Where Orchids Originally Came From

by Orchid Geeks

Where did orchids originate? One may as well ask where man originated, for like man, the ubiquitous orchid is found on nearly every continent in nearly every climate. Also like man, the orchid has a myriad varieties and forms - so many that one botanist has stated, "There is no such thing as a typical orchid."

There are over 30,000 varieties of orchid not including man-made hybrids. Most people think of orchids as tropical plants, but there are mentions of orchids in Chinese writings as early as 500 B.C. In the Western world, the Greek botanist Theophrastus mentioned Orchis in manuscripts around 300 B.C. An Aztec herbal dating from the 1600's mentions vanilla, a type of orchid. From
Egypt to the Americas, from the South Seas to the mountains of Switzerland, there are native varieties of orchids that grow in the woods, the rain forests, the mountains and even the seashore.

The modern day history of orchid cultivation, however, begins in the 1880's when William Cattley of England received a shipment of ornamental plants from the Brazilian jungles. The plants were packed in bulbs of another plant for protection, and out of curiosity, Cattley placed one of those plants into his glass house (what we now call a green house). That plant was the Cattleya labiata orchid - the plant that most people think of as the 'orchid'.

Some of the most enchanting members of the orchid family are far less showy. The delicate lady slipper and brightly colored Calypso fairy slipper are found in the Northern woods from New England through Canada, and the Thai spider (bulbophyllum medusae) with its mane of 'hair' grows in the lowlands of Thailand. To learn more about orchids and other plants please visit www.orchidgeeks.com

About the author:
OrchidGeeks.com is a leading authority in orchid information, http://www.orchidgeeks.com Join a community of fellow orchid enthusiasts today!

An Autumn Garden for Halloween

by Nikki Phipps

There's no better time to enjoy the spectacular beauty that nature has to offer than during the autumn season. This is an ideal occasion for entertaining friends and family, especially around Halloween. Why not take advantage of all the vibrant colors and stimulating textures that autumn provides by creating a garden themed around this exciting holiday.

Halloween parties provide a great opportunity to bring the bountiful harvest from the garden indoors; or better yet, invite guests out into the garden instead. Bathe the garden or patio with soft lights. Set autumn or Halloween-colored votive candles inside small jars or glasses and place them on terra cotta saucers adorned with colorful leaves. These charming, little lanterns can be used as attractive centerpieces for tables or scattered throughout the garden.

Pumpkins are an absolute must for decorating a Halloween garden. Create a variety of Jack-O'-Lanterns and spread them throughout the surrounding landscape. Light them up with candles. You could also choose to hollow out varieties of pumpkin, gourd, and even squash to use as festive containers for cut-flower arrangements. Fill them with various mums, Chinese lanterns, stems having berries attached, sunflowers, dried peppers, twigs, etc. Wicker harvest baskets also make lovely containers. Gather a few bales of hay or straw, add some corn stalks and pumpkins, and accent with Indian corn and small decorative gourds. For additional interest, you could cover tables with old burlap sacks. Create cozy seating around these tables; or perhaps, self-contained, rock fire pits.

Autumn-themed gardens are generally rich with colors such as crimson, gold, dark green, and burnt orange. These beautiful colors result from a variety of flowers, foliage, berries and seed heads. In keeping with a traditional Halloween theme, there are several ways to accomplish a spook-tacular garden. If you desire, your focus can be centered on orange and black. However, too much dark color can result in making the garden dull and unappealing. Your goal is to achieve an inviting atmosphere. Good choices for adding orange color might include zinnias, marigolds, tiger lilies, Gerber daisies, poppies, and butterfly weed. Near-black beauties could include a variety of tulips and irises. Don't forget to throw in some orange and black-colored pansies as well.

Keep in mind, however, that a Halloween theme does not need to be limited to just these colors. Flowers that are deep maroon can also help set off your Halloween effect. Look for these shades in favorite varieties of cosmos, bachelor buttons, or snapdragons. Complimentary colors such as orange mums and purple asters can add additional interest. Mix in some gray or blue grasses.

