Landscape Design - Creating Balance In Home Landscaping

Balance is a principle of all art forms, design, and even
landscape design. It implies a sense of equality. And while
there may be just a little more to it, this is how I explain it
to make it easier for first timers and do it yourselfers to
understand.

A garden, landscape, or any form of equal proportions would
naturally feel and look balanced. However, most gardens and
landscapes are not exact or symmetrical in shape and form.
They’re asymmetrical and abstract in form and are often without
any natural balance of their own. So landscaping often relies on
other elements to create balance and harmony through unity.

Many times, a lack of balance is directly related to a lack of
repetition. Repeating alike elements such as plants or rocks
throughout the landscape will help unify different areas to each
other. As little as one repeated matching plant group, color,
piece of decor, or hardscape can accomplish this.

A lack of balance is also created by placing too many or all non
matching elements throughout a landscape design. This can
sometimes seem cluttered and unkept when it grows in. In the
beginning of your design, plan for less, place just a few
matching plant groups throughout the garden, and keep decor
matching and to a minimum. You can add more later.

So many of the questions that I receive about landscape design
deal with the shape of a design . Shape is unique to each design
and will ultimately follow all necessary paths and your visions.
However, any shape or form can be filled with elements and still
be either dull, void, loud, cluttered, and unbalanced. Balance
isn’t necessarily dependant on shape. It can be but generally
it’s not. So don’t get too hung up on trying to even things out
entirely by shape.

Landscape design is an art form and so it deals with “all” the
same principles that other art forms use. Repetition, unity, and
balance are all principles of art that go hand in hand with each
other.

Architects use repetition in design by making doors, windows,
fixtures, trims, etc. the same sizes, shapes, and styles.
Imagine how your home would feel if every door, door frame,
window, and fixture were of different sizes, shapes, colors, and
types. It would be uncomfortable and chaotic.

And so it’s the same with landscape design.

In order to create balance, appeal, and even comfort in a
landscape that is lacking, we need to create some form of
consistent repetition. As little as one matching element placed
on opposites can create a sense of unity and consistency. It’s
easiest and most often created in the softscape (plants,
ornaments, lawn, decor, etc.). However, it should be considered
in the hardscape (walks, driveways, necessities, fences, walls,
raised beds, boundaries, etc.) of your drawn design plan.

You can discover more information on The Principles Of Landscape
Design at: The Principles Of Landscaping

You Take The Vacation - Not Your Garden

If you are planning to go on vacation, there are some important
tasks that you really must undertake to ensure that your garden
continues to maintain that well cared for condition which you
constantly strive for.

After all, because you have spent so much of your time during
the rest of the year trying to achieve perfection, it would be a
great pity if some of that good work were to be undone.

You do deserve that well earned vacation however, so I put it to
you that you will enjoy the break even more, in the knowledge
that you will not be returning home to any unpleasant surprises.

Here are a few simple steps that I would advise you to take to
help to make sure that all remains well.

Just how much you need to plan in advance depends entirely on
how long that you intend to be away from home.

Even if you are only going away for a week or just over it, I
strongly recommend that you make the time to attend to those
basic garden chores the day before you leave.

For example, I always mow the lawn, deadhead all my flowers, and
I make a point of moving any house plants that I might have
temporarily placed outdoors to blossom, back indoors.

Naturally I make sure that they are watered thoroughly.

If you intend to be away from home for two consecutive weeks or
longer, I suggest that you make some provision well ahead of the
time, especially for the care of the lawn.

Perhaps you know a reliable teenager looking for some extra
money in your neighborhood. If you do, strike a deal with him to
cut the lawn once a week during your absence.

Whether he uses his lawn mower or yours though, do make sure
that he knows to cut the lawn at the highest setting on the
mower, which will usually be about three inches or so.

If you have an exceptionally large area of lawn however, or you
intend to be away from home for a much longer period, you would
probably be best to hire a professional Gardener, or a Garden
Maintenance Company to attend to this. (funds permitting of
course)

The day before you leave, preferably in the late morning, prune
just recently opened blossoms, taking long stems with the cut
flowers.

I suggest that you also carry a container of water and water
thoroughly.

On the same day prune flower buds also, as the blossoms will
have most likely have opened and wilted during your absence.

Check your annuals and perennials for blighted foliage, removing
any discolored leaves.

Your house plants will also need to be cared for as well during
your absence. If you intend a long period away, then you really
should arrange for someone to attend to their needs if at all
possible.

