Plant Gardens 101

If you think you like your garden now you’ll like it even more when you make it your own. Beautiful flowering plants or even a vegetable garden can be made more beautiful with some small, beautifying elements. Garden décor is not just for those with large gardens or for the people next door. You can awaken your garden and make it a place that you and your family and friends love to be any time of the year!

Garden décor allows for you to infuse your own personality into your outdoor space. While you may have chosen all of the plants that are there, there is nothing truly unique about them. Pour yourself into your garden with décor that will beautify your space. You can start with simple items such as stepping stones or even just a bit of lighting. When you start you’ll find that these simple elements really do bring the place alive. (more…)

Living in the Midwest has me dreaming of spring and summer already even though it is only January. I keep envisioning the green shrubs, flowers, birds and of course, the garden fountains that I get to put back out!

If you aren’t familiar with outdoor water fountains but love to spend time outdoors in your yard, on your deck or gardening, adding a fountain will be your new favorite addition that will bring you many years of serenity, beauty and relaxation!

A couple things to consider before starting your search for the perfect garden fountain is where you will put your fountain. Some common places for outdoor fountains are on your deck or patio (I recommend wherever you spend the most time), right in your garden area or in your landscaping to you can see them from the road or front yard. When considering placement, be sure you think about the outlet and cord placement of your fountain because unless you are going with one of the solar fountains you will need an outlet for your outdoor fountain.

Next, think about the material of your garden fountain. Common materials for outdoor water features are fiberglass, keeping them lightweight and easy to move, and cast stone. Cast stone fountains offer the advantage of being able to choose your color where fiberglass fountains are typically made over seas and have a “stone-like” finish on them making them look like real stone. You will also see a lot of outdoor fountains choices made of ceramic material in various finishes. Most of the solar water fountains that are available are made of ceramic. My next article in this series will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each.

You will find that no matter where you place your garden fountains and what material you choose, you will thoroughly enjoy their inviting water sounds and feel like you have truly created an outdoor haven for yourself, your family and your guests.

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Ok, so you made a decision on which type of patio furniture you will have. Wood patio furniture is almost always a winner. It has the unique ability to blend in seamlessly with your natural surroundings, whilst also providing comfort and a sleek look.

But no need for me to convince you anymore on perhaps a decision already made. They key is now to ensure that your wood patio furniture will last you for years to come. This is not as daunting a task as many would think. Even if your wooden furniture is exposed to the elements, some simple tricks will ensure it stays top notch for many, many years.

So often the simple tasks are overlooked. You can ‘get mileage’ out of your wood patio furniture if you stick to cleaning your furniture at regular intervals. Dependant on the weather conditions, an annual cleanup ought to be adequate. I tend to steer well clear of any sort of fancy chemicals. A regular soap with a pressure washer is well suited for the task at hand. Also ensure to clean spills as they happen. This will avoid those nasty looking water rings and unwanted stains.

Cleaning is a great maintenance tool, but even more important is using a protector for you wood patio furniture. The protector that you end up choosing for your wooden patio furniture will depend largely on the weather conditions. If you live in a rainy area, an oil based water repellent spray will come in handy. This type of product will simply prevent moisture build up from contacting the wood – it would merely bubble up and drip off! For the homeowners that live in a more sunny part of the world, your shielding agent should have UV protection capability.

Apart from the above two tips, you should also keep in mind some other easy steps to prevent rapid deterioration of your wood patio furniture.

Always remember that your furniture is outside. Even with the greatest care, exposure to the elements will result in the ageing of your furniture. If you don’t have much use of your patio during the colder months, it’s a good idea to store your wood patio furniture inside – if you have some extra space. This is of less importance if you live an area with a more moderate climate.

Now most people probably don’t have the luxury of extra space to serve as storage for your wood furniture. If this is you, consider using covers for the seasons that you don’t use your outdoor space. This is a cost effective way to protect your wood patio furniture. Make sure they are completely covered to stop any unwanted moist or dust from entering.

Finally, you don’t want to go through all of this effort for nothing. So many people focus on protecting the body of their wood patio furniture, but overlook the legs! Remember, this part of your furniture is also exposed. You can tackle this problem easily by installing rubber soles to your furniture. Easy to do and cost effective it provide great protection for your furniture when the soil is wet.

Wood patio furniture has so many great benefits from a decorative perspective. Don’t let it go to waste by not looking after your purchase. You can easily maintain the standard of your furniture by sticking to the above tips.

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Classical Chinese gardens and fountains are more than collections of beautiful plants, trees and water. They are representations of nature, providing insight into the philosophical and spiritual mind of past Chinese artisans and high-ranking citizens.

The principles of classical Chinese gardening can be useful and insightful to garden lovers living anywhere in the world. Chinese design objectives can inspire American home gardeners to try something new such as a garden fountain and encourage the expression of culture and philosophy through gardening.

