneath of the plants, where it will soak in to the roots.
Various hose attachments are also useful in watering your lawn in the most efficient way possible. The best attachments are spray heads with various settings, such as the stream or mist settings. These setting will come in extra handy at the beginning of the season when new plants are too tender to be directly sprayed and need the gentle application of the mist.
Hoses can be a huge source of water wastage when it comes to watering your lawn. Make sure that the threads on your hose attach well to the tap, in order to eliminate leaks. Hoses should be properly stored over the winter by draining them thoroughly to prevent any water accumulation from freezing and causing minute or large cracks in the plastic, and the hoses coiled and hung up when stored.
Finally, don’t overdo your watering. There is really no point in watering during the day, especially on really hot days. Most of the water will end up evaporating instead of being soaked into the ground. Wait until the evening, when the temperature begins to cool. Dusk and dark are ideal times to water and will ensure that the ground soaks up the more water than is evaporated. Remember that you do not have to leave your sprinkler on one are for very long; fifteen minutes is usually more than sufficient for lawns, and landscaped areas will probably require even less.
In terms of watering equipment, there are a variety of methods to employ when it comes to your yard. If you have the money, you might want to opt for an automatic sprinkling system that operates on a timer. These are expensive and they can also be complicated to figure out, especially for a large yard which will require a lot of hoses. Keep in mind that underground sprinklers have been known to erode ground and in some areas they may be banned by city ordinance because of the hazard of creating sinkholes.
There are also a lot of choices when it comes to manual sprinklers. The three most popular models are the traditional back-and-forth sprinkler, the rotating sprinkler, and rotor heads. Each of these models comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Back-and-forth models are great for coverage, but they can also be very hard to adjust. Rotating sprinklers are easier to adjust than the back-and-forth models, but they are usually pretty flimsy. They also don’t provide for the coverage of a large area due to their proximity to the ground. Rotor heads ensure the maximum coverage of an area due to their reset cycle, but they too can be difficult to adjust and usually will not adequately water the area around their base.
Drip lines are ideal for watering your landscaping ground plants. Excessive sprinkling can actually damage your plants by having the water fall on leaves instead of the ground, which might result in some decay or mold. Drip lines eliminate this problem by applying the water directly to the ground underneath of the plants, where it will soak in to the roots.
Various hose attachments are also useful in watering your lawn in the most efficient way possible. The best attachments are spray heads with various settings, such as the stream or mist settings. These setting will come in extra handy at the beginning of the season when new plants are too tender to be directly sprayed and need the gentle application of the mist.
Hoses can be a huge source of water wastage when it comes to watering your lawn. Make sure that the threads on your hose attach well to the tap, in order to eliminate leaks. Hoses should be properly stored over the winter by draining them thoroughly to prevent any water accumulation from freezing and causing minute or large cracks in the plastic, and the hoses coiled and hung up when stored.
Finally, don’t overdo your watering. There is really no point in watering during the day, especially on really hot days. Most of the water will end up evaporating instead of being soaked into the ground. Wait until the evening, when the temperature begins to cool. Dusk and dark are ideal times to water and will ensure that the ground soaks up the more water than is evaporated. Remember that you do not have to leave your sprinkler on one are for very long; fifteen minutes is usually more than sufficient for lawns, and landscaped areas will probably require even less.
Landscape Gardening - 8 Tips to Wow Your Neighbors
1. Planning your landscape is like painting a picture on canvas. Just like your art teacher in high school told you - have a main point of interest and add several sub points to make your beautiful landscape more interesting. You imagine it in your mind, draw sketches and fill in all the details that you’ve dreamed of. Keep revising your sketch until it looks like the picture you have in mind.
2. Not feeling very artistic? If you’re a more ‘concrete’ person, try laying out garden hoses or heavy string in your yard to get a feel for how and where you want to divide up your space. Remember to think balance, not symmetry. Some people think that they have to plant trees and flowers in straight, boring rows. Tip: pick an odd number when planting trees or flowers. With flowers, plant several of the same plant in groups to make a large color splash. Better to have a few, well chosen, bold splashes of color than to have tiny spots of color spread all over a large area.
3. If you’re having a hard time thinking of what your chief point of interest can be, close your eyes and think about what you like most about your yard. Is there a tall, solo pine tree, a grouping of birch trees, a rocky ledge, an old weathered fence or something else that catches your eye? If you can’t find something of interest that’s already in place, think about adding something that you admire from a picture in a magazine or something that caught your eye when you were driving through a beautiful neighborhood. Tip: do NOT copy something that your next door neighbor is doing. They won’t appreciate it and it won’t look nearly as special if both of you are going for the same effect.
4. Still can’t think of a chief point of interest? What about creating a spot for a water fall? Not a pond – that’s old news! With a re-cycling water fall, you don’t have to worry about standing pond water or algae. Just pick some interesting rocks or boulders of varying sizes, arrange them to cascade down a slope, add plants and water. Viola! Or, how about a rock path winding through your yard? Or a rock wall of native stone to create interest?
5. If you choose a tree or group of trees to be your main point of interest, don’t center them in your yard. It’s far more interesting to place them a bit off center. Don’t choose a huge, overpowering tree; the tree should have a good shape, with something interesting about its bark, leaves, seed pods, flowers or fruit. Tip: while the poplar is a striking tree and a rapid grower, it sheds its leaves early and so is left standing with bare branches in early fall. The poplar makes a better choice for a backyard tree or when creating a dividing space between your yard and your neighbors. Good choices for trees are the mountain ash with bright berries, the brilliant leaves of the sugar maple or the bark of the white birch, which all add interest to your total landscape.
6. It is always best to choose trees and shrubs that thrive in your local climate. It’s tempting to choose something exotic out of a catalog but you’ll be unhappy if the tree you choose is not right for your climate. Trees are a big investment, choose wisely.
7. Flowering vines can also be used to create interest. Whether you choose an ivy to climb the bricks on your house or a trumpet vine to wind around an old weathered fence along side your house, both can be used as sub points to accent your main point of interest. Tip: perennial vines can be used to form a permanent addition to your landscape scheme. The Virginia creeper, wisteria, honeysuckle, a climbing rose or clematis all make excellent choices for creating interest and can be used to minimize minor imperfections in walls.
8. And for a final flair, add a colorful flag to your landscape design. Whether you choose a whimsical, garden flag or a majestic, patriotic American Flag, both will create interest and add color to your landscape. Tip: choose polyester for greatest durability of a flag that is flown daily. Choose nylon flags for flying in the lightest breeze. There are several new, flag hanger styles available if you don’t already have a flag pole in your yard. The spinning flagpole mounts on your house, deck or mailbox post, and is designed to keep your flag from wrapping. And the telescoping flagpole easily extends up to 20 feet in seconds or down to 7 feet for portability.
2. Not feeling very artistic? If you’re a more ‘concrete’ person, try laying out garden hoses or heavy string in your yard to get a feel for how and where you want to divide up your space. Remember to think balance, not symmetry. Some people think that they have to plant trees and flowers in straight, boring rows. Tip: pick an odd number when planting trees or flowers. With flowers, plant several of the same plant in groups to make a large color splash. Better to have a few, well chosen, bold splashes of color than to have tiny spots of color spread all over a large area.
3. If you’re having a hard time thinking of what your chief point of interest can be, close your eyes and think about what you like most about your yard. Is there a tall, solo pine tree, a grouping of birch trees, a rocky ledge, an old weathered fence or something else that catches your eye? If you can’t find something of interest that’s already in place, think about adding something that you admire from a picture in a magazine or something that caught your eye when you were driving through a beautiful neighborhood. Tip: do NOT copy something that your next door neighbor is doing. They won’t appreciate it and it won’t look nearly as special if both of you are going for the same effect.
4. Still can’t think of a chief point of interest? What about creating a spot for a water fall? Not a pond – that’s old news! With a re-cycling water fall, you don’t have to worry about standing pond water or algae. Just pick some interesting rocks or boulders of varying sizes, arrange them to cascade down a slope, add plants and water. Viola! Or, how about a rock path winding through your yard? Or a rock wall of native stone to create interest?
