Types of Garden Arbors ( garden )

By Zane Horton

For centuries, garden arbors have been a fixture in homes and gardens from the most expensive mansions to the most humble villa and everything in between. The garden arbor originated in Italy, but they can be found all over the world bringing fragrant smells and character to any garden area. There are many different types of arbors and trellises to meet every personal taste.
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Archway Arbor

The archway arbor is best used to divide a large lawn by stacking the arbors behind each other in a row to make an arbor tunnel. This line will divide the expanse and allow the archway arbors to give a clean break to plant different plants on either side and make the area cohesive.

Traditional Arbor

The traditional arbor has trellis sides to allow flowering plants or vine vegetables to grow upwards toward the top of the arbor. The design for the traditional arbor has a flat roof and has a clean line for a garden entrance. The traditional garden arbor can also have a wooden seat installed to in the summer afternoon shade.

Metal Arbors
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All arbors look amazing when they are first built and installed. But as time and weather take its toll, an alternative to the wooden garden arbor is a metal arbor. Steel, bronze and iron are just a few of the options to make your garden come to life without having the maintenance required for wooden garden arbors.

Vinyl Arbors

If the upkeep of a wooden garden arbor or the heaviness of a metal garden arbor is not the arbor of choice, consider the ultimate maintenance-free garden arbor, vinyl. The vinyl material can give a look of wood and the durability of metal without having to paint and re-paint each season. Vinyl garden arbors come in many colors and styles and are easily installed to make the garden or yard more attractive and add character to a large space.

Garden arbors enhance any garden whether it be a small vegetable garden or a large flower garden. Place a garden arbor for vine plants to crawl up and make a home for many seasons to come.
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The Benefits of Ergonomic Garden Tools( home and garden )

By Rex Magnum
Gardening is a popular hobby all over the world. It's carried on in large backyards, in public gardens, and even in small areas like patios and balconies. Everyone can enjoy some kind of gardening, no matter where they are. To do so, however, it's important to have the right tools.
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If you are a gardening enthusiast, there are a lot of different tools available for you to choose from. If you are a gardening enthusiast with a special need, you can also find a large selection of ergonomic garden tools available. Ergonomic tools are specially designed to be easier to hold and use. People with hand and joint problems, such as those who suffer from arthritis, can use these ergonomic tools to pursue their love of gardening.

Understanding Ergonomic Garden Tools

Ergonomic garden tools were thoroughly researched and designed to offer relief to gardeners with special problems. Even though hand pain was preventing these people from pursuing the hobby they love, now with ergonomic tools they're able to participate again.

Items which can be used to serve two different utilitarian purposes are often considered ergonomic garden tools. A stool that also serves as a tool holder is one of these items. If a person takes the stool into the yard, all of his gardening tools will be available inside plus he'll have a place to sit while he does yard work.
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Sometimes characteristics of tools are changed to make them easier to use for people with physical problems. For example, you might find a rake with a longer handle which would make it easier to use without putting so much stress on the back. Or you might find a shovel that has a larger handle which can be more easily used by people with hand problems. Tool manufacturers are striving to make all the more commonly used garden tools, such as rakes and shovels, in ergonomic versions to help the many people who need special help.

Foam handles have become very popular on ergonomic garden tools, because they are easier to hold and put less pressure on sore hands. In addition, there are many tools with grips that are easier to hold more comfortably. By changing the traditional way of holding a tool by altering the grip, tools are becoming much easier to grip and use. A loss of hand strength can make real problems for sufferers. All of a sudden they are unable to do the things they've always done. Ergonomic garden tools with new-fashioned grips were developed to help them. By changing the way they grip a tool, they can find comfort and relief from pain.

There are even ergonomic garden tools being made that allow the user to sit and work. Made with longer handles and foam grips, they are easier to use than traditional tools. People who had given up gardening in despair because they just couldn't stand the pain any longer are now resuming their activities due to ergonomic garden tools.
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If you enjoyed this informative article about Ergonomic Garden Tools, then you may also be interested in Garden Tools. You can always visit BESTGARDENTOOLSCENTER.COM where some great tips are being highlighted. feel free to give us any suggestions you might have.

