GTNI

Why Trimming Trees Can Be Hazardous - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-07-24T00:57:49Z

There are many occasions when it becomes necessary to trim your trees. Trimming trees, if done properly can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property and allow your trees to flourish. As a matter of safety, taking steps to thin overgrown trees and remove dead or diseased branches is an important part of maintaining your property.
Before you get out the chain saw and start removing limbs, you should be aware of the potential hazards of trimming trees.

Trees and large tree branches carry substantial weight which makes them inherently dangerous. A long branch on a mature tree can weigh several hundred pounds, so, you want to make sure it does not fall on anyone or anything. Trimming trees properly involves good planning. You should survey the tree from all angles and determine how and where you want the cut limb to fall. Many people do not take the proper precautions and wind up doing damage to their house, car or themselves by improperly cutting a large tree or tree branch.

One of the most important things to watch out for when attempting to trim your trees is the existance of power lines. Never take it upon yourself to trim trees that are dangerously close to power lines. The risk of coming into contact with a high voltage line and causing serious injury or even death is too great for the average homeowner. It is best to either have a professional tree trimming company come out to do the job or call the power company who will usually take care of the matter for free.

Trimming trees often involves climbing up on a ladder. You must be careful to place your ladder on solid, steady ground so that it is stable and will not suddenly shift while you are in the middle of cutting the targeted branch with a chain saw. Many people defy the clear warnings on ladders not to stand on the upper few steps as they attempt to reach a little higher to get that one troublesome branch. This is extremely hazardous as you can easily lose your balance and take a nasty fall. Never reach above your head to cut a branch. Not only will you have limited control of the chainsaw, but you are also subject to being hit by the falling branch.

If a branch is very long, heavy and cumbersome, it is prudent to take it down in manageable pieces. Starting from the outer edge, take two or three separate cuts to remove the branch. It is much safer to take ten foot sections down than trying to remove a thirty foot branch.

Trimming trees is part of managing your property and knowing the proper techniques for removing branches is very important. Avoid potential hazards, be smart and take your time when trimming your trees.

Our Aussie Road Trip (6 Month Hiatus) - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-07-14T13:01:25Z

8 AM Friday morning should see us steering our rig off the front lawn and into our family's adventure of a lifetime. We've been planning a trip around Australia for the past 18 months - even longer if you take into account the moment the idea first popped into our heads. In a little more than 24 hours that dream is about to be realised.

Needless to say, Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas will be changing course over the next half-year. That's right, we're taking you with us. While we will still be adding heaps of helpful hints and tips I'll be showing you some of the wonderful plant specimens and gardens as we traverse this awesome country.

Plus, if you want to keep up with where we're going we've set up a family blog at AussieRoadTrip.com.

Before you ask, the kids will be educated while on the road but mostly from their experiences. One of their activities will be sharing their day via their own blog while Deb and I will keep ours for posterity sake.

We'd love to have you come along with us and if you have any gardens that you know of that we should be visiting please let us know.

Catchya.

Choosing the Best Pond Pumps and Filters for Your Backyard - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-07-13T23:33:23Z

Pond pumps and filters for your backyard pond are absolute necessities. No garden pond will survive or thrive for long without water movement and cleaning. A pond pump keeps the water circulating and the pond healthy. When choosing a pond pump there are several things to consider:

The pond filter with which it will be used

How much power it needs

The length of the manufacturer's warranty

The maximum height the pond pump will move the water (head height)

The litres per hour (LPH) of each pond pump

Maximus ECO pond pumps provide efficiency, performance and durability. They deliver higher performance due to an energy efficient motor and impellor system which reduces running costs and environmental impact. The strong construction of the impellor and motor designed it for the toughest conditions. This pond pump operates silently yet powerfully enough to run a filter system for a fountain or waterfall. The Maximus ECO's wrap-around filter housing provides excellent water flow without needing an anti-clog, foam pre-filter which completely eliminates maintenance. This high performance pond pump is designed to run 24/7 and comes with a 3-year warranty. Prices range according to liters per hour (LPH) pumped.

800 LPH costs $46.27 AUD

8,000 LPH costs $172.50 AUD

The "new" Blagdon Force-Hybrid pond pumps make taking care of water features easy. These Force-Hybrid pond pumps deliver quality flow pressure at realistic 2 meters+ meeting filter and waterfall installation requirements. This is an asynchronous (single direction) motor made of the highest quality parts providing a reliable, durable pond pump that is efficient and economical. The maximum head height is greater than the majority of caged pond pumps, up to 5.5m. All Force-Hybrid pond pumps have a multi-hosetail inline ball valve controlling water flow in an easy to reach location. They come with a sludge removal or multi-purpose intake mode, a 3 year guarantee, and costs $139.58 AUD to $207.23 AUD depending on LPH.