5. If you choose a tree or group of trees to be your main point of interest, don’t center them in your yard. It’s far more interesting to place them a bit off center. Don’t choose a huge, overpowering tree; the tree should have a good shape, with something interesting about its bark, leaves, seed pods, flowers or fruit. Tip: while the poplar is a striking tree and a rapid grower, it sheds its leaves early and so is left standing with bare branches in early fall. The poplar makes a better choice for a backyard tree or when creating a dividing space between your yard and your neighbors. Good choices for trees are the mountain ash with bright berries, the brilliant leaves of the sugar maple or the bark of the white birch, which all add interest to your total landscape.
6. It is always best to choose trees and shrubs that thrive in your local climate. It’s tempting to choose something exotic out of a catalog but you’ll be unhappy if the tree you choose is not right for your climate. Trees are a big investment, choose wisely.
7. Flowering vines can also be used to create interest. Whether you choose an ivy to climb the bricks on your house or a trumpet vine to wind around an old weathered fence along side your house, both can be used as sub points to accent your main point of interest. Tip: perennial vines can be used to form a permanent addition to your landscape scheme. The Virginia creeper, wisteria, honeysuckle, a climbing rose or clematis all make excellent choices for creating interest and can be used to minimize minor imperfections in walls.
8. And for a final flair, add a colorful flag to your landscape design. Whether you choose a whimsical, garden flag or a majestic, patriotic American Flag, both will create interest and add color to your landscape. Tip: choose polyester for greatest durability of a flag that is flown daily. Choose nylon flags for flying in the lightest breeze. There are several new, flag hanger styles available if you don’t already have a flag pole in your yard. The spinning flagpole mounts on your house, deck or mailbox post, and is designed to keep your flag from wrapping. And the telescoping flagpole easily extends up to 20 feet in seconds or down to 7 feet for portability.
Keeping The Weeds Out - A Must
One of the evils naturally attending any landscape endeavor is the fact that weeds need to be taken care of. There are plenty of ways to keep the weeds out, but chances are that at some point you are going to have to do some weeding. Even the best herbicides and the best-laid plastic liners are not full proof. Inevitably it will be necessary to pull weeds by hands. But by making sure that you remove the offending plants, you will have a better-looking landscape over all, and can maintain a well-groomed yard.
The proper way to weed by hand involves getting close to the weeds. This means getting down on your hands and knees and using your hands or maybe a small handheld tool to remove the weeds. Getting close to the weeds allows you to attack each individually while causing very little, if any, harm to your more desirable plants. Additionally, while you are down there, you might as well look at your plants to ensure that they are in good health. Weeding can serve two purposes: getting rid of interlopers and allowing you to be aware of problems to your own plants before it is too late.
You should pull even the smallest of the weeds. It is easier to pull them when they are small. Their roots are less developed, and they have less chance to wreak havoc on your own plants. After all, a weed takes moisture and nutrients that are intended for you plant and then hogs them for itself. If you get the weed when it is small, then it does not have ample time to weaken your plants. It is best to the pull the entire weed out, including roots. Merely snipping them at the base leaves the main problem still in the ground. You can us a small trowel to help you get under the weed. It also helps to water your garden a few hours before hand to help the soil give a little.
Pulling weeds early in the day will help you, as it is cooler and you can start the day off with some invigorating exercise. You should weed regularly, once or twice a week. You could weed every day, but many people do not have time for that. But by setting a regular weeding schedule, you can make it part of your weekly routine and make sure that small weeds do not grow into large, ugly monsters. Dead weeds can be added to the compost heap, as they do not decompose into more weeds. They merely break down into helpful organic material.
Another thing that can help keep weeds down is mulch. Mulch keeps weeds out and it retains moisture in your garden. It is possible to use plastic mulch, and this will almost entirely keep all weeds out. However, it will not return nutrients to your soil, nor is it environmentally friendly. Organic mulch, created from the compost pile, can keep weeds down as long as it is applied thickly. Any weeds that do happen to poke through the mulch are very easy to pull. Paper can be used in mulch, as long as you let it sit in the compost pile with everything else, and it adds extra weed protection. Organic mulch is environmentally friendly, and it acts as a natural fertilizer. Effective composting practices can save you a great deal of money in your landscaping efforts.
Of course, it is possible to use weed killers and herbicides to get rid of weeds in your landscape, or to keep them out. They make use of chemicals and are often the fastest way to get rid of weeds. They are very effective: often the most effective ways to get rid of weeds. Additionally, they require very little effort to apply. It is important, however, to be careful. The chemicals are harmful and if improperly applied can damage your plants. They can also cause you trouble. Be sure that all weed killers and herbicides you use are legal and approved by the government. And read the labels to ensure that you apply them properly and that you utilize proper protection to yourself, as some of the chemicals are harmful if you breathe them in or if they come in contact with your skin.
The proper way to weed by hand involves getting close to the weeds. This means getting down on your hands and knees and using your hands or maybe a small handheld tool to remove the weeds. Getting close to the weeds allows you to attack each individually while causing very little, if any, harm to your more desirable plants. Additionally, while you are down there, you might as well look at your plants to ensure that they are in good health. Weeding can serve two purposes: getting rid of interlopers and allowing you to be aware of problems to your own plants before it is too late.
You should pull even the smallest of the weeds. It is easier to pull them when they are small. Their roots are less developed, and they have less chance to wreak havoc on your own plants. After all, a weed takes moisture and nutrients that are intended for you plant and then hogs them for itself. If you get the weed when it is small, then it does not have ample time to weaken your plants. It is best to the pull the entire weed out, including roots. Merely snipping them at the base leaves the main problem still in the ground. You can us a small trowel to help you get under the weed. It also helps to water your garden a few hours before hand to help the soil give a little.
Pulling weeds early in the day will help you, as it is cooler and you can start the day off with some invigorating exercise. You should weed regularly, once or twice a week. You could weed every day, but many people do not have time for that. But by setting a regular weeding schedule, you can make it part of your weekly routine and make sure that small weeds do not grow into large, ugly monsters. Dead weeds can be added to the compost heap, as they do not decompose into more weeds. They merely break down into helpful organic material.
Another thing that can help keep weeds down is mulch. Mulch keeps weeds out and it retains moisture in your garden. It is possible to use plastic mulch, and this will almost entirely keep all weeds out. However, it will not return nutrients to your soil, nor is it environmentally friendly. Organic mulch, created from the compost pile, can keep weeds down as long as it is applied thickly. Any weeds that do happen to poke through the mulch are very easy to pull. Paper can be used in mulch, as long as you let it sit in the compost pile with everything else, and it adds extra weed protection. Organic mulch is environmentally friendly, and it acts as a natural fertilizer. Effective composting practices can save you a great deal of money in your landscaping efforts.
Of course, it is possible to use weed killers and herbicides to get rid of weeds in your landscape, or to keep them out. They make use of chemicals and are often the fastest way to get rid of weeds. They are very effective: often the most effective ways to get rid of weeds. Additionally, they require very little effort to apply. It is important, however, to be careful. The chemicals are harmful and if improperly applied can damage your plants. They can also cause you trouble. Be sure that all weed killers and herbicides you use are legal and approved by the government. And read the labels to ensure that you apply them properly and that you utilize proper protection to yourself, as some of the chemicals are harmful if you breathe them in or if they come in contact with your skin.
If You Don't Have Enough Yard Space, Create A Container Garden
Having little to no yard space is a reality that comes with urban living. People who live in apartment buildings cannot even have the pleasure of having a plot of land to plant a few greens in.
The lack of ample yard space, however, should not prevent you from creating a garden of your own if you want one. You do not need a tract of land just to have a garden. If yard space is the problem that keeps you from having a garden of your own, you have an option. You can create yourself a container garden.
What in the World is a Container Garden?