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Easy Vegetable Gardening Really Is Possible - Learn How( garden )

By Colin Stride
Have you wondered what the secret is to easy vegetable gardening? Or perhaps like many you follow traditional methods of growing vegetables but find it too tiring or time consuming or are beset with weeds. Perhaps you find it hard to bend or do physical activity for long, or perhaps you feel frustrated by lack of time.
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There are many ways to make vegetable gardening easier and more rewarding for you. Here are a few good ones.

Good planning and vegetable garden design are the best place to start. Ascertain your own needs and what space and time you have available. Will your vegetable plot be part of your main garden, or at an allotment, or just in a set of containers? What you want to grow even has a bearing.

Use some of these labour saving techniques to help you;

Minimise the amount of digging by getting your soil in to good condition. Avoid inverting the soil and only dig deep when necessary.

Consider the vegetable bed system which has less need for digging as you never walk on the soil so there is little or no compaction. If you choose raised bed vegetable gardening then access is even easier and you could even adopt a no-dig approach.

Knowing your vegetable garden soil and its care allows easier soil preparation and maximises vegetable production. There are many ways to prepare a seedbed, but each must ensure good soil conditions and be appropriate to the crop planned to ensure best crop growth. In particular soil must be free from compaction
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Regular addition of organic matter, feeding soil organisms, improves soil structure and ensures a healthy soil, good for plant growth and easier to care for. To this end making good garden compost with a good mix of green and brown materials well aerated is well worth learning. It is easy to make plenty of rich crumbly compost, but, get it wrong and the heap can be wet and smelly and useless!

Knowing when and how to plant vegetables is important as they prefer different conditions and need different periods to mature. Seed packets are a good source of such information. Start with growing easy vegetables like carrots, beetroot, lettuce, radishes or even courgettes, outdoor ridge cucumbers, French beans, or even potatoes in a bag of compost. Then as your confidence and knowledge grows more on to other vegetables that you enjoy.

Once your vegetables are sown or planted they will need some care. This needn't be time consuming, but can be as your nice seedbed well fed and watered suits weeds too! However, you can master weed control with shading through closer planting and mulches or membrane and through regular weeding to prevent seeding. Watering vegetables with a hose may seem easy, but it rarely delivers enough water for your crops - just wetting the surface, but encourages a mega flush of weeds across the plot. The easier ways, which conserve water, include 'point' watering what needs watering, watering in the evening, and using cover to aid retention.

Vegetable gardening should be easy, fun and include the incredible satisfaction of growing your own tasty vegetables all through the year. However, get it wrong and it can be hard and unrewarding.

One last trick that makes all the difference - 'little and often wins the day'. Rather than digging/ weeding/ planting or watering for hours on end in one session - spread the load and you will find it takes less time, is more enjoyable and more successful particularly as you build in the easy vegetable gardening techniques.

A regular 0.5-1 hour slot every day, or on alternate days, allows you to know what needs doing, keep on top of weeds, keep a regular supply of tasty young produce and of course is easier on your back.

I hope you can enjoy your vegetable gardening like I do.

Happy gardening - fun, great exercise, satisfying with wonderful produce to eat!

©Copyright Colin Stride 2008, All Rights Reserved.

For a wealth of information on easy vegetable gardening based on my experiences over 5 years, together with professional knowledge, visit my web site http://www.easy-vegetable-gardening.com/
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To get free monthy vegetable gardening tips to help you practice easy vegetable gardening sign-up at; http://www.easy-vegetable-gardening.com/vegetable-gardening-tip.html

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Home Garden Fountains(garden)

Fountains can make a great addition to any outdoor space and with the many styles, sizes available to choose from, you are sure to find one that will meet your individual tastes and preferences.
(home and garden)
Garden fountains can be free standing structures, placed on a wall or custom built in to the landscape.