Pond filters are the other requirement of your water system for a healthy pond with fish, turtles, etc. Pond filters perform several functions to keep water pure.

Trapping debris in the mechanical pond filter (removed for periodic cleaning)

Biological filtration allows beneficial bacteria to feed on water impurities ridding it of organic matter and fish waste
Ultra-Violet Clarification in a pond filter causes water-borne algae to clump together through the action of the ultra-violet light spectrum, adding to filtration efficiency

All pond filters are rated according to maximum pond volume. The pond filter chosen must be effective for actual pond volume, with allowance for fish. Beneficial biological filtration provides beneficial bacteria to convert ammonia from fish waste, impurities, and dead organic matter into nitrites. The nitrites provide nutrients to facilitate plant growth.

Pond One Claritec 3000 Pressure pond filters move filtered water to the level needed for a waterfall feature. A gravity pond filter is recommended when Koi or turtles are resident. This pond filter provides an easy to use back-wash system, and is a quality product for the money. Units with UVC have a "lamp on" indicator light, and come with a 3 year warranty.

This pond filter costs $189.00 AUD.

The Claritec 5000 UVC Pressure Filter costs $309.00 AUD and has a maximum flow of 3,300 LPH.

The Oase Bitron Self-Cleaning pond filter uses a quartz lamp cover tube allowing 95% of UV rays to penetrate the water affecting the algae. Plain glass or plastic UV pond filters only permit 30% or 50% to pass through. Hose connections to the inlet and outlet are all that's required for easy installation. Translucent hose tails glow when the UV light is operating. Various diameters of hose may be attached to the UVC for most efficient performance. The cost of this pond filter is $169.00 AUD.

A pond feature adds aesthetic enjoyment to any yard. Be sure to choose the right pond pump and pond filter to keep it at its beautiful best.

Deadheading Your Flowers For More Blooms - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-07-11T23:17:31Z

Gardeners always take the time to deadhead flowers to ensure the continued health and vitality of flowering gardens. This simple but important process prevents seed production and focuses more of the plant's energy on blooming as well as being instrumental in reshaping a flower that has grown leggy and unattractive.

The varying success of deadheading largely depends on the plant species, climate, rainfall and season but novice gardeners should take heart; it is nearly impossible to kill a flower while simply removing spent blooms and trimming excess growth.

Immediately after they have died is the best and easiest time to remove old blooms and prevent seed production. Quick action also prevents these blooms from creating a messy looking garden or dirty pool. Most flowers require nothing more than a quick snap or pinch of the fingers to remove old blooms while tall, long stemmed flowers should be cut at the base of the plant with a sharp knife or shears. Bushy flowers, and those that flower in clumps, are impossible to deadhead individually. A pair of pruning shears or hedge clippers works well to quickly deadhead blooms while also trimming the flower back into an attractive shape. The trim should not only encourage a new set of colorful blooms but also stimulate the plant to grow larger and produce healthy new foliage.

The frequency and intensity of deadheading depends largely on the type of flower. Begonias and impatiens simply drop their flowers so only an occasional trim for shaping may be needed and any flower whose seed head is the focal point should only be cut when it has completely died, the seeds have dried up and it is no longer attractive. Cosmos, zinnias, snapdragons and marigolds will often continue blooming when the stem itself is cut back slightly. Thick plants, like mums and sweet William, will produce an entirely new flush of growth and bloom when they are trimmed to nearly half their original size after blooms begin to fade. Some flowers, like lilac and hydrangea, set next years blooms early so it is best to remove spent blooms immediately.

Deadheading accomplishes a number of goals at once. Plants typically produce more blooms, retain an attractive shape and grow larger and stronger all while the garden stays cleaner. The only possible downside is the loss of seeds that some gardening enthusiasts collect for next year's crop or use to feed wintering birds. This is easily remedied by finally allowing flowers to produce their seeds at the end of the growing season.

The important thing to remember about the frequently unpopular job of deadheading is that is only has to be done because the garden was once filled with beautiful blooms. With a little work and proper maintenance, it can be again.

What is Advanced Hydroponics? - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-07-08T23:57:29Z

It's not uncommon to hear about the latest advances in something called "hydroponics" or "advanced hydroponics" on the news nowadays. The technique is hailed as the new generation of farming.

Now exactly what are they talking about?