Likewise, try implementing some dark maroon roses in the garden; allow them to climb along an old iron trellis. Place stone benches in various areas for seating, allowing different views, and maybe a nearby water basin to wash away troubles. Additionally, you might want to include plants that have creepy names such as devil's tongue, blood lily, spider orchid, bat plant, bleeding heart, bloodroot, etc.

Did you know that at one time having certain plants within your garden made you guilty of being a witch? Many types of herbs, weeds, and flowers were once considered to be used solely by witches for making up magical potions and spells. Some of these included Hellebores, lavender, poppies, dandelions, and even ferns. Foxglove, known also as witches thimbles, and yarrow, referred to as devil's nettle, are also commonly grown plants in many gardens today that have a ghoulish connection with witchcraft.

Just for fun you might consider designing a witch's garden filled with various herbs. These gardens are generally circular in shape as it was once believed a sacred symbol by witches. Plant rows of red beauties around the perimeter of the garden. Red blooms were said to keep out evil doers. Try geraniums, zinnias, nasturtiums, red spider lilies, or firecracker flowers.

On the other hand, if you're wishing to ward off a witch, try a order filled with vibrant yellows and rich greens. There are many varieties of flowers such as marigolds, sunflowers, green zinnias, etc. and foliage plants such as hostas, ornamental grasses, or evergreens that will achieve this effect easily. Within the witch's garden you may find an array of native plants.

Add further interest and drama by incorporating ornamental plants as well. Enhance your theme with various features such as gargoyles, toadstool ornaments, roomsticks, and small cauldrons. Allow these objects to crawl out from beneath or behind plants to create an air of mystery.

An autumn garden can easily be designed to fit a Halloween theme. With only a dash of imagination and a few Halloween-related props, you can create an autumn garden that will amaze your family, friends, and neighbors. Happy Halloween.


About the author:
This article was written by Nikki Phipps and was sponsored by DareToScare.com .

The Enduring, Alluring Gazebo

by Kathy Moran

From their origins as rooftop structures, used mainly for observation, to their present status, gazebos have taken many forms. Throughout their colorful history, they have been known as summerhouses, screen houses, kiosks, pavilions, pergolas, arbors, grottos, and pagodas.

The word 'gazebo' first appeared in the 1752 book "New Designs for Chinese Temples" by architect William Halfpenny. Though no one is certain, etymologists speculate that Halfpenny invented the word by playfully adding the Latin ending -ebo, as in videbo ('I shall see') to the word 'gaze' to get the meaning 'I will look.' Prized by members of Egyptian royalty, gazebos were essential parts of their gardens, and have been found, depicted in murals, in tombs dating to 1400 b.c. They were also popular with the aristocracy of ancient Rome and Pompeii, and were built as summer houses along the Mediterranean.

Today, gazebos have grown so popular in this country that they are almost as common as garages. Although some are still used as quiet places to enjoy the beauty of a garden, others have been elevated to loftier positions as summer houses or lavish entertainment centers with doors, windows, screens, decks, electricity and plumbing. Many have special lighting, hot tubs, fire pits and brick barbecues. Arbors, ornamental fountains, bird feeders, birdbaths, wishing wells, koi ponds and bridges are also popular landscaping accessories for gazebos.

From wood to synthetics there are several types of material from which gazebos may be constructed. Radiant, durable WesternRed Cedar, for example, has natural oils that protect it from decay, while its dimensional stability helps to keep it from warping. Cedar may be sealed and stained to maintain its reddish hue or allowed to weather to a rich gray. Pressure-treated pine also makes a sturdy, long-lasting gazebo because it is highly resistant to decay and insect damage. A kiln-drying process, before and after pressure treatment, minimizes warping, checking, and twisting. As with all wood gazebos, a stain/sealer should be applied to the entire structure, including the floor and the roof once a year to protect it from the elements. Vinyl gazebos are made with treated pine that has been covered with an attractive vinyl coating which results in an exceptionally durable, maintenance-free finish. When choosing a material, don't forget to factor in your region's weather.