A good friend or neighbor will most likely be more than willing
to oblige, especially if you offer to return the favor.

Your plants should be fine though, if you are only going away
for a few days or so.

However if you have a situation where you simply cannot call on
anybody to assist, or perhaps you do not want to impose on
anybody, then I have outlined a few useful steps that you can
take, particularly if you are intending to be away for an
extended time.

Move all those plants that are summering outdoors back inside,
but place them in a shaded area first. Do this during the week
before you leave, so as to let them acclimatize to the change in
conditions.

Then bring them indoors, and place them in a spot where they
will be most likely to get the benefit of indirect sunshine.

In the morning before you depart, spread sheets of newspaper on
the floor of the room where your plants are situated. Water all
your plants thoroughly, (whether they need it or not), and then
place them on the newspaper sheets.

Place four large bowls of water around the plants, and cover
them with a large white sheet. Make sure that the sheet drapes
down beyond the plants onto the newspaper.

This will help to keep your plants moist and healthy.

Remember that the first priority is to have a fantastic
vacation.

If you are like me however, you will enjoy it all the more,
because you know that you have taken the time to make sure that
your cherished garden and house plants have been well looked
after.

Glider Rocker Cushions - Fanastic Replacement Cushions for Your Favorite Adirondack Furniture

Where to find?

If you are considering the replacement of cushions of your Adirondack furniture, then the most appropriate choice for you is a glider rocker cushion, which can be found for country style oak finish wood. These cushions can be used for the comfort of a number of activities such as cross stitching, gun cleaning, rocking babies, etc. These cushions can easily enhance the looks of your rocker, chair, love seat or chaise lounge. A cushion for Adirondack furniture can still feel comfortable even on a sunny, hot afternoon during summer.

Advantages

With the help of a Glider Rocker Cushion, the chances of your furniture being damaged with the sun tan oil or a spilled drink is greatly reduced. The Glider Rocker Cushion can be easily washed in the washing machine. So, in this way you can take full advantage of Adirondack furniture.

There is a wide variety of Glider Adirondack furniture cushions in terms of different styles, colors and fabrics. If you are looking for furniture cushions that are perfect in terms of durability and comfort level, there is no competition for Glider Adirondack furniture cushions. Outdoor Adirondack furniture cushions are quite endurable ones that can be used even for dining tables, chairs, benches, rockers, etc. Glider Rocker Adirondack furniture made of oak wood with matching seat and nice cushions will surely make any room more beautiful.

You can decorate Adirondack furniture with different colors depending on the purpose and furnishing of your backyard, pool area, etc. You can use navy, forest green, blue,and khaki colors so as to suit your needs and requirements. You can even choose colors such as hunter green and white.

More and more Adirondack furniture with these cushions are being used in public places such as airports and downtown hotels. In such places, these cushions can be used in various forms such as toss pillows, bench pads, iron furniture cushions, glider rocker cushions, and dog bed cushions.

Replacement Rocker Cushion

If you want to replace your existing cushions with new ones, you need to do certain things such as getting the measurements for your new cushion, and selecting your style preference.

Once, you have chosen the rocker cushion for your Adirondack furniture, all you need to do is to just order the same. You will find your home quite fascinating and charming with the help of fabulous cushions.

A Spring Sampler

Spring is in the air, or at least we all wish it were! If you’d like to get rid of the winter doldrums and usher in some life to your home, here are some easy steps you can take now, before the crocuses bloom.

• Put out several bouquets and arrangements of “silk” flowers in bright colors. Throw in some variegated greenery and you have an instant brightener.

• Put away the woolen throws and bring out your lighter ones for a quick pick-me-up. The same goes for your table linens; it’s not too early to dress your dining room for Easter.

• If your draperies are heavy and dark, shop the sales for some sheers and taffeta panels. Discount stores are great resources for inexpensive panels and curtains. Find something light with a beaded fringe to add a little sparkle and a bit of whimsy.

• Scented candles are an easy way to lure your mind to tropical shores. If you’d rather not have an open flame, use candle chimneys or, better yet, a fragrance lamp that burns clean and can diffuse scent throughout your home.

Here you have four simple ways to entice your senses and bring some spring into your home.