Let's start with the basics. Hydroponics is essentially the growing of plants (for food, mostly) without soil. Plants absorb essential nutrients in ion form from water, and so with the right amount of nutrients and minerals, plants can flourish without soil. It is a common misconception that the soil that plants grow in directly provides the nutrients to the plant. In reality, water removes some of the nutrients in the soil, and when the water is absorbed by the plant, the nutrients are absorbed along with the water.

The technique of hydroponics was first used by Sir Francis Bacon in 1627, who discovered that spearmint plants grew better in less-pure water as compared to distilled water. Eventually, hydroponics was used to grow crops in order to feed members of communities in which there is little to no soil and to supplement crop production. Today, hydroponics has developed into a widely studied discipline and is a standard learning tool for both biologists and botanists.

The advantages of hydroponics include mobility, conservation, stable and high production, and more control. Since there is no soil involved in hydroponics, plants are more easy to move around, resulting in pest and disease control since we now can just move plants away from the source of the problem. Because water is recycled in hydroponic systems, there is conservation of water, which is good for the environment and also reduces costs. Hydroponic systems will yield stable and an extremely large amount of crops because nutrients, sunlight, and carbon dioxide are in plentiful supply, and in addition to the elimination of pest and disease problems, farmers are guaranteed a big harvest every time. Lastly, since the plants are taken out of the natural environment and into a more controlled setting, farmers can manipulate almost every variable so that plants will grow without any problems.

Now that we have a good idea about what hydroponics is, let's move on.

Advanced hydroponics is simply the improvement of the existing hydroponic garden. Whereas a simple hydroponic garden is to add water with minerals in it and hope the plant grows well, advanced hydroponics manipulates essential factors that plants need for growth.

A such technique is pumping more carbon dioxide into the hydroponics garden. Plants require carbon dioxide in order to grow, and by providing an ample amount of the gas, plants will flourish. Sometimes this option is necessary, especially when growing plants inside a greenhouse or other indoor structure, as plants do not have adequate access to carbon dioxide.

Another technique is manipulating and monitoring the mineral and nutrient content of the water that the plants are immersed in. By increasing amounts of important nutrients, plants will have the ability to grow much better, resulting in an end product that is healthy, nutritious, and plentiful.

Perhaps the most important technique in advanced hydroponics is manipulating the amount of light that plants receive. Without sunlight, plants will not be able to grow well. Many hydroponic farmers will add artificial lights that mimic sunlight in order to expose plants to more light.

It's easy and relatively cheap to create your own hydroponics garden, and once you get the hang of that, to improve it so that it becomes an advanced hydroponics garden. Start by getting a container, such as a plastic bucket or a flower pot. Drill a hole in the side of the bucket and add a spigot so that you can drain the water when necessary. Purchase a growing medium that supports and lifts the roots of the plant, and then plant your seeds, add your nutrient-enriched water, and you are set!

Once a plant grows, make sure to cycle the nutrient-rich water twice a day so that nutrients will reach all of the roots. While plants can be grown in a greenhouse where temperatures can range from 26 to 40 degrees Celsius, they will thrive just as well in your kitchen window sill.

Enjoy, experiment, and have fun!

More Small Garden Ideas - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-07-06T23:30:11Z

When warm weather approaches and all manner of plants begin arriving at local nurseries and garden centers, the time is ripe for planting a new small garden or renewing an old one. Gardening is a popular pastime - for some it is a hobby, and for others it is a livelihood.

Unfortunately, many people do not have enough space for real large scale gardening. That doesn't mean you can't garden - really, a small garden can be more fun than a large one, because the amount of labour needed scales up with size. It simply means you have to plan accordingly. Some plants need a large garden to be practical, but there are may others that work very well when space is in short supply.

Unless you want your yard to start looking a little wild, avoid plants that grow quickly or spread over large areas. Invasive bamboo, for example, can take over a garden in a very short time. Other plants, like Philodendrons, are poisonous, so take care if your garden is apt to have animals or small children running through it.

It can be challenging to garden in a small space. Instead of cramming too much into a limited area, try to plan your garden with just one or two spots on which to focus. A fountain or a small pond serves quite well for this. Your pond doesn't have to be large at all in order to house a few koi - even the smallest pond is far larger than most aquariums.

Many people garden for practical reasons rather than aesthetic ones. It's the same reason that people hunt or fish - in some indefinable yet very clear way, dinner always tastes better when you grow it yourself. You might not think an abstract idea like self-satisfaction could have a taste, but it does.

With that in mind, a small garden usually doesn't have enough space to provide staple crops like lettuce or grain. Some gardeners prefer to grow things that are most useful in smaller quantities. Tomatoes are a constant favorite - they're fairly easy to grow and don't take up a lot of room. Cucumbers, on the other hand, grow into a huge, sprawling bush.