If your area is subject to heavy rain or snow, high winds, or severe storms, you may want to consider one of the new Category 4 Hurricane Gazebos from GazeboCreations.com. With heavy-duty metal, high wind load brackets and hangers, and reinforced posts, braces, floor joists, rafters, and other components, these gazebos can withstand 150 mph sustained winds. GazeboCreations.com boasts a wide selection of pre-designed gazebos in all of the popular shapes, sizes and materials, or you can follow a few simple steps to design your own custom gazebo. All gazebos are delivered in easy-to-build, partially assembled kits.

For more information, visit Gazebo Creations,
Call 888-293-2339, or e-mail cs@gazebocreations.com
Gazebo Creations is a division of Cedar Store, specialists in Outdoor Furniture

Ideas On How To Use Container Gardening To Decorate Your House And Garden

By Mary Hanna

Nearly every house and garden presents numerous attractive settings for container plants. Suburban gardens, estates, small city backyards, and summer cottages—all can be enhanced by this type of gardening. A few of the seemingly endless possibilities include entranceways, steps, courtyards, walls, rooftops, balconies, patios, breezeways, lawns, driveways, walks, sundecks, windowsills, porches, summer houses, even tree stumps can be utilized.

Let us start with the entrance, a focal point for every house. A simple arrangement consists of similar container plants at each side of the doorway. If the house is informal, painted tubs will make a cheerful note, while urns or ornamental pots are more appropriate if the architecture is formal. The arrangement, however, need not be symmetrical, since a single container at either side, particularly if the doorway is off-center, is pleasing. A large specimen can be balanced by a grouping of small pots, and various other interesting combinations can be worked out. Sometimes, the front entranceway can qualify as an outdoor place for house plants, but be sure they are not exposed to strong sun and wind.

Unexpected areas like side and rear entrances can also serve as backgrounds for pot plants in casual groupings. For sunny steps, consider tubs of petunias, or dwarf dahlias, or boxes of herbs to be used in cooking. Tuberous begonias, fuchsias, patient Lucy, and fragrant nicotiana solve the problem of what to grow in shade.

Porches or verandas, traditional or contemporary in style, offer numerous settings for pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Indeed, the entire container garden can be concentrated there so that plants can be easily cared for. If the porch is open on three sides, it will afford exposures to suit a variety of specimens.

The patio or terrace, beside or beyond the house, where family and friends gather to eat or relax, is an ideal location. If it is formal, select clipped evergreens and arrange pots in symmetrical rows, perhaps lined up against the house or along the edge of the terrace. If the site is informal, make casual groupings of one or two tall plants with smaller ones in front. Either way, allow for a few large plants in tubs or boxes for accent and height.
Container plants may line walks and paths that lead to the house, garage, or garden. They can rest on paved areas along fences and walls and on driveways where they are not in the way. If the driveway adjoins the foundation of the house, plant containers may be placed there.

Tops of garden or terrace walls are ideal places, too. Put small pots and boxes on tall, narrow walls and large containers on low, broad surfaces. Hanging plants of ivy geraniums in the sun and fuchsias in the shade will cascade from walls, as they do in the patios of Spain, Portugal, and Italy. On Rhodes, I recall a fifteen-foot wall topped with a row of thirty gleaming green tin cans full of roses and other flowers.

Think of what you can do with rooftops and sundecks where considerable space is usually available. Here sun-loving plants, like geraniums, most annuals, cacti, and succulents can be grown, but, again, include large specimens for height to give a garden feeling. A few large boxes and planters for trees and shrubs are sufficient but be sure to include some evergreens for year-round green.

Many gardeners like to insert container plants in flower borders to introduce unusual specimens, such as tropicals in the North. Large tubs can be set at the corners and small pots may be scattered among the permanent flowering plants. One gardener keeps a supply of potted pink Fiat Enchantress geraniums on hand to fill bare spots in her wide borders, moving them about as needed. Most of the geraniums are in four-inch clay pots, but there are larger specimens for the center of each grouping. Make sure their secure, sink pots a few inches into the ground.

You can always dress up the lamp post in your yard with container plants at the base or you can suspend a hanging basket of lantana, perhaps from the top. Ivy geraniums in an old-fashioned black kettle are nice for the base. Bare posts that support sectional roofs over patios or paved surfaces of contemporary houses look more attractive if potted plants are clustered around the bases or permanent boxes for plants are built there. Try planting climbing ivy in a pot and train it to climb the posts.