In the 2,000 years since the imperial family first set aside natural areas for hunting, traditional gardens in China have developed into an art form equal in rank to painting, calligraphy and poetry. Several of the finest gardens, built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912), have survived the ravages of time and politics.
Suzhou, about 50 miles west of Shanghai, is known as “the city of gardens.” For generations, rich officials, merchants, landowners, scholars, garden designers and garden crafters settled in Suzhou to enhance its fame. The principles of classical Chinese gardens were well represented in their gardens. Visitors come to learn their secrets and experience their magic. (more…)

Garden Benches:

Grace and Heighten Your Stranded Gardens

Garden Benches: Decorate and Enhance Your Gardens into Dream Gardens. Horticulture is a hobby that spills the compiled strain from work and even grants you ease and felicity at the conclusion of the job. It is restorative, Soothing and loosening to see the labours of your function and you can just lounge in the sun but you wouldn’t enjoy such luxury without the facilitate of garden benches.

Garden Benches visible on the Cyberspace

Garden benches provide you with all the deftnesses you demand for your garden. They can allow you with the seating that you claim for your garden. The benches can get you the seats you require for your garden when you quest clients over for a cup of tea and cupcakes. They also supply your kids something to pose on when they maneuver by the garden. Garden benches are also palms that can grow your garden from dull and exhausted spaces into a more refreshing vision. (more…)

In case the outdoor landscape of your home is gifted with amazing views, what do you require to to benefit this? Yes, you need an outdoor storage bench where you can sit down and do some rest. And the magnificient landscape deserves to be seen by all your friends and kin. It deserved to be seen by them, and have them be seated on your outdoor storage benches. The amazing landscape can be accentuated by a well-designed or beautifully made outdoor storage bench. Imagine yourself feeling restless and exhausted after a extended period of boring and backbreaking work, you will obviously need a break. You do not require to use money and time going to places where you can calm down; your home outside can be a magnificient escape and all you require is an outdoor storage bench. It has the functionality that you require plus an added aesthetic appeal on your open-air scenery. The outdoor storage bench may be useful in so many ways. You can hide away your tools and other things and create a clean atmosphere in the vicinity. One case of a great outdoor storage bench is one that is normaly placed on your yard . You can create a wonderful look in your patio or deck and at the same time store your tools and your kids toys in this kind of outdoor storage bench. These are usually prepared of wood and are artistically planned to give that great visual appeal on your house. Wood, plastic and steal can be great options if you are not quite satisfied with wooden outdoor storage bench. This type of bench can be also used in the vicinity of the swimming pool to maintain in place your dinghies, hoses and water toys while allowing your happy swimmers jump into the pool and keeping the disorder off beside the pool. If you need more storage for your winter or seasonal clothes, the outdoor storage bench may be the best solution for you. This is a great alternative from buying more closets for the seasonal clothes and occupying additional space in your bedroom or other indoor rooms. Outdoor storage benches are also be agreat storage for your outside and garage tools. You can neatly hide in your water hose, umbrellas, outdoor toys and other trivial things that is commonly used outside the house. Aside from its useful storage design, as mentioned earlier, outdoor storage benches serve as a wonderful seat. You can have a calm and relaxing seat from this type of benches after a long week of exhausting and back-breaking work. You can catch the sun or listen to our favorite songs on your Ipod while sitting on this bench. You can also simply seat and enjoy the beautiful scenery quietly or simply take a nap the afternoon off. Myriad of outdoor storage benches are sold either online or on furniture department stores. decide on the best ones out there that will appear really good on your outdoor and will be able to handle the variety things you need to keep to lessen home mess.

Heinz is the owner of The Bench Garden Web Site . He is retired From a communication company , and enjoyes writing articles. For more information on all kind of benches and their use visit http://www.thebenchgarden.com/

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Garden Benches: Embellish and Enhance Your Gardens into Dream Gardens. Horticulture is a spare-time activity that releases the collected tension from function and even grants you solace and happiness at the finish of the chore. It is fresh, Cozy and loosening to see the tasks of your work and you can just couch in the sunbathe but you wouldn’t relish such luxury without the serve of garden benches.

Garden Benches usable on the Cyberspaces

Garden benches admit you with all the adeptness’s you claim for your garden. They can render you with the seating that you need for your garden. The benches can get you the seats you require for your garden when you bid invitees over for a cup of tea and cupcakes. They also provide your babies something to sit on when they encounter by the garden. Garden benches are also medals that can turn your garden from gentle and empty spaces into a more fresh vision. (more…)

Nature’s bird bath is a simple puddle, so the best bird baths imitating these simple puddles have been replicated by man in popular, various forms of bird baths. Bird baths should be round with a flat bottom and gently sloping sides, and should be no deeper than three inches, the shapes that birds love in their simple water puddles.

Bird baths are utilized to attract birds and other small animals to visible locations, usually in the yards and gardens of home owners in order that the home owners and their guests may enjoy the presence of such wildlife. Birdbaths built on pedestals are popular in home gardens for this purpose. An ideal size of a birdbath should weigh about six to seven pounds and should be approximately seventeen to eighteen inches in diameter. This size will be sturdy enough to keep it from blowing over in moderate wind. Pedestal bird baths come in a variety of decorative shapes and different colors from which to choose. Pedestal bird baths are generally not solid, one piece units, rather a two-piece unit consisting of a basin and and a pedestal. To assemble one only has to simply turn the basin onto the pedestal. The two piece pedestal bird baths are easier to handle as they are not as heavy and are easier to transport as well.