Spices and herbs are another option for the small garden. Plant a few specimens of each of your favorite pepper varieties and you'll have fresh ingredients for salsas and marinades growing close at hand. If you've never tasted the difference between a salad-in-a-bag and one made completely out of fresh, homegrown produce, then you're missing out.

Many herbs are perfect for gardens with limited room. The plants themselves are small, but their flavours are powerful. You might be surprised by the amount of basil, mint or chives that can be grown in a plot as small as one or two square meters.

A Beginner's Guide to Outdoor Path Lighting - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-07-01T22:36:46Z

If your house has a large separate garage and you use a pathway to access it, then outdoor path lighting is of serious concern to you. Besides visibility issues, outdoor path lighting also helps raise security level of your house. Having the ability to clearly see if someone is coming up the path and being able to identify that person quickly is a huge asset when it comes to making your home a safe place for you and your family. The right placement of lights along the outdoor pathway helps eliminate night parking problems as well. With good lighting fixtures installed in the outdoor path, you can safely walk from the garage to your doorstep.

Perhaps, the best aspect of outdoor lighting is its affordability and high practicality. Besides serving functional needs, it also serves beautification purposes. Landscape lighting can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your lawn in the night, thereby earning you great compliments from neighbors. Here are some of the key uses of outdoor path lighting:

To illuminate the pathway, lawn or porch: This helps you walk safely inside your home after parking your car at night.
The security level of your home is improved: With all night long illumination, you can always keep an eye on the garden or pathway activities. Also, they won't let your kids sneak out before they turn 18!
In case of commercial establishments, illuminated pathway can grant 24 hour access to the main building. This can be a plus for marketing and sales.
Outdoor pathway lighting helps you avoid ugly flood lights. These lights are installed near the pathway and their focus remains on pathway only.
If done correctly, they can enhance the beauty of your garden by shedding light on the natural landscape.

How to Choose Outdoor Path Lighting

Various types of outdoor path lighting fixtures are available in the market. You are bound to get confused with numerous, sizes, shapes and designs on the shelves. So, here are some tips to get you started on how to buy pathway lights:

Power or Luminosity Strength

This decides the intensity of light that will be showered on the pathway. If you have to light a small patch of garage to living room pathway, basic lights will do the job. Don't go over the top in small space and keep the lighting appropriate. You can choose from incandescent bulbs to CFL's as a power source. Ask the salesman about specific power requirements and their respective prices.

Material

Pathway lights are manufactured from a variety of materials. Some common examples are stainless steel, plastic, aluminum and chromed-copper. Plastic lighting fixtures are inexpensive but their durability is less. On the other hand, dulled chrome-copper lights are corrosion resistant, rust resistant and impart a beautiful look at the same time. You should consult your architecture or lighting vendor to install the best suitable lighting at your pathway.

Design of Lighting Fixtures

This is a personal decision and you'll be able to choose from many different options. You can select from antique designs to more modern flush designs. Antique designs such as lamp posts, add that elegant 18th century look to the pathway while modern designs hide the lighting source and concentrate more on the illuminated surface. As a start, you should choose the design that best matches with the exterior of your home.

Solar Lighting

For the energy savvy individuals, solar pathway lights are a gift. A solar light panel is installed on top of the light fixture assembly and electric wiring is limited to the light unit. There is no need of any additional wiring. As such, electricity bill savings are considerable.

While making the purchase, keep your budget in mind as pathway light prices can skyrocket quickly. Don't splurge on expensive lights which have no similarity to your home's exterior. If undertaken correctly, outdoor path lighting becomes a one-time investment which provides lifelong returns.

Make Pansy Tea as an Herbal Remedy - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-06-30T04:49:17Z

If you've been looking for an herbal remedy using easily obtainable ingredients that can treat your skin, one choice you should certainly try are pansies.

If you don't know, pansies are a very common kind of wild flower. Pansies bloom during the spring and fall to produce pretty little flower blooms. These blooms come in three color varieties including purple, white, and yellow. Often, you will find all three varieties growing together. Over their life spans, the stems of these flowers can grow to stand a total of thirty eight centimeters.

Unfortunately, these little attractive flowers are thought of as weeds in many parts of the world. This may be because of the pansy's reproduction cycle. The seeds that the pansy produces can germinate very easily. If one mows the flowers down, the seeds are likely to be deposited back into the ground. The flowers can then reappear in a matter of days in the same spot.

However, what most people don't know is that pansies can be used to create great herbal remedies. They are often used as a skin treatment and are excellent in helping combat conditions like acme and eczema. The flowers can also help treat lung-related conditions such as bronchitis and whooping cough. One of the ways to reap these herbal benefits is to make a tea from the pansies and drink it.