Novelty containers—donkey carts, wheelbarrows, and spinning wheels—can be fun in some places, but, of course, such planters must not be overdone. Usually they are set on lawns, on a terrace or beside a gate or doorway. (If you life in a neighborhood that has a house owners association check with them first to see if this is allowed). Steps leading to a driveway or street or to different levels in a garden can be emphasized with pot plants. A few can be arranged at the top or at the base of the stairs. And, there are other possibilities. Tree trunks cut to the ground or left a few feet high make good pedestals for large containers. In fact, this can be a solution to the problem of what to do with a trunk too expensive to remove. If you have a tree with heavy shade, why not construct a pretty sitting area around it and decorate the space with containers of coleus, wax and other begonias, caladiums, ferns and other shade-tolerant plants.

These are just a few ideas for using container plants around your house and garden. Use your imagination and have fun. Happy Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

About the Author:
Mary Hanna is an Aspiring Herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Gardening, Cooking and Cruising. Visit her websites at http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com http://www.GardeningLandscapingTips.com and http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com or contact her at mary@containergardeningsecrets.com

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Composting - aka: The Circle of Life!

Sponsored by Compost Digester

By Judy Williams

Composting is where the gardening thing comes full circle. You've created your garden bed, you've nurtured your plants.

The results have been eaten by the family...and now the plants and refuse from the garden can be recycled into next year'scompost. It is the closed loop of nature.
This is so simple and so obvious a thing to do, I'm still staggered that people will send this sort of rubbish to the tip.

When I was totally intimidated about cooking and convinced I couldn't do it, a friend of mine said 'It's just chemistry. If you add X to Y under these conditions, this MUST happen'. I think this applies big time to composting.

So what does your compost need to work?

It needs moisture (but not too much).
It needs heat (and will generate a good deal on it's own)
It needs air.
It needs bugs, bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms (pretty much under the 'Build it and they will come' principle).

There are a few ways to work the compost. If you have a bit of room, build a couple of 3 sided enclosures (about 1M square) out of wood, wire, tin, whatever is laying about the place. If you're in a place that gets a lot of rain, think about keeping a tarp handy so the compost heap doesn't get too soggy. It should be in a shady corner of your garden.

Composting doesn't work if you continually feed just one pile. The composting is never finished in those circumstances.So start with one pile by adding waste plant and kitchen refuse. This can include grass clippings, spent plants, fruit peelings, egg shells and non fatty kitchen scraps.

NEVER use fat, oil or meat in your compost. They will attract vermin. Other things that will slow down your compost include paper, rice hulls, wood shavings, woody cuttings and tough or oily leaves (like those from evergreens). Diseased plants and weeds should also be kept out of your compost.

Fill the compost enclosure to 6-8 inches (15-20cm) with your refuse. Then spread a couple of scoops of agricultural lime and a handful of complete fertilizer. Continue layering to a height of about 3 feet over time. Every few weeks, turn the compost to encourage decomposition. If the compost material is dry, give it a light watering after turning.

Start your second pile while this one is 'cooking'.
Your compost should be ready for the garden in 6-8 weeks. By continuing to alternate between the two piles, you will have a continuous supply of fresh garden compost for your garden beds while recycling your kitchen refuse.

Judy Williams (http://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/) splits her time between being a media executive and an earth mother goddess. No Dig Vegetable Gardens represents a clean, green way to grow your own food. The site covers all aspects of growing, cooking and preserving your harvest.
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Create a Great Water Garden