A container garden is simply nothing more than a garden of potted plants. Such a garden can be very convenient for people who live in properties with little to no open space of their own, especially apartment buildings. If there is a sunny spot anywhere in your home, that could be a good spot to start a container garden.
Any plant that can be potted can be an addition to any container garden. You can easily mix and match potted plants of all kinds in your container garden and set it up any way you want. But just like with owning an actual garden planted on a tract of land, taking care of a container garden takes a lot of work and attention. Otherwise, your container garden would not thrive.
Setting Up Your Container Garden
If you have decided to create your very own container garden, you have to plan a little on how to set it up. First of all, you have to figure out where to put your container garden. If you have a small yard space, you can put your potted plants outside. If you live in an apartment building and you have a balcony, you can use your balcony as the site of your container garden. But if you do not have a balcony, maybe a spot inside the house that gets some sunlight would do.
Plants need sunlight, so you have to make sure that wherever you set up your container garden, it would be a place where they could get enough sunlight. Take care that they do not get the full sun treatment come noontime, though. Potted plants dry up easily because their roots would not be able to access underground water, and exposure to direct sunlight at the hottest part of the day will kill them for sure.
You can arrange your potted plants anyway you like them. If space is really your problem and you have room for only just one potted plant, you can buy a wrought iron shelf where you can put more potted plants and build your container garden.
Planting Your Container Garden
Most plants can survive being potted. Nonetheless, since plants in pots tend to dry up more easily than those planted on the ground, it would be best to pick plants that are more resistant to lack of moisture. These kinds of plants will survive longer, far longer if you take care of them really well.
You can ensure the long survival of your container garden if you choose your pots and your soil carefully. If the plants you pick are those that grow big, you should put these plants into pots that will give enough room for them to expand. Even small plants should have a little room in their pots.
Deep-bottomed pots are also essential in the creation of a container garden. These kinds of pots will allow the roots of the plants to burrow as deep as they can. You should always plant in pots with drainage holes. If the pot is decorative and does not have drainage holes, put the plant in a plastic container that has a drainage hole on it and then put this container inside your decorative pot.
The soil that you will use for your container garden should be the type that can keep moisture for as long as it can and yet drain easily to keep the air in good circulation. Soil mix, rather than garden soil, is the best one to use for potting plants.
Maintaining Your Container Garden
As said earlier, container gardens need constant maintenance because they are more vulnerable to drying and wilting than gardens actually planted on the ground. First of all, to extend their lives as much as possible, the potted plants in your container garden should be protected from direct sunlight when it is the hottest time of the day.
Another way to keep the dryness away from your plants is regular and generous watering. Ideally, potted plants should be watered around twice a day. The soil should be loosened every now and then to promote air circulation and to prevent disease-causing bacteria from thriving in the soil mix. Adding fertilizer into the soil occasionally also does great wonders in keeping a container garden beautiful and healthy.
Urban living does not have to deprive a person to enjoy some greenery in one’s home. If you live in a place that does not allow you to have a full-scale garden, cultivating a container garden is one good option you can take.
The lack of ample yard space, however, should not prevent you from creating a garden of your own if you want one. You do not need a tract of land just to have a garden. If yard space is the problem that keeps you from having a garden of your own, you have an option. You can create yourself a container garden.
What in the World is a Container Garden?
A container garden is simply nothing more than a garden of potted plants. Such a garden can be very convenient for people who live in properties with little to no open space of their own, especially apartment buildings. If there is a sunny spot anywhere in your home, that could be a good spot to start a container garden.
Any plant that can be potted can be an addition to any container garden. You can easily mix and match potted plants of all kinds in your container garden and set it up any way you want. But just like with owning an actual garden planted on a tract of land, taking care of a container garden takes a lot of work and attention. Otherwise, your container garden would not thrive.
Setting Up Your Container Garden
If you have decided to create your very own container garden, you have to plan a little on how to set it up. First of all, you have to figure out where to put your container garden. If you have a small yard space, you can put your potted plants outside. If you live in an apartment building and you have a balcony, you can use your balcony as the site of your container garden. But if you do not have a balcony, maybe a spot inside the house that gets some sunlight would do.
Plants need sunlight, so you have to make sure that wherever you set up your container garden, it would be a place where they could get enough sunlight. Take care that they do not get the full sun treatment come noontime, though. Potted plants dry up easily because their roots would not be able to access underground water, and exposure to direct sunlight at the hottest part of the day will kill them for sure.
You can arrange your potted plants anyway you like them. If space is really your problem and you have room for only just one potted plant, you can buy a wrought iron shelf where you can put more potted plants and build your container garden.
Planting Your Container Garden
Most plants can survive being potted. Nonetheless, since plants in pots tend to dry up more easily than those planted on the ground, it would be best to pick plants that are more resistant to lack of moisture. These kinds of plants will survive longer, far longer if you take care of them really well.
You can ensure the long survival of your container garden if you choose your pots and your soil carefully. If the plants you pick are those that grow big, you should put these plants into pots that will give enough room for them to expand. Even small plants should have a little room in their pots.
Deep-bottomed pots are also essential in the creation of a container garden. These kinds of pots will allow the roots of the plants to burrow as deep as they can. You should always plant in pots with drainage holes. If the pot is decorative and does not have drainage holes, put the plant in a plastic container that has a drainage hole on it and then put this container inside your decorative pot.
The soil that you will use for your container garden should be the type that can keep moisture for as long as it can and yet drain easily to keep the air in good circulation. Soil mix, rather than garden soil, is the best one to use for potting plants.
Maintaining Your Container Garden
As said earlier, container gardens need constant maintenance because they are more vulnerable to drying and wilting than gardens actually planted on the ground. First of all, to extend their lives as much as possible, the potted plants in your container garden should be protected from direct sunlight when it is the hottest time of the day.
Another way to keep the dryness away from your plants is regular and generous watering. Ideally, potted plants should be watered around twice a day. The soil should be loosened every now and then to promote air circulation and to prevent disease-causing bacteria from thriving in the soil mix. Adding fertilizer into the soil occasionally also does great wonders in keeping a container garden beautiful and healthy.
Urban living does not have to deprive a person to enjoy some greenery in one’s home. If you live in a place that does not allow you to have a full-scale garden, cultivating a container garden is one good option you can take.
I’m A Leaf Thief And A Composting King
Every autumn, home owners rake up their leaves, place them in bags and put them out on the curb. Every autumn I gas up my mini-van, drive around my neighborhood and steal them. I’m a skilled leaf thief and can usually fill the van two or three times in a weekend. Unlike regular thieves, I don’t fence the goods on the black market because the leaves are more valuable to me and to my garden. Leaves are a great ingredient for making compost and gardeners can’t get enough of them.
A person becomes a leaf thief because you can only produce so much yard waste on your own. You rake up your leaves, mow your lawn, clean up your flower and vegetable beds and it just isn’t enough yard waste to make compost for a moderate sized garden. Remember that after it’s decomposed it’ll be a lot smaller. So when I see people throwing out this excellent garden resource I have to take the law into my own hands.
Not only is compost a nutrient rich soil amendment but it’s also a great soil enhancer. It can loosen up hard clay soil and it’ll allow sandy soil to retain more water. Compost can be used as a replacement for fertilizers and will also improve pH balance and soil fertility. And all of this means that you will have healthier plants and a nicer looking garden.
To make compost for the garden you’ll need to collect “Browns” (carbon-rich) and “Greens” (nitrogen-rich). Fill your compost bin with 1 part “Green” to about 20 parts “Brown”. With fallen leaves being a great “Brown” a large supply is a necessity for gardeners.
Without adding a source of nitrogen to your leaves you will get something called leaf mold when it decomposes. Leaf mold is still very good for your garden and can be used as a mulch. But if you want to make real compost and enjoy the full benefits that come with it then you’re going to have to add some “Greens” to the mix. The grass clipping from your lawn mower are a great source of nitrogen. Empty the lawn mower bag into your compost bin whenever you mow the lawn. Another good source of nitrogen is coffee grinds. Don’t worry if you only have a few cups a day, you can get more grinds from your local coffee shop or coffee chain store.