Making pansy tea is quite easy. First, go out and find some pansies in the wild. They should be dry. So go after the sun has evaporated the morning's dew. Once you find some nice looking pansies, take them home and gently wash them off to remove any dirt. After you have washed them off, use a paper towel to gently dab them dry.

You now have two choices. You can either dry the pansies to use to make tea later or you can use them raw as they are now. The choice is yours. Both ways may be effective in releasing the pansies' natural healing properties. If you choose to dry your pansies, use the standard method for drying herbs and let them dry for at least a week.

Now, take five to ten grams of the flower and place it inside two hundred milliliters of boiling water. Allow the water and the flowers to sit for fifteen minutes. Lastly, strain the tea.

You can now drink your pansy tea. If you drink three cups a day for a week, you may see a change in your condition as a result of the pansies' healing properties.

Five Cheap-ish Rabbit Cages for the Garden - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-06-25T23:22:25Z

Bunnies make wonderful pets but they do need a proper hutch to keep them safe when they are outside. Rabbit cages must have enough space for the rabbit(s) to move around easily, and a protected space for them to nap and keep warm. Here are five options that will provide the perfect backyard garden home for your bunny.

The Trixie Natura Apex Rabbit Hutch and Run provides for all your rabbit's needs. It takes a little space due to the size of the run. Total dimensions are 123x76x96cm, and costs £109.99. Constructed from glazed pine wood, water and weather proof, and easy to assemble, this hutch has an extra durable, metal lattice which keeps unwanted visitors out of your bunny's space. The lattice is coated to make it rust resistant in outdoor weather. A non-slip ramp makes access to the house or run easy. Two main doors make access simple, and a pull-out plastic tray allows quick and easy cleaning of the hutch. The weather-proof apex roof's asphalt-coating keeps the interior dry and comfortable. Assembly takes about an hour, then you can enjoy your rabbit hutch for years to come.

For those who have limited space in their garden, a Walter Harrison Hexagonal Rabbit Hutch is perfect. Its dimensions are 105cm W x 88cm D x 140cm H, and it costs £149.99. This hutch has a unique design, stylish, spacious, and made from the highest quality fir wood and felt. It has extra high gauge, powder-coated mesh that even covers the bottom to stop your bunny from digging out. The roof is reinforced for durability and can be removed to access to your bunny. The hexagon has multiple doors keeping bunny in easy reach. A pull-out muck tray provides easy cleaning. A lockable, fold-up ramp separates the compartments when you want your rabbit to stay in one place. Let down it provides access to the entire unit. Flat-packed for mailing, it comes with easy-to-follow instructions and assembles with little fuss.

Trixie Natura's Apex Rabbit Hutch and Run costs £199.99. It measures 186x93x146cm due to the large rabbit run. The hutch is fabricated from glazed pine. Its lockable hatch keeps bunny safe and closed off in its living quarters at night. Two main doors and a pull-out plastic tray make cleaning simple. The asphalt-coated, weather-proof apex roof opens to an attic area which can store bedding, or insulate in winter, when you can stuff it with straw.

The Outback Comfort with Pen is easy to assemble and clean. It is a quality-built hutch and pen set. The unit is divided into a house for sleeping and the pen. The sleeping chamber has a coated wood floor, while the rest of the hutch has a finely meshed, removable floor. The sleeping room's door opens for easy cleaning and becomes a ramp to the stall from the pen. Made with a stable grated wood construction, it can be easily folded to save space. The Comfort Hutch's wood is treated for weather resistance and the tar roofing weatherproofs the entire unit. The dimensions of the medium hutch are L 91 x W 61 x H 87 cm (sloping toward the back).

The Apex Sykes Rabbit Hutch and Run Combo provides true quality and style for your bunny. Your pet gets a warm bedroom and living area upstairs, and a run beneath. This hutch is made from 30x30mm framing, with a floor of 9mm thick exterior plywood. It has a thick triple roof, fully waterproof. The run is as wide as the hutch, made of 19G wire for strength and durability. The hutch comes built, with the run flat packed, at a cost of £109.00.

Any of these five rabbit cages will give your cuddly bunny a cozy, wonderful home, and provide you with the knowledge that your pet is safe from escape and predators. You will have years of joy with your hutch and pet rabbit.

Sweet Baby Carrots - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-06-23T02:05:40Z

One of the most popular healthy snack foods is baby carrots. Many people love to grab those little cello bags in the produce department of grocery stores because they can open the bag and eat them right away.