By Jeanette Joy Fisher

Among the latest new trends in gardening is the water garden, which can combine elements such as waterfalls, ponds, and fountains, often enhanced by intricate rockwork, elaborate lighting, specialized plants, and exotic fish. There are water gardens to fit every budget, as well. All you need is something that will hold water to use as your garden's centerpiece. The placement of your water garden is your most important decision. You'll want to choose a spot that gets as much sunlight as possible, generally away from trees or bushes that shed their leaves, because most plants and fish require a fair amount of sunlight to thrive, and deciduous trees and shrubs can make keeping your water element a chore in the fall. You're only limited by your budget, the size of your space, and your imagination, but always bear in mind that your water garden will require a certain amount of maintenance, which you'll have to do if you want your garden to continue to look great. If you incorporate fish into your garden scheme, they'll also need to be fed as part of your routine maintenance program. If you use aquatic plants in your water garden, only cover about half the surface of the water. It will allow you to see your ornamental fish underneath. You may also want to plant flowers around the edge of your pond, and there are some plants that will actually add oxygen to the water, which is important, especially if you have fish in your pond. Fish can help keep the pond clean by eating insects. Algae is one of the primary problems encountered by water gardeners, and it's often brought about by overfertilizing water plants or feeding fish too much or too often. For many years, people in England have used barley straw to help reduce the amount of string and filament type algae, but it may not work in every situation. If you experience algae problems--and you probably will--pay close attention to the feeding regime of both your fish and your water plants. To keep your water oxygenated and fresh, you'll need a pond pump and filter, which can also help reduce insect and algae problems. Water plants also remove nutrients from the water that could create pollution problems. Some good plants include water hyacinths, water violets, and water crowfoot, if you bear in mind that they tend to reproduce vigorously and can quickly take over a pond. Like all gardens, water gardens require a certain amount of care, but the results can give you years of pleasure.

Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Jeanette Fisher teaches environmental interior design college courses. Learn how to get that designer look for less. Join our free home makeover teleseminars. Find out about the five key ingredients to great residential design. http://www.joytothehome.com/
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Finding the Best Pond Pumps

By John Francis

Having a backyard pond is a great way to showcase a home’s landscaping. It adds character and fun to a normally wide open space. The pond pump is an essential device when one wants to add moving water to their pond. There are many different styles and types of pond pumps, so it is easy to get confused on how to find the pump that works best for an individuals situation.

Understanding the essential keys about pond pumps is important in finding the best pond pump. Pumps are categorized by the amount of water they pump. This is based on the gallons of water a pump can move in an hour. It also must pump this amount at least one foot or higher for the same amount of time. Pump manufacturers provide easy to use charts that explain each pump and how much water they move. The best pond pump for a certain pond is chosen based upon how much water is in the pond. The water should be turned at least one turn every hour. So essentially a pond with 200 gallons of water needs a 200 gallon per hour pump. That seems too simple, and it is because there are other factors to consider. Anything that could reduce the flow of water such as waterfalls or filters have to be considered. To avoid this issue a person should buy a larger pump than they figured based solely upon the water amount.

The next step in choosing a pump is deciding between submersible and external pumps. Submersible pumps are located in the pond, while external ponds are outside the pond. Submersible pumps are usually favored because they have many great features. They do not produce noise, can be used to drain the pond and are less expensive to use than external pumps. They do, however, pose problems that are not common in external pumps. Submersible pumps often need seals replaced as they wear out easy with the constant water exposure, broken seals can cause a release of gas that can harm pond fish and they cost more to buy.

Pond pumps are a must for a clean and beautiful pond. Finding the best pond pumps can be tricky. With a little knowledge and use of manufactures recommendations the best pump can be found. Pond pumps provide for a well kept and striking pond.

http://pumpshub.com/ Everything you need to know about Pumps.
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Landscaping - Put A Pond in Your Back Yard

By Bill McRea

A pond is attractive way to enhance the landscape if your home and have l large area you wish to landscape. So what do you do?

Consider an area where the pond would be attractive and practical. Why create a pond, you ask? Ponds increase the value or your property, and would be a way to attract a prospective buyer.

A well designed and functional pond also adds a peaceful effect to your yard. Ponds create an ideal ecosystem beneficial not only plants but wildlife as well.

If you are fond of fish and water plants, a pond would be ideal. This article will not go into details on creating your pond, but will furnish information about the landscaping aspect... Landscaping your pond starts at the pond itself.

Create a border by adding stones, plants and statuary that will create a great view. You should also create a walkway from your pond to your house. Access is important and easily accomplished by using stepping stones, etc.

Trees are both beneficial and harmful to your pond. Trees provide shade that will be good for your pond but they will also add to debris such as branches and leaves or fallen fruit The key is to strike a balance between the two.