If you keep your compost pile moist and remember to turn it here and there you should have usable compost by the time spring comes.
If your neighbors aren’t smart enough to take advantage of their yard waste and make compost with it then it’s up to you to make sure these gifts from the trees don’t get wasted. Give those leaves a home in your compost bin and eventually in your garden. Your plants will thank you.
A person becomes a leaf thief because you can only produce so much yard waste on your own. You rake up your leaves, mow your lawn, clean up your flower and vegetable beds and it just isn’t enough yard waste to make compost for a moderate sized garden. Remember that after it’s decomposed it’ll be a lot smaller. So when I see people throwing out this excellent garden resource I have to take the law into my own hands.
Not only is compost a nutrient rich soil amendment but it’s also a great soil enhancer. It can loosen up hard clay soil and it’ll allow sandy soil to retain more water. Compost can be used as a replacement for fertilizers and will also improve pH balance and soil fertility. And all of this means that you will have healthier plants and a nicer looking garden.
To make compost for the garden you’ll need to collect “Browns” (carbon-rich) and “Greens” (nitrogen-rich). Fill your compost bin with 1 part “Green” to about 20 parts “Brown”. With fallen leaves being a great “Brown” a large supply is a necessity for gardeners.
Without adding a source of nitrogen to your leaves you will get something called leaf mold when it decomposes. Leaf mold is still very good for your garden and can be used as a mulch. But if you want to make real compost and enjoy the full benefits that come with it then you’re going to have to add some “Greens” to the mix. The grass clipping from your lawn mower are a great source of nitrogen. Empty the lawn mower bag into your compost bin whenever you mow the lawn. Another good source of nitrogen is coffee grinds. Don’t worry if you only have a few cups a day, you can get more grinds from your local coffee shop or coffee chain store.
If you keep your compost pile moist and remember to turn it here and there you should have usable compost by the time spring comes.
If your neighbors aren’t smart enough to take advantage of their yard waste and make compost with it then it’s up to you to make sure these gifts from the trees don’t get wasted. Give those leaves a home in your compost bin and eventually in your garden. Your plants will thank you.
How To Shut Off Your Water Main
If you try to shut the water off to your fixtures by using an angle stop and that doesn't work you will have to shut of the water main to make your repair. There are also many other reasons you might need to shut the water main like repairing frozen pipes, repairing leaks , replacing fixtures or faucets.
Many people are not aware that they even have a water main valve right in their own house and just call a plumber of never wind up doing the repair until things get really bad because they simply do not know that shutting the water main is really easy.
The most common places a water main will be located in home is in your boiler room, basement , or a cut out panel in a section for your home.
Once you find the water main you will simply turn the valve clockwise to shut all the water off in your home until you have finished the repair. Some homes will have a ball valve with a lever that you can pull instead of turn to shut the water off.
Many people are not aware that they even have a water main valve right in their own house and just call a plumber of never wind up doing the repair until things get really bad because they simply do not know that shutting the water main is really easy.
The most common places a water main will be located in home is in your boiler room, basement , or a cut out panel in a section for your home.
Once you find the water main you will simply turn the valve clockwise to shut all the water off in your home until you have finished the repair. Some homes will have a ball valve with a lever that you can pull instead of turn to shut the water off.
Hydropnics Q&A: The Basics Of Hydroponics
* What is hydroponics?
Hydroponics is commonly referred to as “the cultivation of plants in water.” However, studies show that various media can support the growth of the plant. The definition was broadened to “the cultivation of plants without soil.”
* What is aeroponics?
Aeroponics is classified as a hydroponic method where roots of the plants are continuously or discontinuously place in an environment soaked with fine drops such as a mist or aerosol of nutrient solution.
* What are the advantages of hydroponics?
The most apparent advantage of hydroponics is its manageability to control the plant-growing environment. Other benefits of hydroponics are:
• Restricted supply of enough water only
• Avoid high labor cost than traditional cultivation method
• No need for high cost of soil fertilizer
• Certainty of plant production
* Are there different kinds of hydroponics?
Actually, there are many different types of hydroponics. The major divisions are either media-based or water culture.
Under media-based hydroponics are the following:
• Flood and drain
• Drip system
• Wick Feeding
On the other hand, water culture hydroponics involve:
• Raft Cultivation
• Nutrient film technique
Still, other techniques fall under the water-culture category.
* How much time does a hydroponic garden require?
Starting a hydroponic garden requires time, commitment and dedication. It needs plenty of time if you want to make sure that the plants are in good condition at all times. It will also take you longer to mix the nutrient solutions. From time to time, it is necessary that you check on the pests or diseases that will attack your plant.
The time element also depends on the kind of hydroponic garden you plant as well as how big and complex it is. The time element also depends on the type of plants you want to grow.
* Can I grow hydroponic plants indoors?
Definitely, growing hydroponic plants can also be done in your indoor garden. You just need to maintain a temperature that ranges from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There must be a sufficient supply of water as well. You'll need to maintain the nutrient solution that you will apply everyday.
* What should I use for a light source?
Light is also one of the requirements for plant growth in a hydroponics system. Most of the cultivated plants need sunlight. However, when you grow plants indoor, artificial light such as bulb light is necessary. The intensity of the light that you are going to use must be high but make sure that it does not significantly raise the temperature.
* Do hydroponic plants grow faster than the plants in soil?
It will depend on how you manage the techniques that you are going to use in hydroponics. If the methods are followed properly, the growth of hydroponic plants will be faster than those planted in soil and the duration could even be longer. It will also vary with the kinds of plants. There are plants that grow faster with hydroponics but there are also those that do not.
Hydroponics is commonly referred to as “the cultivation of plants in water.” However, studies show that various media can support the growth of the plant. The definition was broadened to “the cultivation of plants without soil.”
* What is aeroponics?
Aeroponics is classified as a hydroponic method where roots of the plants are continuously or discontinuously place in an environment soaked with fine drops such as a mist or aerosol of nutrient solution.
* What are the advantages of hydroponics?
The most apparent advantage of hydroponics is its manageability to control the plant-growing environment. Other benefits of hydroponics are:
• Restricted supply of enough water only
• Avoid high labor cost than traditional cultivation method
• No need for high cost of soil fertilizer
• Certainty of plant production
* Are there different kinds of hydroponics?
Actually, there are many different types of hydroponics. The major divisions are either media-based or water culture.
Under media-based hydroponics are the following:
• Flood and drain
• Drip system
• Wick Feeding
On the other hand, water culture hydroponics involve:
• Raft Cultivation
• Nutrient film technique
Still, other techniques fall under the water-culture category.
* How much time does a hydroponic garden require?
Starting a hydroponic garden requires time, commitment and dedication. It needs plenty of time if you want to make sure that the plants are in good condition at all times. It will also take you longer to mix the nutrient solutions. From time to time, it is necessary that you check on the pests or diseases that will attack your plant.
The time element also depends on the kind of hydroponic garden you plant as well as how big and complex it is. The time element also depends on the type of plants you want to grow.
* Can I grow hydroponic plants indoors?
Definitely, growing hydroponic plants can also be done in your indoor garden. You just need to maintain a temperature that ranges from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There must be a sufficient supply of water as well. You'll need to maintain the nutrient solution that you will apply everyday.
* What should I use for a light source?
Light is also one of the requirements for plant growth in a hydroponics system. Most of the cultivated plants need sunlight. However, when you grow plants indoor, artificial light such as bulb light is necessary. The intensity of the light that you are going to use must be high but make sure that it does not significantly raise the temperature.
* Do hydroponic plants grow faster than the plants in soil?
It will depend on how you manage the techniques that you are going to use in hydroponics. If the methods are followed properly, the growth of hydroponic plants will be faster than those planted in soil and the duration could even be longer. It will also vary with the kinds of plants. There are plants that grow faster with hydroponics but there are also those that do not.
