The once beautiful stone is covered under dust, dirt, leaves, moss. It’s been a while since this patio has received a thorough cleaning. Does this sound familiar? Years go by and we hardly notice the change and then one spring day we step out on the patio on the first warm day, look around and realize that the patio needs attention. This might be a huge task, and it does not have to be done in one day. Do it one step at a time, as outlined below.

Move all your furniture off the patio. As you do this, you might want to sort the furniture out into those pieces that are still in good shape and those that have reached the end of their useful life. Be aware that solid hardwood patio furniture can be refinished and restored. So don’t be too quick about disposing of it. Maybe it is time for a complete make over and all new patio furniture.

A good sweeping with a strong broom, one that is especially made for sweeping outdoor patios, driveways, etc, is next. You can find a good broom at your local hardware store. While you are there, you might want to pick up some heavy duty-garden trash bags, and any tools you don’t already have that can help you pull weeds. Thoroughly sweep the patio, including any dirt and leaves that have accumulated in corners or around planters. You don’t want to leave any dirt for weeds to get started in.

Next, it’s time to get down on your hands and knees and weed. If you have a couple of teenagers hanging around being bored, hire them! It is important to remove all weeds from cracks and crevices. As weeds grow and spread, they can cause heaving of your patio tiles, which in turn can cause additional damage when water gets under the tiles and starts eroding the sandy soil which supports the patio tiles.

Take stock of your plants and planters. Pull out last year’s annuals, trim the perennials. Do you want to eliminate some plants that are not doing well, or that did not look as nice as you wanted them to? Pull out those you don’t want on your patio anymore. Maybe they can be replanted elsewhere in your garden, or given to a friend.

The patio has been swept, weeded and the furniture moved off the patio. How do the stones look? Could they use a good scrubbing to remove built-up grime and to bring back the beauty of the stone work? Maybe this patio is 20 years old, has many broken plates and is uneven. Is it time to tear it up and put down new stones?

Ok, looks like a good cleaning is in order. What now? You can either hire professionals or do it yourself. If you hire someone, get 2-3 estimates and ask for references. You might want to go to your local hardware store and see if they have a bulletin board with a patio cleaning company’s business card. Or check with a landscaping business. Maybe they do that type of work or they can recommend someone.

If you want to do it yourself, you can rent a power hose or power scrubber at a hardware store. Be careful with what chemicals, if any, you use. Some will kill off plants, so any run-off into your yard will damage your lawn. Some might bleach your stones more than you want. The folks at the local hardware store might be able to help you find the appropriate soap.

You now have a clean patio, ready for the season.

Ch. Perrin enjoys creating beautiful spaces in and around her home. At this time of year, the outdoors calls. She also likes to pass on tips and tricks she has learned. http://www.ILoveMyPatio.blogspot.com

With an increasing tendency for empty nesters, young couples and singles towards higher density inner city living, and the desire to spend minimal time on maintaining gardens or other outdoor spaces, most new apartments, townhouses and condominiums tend to have only pocket sized backyards, courtyards or balconies. So it becomes particularly important to make the most of such limited areas by landscaping and utilizing the space in the best possible way.

But you don’t have to be a professional landscape architect to create an inviting courtyard space - you just have to follow a few basic design principles. Whilst you can’t physically increase the size of a small garden, you can certainly employ a few visual tricks to create the illusion of space.

One important way of doing this is to create a thematic link between the indoor and outdoor areas. Linking the backyard or courtyard to the family room or kitchen, breaks down the division between inside and outside, making the total area appear larger. To establish this link, try to use paving materials that are similar to those used in the house. If you have a tiled area inside, consider extending the same or similar tiles outside.

If you have a solid wood or wood laminate floor, one simple solution is to lay interlocking wood deck tiles on the external patio or courtyard (see for example http://www.ezydeck.net). Although such tiles are best laid over a concrete pad, they can also be laid over a level and well compacted gravel surface. And they can be moved and re-laid at will should you decide to change the design of your outdoor space at any time.