Shrubs will also play a role in maintaining unity between the tall trees and the low pond. They will create continuity from your pond to the trees. You may also add some flowers to provide some color. Be sure to cut the off the old blossoms to prevent debris that can make your area unsightly.

Water plants are a must for ponds and should be added immediately after your pond has been finished. Use similar colored plants as their surroundings to create some balance and harmony between the two. Be creative and do some research on different kinds of water plants to use.

A finishing touch for a pond is adding some fish. Add them after everything else has been finished. Always select appropriate species of fish that will not out-grow the size of your pond.

Creating a pond for your yard will both be tiring, but the fun of creating it will be rewarding. Be sure that do regular maintenance to so it will always be free from debris. After all of your work is finished, enjoy your pond and marvel the harmony you have created in your yard.

Bill McRea is the publisher of Garden Facts also Garden Decor and Landscape Trees Landscaping and Gardening with information and products.
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Garden Tables Aren't Just Decoration

By John Gibb

In order to enjoy your time outdoor, you may have considered garden tables or other patio furniture. In today’s marketplace there are many different options available to suit varying tastes and needs.

Almost every major furniture designer these days has come up with a series of outdoor furniture and you can find garden tables that range in price from moderate to outrageous. The thing that isn’t always as easy to find is the set, that actually appeals to your families needs and tastes. The sad truth is that in today’s market place, most furniture sets are designed for families of four. This leaves little room for larger families or for guests.

If you have more than two children or a large group of friends and family that you spend time with and share meals with quite often, then perhaps you would be wise in limiting your search to larger sets, or purchasing several inexpensive smaller sets of garden tables and scattering them across your yard or patio. This will allow several ‘zones’ where people can talk more intimately than at larger tables, kids can congregate and play games, and or various groups can have their own sense of privacy even among a large group of people.

Garden tables are more than a fashion accessory for our yards these days. We’ve learned that our yard is an extension of our home and we want to be able to enjoy that space as well as we enjoy the interiors of our homes, especially with the premium price that land commands in this day and age. Choose furniture for your lawn and garden that you not only enjoy the look of but that you also find comfortable. You will probably have this furniture for quite a while so it makes sense to make a substantial investment in the furniture that you choose.

John Gibb is the owner of Garden Tables sources For more information on Garden Tables please check out http://garden-tables-intelligence.info/
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Flowers – One of Life's Small Pleasures

By John Gibb

Everyone loves to get flowers – they’re a great gift that you can put on display in your house, reminding you for a week or so of the person who gave them to you. More than that, they can be beautiful things in themselves, even if you buy them for yourself.

Today you can order flowers in person, by phone or over the Internet. Even when you think it’s too late to order some flowers for them to get to someone in time, the chances are that you can still find somewhere that will do it for you, if you’re willing to pay a premium – there are shops out there that can deliver flowers faster than pizzas.

Perhaps the nicest way to get flowers, however, is not to buy them at all – instead, head down to your local garden centre, get a selection of seeds, plant them and water them. If you choose the right kind of flowers, you can grow your own flowers within literally a week of first planting them, and it’s a very satisfying feeling to know that you’ve grown your own flowers for yourself. If you then give them to someone else as a gift, it will make it far more special.

Whatever kind of flowers you get, make sure to put some thought into it. It is all too common, especially for men, to just walk into a shop and grab the first thing that catches your eye. It is much better if you do your research, know which flowers are in season and which kinds of flowers go together well in an arrangement, and especially find out what people’s favourite flowers are before you get them flowers as a present – otherwise you might end up getting them a bunch of flowers that they don’t even like!

Overall, flowers are simple things that nevertheless are capable of bringing so much joy to people. They are one of life’s simple pleasures, not even that expensive. Why not buy some flowers for the special person in your life today? I guarantee they’ll be pleasantly surprised.

John Gibb is the owner of flower resources, For more information on flowers please check out http://www.flowers-resources2k.info/
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Tips for Garden Decoration

by Khieng Chho

Garden decoration is passion...

Simple decoration can make a dramatic change on the entire look of your garden. Garden decoration serves many purposes. It is pleasurable to design fanciful gardens that will attract the eyes of every visitor that will come to your house.