–

Publishing Guidelines: You may publish this article with the article and resource box intact and unchanged provided any links are hyperlinked. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

About The Author

Lisa DeClue is a WAHM and owner of Decorating with HGPgal, a resource and information website featuring home décor, decorating tips & accessories, collaborative articles and a monthly newsletter and prize drawing. http://www.HGPgal.com

Lisa@HGPgal.com

Lawn Maintenance in Fall

Lawn Maintenance in Fall

The harsh conditions of winter can inflict a lot of damage on
your lawn. In order to protect your lawn as much as possible
during the winter months you should be prepared to do some
regular lawn maintenance every fall.

Try to keep your lawn as free as possible from falling leaves.
Although the rotting leaves can add nutrients to the soil, they
also prevent sunshine from reaching the grass, and this can
cause the grass to die off before the winter snows arrive.
Raking leaves every couple of days as they are falling off the
trees has the dual benefit of exposing the grass to as much
sunshine as possible and aerating the soil by the action of the
raking.

The lawn should be fertilized before the cold weather, and
natural fertilizer produced by composting is the best type of
fertilizer you can provide. Compost can be made from kitchen
scraps and garden cuttings, and the leaves that you are raking
from the lawn can also be added.

Try not to cut the lawn too often in the fall — once every
three or four weeks is sufficient. After each cutting, spread a
thin layer of compost over the soil. The compost will fertilize
the soil as well as providing a layer of mulch to keep the soil
moist.

If your lawn has a problem with weeds, fall is a good time to
treat it. Apply herbicides to weeds as needed or dig them up
manually if there are not too many. Other lawn problems such as
thatch can also be dealt with in the fall.

If your lawn receives a lot of traffic during the summertime the
soil can become compacted which leads to insufficient aeration
in the soil. This situation can be corrected in the fall by a
using a machine called an aerator. They are available at rental
yards or hardware stores.

Finally, make sure your lawn has sufficient moisture throughout
the wintertime. If you live in a climate which has freezing
weather all winter, water the lawn well before the first frost.
Even though the lawn is dormant throughout the wintertime, it is
still alive and

Insecticides & Fungicides/Spreader-stickers, Wetting Agents: Getting the most out of Your Sprays

Spreader-stickers, Wetting Agents: Getting the most out of Your
Sprays

Thomas Ogren

Spreader-stickers or if you prefer, sticker-spreaders, are
agents we can add to garden sprays to make them more effective.
These additives are commonly used in commercial horticulture and
in agriculture, but for some reason are as yet relatively
unknown to most gardeners. Sticker-spreaders can be made of many
different components, organic or inorganic. Often the actual
ingredients in a particular brand of sticker-spreader will be
kept secret, as a proprietary formulation known only within the
company producing it. Some brands use silicone-based
surfactants, oils, emulsifiers and buffering agents, while
others may use odd combinations of things like fish oil and
fatty acid soaps. Several are made entirely from some sort of
emulsified soybean oil. Actually, common dish soap will act as a
sticker-spreader, it just won’t be as effective. To be totally
technically correct here, sticker-spreader is a combination of
two adjuvants. Adjuvants are materials added to spray mixtures
to increase the effectiveness of the main active ingredient. If
we want to be completely correct with our terminology here, we
probably ought to note too that spreaders are adjuvant
surfactants. Surfactants are adjuvants that reduce surface
tensions of solutions, helping them spread and cover leaves more
effectively. Stickers are adjuvants that aid in the attachment
to a surface. The water-soluble wax product often used to spray
Christmas trees to keep them turgid, Wiltpruff, is also
sometimes used as a sticker-spreader. I recently did some
comparison spraying of roses in my own garden. I was spraying
the roses with a homemade combination to keep the darn deer from
eating them into the ground. With both batches of spray I used,
per gallon of water, two raw eggs, four cloves of garlic, and a
cup of skim milk. I blended all the ingredients in a blender
before putting them in the sprayer. I sprayed two different
sections of roses. In the first section I used the above mix,
with the addition of 6 tablespoons of dish soap. In the second
section of roses I used the same mix but used two tablespoons of
a commercial grade sticker-spreader. What was the difference?
Both sprays did keep the deer from eating the roses, for awhile.
The spray with soap resulted in roses that were not eaten for
six nights following the spraying. Deer did not eat the roses
sprayed with the sticker spreader mix for 15 nights. It seemed
obvious to me that the sticker-spreader had indeed locked the
smelly spray material onto the roses better than had the soap.
Sticker spreader is sometimes used to make leaves on foliage
plants shinier, and this works pretty well, too. If, for
example, you are just spraying your roses with insecticidal soap
(for aphids) and a little baking soda (for rust and mildew
control) mixed with water and a bit of sticker-spreader, you’ll
immediately notice that the spray does stick to the leaves
better and it also make them shine. Spreader-stickers can also
have somewhat of a synergistic affect when used with
insecticides. It not only helps the insecticide adhere better to
plant surfaces but it also helps the insecticide penetrate the
bodies of insects it contacts. Perhaps most importantly,
spreader-sticker also protects the insecticide or fungicide from
washing off in the rain and from breakdown from sunlight. I
think I paid less than five dollars for a pint of
spreader-sticker at a local nursery. A little bit goes a long
way, so it seems inexpensive enough. Some of the insecticides I
like most, organic botanical-based ones such as Neem are kind of
pricey, and using sticker-spreader gets me more bang for my
buck.