Light colours in the paving and on the courtyard walls will also create an impression of space, so lighter colored tiles would generally be preferable in small spaces.

In confined spaces, more space should be devoted to sitting & walking areas than to plants which should be placed in wide, raided beds. Deck tiles could be used as “stepping stones” along a pathway interspersed with gravel or stones and bordered by plantings.

A favourite piece of sculpture can be used a focal point providing it is in keeping with the general theme of the courtyard. But don’t overdo the garden art. One sculpture or water feature is more than enough.

Clan simple lines are generally better in small situations rather than a “busy” appearance and a formal look is usually more suitable than an informal look. Several large pots or planter boxes will look less cluttered than numerous small ones.

Avoid using flowers with strong red, yellow or orange colours as they tend to “advance” towards you. Blues, purples and grays are preferable because they are not dominating. And make sure plants are selected for all round appeal and not just for a brief burst of colour for a few weeks, but dull for the rest of the year.

With a bit of planning, even the smallest of areas can be made to look larger than you may think.

About the author:

Malcolm Kay is the CEO of Intex Pacific Pty. Ltd. an international supplier of landscape materials including modular decking tiles. For more information see http://www.swiftdeck.com

How Hormones Control Plant Growth

HORMONES CONTROL THE LIFE AND DEATH OF YOUR PLANTS

Five Hormones Determine Your Plant’s Success or Failure.

Five plant hormones have been identified as being responsible for the development of the plant throughout its life. Each of them has complicated functions. The relationship between their activities changes with the plant’s stage of development. Put simply, they are:

a) Auxins which develop in leaf buds and leaves.
b) Gibberellins which develop in shoot buds and seeds.
c) Cytokinins which develop in root tips.
d) Abscisic Acid which develops in mature leaves.
e) Ethylene which develops as a gas in any plant cell.

Auxins These hormones are responsible for stimulating elongation in the plant cells. They tend to concentrate in the root and shoot tips and also on the underside of horizontal branches and stems. They cause the branch or stem to curve upwards to the vertical position.

Gibberellins These hormones affect the rate of cell growth of the plant between the nodes. They are also responsible for slowing the growth in high light situations. They are involved in flowering, breaking the dormant cycle of the plant and in seed growth signalling.

Cytokinins The division of the plant’s cells is controlled by Cytokinins. They stimulate the starting of leaf and shoot growth. In concentration they stop rooting, so care is needed around clones and seedlings.

Abscisic Acid This hormone is part of the plant’s ageing process. It controls seed development as well as closing the stomata during periods of water stress.

Ethylene (C2H2) This gas is produced within most of the plant’s cells as it ages and in concentration causes the fruits to ripen, flowers and leaves to age and leaves and fruits to fall.

Copyright (C) 2004, 2005.
J R Haughton.
— All Rights Reserved —
A partner in a thriving retail hydroponics supply business, Rickie Haughton is the owner of hydroponics-gardening-information.com which aims to cater for all levels of expertise in the field of hydroponics gardening. The website is packed with good content about all aspects off hydroponics gardening and offers a free hydroponics Club membership to all subscribers.

As suburban gardens become smaller, outdoor areas have evolved into more of an extension to our interior living space. Much more thought needs to be given to decorating the available space so that it becomes a totally integrated area. Colour in particular greatly affects our moods and changes the feeling of the space within which we relax, play and entertain. And for plant lovers, there’s a plant that’s suitable for every colour scheme and every location.

If you already have a dominant architectural or color theme indoors that brings you pleasure, try to extend this to the outdoor area so it becomes a natural extension of the indoor living area by using the same theme with cushions, pots, furniture or other decorative features. If you have a wooden floor adjacent to the outdoor patio or courtyard, you could extend the natural wood look to the outdoors constructing a wood deck with a similar colour lumber species.