Wall fountains can be placed in a garden with limited space to achieve the same soothing sounds of a larger fountain.

Choosing An Outdoor Fountain For Your Garden

Important things that you need to think about is whether you want a stone or masonry or a plastic fountain.
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If your looking for a fountain that will last a long time consider choosing a stone or masonry fountain as opposed to a plastic one. The masonry fountains will last for many years but they will also be more expensive.

Once you have selected the material you want your fountain to be made of, you need to consider the size. Be aware that masonry garden fountains are very heavy, so if weight is an issue in installing your fountain choose the lighter plastic.

On larger fountain you may need to consider the cost of a plumber to install the pipes needed to circulate the water through the fountain. Electricity will also be needed to power the circulating pump for your fountain.

Many fountains have the option of using solar energy to power the pump. One disadvantage of going solar is that on cloudy days and at night the pump will not work.

Be sure that the type of fountain you choose compliments the flowers, plants and landscaping you have in your garden.
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For more information on home garden fountains please visit Garden Pros For the latest information on home garden products and ideas.

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7 Garden Decor Tips(garden)

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.
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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.

When you place your wind chimes, look for a place with a slight breeze. Outside, you shouldn't have much trouble finding such a place. Hang the chimes so they'll blow gently in the breeze, creating a relaxing chime. Just don't put them in too strong a breeze, or the relaxing chiming sound will become a harsh, clanging noise.

2. Lighting - Several lighting options are available for your garden or patio. You can use candles for a soft, flickering light, or a string of electric lanterns for a more steady light. If you don't have an outlet available, you can find solar lights, which soak up sunlight during the day, storing the electricity, and then come on at night when the sun goes down. You may want to include a citronella candle or torch in your lighting to keep mosquitoes away.

3. Garden Furniture - These days, you can find a wide selection of outdoor furniture for your garden. I'm not talking about those uncomfortable, aluminum framed, nylon webbed, camping chairs, that trap you as soon as you sit down. You can find comfortable, cushioned chairs and couches, suitable for outdoor use. A hammock strung between a pair of trees can provide a relaxing place to take a bit of a nap on those hot summer afternoons. Several styles of benches are also available to accent the garden, and provide a place to sit and rest under the lilac bushes.

4. Fake Flowers - If you have a spot in your garden where you just can't seem to grow anything, a container of silk flowers can certainly brighten up the area. You may also put in some small planters on the wall or fence, with trouble-free fake flowers.
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5. Containers - You can plant flowers in a container, or vegetables and herbs, or you can build a small water garden to show off water lilies and other aquatic plants. A well placed container garden will add a touch of color and texture to a bare corner of your garden or patio. You can re-plant the containers every season to provide some continual color to your garden, year round, and if you don't like the placement of the container, you can simply move it to a more suitable location.

6. Water Features - A water feature can range from a simple container with some water and a few plants up to a large pond, with fish, waterlilies, bridges, and fountains. It all depends on how much time and money you want to spend in creating it, and how much space you have available. Even a small container with a fountain can add the soothing sound of water to your garden, without taking over a lot of space.

7. Rock Gardens - Rock gardens, like container gardens, can provide color throughout the year, if you plan it well. When plants from one season are done blooming, you can remove them, and replace them with others. A rock garden will take a bit of work to build, especially moving the rocks. Make sure that all parts of the garden are accessible for weeding and watering. Try out different rocks and plants until you find a combination that you like.

These are just some ideas for accenting your garden, and making it your own personal space. Sprucing up your garden doesn't have to take a lot of time, or cost a lot of money. You can build a water feature or rock garden, or you can simply add a few inexpensive decor pieces throughout your garden. Either way, you need to make an effort to set your garden apart from everyone else's. You need to take action to make your garden your own.
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Visit Garden Style Decor for more garden decor tips and resources.

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