How to Spice Up Your Garden with Decor
The art of garden never fails to transform an idle tract of land into a beautiful and lively environment. Gardens feed the spirit’s longing for beauty and grace as it provides a venue to witness the wonder of nature and the comforts of home. While plants and trees are enough to make a garden delightful, the landscape can surely be enhanced by installing garden décor.
There are many types of garden decors each having unique features and purposes for your garden. Here are some garden decors:
Arbors, Pillars, and Gazebos – these are large structures that can add a good focal point to your garden. Having large structures can create an illusion of having a large space. These structures can also serve as platforms for aerial plants. Climbing foliage such as vines may also cling to these platforms, creating an elegantly classic garden effect.
Statuaries and Wind Sculptures – these also provide good focal points for the landscape. Such structures add a sense of prominence, strength, and sturdiness.
Bird feeders and bird baths – these simple additions to a garden attract beautiful creatures the landscape. Since a garden is generally inadequate without the chirp of robins and jays, installing something that would make them feel welcome is a good way of cheering up the garden.
Other architectural ornamentation – architectural structures create a good balance with and contrast against the natural elements of a garden such as shrubs and trees. Man-made structures enhance the sight of nature, making it appear more familiar and inviting.
Trellises and obelisks – these are good in blocking obtrusive structure and other unwanted views. It is impossible to have a perfect view all the time as obstructions cannot be completely eliminated. Luckily you can install structures that can block eyesores. Trellises are good for this purpose because they can act as support for clinging vines.
Fountains and ponds – water dripping and splashing can be great way to relax. Fountains are usually installed to add a natural ambience that can draw positive energy to your garden. Having a fountain in your garden can also make it a suitable place for meditation exercises like yoga and tai chi. If you have the budget, you may choose to have elaborate and grand fountains installed. You my also choose to add simple rock fountain that greatly serves its purpose at such small a cost.
Landscape lighting – you can enjoy your garden even without the sun, the moon or the stars. By installing simple lights on trees and other plants, you can create a beautiful setting which can even be romantic and enticing. Lighting does not have to be permanent. You can use Christmas lights or even lanterns and candles to illuminate your garden anytime. Lights can also prevent strangers from hiding in your garden.
Garden furniture – the best way to enjoy the beauty of your garden is to stay in it and in order to do so you might need chairs and tables specifically designed for the outdoors. These could also serve as picnic furniture for those times you would want to have barbecue outdoor dinners.
The garden experience can greatly be enhanced by garden décor. To know more about garden decors, simply contact your local garden supplier or visit the many websites devoted to landscaping and gardening.
There are many types of garden decors each having unique features and purposes for your garden. Here are some garden decors:
Arbors, Pillars, and Gazebos – these are large structures that can add a good focal point to your garden. Having large structures can create an illusion of having a large space. These structures can also serve as platforms for aerial plants. Climbing foliage such as vines may also cling to these platforms, creating an elegantly classic garden effect.
Statuaries and Wind Sculptures – these also provide good focal points for the landscape. Such structures add a sense of prominence, strength, and sturdiness.
Bird feeders and bird baths – these simple additions to a garden attract beautiful creatures the landscape. Since a garden is generally inadequate without the chirp of robins and jays, installing something that would make them feel welcome is a good way of cheering up the garden.
Other architectural ornamentation – architectural structures create a good balance with and contrast against the natural elements of a garden such as shrubs and trees. Man-made structures enhance the sight of nature, making it appear more familiar and inviting.
Trellises and obelisks – these are good in blocking obtrusive structure and other unwanted views. It is impossible to have a perfect view all the time as obstructions cannot be completely eliminated. Luckily you can install structures that can block eyesores. Trellises are good for this purpose because they can act as support for clinging vines.
Fountains and ponds – water dripping and splashing can be great way to relax. Fountains are usually installed to add a natural ambience that can draw positive energy to your garden. Having a fountain in your garden can also make it a suitable place for meditation exercises like yoga and tai chi. If you have the budget, you may choose to have elaborate and grand fountains installed. You my also choose to add simple rock fountain that greatly serves its purpose at such small a cost.
Landscape lighting – you can enjoy your garden even without the sun, the moon or the stars. By installing simple lights on trees and other plants, you can create a beautiful setting which can even be romantic and enticing. Lighting does not have to be permanent. You can use Christmas lights or even lanterns and candles to illuminate your garden anytime. Lights can also prevent strangers from hiding in your garden.
Garden furniture – the best way to enjoy the beauty of your garden is to stay in it and in order to do so you might need chairs and tables specifically designed for the outdoors. These could also serve as picnic furniture for those times you would want to have barbecue outdoor dinners.
The garden experience can greatly be enhanced by garden décor. To know more about garden decors, simply contact your local garden supplier or visit the many websites devoted to landscaping and gardening.
How To Create Classy Container Gardens With Roses
According to the National Gardening Association, 91 million households participated in some form of do-it-yourself lawn and gardening activity in 2005, spending an average of $387. Over the past decade, an increasing percentage of this total has gone towards container gardening.
Containers offer a versatile form of gardening that fits into any lifestyle and yard size. City dwellers can use them to brighten up lifeless balconies, roof decks or front stoops, while those with more space can decorate high-traffic spaces and incorporate them into lawn and garden areas for added drama and flair. Because of the multitude of options on the market, container gardens are an easy way to add a splash of color to any outdoor space, big or small.
Roses are among the most spectacular and rewarding choices for a container because of their combination of color, fragrance and season-long blooms. Also, with advances in hybridizing, roses are easier to grow than ever before. Look for the All-America Rose Selections (AARS) rose logo as a "seal of approval," which indicates that the rose excelled in the most difficult plant trial in the world: two years of testing in 23 gardens across the country, representing all climate zones. By performing well against 15 criteria including fragrance, ease of maintenance and disease resistance, AARS roses are proven to be the very best.
Tom Carruth, director of research at Weeks Roses and hybridizer of eight AARS Winners in the past nine years, provides the following tips for building the perfect container rose garden:
• Pick the right pot. Size is the most important consideration. Make sure the pot is not too small and, when in doubt, go for the larger size to allow the roots to grow without constraint over time. Make sure all pots have at least one drainage hole to prevent root rot. Do not use saucers beneath the pot; instead, use pot "feet" to lift the pot off any surface and guarantee good drainage.
• Get the good dirt. Roses prefer a well-drained soil. The commercial soil mixes do well but can dry out quickly. Consider adding some soil from your garden to help stabilize the mix and extend the moisture retention. Plants grown in pots require more water, organic matter and fertilizer than plants in the ground.
• Select the right spot. Remember, roses like full sun and good air circulation. Since pots have the advantage of mobility, you can move the pot around to find just the right location.
• Think vertical. Place a rose bush in the center of the container and surround with "filler" and "spiller" plants at the base. The rose plant draws the eye upwards and adds height to the space, while the fillers and spillers cover the base and accentuate the container.
• Group plants strategically. Choose plants with the same sunlight and watering requirements as roses. Shallow-rooted fillers do best as they will not compete with the deeper rose roots. Try annuals such as sweet alyssum or lobelia, or consider smaller creeping herbs such as thyme or ornamental oregano.
• Don't forget the foliage. Mix colorful plants with those in various shades of green to create a more intensified, three-dimensional effect. Smaller, variegated ivy hybrids look great and will spill out over sides of the container as they grow.
• Consider "pot-scaping." Choose pots of different sizes and shapes that are made from similar material or those that are similar in color to create a complementary and leveled look. Pot feet can also be used to create levels with pots of the same size.
For the best results, experts prefer to start with AARS award-winning roses, including this year's best new roses-Julia Child, Rainbow Sorbet, Tahitian Sunset and Wild Blue Yonder-all of which are suitable for container gardens.
These and more AARS Winners are sold in select mail-order nursery catalogs and at local nurseries and garden centers nationwide.