There are other types of bird baths besides the pedestal style. Today, bird baths are made of all sorts of materials, including stone, concrete, metal and resin and can have many features, including heaters, fountains, water drippers and misters. We have several bird baths in our garden and was amazed one day to discover several birds splashing happily in the water of an old trash can lid that had blown into our garden during a storm the night before. We have never bothered to remove the lid and months later the birds continue to enjoy themselves on a daily basis.

When deciding where to locate your bird bath it is important, if possible, to provide some protection for your feathered friends. Branches hanging a few feet above the bird bath water will give birds a place to escape in the event a predator makes an appearance.

A great resource site for bird baths is: http://cici-online.com

Bird baths should be emptied and cleaned when needed. Various locations will determine the frequency of cleaning, for example, a bird bath under a tree will need a more frequent cleaning due to leaves from the tree having fallen into the bird bath. When one cleans a bird bath it should be done by scrubbing it with a coarse pad with bleach solution and dried well before being refilled. People should wash their hands thoroughly afterwards, since humans and cats can contract salmonella.

Adding a birdbath or pond to your backyard or garden not only serves the birds but can also enhance your landscape. Add the sound of water to your bird bath will attract bird bathers and, in turn, the sounds of those happy bathers will attract even more curious birds.

Ms. CiCi has a gift of teaching, is an accomplished author and world traveler who enjoys sharing her life’s experiences with others, making their life. Her writings expose her wealth of “secret information” so derived from her travels as well as drawing from her own personal wealth of wisdom. Ms. CiCi builds websites to help share her vast knowledge and great experiences. Do take time and visit: http://www.CiCi-Online.com

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What would we do without ornamental gardens, especially the public ones designed and created for the purpose of aesthetic pleasure of civic society? Ornamental garden layout dates back to ancient times as is evident in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon listed in the seven wonders of the ancient world and other famous pleasure gardens mentioned throughout history.

It is recognized as an essential requirement in urban planning to include ornamental gardens into the architecture.

In today?s context, where there is a scarcity of land around dwellings, the setting up of ornamental gardens often laid around public buildings, churches, devotional centers, public parks, and other public places are both visually stimulating and an asset to the environment. Their functions are many and a pleasure to use. Some of these gardens have incorporated spaces for walking, sports, sitting and even areas for conducting cultural performances and events such as cocktail parties, weddings, and other social gatherings, which are vastly popular due to the visual appeal it presents. (more…)

Solar powered lights for home gardens have come along way. They used to be unreliable because they broke down easily and only turned on for a few hours before needing to recharge. But in the past few years, the technology behind solar powered lights has improved greatly and solar powered lights has become one of the best way to decorate the exterior of homes. Great thing is they also save money at the same time. There is nothing more mesmerizing than colorful display of lights on a house in the dark of night.

Still, when in the market for solar powered garden lights, it is best to first understand how they work. First of all, they are not like the familiar electric lights we use in our kitchen. Solar power lights do not use electricity or battery. So they attract many homeowners who want to be decorative and, at the same time, save money. But, one thing to keep in mind is that they rely on optimum placement in the garden to work properly.

Solar powered outdoor lights use solar panels to absorb sunlight in the daytime. The panels are connected to solar cells that turn the sunlight into energy which is then stored in a battery. At night, the battery powers the bulb until energy is used up. The cycle repeats the next day so that light is available at night. The great advantage of a solar powered garden light is that it never needs any electricity.

Using solar powered lighting is simple, but there are a few small pointers to understand. For example, in order to receive full performance, there must enough exposure to direct sunlight in order to charge the battery. Now, some solar powered garden lights can recharge using any daylight including during cloudy days. But having direct sunlight is the best source. This means that in most places of the world, a solar powered garden light will perform better during summer than in the winter. And that’s just normal.

Also, by it’s nature, a solar power bulb is not as powerful as a typical 60 watt bulb. So lighting may seem dim when compared to traditional light. But it’s enough for some purpose, such as pathway or driveway lighting and evening garden decor. It is best to use as many solar lights as possible since these do not use electricity. The more lights, the better. Additionally, a solar powered LED light might be a better pick than non-LED light because it is brighter.

To summarize, solar powered lights are fantastic for low light duties such as pathway lighting, accenting garden floral arrangements, or mood lighting. They don’t use electricity and can save money in the long term. If the need for light is for reading or other activities requiring brightness, then it’s better to use the traditional light bulbs.

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Installing large statuary in your garden in one unique way of complementing your landscape and make your outdoor spaces look just as good as the interior of your home. These statuaries are also fountains and to make things easier for you, consider placing them as close to the water source as possible. You must provide a firm base for the large statues that you choose and use flexible hose to connect the pump to the fountain. The resting place for the statuary must be level.