Down and Dirty Real World Clean Sweep for Work at Home Wome

Most TV “Lose-All-The-Clutter-And-Gain-A-Lot-Of-Baskets-With-Labels” organizing shows concentrate on long term solutions to your messy, messy ways. But for those who work from home, sometimes clean and organized lags behind paycheck and deadline. But what if your mother-in-law is coming down the street and your home looks like the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew? Or what if your picky neighbor shows up unexpectedly? (She’s borrowing sugar…AGAIN?) You need help QUICK! Here’s some ideas for quick down and ..ummm…dirty cleanup (and a few ideas for items to have on hand for future emergency cleanups!)

1. Grab several large garbage bags and stuff in all clutter. Don’t stop to sort. Just stuff it all in and move the bags to the garage. Keep the bags in the garage for a month. If you don’t remember what’s in the bag, or miss something which may have been stuffed there, then donate the entire bag to a thrift shop. (No fair peeking inside - if you didn’t miss it, you don’t need it!)

2. Invest in a couple of large storage ottomans. You will be surprised how much you can stuff in those ottomans between the time your mother-in-law gets out of the car and the time she rings the doorbell!)

3. Invest in under-bed storage boxes. No self-respecting neighbor will look under your bed. (If she does, you might want to reconsider your friendship! Who wants a neighbor you can’t be messy with?)

4. Buy a sofa with a skirt. Those wonderful skirts can hide a multitude of sins…and a few dozen shoes and a big stack of newspapers, magazines and week-old potato chips.

5. Don’t forget the laundry you can hide in your washer and dryer! Don’t worry about how much it holds � just stuff and hide!

6. Don’t hide the clutter in closets! It’s the first place your mother-in-law will look!

7. If all else fails, just say you are getting ready for a yard sale and you were just beginning to price your treasures! (Care for some old magazines? Just a quarter each! How about a couple of half-eaten bags of cookies? I’ll make you such a deal!)

As a freelance designer and writer, my priorities are time with my husband, time with family, answering my reader’s questions, and meeting my writing deadlines. Placed proudly at the bottom of my list is housework. If you work from home, don’t feel guilty for trying these ideas. As my mother always told me, “You can always do housework when you can’t find something interesting or fun to do!”

About the author:

Pamela Cole Harris has been a writer and designer for 35 years (Yikes, has it been that long?) Enjoy her tongue-in-cheek approach to inexpensive interior design at: http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.comand http://www.diy-homedecor.com

Deck Decoration

On my blog, I once wrote about life on the Veranda - a favorite Southern, summer pastime.

Picture a Charleston side-porch house, facing the obligatory magnolia tree, refreshing gin and tonics or the standard mint julep.

But Veranda living is more than just a sense of “place”. What really makes it memorable is the company of friends and neighbors, sparkling conversation, or a languid repose with a loved one.

A deck may not technically be a Veranda, but it can, nevertheless, be the perfect gathering spot where memories are made.

The key, however, to great deck entertaining is to have a great deck. Many people don’t believe in decorating their decks but having good seating and some type of a theme can help make your deck the most beloved
part of your home.

A favorite theme for a deck is “Outdoor Barbeque.” Though not really an official title, a version of “Outdoor Barbeque” encompasses a nice deck, with a classy set of chairs and a table and a grilling area where your husband and his friends can show their talent on the grill. Sharing hamburgers and margaritas with your friends while you wait for the homemade ice cream to finish running - now that is my idea of putting a deck to good use.