Containers offer a versatile form of gardening that fits into any lifestyle and yard size. City dwellers can use them to brighten up lifeless balconies, roof decks or front stoops, while those with more space can decorate high-traffic spaces and incorporate them into lawn and garden areas for added drama and flair. Because of the multitude of options on the market, container gardens are an easy way to add a splash of color to any outdoor space, big or small.
Roses are among the most spectacular and rewarding choices for a container because of their combination of color, fragrance and season-long blooms. Also, with advances in hybridizing, roses are easier to grow than ever before. Look for the All-America Rose Selections (AARS) rose logo as a "seal of approval," which indicates that the rose excelled in the most difficult plant trial in the world: two years of testing in 23 gardens across the country, representing all climate zones. By performing well against 15 criteria including fragrance, ease of maintenance and disease resistance, AARS roses are proven to be the very best.
Tom Carruth, director of research at Weeks Roses and hybridizer of eight AARS Winners in the past nine years, provides the following tips for building the perfect container rose garden:
• Pick the right pot. Size is the most important consideration. Make sure the pot is not too small and, when in doubt, go for the larger size to allow the roots to grow without constraint over time. Make sure all pots have at least one drainage hole to prevent root rot. Do not use saucers beneath the pot; instead, use pot "feet" to lift the pot off any surface and guarantee good drainage.
• Get the good dirt. Roses prefer a well-drained soil. The commercial soil mixes do well but can dry out quickly. Consider adding some soil from your garden to help stabilize the mix and extend the moisture retention. Plants grown in pots require more water, organic matter and fertilizer than plants in the ground.
• Select the right spot. Remember, roses like full sun and good air circulation. Since pots have the advantage of mobility, you can move the pot around to find just the right location.
• Think vertical. Place a rose bush in the center of the container and surround with "filler" and "spiller" plants at the base. The rose plant draws the eye upwards and adds height to the space, while the fillers and spillers cover the base and accentuate the container.
• Group plants strategically. Choose plants with the same sunlight and watering requirements as roses. Shallow-rooted fillers do best as they will not compete with the deeper rose roots. Try annuals such as sweet alyssum or lobelia, or consider smaller creeping herbs such as thyme or ornamental oregano.
• Don't forget the foliage. Mix colorful plants with those in various shades of green to create a more intensified, three-dimensional effect. Smaller, variegated ivy hybrids look great and will spill out over sides of the container as they grow.
• Consider "pot-scaping." Choose pots of different sizes and shapes that are made from similar material or those that are similar in color to create a complementary and leveled look. Pot feet can also be used to create levels with pots of the same size.
For the best results, experts prefer to start with AARS award-winning roses, including this year's best new roses-Julia Child, Rainbow Sorbet, Tahitian Sunset and Wild Blue Yonder-all of which are suitable for container gardens.
These and more AARS Winners are sold in select mail-order nursery catalogs and at local nurseries and garden centers nationwide.
How to Make Your Landscape Look Good
There is no doubt that when landscaping one wants to save money, as well as have an attractive property. Not only can landscaping help you beautify your home, but it can also provide a source of satisfying exercise in the fresh air. When you take care of your yard on your own, it is possible to save money and to improve your physical conditioning. But if the landscape turns out to look bad, then that is so much time and money wasted. However, it is possible to ensure a better-looking landscape by following a few tips that can help you take better care of your yard.
Know your soil type. Some plants thrive in soil with more acidity, and others prefer a little more alkali. Additionally, sandy soil and clay soil, as well as the presence of a loamy soil, can make a difference in what types of plants will thrive in a landscape. You should have your soil evaluated in order to determine what types of vegetation should be planted on your property. When you purchase plants that will succeed in the soil conditions present in your yard, then you make a wiser money decision, and you end up with a more attractive landscape. If there are plants that you would like to use in your soil, but the soil is not quite ideal, it is possible to improve the soil to proper conditions. You need only add mulch or peat, or to add crushed limestone or clamshells, depending upon what you hope to accomplish. As long as there is not a great difference in what you have and what you hope to achieve, it is possible to make soil adjustments to be more accommodating.
Understand how much space each of the plants need. There are some plants that require more room for their root systems than others. If you choose one plant that tends to grow everywhere, and you do not have adequate space, you will find that your other plants may be crowded out or that they may choke and die. Also, make sure you understand the spacing requirements for between plants. Many shrubs and small trees need to be planted at least three to four feet apart to have enough room to grow.
Use native plants in your landscape design. One of the most effective things you can do to ensure a good-looking yard is to make use of native plants. Find out what plants grow best in your area, and what plants are indigenous to the region. This way you will already be ahead, in that you know that the plants you choose are adapted to the climate. You will not have to struggle against natural inclinations to keep your landscape looking beautiful. If you due use non-native plants, assure yourself that they come from a place that shares a climate similar to the one in which you live.
Plan your landscape around different blooming times. Different plants bloom at various times throughout the year. If all of the plants in your landscape are at their most attractive all at the same time, then your yard will look beautiful for a few weeks each year, but quite possible ugly the rest of the year. One way to help avoid this is to choose attractive bushes and shrubs that look good green, but also have some sort flower. However, it is a good idea to stagger plants among each other. Plant tulips and crocus among later-blooming plants so that in early spring the bulbs bloom, and then when those flowers’ time is up, the next plants will be in bloom. In this way the cycle of your landscape is in keeping with the seasons, and looks attractive all year round.
Use wood chips around shrubs, bushes and trees. Wood chips can help the ground around shrubs, bushes, and trees look more attractive. Not only do the chips cover the ground (often looking better than dirt), but they also help keep in moisture, repel weeds, and provide natural food as they break down. Likewise, attractive groundcover like chicks and hens placed around trees and shrubs can make the area more interesting and pleasing to the eye.
Know your soil type. Some plants thrive in soil with more acidity, and others prefer a little more alkali. Additionally, sandy soil and clay soil, as well as the presence of a loamy soil, can make a difference in what types of plants will thrive in a landscape. You should have your soil evaluated in order to determine what types of vegetation should be planted on your property. When you purchase plants that will succeed in the soil conditions present in your yard, then you make a wiser money decision, and you end up with a more attractive landscape. If there are plants that you would like to use in your soil, but the soil is not quite ideal, it is possible to improve the soil to proper conditions. You need only add mulch or peat, or to add crushed limestone or clamshells, depending upon what you hope to accomplish. As long as there is not a great difference in what you have and what you hope to achieve, it is possible to make soil adjustments to be more accommodating.
Understand how much space each of the plants need. There are some plants that require more room for their root systems than others. If you choose one plant that tends to grow everywhere, and you do not have adequate space, you will find that your other plants may be crowded out or that they may choke and die. Also, make sure you understand the spacing requirements for between plants. Many shrubs and small trees need to be planted at least three to four feet apart to have enough room to grow.
Use native plants in your landscape design. One of the most effective things you can do to ensure a good-looking yard is to make use of native plants. Find out what plants grow best in your area, and what plants are indigenous to the region. This way you will already be ahead, in that you know that the plants you choose are adapted to the climate. You will not have to struggle against natural inclinations to keep your landscape looking beautiful. If you due use non-native plants, assure yourself that they come from a place that shares a climate similar to the one in which you live.
Plan your landscape around different blooming times. Different plants bloom at various times throughout the year. If all of the plants in your landscape are at their most attractive all at the same time, then your yard will look beautiful for a few weeks each year, but quite possible ugly the rest of the year. One way to help avoid this is to choose attractive bushes and shrubs that look good green, but also have some sort flower. However, it is a good idea to stagger plants among each other. Plant tulips and crocus among later-blooming plants so that in early spring the bulbs bloom, and then when those flowers’ time is up, the next plants will be in bloom. In this way the cycle of your landscape is in keeping with the seasons, and looks attractive all year round.
Use wood chips around shrubs, bushes and trees. Wood chips can help the ground around shrubs, bushes, and trees look more attractive. Not only do the chips cover the ground (often looking better than dirt), but they also help keep in moisture, repel weeds, and provide natural food as they break down. Likewise, attractive groundcover like chicks and hens placed around trees and shrubs can make the area more interesting and pleasing to the eye.