If you want to have a fountain in the middle of the statuary, you need to mount it on a pedestal designed just for that purpose. The pedestal will have a hollowed out section in the center where there will be a type of pond. In order for the fountain to function, you must make sure you keep this area filled with water. In this case, you can install the garden statuary anywhere in the garden because the water source comes from within. You can also make your own pedestal with a pool with bricks or stone and mortar. (more…)

Q What is the ideal depth for a koi pond?
A In my experience of over 25 years, 4 to 5 feet is ideal. You need a minimum of 3 feet for koi fish for several reasons. Safety for fish from wading cranes they can not wade in 3 feet of water. Plus the water temperature in shallow ponds fluctuates too much with the changes in ambient temperature. The greater the volume of water, the longer it takes for the temperature to change. Warm water or fluctuating temperatures are unhealthy for fish.

Q What is the ideal size for a pond?
A The ideal size would be determined by the size of your yard. Its size should be proportional to the size of the yard. Also, the larger the pond, the greater the maintenance.

Q What is your opinion on using a liner to construct a pond rather than using a hard molded or concrete one.
A My recommendation is and always has been to use concrete. However, if you are on a tight budget or do not plan on living there for an extended period time, a liner would be recommended. In this case, you would have to add a thin layer of mortar between the liner and soil to prevent tree roots, ground squirrels, rats, mice, gophers or chipmunks from compromising the liner. The hard molded, preformed plastic ponds become brittle from the sun’s UV rays in just a couple of years. No good!

Q What type of pond filter do you recommend?
A That cannot be answered simply because many factors are involved. Do you have an existing pond with a submersible pump or above-ground pump? What’s the volume of the pond? Do you have fish, and if so, how many? What size plumbing pipe is being used? This is so involved, I have devoted an entire chapter in my construction manual to the subject. I have an 8000 gallon pond with above-ground pump and I use a pressurized biological bead filter. It takes 2 minutes to back flush with the turn of a handle and keeps my pond crystal clear.

Q I have tons of algae hanging from the rocks in my falls and growing in clumps in my hand. What can I do to get rid of it?
A When the first Polynesians settled in Hawaii between 300 and 600 AD, they were probably very annoyed by the aggressive, wild, pervasive taro plant, just like you are your algae. They tried to chop it down, burn it, stomp it, but to no avail. It just came back, so they eat it, and still do to this day. In fact, it’s a staple like peanut butter is to some Americans. Just kidding! However, if you told me it was watercress I would suggest eating it. Many pond stores will try to sell you a very expensive algaecide to solve your problem, but all you need to do is increase the salt content of your water. Some experts recommend one pound of rock salt to every 100 gallons of water. This will not hurt your fish; in fact, it will help to produce a healthy shine coat. However, it will harm most of your plants if you apply that dose all at once. Plus the dead and decaying algae will deplete the oxygen and this will harm your fish. Apply it slowly over a week or two, and be patient. It takes longer to kill it this way, but your fish will appreciate it! This topic is also a chapter in my construction manual.

Q Should I keep salt in my pond on a regular basis?
A If you maintain a specific gravity of 1.000, your fish will be less susceptible to ulcer and fin rot. And you will keep the algae from getting out of control.

Q I am considering building a waterfall between my house and my neighbor’s against the fence. Will the sound of the falls annoy them if I let it run 24 hours a day?
A The sound generated by a waterfall is called white noise, which is very relaxing and soothing, not annoying. I have several hundred clients who leave their falls running 24/7 and none have ever had a neighbor complain. In fact, they all appreciate the fact that they did not have to spend the money to enjoy the sound.

Q How many koi fish can I put in my pond?
A The amount could range from 150 to 250 gallons per fish. If you are starting out with small 6″ to 8″ long koi, they can reach 2 feet in three years, depending on how much food and how often you feed them. They could even grow to over 3 feet long! The overcrowding of fish produces stress and a lot of waste material. It can reduce the health of the fish and result in various diseases. Also, a less crowded pond is more pleasant to look at.

Q Do I really need a filter in my pond?
A Not in every case. If your pond is small and you have any guppies or mosquito fish and adequate water plants covering 1/3 to ´ of your pond, your pond will clean itself by means of the nitrogen cycle. The biological aspects of pond chemistry is well covered in my waterfall and construction manual.

Q How long do koi fish live?
A The average life span of koi in Japan is 70 years. Some have been known to live to 100 or more, such as the legendary Hanako, alleged to have lived for over 200 years. Unlike the amazing results of the meticulous care the Japanese give their koi, American koi live a fraction of that time, usually due to neglect and lack of care or proper environment.

Q How can I protect my koi against predators?
A Unfortunately, most people that come to me are frustrated people who already have a pond or a rather poorly planned pond. If your pond is shallow, less than 3 feet, or has a shallow end, the raccoons, coyotes, cranes, egrets, etc. have easy access to your fish. You may think your fish are safe because you have a deep end for the fish to retreat to. Well, you and your fish are dead wrong. A crane will stand perfectly still for 10 to 20 minutes waiting for the koi to forget he is there. Some will regurgitate chum into the deep pond, luring the fish to the surface. Your only solution is a net, or try the crane statue, scarecrow, or high-frequency sound emitters for smaller animals. However, one of my clients watched a crane land next to his crane statue. While the scarecrow was pelting him with a stream of water, it snatched up one of their prize koi.
A critter-proof pond is over 3 feet everywhere and has a raised deck 13″ minimum over the water surrounding the pond. Raccoons cannot swim and catch fish at the same time, and they or the birds will not be able to reach the water.