They are sweeter than regular-size carrots making them a healthy replacement for a candy bar. But why are they sweeter than the large carrots? The reason is that they are genetically modified to produce more sugar content.

Their size is perfect for toddlers to hold and finish eating the whole carrot. This makes them a tempting purchase for mothers. Mom won't have to get out the cutting board and knife and cut the carrots into sticks for the children.

People might think that baby carrots are young carrots. They are not. There is a difference between a baby carrot and a young carrot. Young carrots are harvested before they are mature carrots. They are identifiable by the long taproot end. They are also a paler orange.

Baby carrots are manufactured by using full-grown carrots and shaping them down to size to look like baby carrots. They are sent through a pipe that shaves them down to size.

This process was created originally as a way to use up carrots that were not perfect for selling. They used crooked carrots, odd shaped carrots, or carrots with any kind of flaw. These machine-shaped carrots sold so well, that now the demand for them is high enough that this is no longer true that only inferior carrots are used to make baby carrots.

The baby carrots are also sometimes treated with chlorine to fight off bacteria. And the worst part is that they are peeled. When a carrot is peeled the most nutritional part of the carrot is stripped away.

Beta-carotene is what gives carrots their color. Although the baby carrots appear to be as bright as regular carrots, the baby carrots actually contain only 70% of the beta-carotene of a regular carrot.

Carrots are high in Vitamins A, K, C and dietary fiber. They also contain many of the essential B vitamins. They are also very low in calories.

When choosing a carrot for your family the best choice is regular fresh harvested, full-size carrots. It does not take very long to cut up a carrot to the desired size. If the carrots are organic and fresh, there is no need to peel them.

Spring Clean Your Garden Decking - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-06-21T22:19:41Z

Provided care and maintenance is preserved, garden hardwood decking could easily exceed 30 years of use. Although some wood species such as Teak boasts natural oils which help it cope with the elements, most types of garden decking will require on-going care and a thorough clean at least once a year. If you have children or pets playing on the decked area there's also an important safety aspect for keeping your garden decking surface clean, as it will prevent the surface from becoming slippery. So roll up your sleeves, it's time for a spring clean.

How To Clean Hardwood Decking:

Cleaning your garden deck isn't very complicated and does not have to cost much as most of the tools and cleaning accessories you'll need are probably scattered around the home. The cleaning steps below are meant to ensure that the decking comes out clean and that you do not damage the wood in the cleaning process. You should also ensure that the cleaning is done in the dry so that the wood has time to naturally dry.

Start by making sure that the decking surface is free of any clutter and garden furniture. Place these far away from the deck so that the spray from the cleaning solutions or chemicals used (optional) will not penetrate them. Pay close attention to ensuring that you not drag any piece of furniture on the deck as you might damage the wood or it's oiled coating. You should consider getting a helping hand for this step, especially if you have to move tables and chairs.

Perform a basic cleaning of the deck by using a stiff broom and a pressure washer if you have one. Give the deck a thorough brush followed by jet wash using a pressure washer's wash brush which nowadays comes as an extension with most pressure washers. Be sure to save water when you can by cleaning the deck in the shade and only use minimum water required. This step will help get rid of dirt and debris which has accumulated over the winter months. Do not use an industrial grade pressure washer (above 1500 psi/100 bar) as it might damage the wood. Pressure washers which are used as multi-purpose home and car cleaners will work just fine. If you don't have one, use normal water jet from your garden hose.

Now that the deck is free from any clutter and dirt you can focus on cleaning the wood using a dedicated cleaning product or soda crystals. To use the cleaning product, follow its instruction and be sure to pick one which works with your species of wood (teak, ipe, iroko etc). If you are unsure, then purchase a chemical agent which is multipurpose for any decking wood species, these are widely available from your local home improvement center. To use soda crystals, simply spray warm water over the decked surface and sprinkle soda crystals. Leave the decking for a few hours and once dry brush using a stiff broom. Stage three is the reason why the cleaning should be done in the summer when the decking has time to dry.

To finish the cleaning process simply rinse the deck area completely to remove any trace of the cleaning solutions and chemical agents. Allow the deck 3 to 4 hours to dry completely before placing the furniture and other items back on.

On-going Care and Maintenance:

There is a lot of common sense when on-going maintenance is concerned. From time to time or when needed give the hardwood decking a thorough brush, always quickly clean up spills to avoid stains and refrain from dragging heavy objects around. On top of regular cleaning, some wood species which do not boasts natural oils might require the occasional top up. Contact your supplier for further details on this issue.

Enjoy the summer and your garden.

Tips by the team at hardwood decking sellers wood and beyond.