How to Build a Greenhouse
As with garden sheds, there are two ways to build a greenhouse: you can either buy the sheets of glass and the frame and do it yourself, or you can hire a professional. However, building a greenhouse can be a lot harder than building a garden shed, which is why even experienced DIY enthusiasts might want to think about calling in some professional help.
The main reason greenhouses are difficult to build is the material that they’re made from: glass. If you drop glass or install it wrongly, it will shatter, meaning that any mistakes you make will start to get expensive fast. Would you put in your own windows? If not, you probably shouldn’t be building a greenhouse. If greenhouses are built incorrectly, not only is it dangerous, but it is unlikely that any of your plants will actually grow properly. Also, it is very difficult to build greenhouses when the sun is shining, as you will get very hot – it’s easier to do it in the winter or the night, but then those are hardly ideal building conditions either.
It can also be complicated to install the necessary irrigation and air circulation systems that a greenhouse needs to function well, although this is less of a problem in a small greenhouse.
If you are going to hire a professional to either build your greenhouse for you or help you, however, make sure that they have the relevant certification and qualifications. Because glass is such a dangerous material, you should steer clear of anyone who seems confident but inexperienced, and only hire someone who knows what they’re doing, even if it is at a relatively high price. If you’re having trouble finding someone, contact the company that sold you the greenhouse originally, as they should have a list of registered installers in your area.
The main reason greenhouses are difficult to build is the material that they’re made from: glass. If you drop glass or install it wrongly, it will shatter, meaning that any mistakes you make will start to get expensive fast. Would you put in your own windows? If not, you probably shouldn’t be building a greenhouse. If greenhouses are built incorrectly, not only is it dangerous, but it is unlikely that any of your plants will actually grow properly. Also, it is very difficult to build greenhouses when the sun is shining, as you will get very hot – it’s easier to do it in the winter or the night, but then those are hardly ideal building conditions either.
It can also be complicated to install the necessary irrigation and air circulation systems that a greenhouse needs to function well, although this is less of a problem in a small greenhouse.
If you are going to hire a professional to either build your greenhouse for you or help you, however, make sure that they have the relevant certification and qualifications. Because glass is such a dangerous material, you should steer clear of anyone who seems confident but inexperienced, and only hire someone who knows what they’re doing, even if it is at a relatively high price. If you’re having trouble finding someone, contact the company that sold you the greenhouse originally, as they should have a list of registered installers in your area.
History Of The Jujube Tree
Chinese poets spoke about the wonderful jujube in 600 BC. The fruit of the jujube has been used in ancient Chinese medicine for many nutritional remedies for 2500 years. Jujubes were used by Gerard in Europe as a medicinal herb in the 1600’s to treat ailments of the kidneys, lungs, and liver.
The Chinese jujube was brought to America by Oriental immigrants who built railroads in Arizona in the early 1900’s. Hundreds of grafted jujube cultivars are available in China, and a large number of these trees were imported by the USDA in 1908 and planted at the Experiment Station at Tifton, Georgia, for testing, according to Otis Woodard.
Lowell F. Locke of the USDA in 1924 introduced the improved jujube (Chinese Date) to the western U.S., where it was described as “They have a delicious fruit with a smooth brown skin and ivory fruit. You eat them skin and all. It was not firm as a peach, more like an apple. I made jams and jellies from them and also candied them.” Locke described the jujube as being cold hardy, late flowering, and virtually frost proof. The trees are well adapted to dry and sandy soils and will grow easily without requiring any special attention.
The Chinese jujube is native to China, Japan, and much of Southeast Asia. The deciduous tree grows to 25 feet tall, loaded with sharp spines, until it ages and the spines fall off as the bark is formed. The yellow fragrant flowers are small and they mature into reddish brown oval fruits a little larger than an olive. New cultivars of improved jujubes can grow as large as a plum and can be as a round or oval shaped, ripening to a reddish-brown color. The jujube fruit can be eaten fresh off the tree, even when there is much green color on the fruit with faint reddish marks just developing. In dry locations the fruit will ripen and dry up on the tree, but in the Southeastern United States, where the humidity is high, the fruit must be harvested when the color change happens and dried in a cool room.
Some gardeners describe jujube as tasting like dates flavored with apples and chocolate. The pulp of the jujube fruit is centered around a core that contains two seeds. The pulp is sweet, soft, and yellow in color, with some cultivars being white when ripe.
After being cured-out and dried, the jujube shrivels up into a wrinkled delicacy. The fruit is commonly treated similar to raisin production to preserve for consumption at a later time.
The jujube tree is prized for it’s delicious tasting fruit, the bright-green waxy leaves, and the fascinating silhouette of the tree. The leaves turn bright yellow before they shed after fall frosts.
Jujube trees thrive in sandy, poor grade soils such as those found in the Southeast, and the trees easily flourish in dry conditions; however, a little well-placed fertilizer produces amazing results in a short time. There are many species of jujube that have found use all over the world, including the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Arab nutritionists use the leaves of the jujube tree to kill worms and other parasites that attack the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea. A jujube tree that is native to Spain, France, Italy, Syria, and Asia Minor is similar to the Asian jujube and has been used medicinally as a food item in Europe, Asia Minor, and Africa. Jujubes were grown in Algeria and eaten mostly by Algerian Jews in the third century to celebrate New Years Eve.
The Chinese believed that eating the fruit from the jujube tree would improve a person’s stamina and strength, as well as an improvement in the function of the liver and the immune system. They believed that consumption of the jujube would mildly tranquilize a person, act to fight allergies, and cause a person to gain weight.
Nutritionists have found that the fruit of the jujube tree contains beneficial concentrations of Vitamins A, B2, and C. The jujube also contains minerals necessary for health, such as phosphorus, calcium, and iron.
In China the fruit is marketed mainly like dried dates and can be found at any food store. The fruit is prized as a health food as well as a tasty treat. Can a market for jujubes be developed for this easy to grow delicacy? Very few fruit trees can be grown that have as many desirable qualities, such as no natural pests, good taste, heavy production, unfailing yearly crops, no fertilizer requires, thrives in poor soil, 4000 years of growing history in China, and no climatic limitations.
The Chinese jujube was brought to America by Oriental immigrants who built railroads in Arizona in the early 1900’s. Hundreds of grafted jujube cultivars are available in China, and a large number of these trees were imported by the USDA in 1908 and planted at the Experiment Station at Tifton, Georgia, for testing, according to Otis Woodard.
Lowell F. Locke of the USDA in 1924 introduced the improved jujube (Chinese Date) to the western U.S., where it was described as “They have a delicious fruit with a smooth brown skin and ivory fruit. You eat them skin and all. It was not firm as a peach, more like an apple. I made jams and jellies from them and also candied them.” Locke described the jujube as being cold hardy, late flowering, and virtually frost proof. The trees are well adapted to dry and sandy soils and will grow easily without requiring any special attention.
The Chinese jujube is native to China, Japan, and much of Southeast Asia. The deciduous tree grows to 25 feet tall, loaded with sharp spines, until it ages and the spines fall off as the bark is formed. The yellow fragrant flowers are small and they mature into reddish brown oval fruits a little larger than an olive. New cultivars of improved jujubes can grow as large as a plum and can be as a round or oval shaped, ripening to a reddish-brown color. The jujube fruit can be eaten fresh off the tree, even when there is much green color on the fruit with faint reddish marks just developing. In dry locations the fruit will ripen and dry up on the tree, but in the Southeastern United States, where the humidity is high, the fruit must be harvested when the color change happens and dried in a cool room.
Some gardeners describe jujube as tasting like dates flavored with apples and chocolate. The pulp of the jujube fruit is centered around a core that contains two seeds. The pulp is sweet, soft, and yellow in color, with some cultivars being white when ripe.