Q I would like to have a koi pond but I live in Michigan and every year ponds and lakes freeze over. Will they survive?
A There are fish in those lakes you are talking about: blue gill, bass, sunfish, carp, and they all survive. And guess what? Koi are in the carp family. Koi were originally raised for food in Japan. They would grow rice in the summer and then flood the rice patties and raise koi in the winter, cutting holes in the ice to catch them for food. However, your pond must be 4 ´ to 6 feet deep to ensure the water stays about 40 o the bottom. Turn off the waterfall and bottom drain, draw water from the skimmer to keep the bottom still. Place swimming pool solar blankets over the surface. If your pond is deep enough, you can let it freeze over. However, you need to install a horse tank heater to keep a hole open in the ice to allow any ammonia gas from rotting debris on the bottom to escape. If your pond is less than 4 ´ feet deep, take the koi indoors for the winter and place them in a garage or basement tank.

Q Can I keep koi and goldfish together?
A Yes, you can. They are both cold water fish and members of the carp family. Most other cold water fish can also swim together, such as shubunkins, rudd, orfe, blue gill, mosquito fish, guppies, sunfish, bass, etc. However, only in deeper ponds where the mean temperature is 65 degrees or less on the bottom for bass, sunfish and blue gill.

Q Should my pond have a bottom drain?
A First of all, a bottom drain is essential for a healthy pond. However, if it is exposed and the suction is strong enough, turtles or fish can get stuck to it and not be able to get loose. Therefore, two drains should be hooked in series to relieve the pressure between them, just as in a swimming pool. Bottom drains draw falling waste from the fish before it reaches the bottom, keeping it clean. Areas where it does build up can be swept to the drains for easy cleaning. If you are using a submersible pump or pulling the water from a skimmer, water is not circulating properly on the bottom of the pond. That is where rotting debris is producing ammonia and other toxic gases.

Q My pond water is very clear, but my fish are dying. What is wrong?
A Drinking water might taste good, smell good, and look clear. But some of the most toxic chemicals that are known to cause cancer are colorless, odorless and tasteless. I recommend that you purchase a test kit form a pond store and check your water regularly. Nitrates, nitrite and ammonia are all detrimental to fish. Ammonia and nitrite can, at high levels, be fatal to fish. These substances are dissolved in the water and consequently are impossible to detect by the clarity of the water and they can break down the fishes’ immune system.

Q What type of filter do you recommend?
A For any pond over 1000 gallons, I recommend a pressurized biological bead filter that can be back washed. I have used Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II filters for years. Most larger pond suppliers carry them. Their filters range from 1000 gallons to 10,000 gallons. Up-flow and gravity flow filters require regular cleaning, which is a filthy job. The filter media is packed with stinky, putrid fish waste and decaying pond scum. As you handle the filter screens, media, scrubbers, etc., you will have little white feces-eating worms that are 1/16″ long crawling on your hands and arms. Not to mention the noxious smell that burns your eyes and lungs.

It cost pennies on the dollar to make, yet dealers charge a fortune. You pay the price for the filter and in the time it takes to maintain it you pay an additional cost for your time maintaining it. With a pressurized filter, it only takes the turn of a handle for 2 to 3 minutes and the filter is clean. The waste water is not wasted either. You can water your plants with it using the discharge hose. If you can imagine, that brown, colored, stinky water is packed with nitrogen. It’s better than Miracle Grow T.M. I have used my 6000 gallon Ultima II for over eight years and it works as well now as they day it was installed. Happy, happy fish!

Q How much does an average pond cost?
A What is average? It depends on whether you are talking about a liner pond or a professional concrete and rebar pond. A typical liner pond can be 6 feet by 8 feet, and depending on who is installing it, could cost between $2,500 and $3,500. The other dimensions are pretty much proportionate. Liner ponds are susceptible to leaks from punctures, gophers, and rats, etc. Concrete ponds last for decades and on the average cost only 20% more than liner ponds.

Q My pond is green and I can not see my fish. What should I do?
A Your challenge is algae (suspended planktonic algae), which does not directly hurt the fish. However, algae gives off oxygen during the day from photosynthesis. But unfortunately, it uses up oxygen at night. In addition, it is unsightly and blocks the view of the fish. You can increase the salt content or install an ultraviolet light, which not only kills spore algae but kills the bacteria that causes the water to become murky and stinky.

Q I heard that UV light will also kill the beneficial bacteria. Is that true?
A If I say “No,” I am calling many so-called professional experts liars. So I will put it this way. All the beneficial pond bacteria such as aerobic or anaerobic bacteria, nitrobacter, etc., reside in the filter or in the decaying debris at the bottom of the pond. They aren’t floating around in the pond. Bacteria and algae containing pathogenic disease are, and as they pass through the UV light, they are eradicated.