Most of the women who are fond of gardening activities usually spend their time in the garden. After a long week of dealing into business matters, weekend is the perfect time for them to bond with the blossoming and aromatic flowers.

This is great if you already have your garden decoration including the landscape for a longer time because all you need to do is purely maintenance. However, when you are just planning to start garden decoration, you need to consider a lot of things.

Garden decoration is a desirable activity. This is true especially if gardening is your passion. Many of the people who have an experience in gardening could testify how it is hard to maintain its beauty. Aside from considering the decoration of your garden you also need to take note of the health of your plants.

Here are some few tips for garden decoration:

• Plan on your motif or concept.
This is an important factor because the motif or the concept of your garden decoration will serve as a basis for choosing the kinds of flowers, the landscapes and the entire design of your garden.

• Choose the plants that will suit your garden decoration.
In choosing plants especially the flowering ones, you can consult some expert decorators regarding the types that will fit your garden. It can be an assortment of colors and sizes depending on how you will perceive the outcome of your garden will be.

• Start on the job.
After you made up your mind regarding the concept, you can now start buying the flowers and other necessary things that are needed for your decoration. You can seek aid from an interior decorator to guide you with the right things to do.

• Maintenance.
Your task doesn’t end there. After you are able to finish your garden decoration it does not mean that you will just leave it there. Plants need nourishment so be sure to check its growth most of the times. Never fail to keep your garden clean as well.
Garden decoration is not merely dealing with things on how you can make your garden beautiful. It also requires your commitment and dedication.

Khieng 'Ken' Chho is author and owner of Lawn & Patio Decor. For related articles, visit Ken's website: http://gardendecoration.wicwoc.com
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Trends and Styles of Patio Furniture

By Khieng Chho

The sales of patio furniture draw a significant change in the market today. Current designer trends move from inside and out. Creative designs of patio furniture give you an opportunity to get a breath of fresh air, unwind and take pleasure on a lifestyle beyond the walls of your home.
Having an ideal house is a dream for everyone. Simple as they may seem, but when accentuated with furniture, they can turn out to be fabulous and modern creations. A garden with beautiful landscape and patio corners graced with comfy fireplaces make your home a true haven to live in.

Creating a concept for your house design is not an easy task. It requires a thorough thinking before you are able to arrive at a perfect theme. Rather than seeking for the service of an interior designer, you can always make a choice of your own. In the long run, you will realize that you also have your own version of ingenuity and uniqueness.
Placing patio furnishings in your home is a perfect idea. Patio pieces come in various styles and grades. Your choice will always depend on your own taste of beauty. These vary from parson’s chair to solid cement. The prices will also depend on the size and kind of the furniture.
There was a sudden burst of demand for patio furniture. This motivates the manufacturer to offer discounts in several patio pieces as a manifestation of their gratitude towards the people patronizing the product.

Some of the specialties of patio furniture range from heavy-duty plastics, rod iron and earth wood that are great during winter and fall seasons. All of these types are bringing warmth to the patio area.

The traditional cement pieces of patio furniture reminisced the formality in English homes. This promotes a soothing spot for the people. This is the pleasure of being outside your heaven. Through the patio furniture you tend to appreciate more the beauty of outside world. The tranquil ambiance and the fresh air help you deal with all the stress and complexities of living.
Patio furniture is well loved by people because it fits any concept that you want for your outdoor living area. This area is still considered to be the extension of your home so you must create a perfect decoration with the use of patio furniture. Aside from the cemented and rod iron types you can also make use of the deck furniture such as coffee tables and storage pieces.

If you really want to make your outside living area a remarkable one choose the best patio furniture pieces.

Khieng 'Ken' Chho is author and owner of Patio Furniture. For related articles, visit Ken's website: http://patiofurniture.wicwoc.com/
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Creating a Balcony Garden Oasis

by Lee Dobbins

Having a garden is one of the highlights of summer for many people but not everyone has a yard in which to plant flowers. Luckily, there are a few ways that even apartment dwellers can enjoy gardening.