How to Grow Begonia Plants - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-06-16T23:13:14Z

Begonia plants, also know as Bedding Begonias or Wax Begonias, are easy to maintain, produce large, beautiful blooms, and come in many different colors and varieties that make these flowers a beautiful addition to any garden. They can even brighten indoor spaces, adding an elegant and colorful touch to your home. Begonia plants can be grown from seeds or purchased from a local nursery. Either way you choose to grow begonias, they will be a striking and vibrant part of your indoor or outdoor landscape.

Getting Started
Choose the colour of begonia plants you prefer. If you want to plant seeds, keep in mind that they take approximately 4 months to reach the bloom stage. Begonia plants prefer filtered light; therefore, you should choose a spot in your garden that has some shade during the hottest part of the day. These plants are native to Brazil and prefer warmer weather year round. Begonias, however, will grow in almost every climate during warmer summer months and may lie dormant during colder months.

Soil
Begonia plants grow best in a mixture of peat moss, good quality garden soil that is slightly acidic, and sand. The soil needs to drain well to prevent the roots from rotting. Water enough to keep the soil from completely drying out; feel the soil, if it is dry to the touch, it is time to water. You can add some fertilizer one a month to your begonias to ensure for a hardier plant.

Planting
When planting seeds, be sure to space them out approximately 20 to 35 centimetres. This allows for plenty of space for your plants to thrive. If you want to grow begonia plants in pots, be sure the pot has drainage holes. If the pot does not have proper drainage holes, the water will not drain correctly and will cause the plant to rot.

General Care
Begonia plants have little problems with insects or diseases. Trim back dead leaves and stems approximately once a month. During the winter months, trim back your begonias; in the springtime, they will grow and return to their beautiful shape and regain their vibrant blooms.

Finding a Metrosideros for Your Garden - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-06-14T22:38:39Z

A Metrosideros is a medium size landscape tree or shrub that has the common name of Pohutukawa, in the Maori culture. This tree is also known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree. Most commonly, it is used for privacy, as a screen or fencing, but due to its appeal, it is also used in landscaping. It is perfect for park applications and it can be shaped and trimmed. Its ornamental purposes are due mainly to the annual orange-red flowers it produces, and to its fine shape - an oval shape of medium size and light green foliage. It grows usually about three meters high by two meters wide.

The Metrosideros is tolerant of the semi arid or more arid climates, and can survive on less water. As it is used to the Mediterranean weather, it can take winds and the coastal sea dew. One of the best features of this tree is its resistance to pests. However, it does not do well in cold or frost weather, as these conditions seem to affect it. It does well in many soils, including alkaline and dry soils. Its growth is slow, but steady.

How to Care for a Metrosideros

The care for the Metrosideros is easy as long as it is planted in a sunny part of the garden and where the soil is well drained. It does not require much watering, and the pruning should be done after the flowering period, usually after summer. It can be fertilized during spring and summer. This shrub is also suitable for large pots or tubs. It is a beautiful shrub and makes for a nice addition to your garden if you want that pop of color. However, if you live in an area which has a long period of cold weather and frost, this tree is not suitable for that particular climate.

If your climate permits this beautiful and hardy tree, the Metrosideros will certainly add an appeal to your garden. There are many varieties of this shrub such as Metrosideros Collina Tahiti, Metrosideros Fiji Fire, Crimson Glory, Red Baby, to name a few, but there are more than 60 species of Merosideros and they are usually found in the New Zealand and the Pacific Island regions.

Where to Buy Metrosideros

If you want to try to adapt this tree to your garden, you can find this tree online and order it from online nurseries. A site such as Plant International.com, based in Australia is one of them. Another website is Garden Express.com.au, also based in Australia. A company called Burncoose Nurseries based in the UK is also another online retailer of the shrub. This company offers more varieties of Metrosideros such as Metrosideros Umbelata, Metrosideros Twisty, Metrosideros variegata, Metrosideros Red and Gold, Metrosideros Radiance, and Metrosideros Excelsa. Another site to try is Buyplantsonline.com, also based in Australia.

There is a variety in the United States called Metrosideros Polymorpha var. Polymorpha, native to the state of Hawaii. This tree is seen near the beaches, in the coastal areas, and it presents a colorful and picturesque image against the blue ocean when in full bloom, a sight to take your breath away. The beauty of this tree relies in its color contrast as well as the shape of the rounded leaves. Its compact appeal also adds to its beauty. Many gardeners are fans of this tree, although it does not need much effort or tending, but adds a gorgeous sight to any garden.