Q Do I need a waterfall for my pond?
A With no hesitation, YES! Most definitely. First of all, waterfalls are beautiful to look at. The sound is soothing and relaxing and the water moving over rocks generates negative ions which are added to the air. As you breathe negatively charged air, it relieves stress and anxiety. Waterfalls also add extra oxygen to the pond. Waterfalls are a must!

Q I heard concrete ponds will leach alkali into the pond. Is that true?
A Yes and no. A poorly constructed concrete pond will, but only until algae starts growing on the sides. Also if the pond is constructed of 3500 psi concrete and coated with Thoro-seal T.M., it is impossible for alkali to leach out. Plus, if you use Doug Hoover’s secret mortar mix formula, the mortar in the waterfall between the rock will not leach either.

Q What is the advantage of building a waterfall using concrete and mortar?
A A major reason is that the rock will be securely mortared in place, preventing a serious accident from rocks sliding, as with a liner waterfall. Trust me, some day, some adventurous child will climb onto it. That is a lawsuit in the making.

Happy koi, peace & joy.

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Do you look around your outdoor living space and see that it is just crying for “something?” You’re not sure what it is but the area just doesn’t seem finished. There is actually a pretty easy way to finish your space and that is with beautiful garden finials. Use one for to make a decorative statement and for balance, you could use a pair.

Garden finials are a beautiful way to add a finishing touch to your yard space and they can literally be used anywhere you like. Originally, they were designed to be placed atop buildings, however they are so versatile they can add a touch of finishing elegance to the sides of a walkway, around your home, your garden to set off a tree, statue or other object; your deck, patio, cottage or in any place your choose.

How is this possible? Well, it is because garden finials are extremely decorative in nature. Generally they will be crafted out of metal, copper is the most likely choice, and will be forged into different elegant shapes to ones that simply have a point and others that have looping scrollwork. Some will even feature stained glass and most will have a polished finish, creating structures that look just like stunning pieces of artwork. What also adds to the lovely look of garden finials is what they are mounted on. Like, the same copper they are made from, or other materials like stone, and some can even be mounted with spacer balls to create an eye-catching piece that will be sure to please. (more…)

Your garden is your own little oasis. Your retreat from the rest of the world. Naturally, you’ll want to add your own touches to your garden, to set it apart from everyone else’s. You’ll want to add your own accents to make your garden truly your own. Here are 7 ideas for little touches that you can add to your garden, to make it your own personal space.

1. Wind-Chimes – You can find wind chimes in many styles and materials. You can find copper and metal chimes, clay and ceramic. They may feature random shapes of metal or ceramic, or they may be tubes, tuned to certain pitches. So, chances are, you’ll be able to find a set of wind chimes that suit your style and your budget. If not, you can easily create your own. Just look around at some of the wind chimes that are available, to give yourself an idea on how they are made. (more…)

1.) Have you thought about A Water Feature?– Is it true that a water feature will add equity to my home? What about a swimming pool? Doesn’t a pond require a lot of upkeep? What is the average cost? Do I need a building permit? Do I have to have fish? …we travel a lot!

American Society of Landscape Architects
Landscape Architects Identify Trends for 2007
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ –”Sustainable design is bigger than ever and homeowners and commercial building owners alike are looking to utilize outdoor spaces even more. The New Year will bring a number of exciting and creative design solutions from landscape architects.

Homeowners are requesting that landscape architects design complete outdoor rooms, such as kitchens and bars, for entertaining. Water features such as koi ponds, waterfalls, and fountains continue to be popular (with no signs of slowing), according to a new survey of leading members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).”
The American Nurseryman Association reports that “water features are the fastest growing trend in landscaping since 1990 (2007 should break all records.)”

Regionally, in-ground pools will add about 5 percent to the value of a home in the Northeast, about 6 percent in the Midwest, and 7.5 percent in the Southeast and West. In the Southwest, a swimming pool will add nearly 11 percent to the home’s value.

If you add a $35,000 pool to a $300,000 house, you will just barely recover your initial expense. However, you still have the high maintenance cost and you have just limited the future buyers of your home to people who want a pool. Therefore, you have actually reduced the equity in your home. On the other hand, everyone loves a beautiful water feature, young and old! Therefore, increased equity!

Swimming pools require constant attention and maintenance. Unlike ponds, pool owners cannot rely on the nitrogen cycle to lend a hand at keeping the water healthy. This can only be accomplished by due diligence and a myriad of chemicals. Unlike a pond, the enjoyment of a pool comes from its use; and for most regions of the country, the climate dictates a very short period of time for pool use. Unless you heat your pool, then your dumping more money in your pool.
A pond requires minimal attention compared to swimming pool. Once a properly constructed pond is established with the right proportion of fish, plants and biological elements, a pond will take care of itself, the rest is enjoyment, year round. You do not need to use a pond as you do a pool, it only need to exist for you to enjoy.

2.) What do I do about the safety of my small children or grandchildren? How big should it be? Is this something I can do on my own or do I need professional help building a pond?

Unlike a swimming pool, ponds can be child proofed, with very little expense. A swimming pool, however, requires special self-closing gates with special latches. Another required code requirement is 95-decibel alarms on all exit doors leading to the back yard.