A simpler and quicker alternative if you have an existing concrete patio is to cover the area with interlocking wood deck tiles. These tiles can be simply laid over any existing concrete or wood surface and lock into place with inbuilt connecting tabs. There’s a range of wood species available so you should be able to find a color that comes close to your existing flooring (see for example http://www.swiftdek.com). And if you have ceramic or porcelain tiles indoors, there’s now a range of similar interlocking tiles available with ceramic tiles on top which also comes in a variety of colours and styles. Both types of tiles can be laid by anyone without any experience in just an hour or so and are generally available in several patterns so you can choose a design which suits your situation best.

Experiment by using neutral colours for walls, fencing and paving and then by changing decorative accessories and garden plantings, you can create a different look for each season until you’ve found what works the best and give the most pleasing result.

Don’t overlook using textures in addition to colour, as contrasting textures play a very important role in a pleasing landscape design. Opportunities for experimenting with texture effects could include tables, chairs, pots, wall hangings, cushions, paving, plants and practically any decorative accessories. Foliage in particular offers a multitude of textures and interesting shapes. Choose plants with a theme in mind: are you creating a tropical wonderland, a place to sit in the sun and dream of holidays in Tuscany, or a stark modernist approach with grasses and cacti? But before rushing out and spending a fortune at the nursery, remember that each plant has specific requirements in terms of soil, sun, humidity, temperature and rainfall. If you can’t provide these, your plants simply won’t flourish. Consider how each plant will look in each season, especially the main season when you want to be using your exterior spaces the most.

But remember, too much of anything, whether it’s patterns, textures or colours, can be confusing. Too much variety in small spaces can look excessively “busy”. And with plants, large groupings of just one or two varieties will usually create a much greater impact and look more balanced in a small area than a host of different plants with a riot of different colored flowers.

About the author:

Malcolm Kay is the CEO of Intex Pacific Pty. Ltd. an international supplier of landscape materials including modular decking tiles. For more information see http://www.ezydeck.net

Extra Hardy, Impressive Color and Low-Maintenance All in One

This week we’re taking the opportunity to introduce you to hardy Geraniums, specifically ‘Sir Cedric Morris’. ‘Sir Cedric Morris’ was one of our most popular feature plants in 2004. Hardy geraniums are ideal for use in perennial gardens, rock gardens, borders or as ground cover, and excellent for difficult-to-mow sunny slopes. They are forgiving and come back year after year with little to no maintenance. These are true perennials not to be confused with florists’ geraniums.

‘Sir Cedric Morris’ is an especially large flowered variety that produces a visually stunning show of luminescent magenta pink blooms with broad overlapping petals against the large, finely divided deep-green leaves. Expect an impressive 24-30 inch mound of color from each plant.

Caution: ‘Sir Cedric Morris’ Often Creates Jealous Neighbors!

Get ready for plenty of questions from passersby about this unusually beautiful plant. Most will assume that it is expensive and takes extensive garden know-how to create such impressive displays. The secret is, ‘Sir Cedric Morris’ makes it easy! What you tell others is up to you.

Forms impressive mounds, about 15-inches high and 30-inches wide

Visually stunning color contrast, even from a distance

Reblooms in the autumn

Handsome deep red fall foliage

Extra-hardy, reliably returns every year in zones 4-10 - a true perennial

Very low maintenance

Deer-resistant

Adapts to most any soil (except really sodden, wet soils)

‘Sir Cedric Morris’ thrives in sunny, hot summertime weather. Just water them regularly until established. Expect the long-lasting blooms from late-spring through early-summer.

Planting and Caring

For best results, plant anytime from early spring into early fall. It performs best in a fully sunny or lightly-shaded location and accepts either acid or alkaline soils, as long as they are well-drained. Plant 24 inches apart for a weed-inhibiting ground cover.

Water-in new plants with a soluble seaweed fertilizer, such as SeaMate. Do not use chemical fertilizers. Water regularly until established.