Although not seen a lot throughout this tree is well-known by many, maybe because of its New Zealand name or because it is seen in many coastal pictures on travel sites and vacation spots in the Pacific Islands.

The Art of Growing Liverworts - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-06-12T22:14:27Z

Liverworts, otherwise known as Hepatica or Liverleaf, are small perennials that are between 5 and 20 centimetres in height. Though many people consider these plants to be pests and weeds, liverworts are known for the medicinal benefits and are a wonderful groundcover. There are over 6000 known species of liverworts, and they are known to produce small anemone-like flowers that are blue, pink, or white in colour.

Growing Liverworts Outdoors

Liverworts prefer shade and grow best in moist, rich soil. An ideal groundcover, liverworts thrive in many damaged areas where other plant-life will not grow. If planting seeds, it is best to plant them in May or June. They only need to be planted at a depth of 6 millimetres to ensure proper growth. Liverworts can easily be divided and planted in other areas. They need a fair amount of water and you need to ensure that the soil has proper drainage. During autumn, you can use leaves as mulch for your liverworts.

Growing Liverworts in a Greenhouse

Many species of liverworts are too fragile and require a proper balance of light, humidity, and the appropriate temperature to grow. These more delicate species of liverworts can be grown in a greenhouse. Place the seeds and rich, moist soil in a black plastic bag. After 3 weeks, place the bag into a refrigerator for approximately 3 weeks. Plant the seed in small pots at a temperature of between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius. Be sure to mix some small rocks, shale, or red brick with the soil in the pot. This gives the soil more alkaline. Some species of liverworts prefer more sunlight; therefore, artificial light sources may be needed to grow these particular varieties of liverworts. Liverwort species may take anywhere from a month to a year to germinate. Many of these varieties of liverworts can be transplanted outdoors after they have successfully germinated in the greenhouse.

Rectractable Awnings: Your Patio Needs One - Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas

2010-06-08T22:26:30Z

Awnings over windows and patios are designed to protect against sunlight, glare and radiation in hot weather. Made from weather-treated canvas on an aluminum frame or aluminum panels retractable awnings can be closed in winter or during rainy weather. Canvas awnings can be rolled up into a neat roll against the house. Aluminum panel awnings are more often used in places where there is weather that make canvas awnings impractical. They can also be retractable or fixed. Your patio needs one because cutting the sunlight and glare from entering your home will reduce the cost of your air conditioning. It will also protect carpet, curtains and upholstery from fading in direct sunlight and make your patio look fantastic.

When sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation enter through a window they heat that area. As the heat circulates it raises the temperature of the whole room. The air conditioner is constantly working against this heating element so the compressor will continue to run. If the window has a retractable awning that keeps the room in shade, the temperature of the room stays more constant and the air conditioner does not work so hard. This not only reduces your electricity bill but puts less wear and tear on the air conditioning unit which will make it last longer without maintenance.

Sunlight and UV rays also make fabric deteriorate faster by heating it and fading the colors. If the sun constantly shines on furniture with fabric upholstery or polished wood they will begin to look shabby compared to the rest of the room and need to be replaced. Retractable awnings will protect the interior of your house during the season when the sun shines directly into it. There are other reasons why your patio needs one.

Retractable awnings are attractive and can give a café atmosphere to your patio. You can enjoy your garden and have meals al fresco without the glare and skin damage of sitting in the sun. Your patio needs one because it will look decorative and enhance any backyard even with a very simple garden. It will make any boring house into an interesting looking place. Retractable awnings also add value to any home.

There is some advice for the use of retractable awnings. Always put a rectangle shaped awning over a rectangle window. Arched awnings look out of place and awkward over a rectangle window. Also, when choosing the colour try to get a large swatch of the fabrics you like to get a proper idea if it suits your patio and home architecture. Some like stripes and some prefer solid colours. Solids are considered more formal by some and stripes too busy for a cluttered façade. The main thing is you should like the colour and it should compliment your home.

If you like the idea of a retractable awning for your patio but you don't want to deal with putting it up and taking it down there is a model for you. Mechanical awnings can be retracted or extended with the push of a button or a remote control device. This makes it easy to have one even if you are not able to get outside and manually roll it up when needed. Some maintenance is required for the canvas because leaves and debris accumulates on it and it needs to be cleaned once in a while. With minimal effort for your retractable awning your patio needs one to get maximum charm like a bistro or seaside cottage.

Retractable awnings come in a large variety of sizes and colours and can either be bought prefabricated ready to install or custom made for your patio. Your patio needs one because they are a simple inexpensive device that will add value to your home, allow you to enjoy your patio more often in different kinds of weather and are eco friendly because they help you save on electricity consumption.