And for your added peace of mind, you can install an unsightly, removable, lightweight fence that cost hundreds of dollars. Then you can continually agonize over whether you, or someone else, forgot to close the fence gate.
A pond, however, can be filled with large boulders, which can be removed later when the children are grown. Or you can construct a pondless waterfall to begin with. Now you still can enjoy the sight and sound of cascading water without the concerns for safety.

An added advantage of a pondless waterfall is that a pondless waterfall costs less to construct and maintain. A pondless waterfall can be added to your front yard, meet all building code requirements, increase curb appeal, and thereby increase the equity and the resale value of your home.

The “size of the water feature” is a relative term. There are many factors that need to be considered. Far more than can be be discussed in the space I have allotted for this article. I will cover it in my next article. A few questions to ask yourself: How big is your yard? Where do you spend the majority of your time? What is your budget? How is the size, shape and topography of your yard related to certain limitations regarding the building codes? Will the existing water table affect your water feature? Does your property currently have adequate drainage? Do you have underground utilities? If so, where are they located? What are the local building codes regarding pond depth? Do you need a building permit, or a licensed contractor? …just to name a few of the topics covered.

Whether you need a professional contractor is another article. What type of access do you have to your property? Do you want large boulders? If so, is there proper clearance for a crane or Bobcat? How do you find a qualified contractor? How do you go about qualifying them? Are they properly licensed? Insured? Bonded? Workmen’s compensation? Liability insurance? Hospitalization? References? Background checks and much, much more. Do your homework and proper research prior to commencement, it could save you thousands of dollars. 3.) What is the single most important first step in building a water feature? What about equipment? Should I get koi fish and a turtle? Where should I place my pond and waterfall? All these questions can be addressed with two words: Plan & Design!

First, decide where you spend most of your leisure activity. …family room, living room, patio etc. Your waterfall and pond should be in close proximity to that location. Not in the far corner of your property. Sound and visualization are two of the major benefits of a waterfall and pond. These decisions are part of the planning process. Once you decide on these issues, the design process begins.

The best way to approach this phase is to consider a digital design. There are companies that can produce an incredible digitally designed, virtual photo of your backyard, by simply providing them with a digital photo of the area you want the water feature located. You may opt to digitally design your own. There are digital design programs that are simple to master on your own for less than a hundred dollars. Just search the web by typing in digitally designed ponds or waterfalls.

The type of equipment you should use is dependent upon the size of your pond. Your budget is another factor. If you have a small budget, you’re looking at designing a small pond. In addition, look at the available options for construction materials.

You can buy a rubber liner kit and install it yourself, or have a rubber-liner-kit-installer-guy install it for you. Bottom line, either way, is there is no guarantee against bucked-toothed critters such as mice, rats, ground squirrels, gophers and ground hogs, from burrowing underneath your expensive rubber liner and chewing a hole in it. Concrete (3500psi) and rebar is the best construction method, and if done correctly, will last for generations. Concrete ponds cost only 10 to 20% more to build than liner ponds.

Your pond will require less maintenance if you allow the nitrogen cycle to do all the work. This means you need to do your part by providing the elements needed for the nitrogen cycle to operate. The fish provide the waste which produces nitrates and ammonia. Certain essential bacteria break down the nitrates and ammonia into safe byproducts used by the plants and other organisms.

Once this process is started, with the aid of a biological filter and possibly an ultraviolet light, future maintenance is minimal and routine. An above ground, high efficiency pump produces more water flow at half the energy and less initial cost than a sump pump used with liner ponds. The savings in electrical costs alone could easily pay for the additional cost of professional concrete construction in less three years.

4.) Where do I find the equipment and construction material I need to complete my project? How do I know what size filter, pump or ultraviolet light I need? If I want to have a concrete pond and waterfall shell, Where do I begin?
The internet is the best place to start looking for equipment. Local pond stores are usually higher priced, because of overhead expense. Most of the internet dealers are knowledgeable on sizing pumps, filters and ultraviolet lights to any size pond or waterfall. However, keep in mind, most on line dealers are trying to push pond liners, sump pumps and pond liner-related filters and accessories.

Look for energy efficient pumps first, and those dealers will carry concrete pond related products such as bottom drains, pool type skimmers and pressured, back-flushable biological bead filters. Also, Liner dealers sell the cheap mechanical autofill devices, because of a high profit margin.

Make sure you invest in a reliable electronic autofill system that is less likely to malfunction such as the levelors and aquafill systems. A stuck float could result in the chlorine poisoning death of all your fish and possibly thousands of dollars in flood damage.

If you act as your own project manager, you can get competitive bids from local concrete contractor for pouring your pond and waterfall shell. Also find a stone mason who will build your waterfall using mortar. With liner ponds and waterfalls, the rocks sit on the liner and can easily move when stepped on by adults or children resulting in serious accidents.

Trying to save hundreds up front, could possibly cost you thousands down the road. You get what you pay for.
Penny wise and [pond] foolish? Happy koi, peace & joy.

View more articles from Doug Hoover

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The efficiency of the solar panels including the reduction in their size coupled with the quality of the batteries they charge and the length of time they last has made the purchase of solar lights very economical.