On the other hand, a fun theme is great if you have kids. For example, the Beach theme is ever popular for decks. Beach and lounge chairs cover the deck with a table and chairs in the center covered in bright blue and
white striped fabric. You can even use ropes, sails, nets, and lifeguard floats to hang from the sides of your fun deck and post flags from different Caribbean or Mediterranean countries on the corners of the deck.

Keeping a chest inside of beach paraphernalia - floats, leis, sunglasses, and even a pirate’s eye patch will keep your children entertained as you try to prepare dinner.

You can also have a country theme on your deck. My great-aunt has this huge covered deck and on it she uses old barrels as side tables and chairs; for the chairs part of the barrel is cut for the back and the previous top of the barrel as nailed down as the seat. There’s kind of a country atmosphere there with the added touches of old Pepsi bottles, signs, and tools hanging on the wall as well as flowers hanging from every corner of the roof.

Whatever theme you decide to use on your deck, the essentials are a table and chairs with some extra seating and side tables. If your deck is too small for that, you can simply purchase a couple of Adirondack chairs and side tables to match. Your parties may be smaller, but you can always put a picnic table in the yard to seat more people. Choose your own theme; a deck is a place where you can put your favorite random items to good use. So from Coca-Cola to country to classic, create your own deck decorations and spend the rest of the summer enjoying your friends on your jazzy new deck.

And no one will care if it’s not an official Veranda.

About the Author

Elizabeth Holly lives in the South and writes for women about fashion, fitness, frolic and focus. Visit her at http://www.elizabethholly.com.

How To Ward Off House Thief

To most of us, security at home is very important. Ever experienced coming home one night and found your belongings scattered around? Or maybe you heard funny noises while you were sleeping and wonder if it was some thieves in your house? Would you like to worry less and enjoy your home better? Well, besides house alarm or sealing up your house with grills and locks, why not place an interesting home decor, which will help to ward off house thieves?

Chinese culture believes that by placing umbrellas in the lobby or at the front of the house, your house can be prevented from being the thief’s target. Umbrellas placed into a nice urn near the front door not only add a spark to your lobby but also make the area organized while you can reach for an umbrella easily. There are many urns in the market but we highly suggest that you get one that matches your door, wall and size of your lobby. If you can’t decide, get a plain ceramic urn that will match any background. Chinese Feng Shui also mentioned urns next to the front door will help to capture the energy (chi) flowed into the house. Besides urns, you can try using baskets, umbrella stands and vase.

—————————————————————————————————

Michele Lum (michele@ideastoenhancehome.com) is the founder and CEO of Ideas To Enhance Home, a site full of tips and ideas on how to enhance your home for better life in health, business, romance, children and security just by placing interesting home decors and setting up simple systems.

Sign up for a FREE subscription of tips and ideas on how to enhance your home by visiting www.IdeasToEnhanceHome.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Replacing Tree Blossoms with Hanging Baskets

There is nothing much more beautiful than trees laden with blossoms slowly blowing in the wind. Once the blossoms fall, however the trees seem barren. You can solve this problem with hanging baskets of flowers.

Mother’s Day is a great time of year for flowers. My wife usually receives one or two baskets of fuschias, which are hung outside widows to be enjoyed along with the views from our home. But, there are only so many windows and overhangs for placing these baskets. We discovered last year that hanging baskets in trees gives unexpected beauty to areas that might otherwise seem plain. We use the holiday and take advantage of basket sales.

Hanging baskets of flowers on tree limbs allows gentle rays of sun to penetrate the leaves, and also gives rain a chance to quench the flowers’ thirst. Also, by placing the baskets within easy reach of watering cans or hoses, maintenance is kept at a minimum.

Last year we extended our deck around to the front of the house, which brought lower tree limbs within reach. Watering is a cinch and pinching off old blossoms is a snap.

With baskets in the trees, birds readily invade these miniature flower gardens (squirrels, too). Humming Birds flitting from basket to basket under a canopy of leaves is a wonderful site.

As guests visit, they often comment on the beauty as well as the placement of our hanging baskets. Our trees seem to blossom from spring thru summer with a little help from our “tree flowers.”

Don Doman is a published author, video producer, and corporate trainer. He owns the business training site Ideas and Training (http://www.ideasandtraining.com), which he says is the home of the no-hassle “free preview” for business training videos. He also owns Simple Home Repair (http://www.simplehomerepair.com), which has a multitude of ideas for home decorating and landscaping.