Surround new plants with a good mulch or well-rotted garden compost. A thin layer of mulch is recommended for subsequent years. Mulching is best when accomplished early in the season just before plants emerge from their winter break.

An application of organic fertilizer in early spring is rewarded with extra vigorous plants. Again, avoid chemical fertilizers. Espoma’s Plant-Tone is a great all purpose organic fertilizer.

After flowering, usually mid-summer, they can be lightly trimmed or cut-back completely. New foliage will emerge and a second round of flowering will occur in autumn, most seasons, until the first hard freeze.

Click here to view ‘Sir Cedric Morris’ Hardy Geranium on the Carroll Gardens website.

The terms “Pesticides” refers to many chemicals including herbicides, insecticides and fungicides and are designed to kill certain types of pest. These include insects, plants, fungi, moulds and rodents. Pesticides are used in modern farming on fruit and vegetables to increase yields and are thought to increase produce quality. However, pesticides are toxic chemicals designed to kill agricultural pests but can also cause problems with human health if exposed to in large amounts. Aldicarb used on potatoes, Carbendazim used on cereals, oilseed rape, fruit and vegetables, Chlormequat used on wheat, rye, oats, flowers, pears, almonds and tomatoes, Chlorothalonil used to kill fungal disease in crops, Chlorpyrifos used on apples, Pirimiphos-methyl used in cereal based infant food, Trifluralin used to kill weeds in fruit, vegetables and arable crops and Vinclozolin used peas, vines, oilseed rape and other fruit and vegetables to kill plant disease are all harmful to human health and the environment. I feel that because I eat a lot of these types of food that I have a great potential to be affected by the toxic chemicals used in these pesticides. Many organ systems such as the nervous and the brain can be subtly or permanently damaged in childhood. The endocrine system is more sensitive to pesticides and it is now known that many pesticides are “endocrine disrupters” which can affect the hormone balance within the body.

Pesticides are not only used in farming but we also use them within our homes and gardens. We use them on our lawns to kill weeds such as clover and dandelions and on our flowerbeds to kill insect pests such as greenfly. In our homes we use them in “fly killer sprays” to kill house flies and in insecticides to kill wood boring insects such as woodworm. Children’s immune systems are more susceptible to these pesticides as they spend more time playing in the garden and in the home. Children are also susceptible to catching head lice which is treated with shampoo with pesticides within them.

To protect children from pesticides it is best to feed them organically or ecologically grown food especially those foods that are produced with the aid of high amounts of pesticides. Wash and peel all fruits and vegetables especially if waxed, wash in mild dish detergent or diluted vinegar. Cut out the stork end of fruit as this funnel shape of the fruit is where pesticides are concentrated most. Buy locally grown food as this has not been sprayed for shipment or export. Pesticide residues are also found in meat and diary foods so it is best to buy organic. Make sure that children’s play areas are free from pesticides. If children have head lice than use non-chemical shampoo, shampooing with tea-tree oil can help with head lice. Avoid using pesticides to deal with pets fleas use herbal shampoos and vacuum pets bedding. Use all-natural insect repellent as an alternative to pesticide based repellent. Avoid using pressure treated wood within the home as all pressure treated wood contains pesticides. Encourage schools to use natural native plants within their playing fields and yards to reduce the use of pesticides. Native plants are hardier to pests than introduced plants species. Make sure children wash their hands after playing in school play areas which tend to use pesticides.

A lot of people are exposed to pesticides within their working environment. Farmers, pesticide applicators and workers in pesticides manufactures are the occupations that we tend to think of first but forestry employees, horticultural workers, textile workers, airline crews, military personnel, park workers, food service workers, golf course employees, veterinarians and employees of electrical utilities all come in contact with pesticides within their working environment. Exposure to pesticides within a working environment can cause cancer, brain tumours, stillbirths, birth defects, spontaneous abortions, and neurological and psychiatric effects. Workers should wear proper protective clothing when exposed to pesticides.