If you are fortunate enough to have a balcony or deck off your main living area, you can use containers to turn it into a mini garden. Today, you can purchase containers that hang right on the railing without any invasive installation and large pots can be used on the decking. If you have a roof above your balcony, you may even be able to install hanging plants. Just be sure that you review the rules of your apartment complex before you add anything to your outdoor area.
When choosing flowers or plants for your outdoor area, you want to be sure to buy plants that will thrive in that environment. If your apartment balcony is shady then you want to get plants that like the shade. If it has blazing sun all day, buy ones that can take the hot sun, or be sure to move them into the shade during the noon heat if they specify that they are for partial shade. Buying annuals is probably a best bet as they will flower all season and you won’t have to deal with them in the winter.

When selecting your containers, be sure to get ones that have good drainage. You may even want to add some small rocks on the bottom to provide additional places for water to go. If you will be putting the containers on your decking, be sure to buy saucers for them so the water doesn’t seep onto the deck and stain it - if you don’t you might find yourself forfeiting your security deposit or re-staining the deck when you move out. Before drilling holes for hanging plants, be sure to check with your landlord or apartment caretaker.

Be sure to use a good potting soil for your plants and water thoroughly. Plants in containers can dry out rapidly and you may have to water them every day. Be sure that you don’t over water, you want the soil to be moist with no standing water. Container plants do well when fertilized about once a month with a general fertilizer or one made specifically for your type of plant.

In addition to planting flowers outdoors, you can also enhance your balcony area with interesting potted palms and other tree like plants that can be moved into the apartment when cold weather comes and enjoyed all winter long. When arranging the plants, be sure to use pots and plants of varying heights - all plants of the same height will look boring, but if you put together containers of different sizes and heights in groups this will add a lot of interest.

Be sure to check your plants every day and pinch off any dead flowers and leaves to keep your balcony garden oasis vibrant and fresh.

Lee Dobbins writes for Apartment Rental Guides where you can learn more about apartment rentals and apartment living.
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Gardening - Keeping Containers Looking Good

by Michael Russell

The most inspiring container displays are grown by gardeners who have developed a real feel for their plants and can tell at a glance when they are in need of water, food, a bigger pot or just a good tidy up. If you play doctor with them, your plant will reward you with luxuriant growth. Professional growers achieve this by keeping their plants growing steadily throughout the seasons, so they never suffer from a check in growth by being starved or dried out. It's not rocket science but having a few pieces of essential maintenance equipment to hand is one of the keys to success.

A well balanced, long necked watering can turns watering from a chore to a pleasure. A fine rose on the end of the spout is ideal for soaking seedlings and plug plants without washing them away.

Give container grown plants a liquid feed every seven to ten days. If this seems too much of a commitment use push in feed pellets that deliver nutrients every time you water during the growing season. Water retaining granules can also be mixed into the potting compost before planting up. They are especially useful for hanging baskets or window boxes on south facing sills where they can make the difference between watering once rather than twice a day during hot, windy weather.

Just as having a dog to walk gets you up in the morning, so will having a mobile garden to tend to. Get into a watering routine and you will make light work of it. Water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation and try to avoid splashing the leaves as this will cause them to scorch when exposed to strong sunlight. At holiday time, move your containers to a shady wall and stand them on special moisture retentive capillary matting fed from a tin bath of water.
In the Autumn, winter and spring months, plants need much less water, although it is surprising how a series of hard frosts can strip the moisture from the compost and this can only be replenished when the compost has thawed out. When the weather's particularly severe, it pays to gather your containers under a warm house wall where they will escape the worst of the weather.

Deadhead your plants regularly as soon as flowers fade. This will encourage a fresh flush of flower buds. Spent flowers left on the plant will usually inhibit further flower production, however, not all spent flowers need to be removed. Busy Lizzies and those super vigorous petunias carry on regardless. Some like marigolds can be snapped off. Others like pansies and nasturtiums can be nipped off by pinching them with your fingernails.
For bushy fuschias and chrysanthemums with lots of blooms, pinch back shoots regularly. Do this by simply nipping off the tips of the shoots. At the end of summer be ruthless and throw annuals past their best onto the compost heap. However, some plants sold for bedding can be propagated from cuttings in late summer or dug up and over-wintered in a frost free greenhouse or porch. They have the potential to get bigger and better every year.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Gardening
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