The Old Way

Once upon a time if you wanted outdoor lights, you had to assemble the lights, dig ditches, run wires, find and outlet for the transformer(these were low voltage systems using 12 volts), connect the light connections to the main cable, cover the ditches and set back to enjoy the fruits of your labors. Assembling the lights could be a major effort in some of the less expensive kits. The tolerances allowed are great and the manufacturers take advantage of this. Then you need to have the strength of Hercules to attach the wiring system Solar Outdoor lighting has made improvements by leaps and bounds over the last decade. . Digging the ditch can be an affair if you have a tight soil. If there was a sidewalk or driveway involved, then the work had just begun, trying to get your main cable across these obstacles. They worked great until the bulbs started getting older, then they would fade a little, burn out or their connection would corrode and need occasional cleaning and reinserting. Looking for a bad connection can and does require a lot of time and effort on the do-it yourselfer. (more…)

As the credit crunch bites in earnest those with homes & steady incomes are deciding to ‘improve not move’ and one of the first places they start is the garden. A well designed garden, with the right outdoor furniture can literally add an extra room to a home and of course there is no need to bring in builders, plumbers or electricians to create an outdoor space.

But what do you do when winter arrives and the garden furniture needs to be bought in from the cold, rain and maybe even snow?

Over the last two years a quiet revolution has been happening in garden furniture. Synthetic rattan furniture, designed to last forever & called All Weather furniture, this garden furniture won’t rot or fade & can withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. Designed to be left outdoors all year round the new weatherproof furniture designs really are investment pieces as they last so long.

The new all weather garden furniture is also available in furniture pieces not usually available for the outdoors, including corner garden sofas, modular sofas, large daybeds & comfy armchairs – all with large, comfortable cushions in a huge variety of colours & patterns. These pieces work equally well in the patio, garden or conservatory.

The top synthetic rattan is made in Europe (Hularo & Shintotex are two of the best) & the material is then sent to the Philippines or Indonesia to be woven into funky modern designs by artisans with years of experience in weaving cane. The finished items are then shipped back to Europe (where the cushions are made) ready for sale.

Good quality synthetic rattan is very comfortable to sit or lie on, staying cool in even the hottest sun, with a soft yet smooth surface. It is easy to clean, just needing to be hosed down every once in a while, & the material repels the dirt. The weave lends itself to a huge variety of designs & shapes, perfect for the contemporary garden. And finally it is also environmentally friendly as it is toxin free, biodegradable and recyclable.

This new synthetic rattan garden furniture is set to become dominant in the mid to high end of the outdoor furniture market over the next few years as it has so many advantages over traditional garden furniture, teak furniture & even plastic garden furniture.

The best of the new garden furniture is available from Go Modern. And for all weather white garden furniture The White Home is the place to go.

View more articles from Tina Mahony

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A great way to decorate your garden is the use of vines. They are very low maintenance and look good on almost anything. If you’ve got a fence or separator that really stands out in the field of green that is your garden, then growing a vine over it can be a quick and aesthetically pleasing solution. However, there are many types of vines for different situations, whether you are trying to grow it up the side of a house, along the ground, or up a tree.

Many different ground vines are available. These types grow fast and strong, and just inch their ways along the ground. They are very easy to direct, so they can make a border around your garden, or just weave in and out of the plants. I suggest using these as a hardy ground cover if you just want some green on your dirt or mulch. Usually you can find a variety that is resistant to being stepped on. It’s like a leafy, nice alternative to grass. Even if you have kids and a dog, it should have no problems staying alive. (more…)

When I started in the waterfall and pond design & construction business in January of 1982, I was asking the same question. I had a slight advantage over most when it came to answering the question, “Which pump do I use?”

I came out of the energy conservation field, so I was already savvy about energy consumption topics.

It was a challenge in the seventies, when I was trying to convince people that they should buy the Mitsubishi compact fluorescent bulb to save energy. This was the first of its kind and it retailed for $12 to $14. Its lumen or light output was equal to a 60-watt incandescent bulb, which sold for $ .60 in most stores. I needed to convince the engineer at Betty Ford Hospital that a $12, 12-watt bulb would save the facility $35,000 a year in electrical costs. I did so, and it did! (more…)

Liner ponds leak, concrete ponds leach. Fish get diseases if they are not eaten first. Algae are a constant problem. And what about mosquitoes and West or East Nile Virus?

Ponds are high maintenance, so do I get a pressurized bead bio-filter? Do I get an up-flow filter or down-flow filter? Or a side-flow? How about a waterfall? Bio-falls? Pondless falls? Liner fall? Concrete fall?

I had a pond once, and you could not see the fish for the algae. Someone said to use algaecide, and somebody else said to get a U.V. Someone said to get more plants, and someone else said I had too many fish for the size of my pond. No problem…a crane ate half of them and last month a raccoon ate the rest.

Someone said I need a scarecrow sprinkler or a pond net. I asked, What for? I don’t have any fish, only lots of mosquitoes. So someone else said, buy some mosquito fish, you can get them free from the Department of Fish and Game. I got the mosquito fish, and my sump pump that the liner guy installed in my liner pond ate all my mosquito fish. (more…)