After being cured-out and dried, the jujube shrivels up into a wrinkled delicacy. The fruit is commonly treated similar to raisin production to preserve for consumption at a later time.
The jujube tree is prized for it’s delicious tasting fruit, the bright-green waxy leaves, and the fascinating silhouette of the tree. The leaves turn bright yellow before they shed after fall frosts.
Jujube trees thrive in sandy, poor grade soils such as those found in the Southeast, and the trees easily flourish in dry conditions; however, a little well-placed fertilizer produces amazing results in a short time. There are many species of jujube that have found use all over the world, including the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Arab nutritionists use the leaves of the jujube tree to kill worms and other parasites that attack the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea. A jujube tree that is native to Spain, France, Italy, Syria, and Asia Minor is similar to the Asian jujube and has been used medicinally as a food item in Europe, Asia Minor, and Africa. Jujubes were grown in Algeria and eaten mostly by Algerian Jews in the third century to celebrate New Years Eve.
The Chinese believed that eating the fruit from the jujube tree would improve a person’s stamina and strength, as well as an improvement in the function of the liver and the immune system. They believed that consumption of the jujube would mildly tranquilize a person, act to fight allergies, and cause a person to gain weight.
Nutritionists have found that the fruit of the jujube tree contains beneficial concentrations of Vitamins A, B2, and C. The jujube also contains minerals necessary for health, such as phosphorus, calcium, and iron.
In China the fruit is marketed mainly like dried dates and can be found at any food store. The fruit is prized as a health food as well as a tasty treat. Can a market for jujubes be developed for this easy to grow delicacy? Very few fruit trees can be grown that have as many desirable qualities, such as no natural pests, good taste, heavy production, unfailing yearly crops, no fertilizer requires, thrives in poor soil, 4000 years of growing history in China, and no climatic limitations.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Bracelets – Fashionable and Affordable
Bracelets are an inexpensive way to impress the right people.
We have Friendship bracelets, Family bracelets with charms for bracelets, donation bracelets and many more. With companies like Lance Armstrong and Nike jumping in there, is going to be a lot more coming.
What are bracelets?
Bracelets are ornaments worn around wrists or upper arm. These are often called armlets when worn above elbow.
Bracelets have been used since a very long time but the style has definitely changed considerably.
Indian civilization has recorded wearing bracelets since 6th century.
Bracelets can be made using a variety of articles.
Cloth
Metal
Rocks
Wood
Shells
Stainless steel is commonly used.
Nike and Lance Armstrong Companies use silicon now.
Also they are used for medical and identification purposes.
Here is how—
Patients with allergies, diabetes or who has a previous history of heart illness wear bracelets. Identifying these patients can be tough under emergencies and these bracelets can be extremely useful in saving a patients life sometimes.
Bracelets are more famous than wristbands and bangles and necklaces.
They can be made at home and commercially they are available for cheap.
Friendship bracelets are more famous among children and teens. They are given as a symbol of friendship. Usually embroidery threads or wool are used. By tradition they are not to removed voluntarily as any intentional removal will mean end of friendship. They have to fall off naturally.
Ankle bracelets have been and are used in courts for prisoners. They have been used on ankles of certain criminals on probation especially in the Pima county Superior court.
We have Friendship bracelets, Family bracelets with charms for bracelets, donation bracelets and many more. With companies like Lance Armstrong and Nike jumping in there, is going to be a lot more coming.
What are bracelets?
Bracelets are ornaments worn around wrists or upper arm. These are often called armlets when worn above elbow.
Bracelets have been used since a very long time but the style has definitely changed considerably.
Indian civilization has recorded wearing bracelets since 6th century.
Bracelets can be made using a variety of articles.
Cloth
Metal
Rocks
Wood
Shells
Stainless steel is commonly used.
Nike and Lance Armstrong Companies use silicon now.
Also they are used for medical and identification purposes.
Here is how—
Patients with allergies, diabetes or who has a previous history of heart illness wear bracelets. Identifying these patients can be tough under emergencies and these bracelets can be extremely useful in saving a patients life sometimes.
Bracelets are more famous than wristbands and bangles and necklaces.
They can be made at home and commercially they are available for cheap.
Friendship bracelets are more famous among children and teens. They are given as a symbol of friendship. Usually embroidery threads or wool are used. By tradition they are not to removed voluntarily as any intentional removal will mean end of friendship. They have to fall off naturally.
Ankle bracelets have been and are used in courts for prisoners. They have been used on ankles of certain criminals on probation especially in the Pima county Superior court.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Japanese Garden Design: The Practical Use of Stones and Boulders
There is a variety of elements used throughout a Japanese garden, but the three most important and basic ones that you will find in every garden design are: rocks, plants and water features. In this article, we are going to focus on rocks, a very visible and useful Japanese garden element that has many viable and practical applications, along with its aesthetic qualities.
1) Large boulders can block unsightly views. For example, perhaps your water hoses and water connection are near an area of your garden and you don't want it visible to visitors. A large boulder and complimentary bush would hide the out-of-place items, yet allow you access to use them as needed.
2) Interesting rocks can be placed where plants are hard to grow. Sometimes you will find one particular area in your garden where plants just don't seem to do well, no matter what you plant or what you do to the soil. Maybe it's too wet or maybe it's too clay based. Whatever the problem, a nice rock arrangement might do the trick.
3) Use rocks to enhance a water feature. Place near ponds to make the area more natural looking and visually appealing. Next to a water basin, a smooth, flat stone could be used for kneeling down to the basin. A larger stone could be used as a place to sit for a bit.
4) Stones and boulders can help define a pathway. A rock grouping set along a turn in a path provides visual interest and guides the stroller along the proper course. It also encourages them to slow down and contemplate the arrangement, making the walk more enjoyable.
5) Block off a portion of the garden or path. You can use stones to block off an area which you don't want people to enter. They form a natural barrier, but be sure to make the arrangement interesting as well.
6) Rocks are a wonderful backdrop for plants. An angular, vertical rock makes a unique backdrop for a plant grouping. Place the rock a bit farther back from the plants, so as to provide depth perception and allow the plants to be the focus (or vice versa).
7) Secure slopes and use as retaining walls. Boulders and good-size stones make excellent, natural materials for use in low retaining walls. On slopes, flat rocks work beautifully as steps.
8) Defining a stream. As in nature, rocks are always found along a streambed. Secure rocks within the banks to help prevent erosion of the earth by the water.
1) Large boulders can block unsightly views. For example, perhaps your water hoses and water connection are near an area of your garden and you don't want it visible to visitors. A large boulder and complimentary bush would hide the out-of-place items, yet allow you access to use them as needed.
2) Interesting rocks can be placed where plants are hard to grow. Sometimes you will find one particular area in your garden where plants just don't seem to do well, no matter what you plant or what you do to the soil. Maybe it's too wet or maybe it's too clay based. Whatever the problem, a nice rock arrangement might do the trick.
3) Use rocks to enhance a water feature. Place near ponds to make the area more natural looking and visually appealing. Next to a water basin, a smooth, flat stone could be used for kneeling down to the basin. A larger stone could be used as a place to sit for a bit.
4) Stones and boulders can help define a pathway. A rock grouping set along a turn in a path provides visual interest and guides the stroller along the proper course. It also encourages them to slow down and contemplate the arrangement, making the walk more enjoyable.
5) Block off a portion of the garden or path. You can use stones to block off an area which you don't want people to enter. They form a natural barrier, but be sure to make the arrangement interesting as well.
6) Rocks are a wonderful backdrop for plants. An angular, vertical rock makes a unique backdrop for a plant grouping. Place the rock a bit farther back from the plants, so as to provide depth perception and allow the plants to be the focus (or vice versa).
7) Secure slopes and use as retaining walls. Boulders and good-size stones make excellent, natural materials for use in low retaining walls. On slopes, flat rocks work beautifully as steps.
8) Defining a stream. As in nature, rocks are always found along a streambed. Secure rocks within the banks to help prevent erosion of the earth by the water.
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