Urban lawns and gardens, public parks, golf courses, playing fields and road verges are sprayed with pesticides more than agricultural land. Indoors, pesticides are used to spray cockroaches, fleas, and other pests within homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, supermarkets, stores, arenas and food storage buildings increasing exposure especially if the building is poorly ventilated.

To reduce the use of pesticides within cities, indoors and in outside spaces it is best to avoid using pesticides on lawns, there are many books on organic gardening, avoid outside spaces that have been recently sprayed, whilst playing golf keep balls and tees away from the mouth and wash hands and shoes after playing the game, if pets have a flea problem use herbal shampoos and collars plus avoidance methods such as flea combs, to combat insects within the home, keep it clean, avoid leaving food out, fill in cracks and gaps where they tend to like to live and research natural ways of insect control.

To conclude, to reduce the risk from pesticides eat organically and ecologically grown food, wash and peel vegetables and fruit, grow your own food, avoid fatty foods or trim fat from meat as persistent pesticides are stored in fatty tissue, cook vegetables rather than eat them raw all the time, cook meat and chicken thoroughly, garden in a non-chemical way without pesticides, avoid using chemical and pesticide based head lice shampoos, encourage schools to use non-pesticide methods within their environment, keep away from areas that have been freshly sprayed with pesticides and if your job involves exposure to pesticides make sure you are wearing proper protective clothing.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Bespoke consultations for a healthier natural life

website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com Get a free initial nutritional therapy diagnosis now…

Before going ahead with any plans on your water garden be sure to double check on all the safety measures. We all know the dangers that lurk where ponds and children are concerned but if all the standards of safety are adhered to then there should be no problem. Whatever precautions have been taken just remember that young children should not be left unattended or unsupervised around water at any time.

Ponds make a beautiful water garden feature just like the flowing fountain. Water gardens are a pleasurable experience to become involved with and also beautiful as eye candy to a lot of nature`s creatures. If tastefully designed - these garden ornamentations can create an atmosphere where a deep sense of tranquillity fills the air just by sound alone. Depending on the individuals own personal preference you can have water features that are specially designed to give you a tropical world or an imitation of a mini Niagara Falls display. The options are endless as to what can go into your garden. Before putting into force any plans make sure to measure the space to be used - a cluttered water garden can spoil the beauty of it all.

Once you have made your mind up on what water feature it is you are having then it is time to choose the right accessories to enhance the dish so as to speak. Flowers- shrubs and lilies for the pond along with the fish have to be carefully thought through to make your mission complete and your dream come true of having a wonderful garden. Water features are a unique way of putting a finishing touch to a well maintained garden thus upsetting the neighbours leaving them green with envy.

Architects when drawing up plans for local landscape projects will nearly always include a water feature. If DIY is your forte and you are going to take on the task your self in designing your own water garden then have a handy man at your side in the way of a do it yourself manual. Books and videos illustrate in great detail how to do the job right. Fabulous ideas for your creation can also be found from these. A master of any trade always uses the right tools - so make sure you have everything you need before starting the work.

Maintaining a water garden is important especially ponds which need cleaning on a regular basis especially if home to fish. When installing your fountain or pond you must remember all the other bits and bobs that you may already have located in certain areas of the garden. Things like access in and out of your garden shed or where the seating area is going to be for your patio table and chairs should not be hampered. Do not cut corners in trying to save the pennies because this can cost you dearly if the right tools are not used.

Remember water features attract creatures.

If our aquatic friends like toads - frogs and newts are not to your liking then consider plant pots around the garden over flowing with cascading fragrant flowers then leave the kitchen tap running - just a suggestion so you don`t miss out on a water garden feature.

Want to be the envy of your neigbours with a fabulous water garden then you can http://www.watergardens.webinputbiz.com Keep your dog safe in the garden http://www.dog_training.webinputbiz.com

If you’re looking for the strength, stability, sturdiness, and longevity of a metal gazebo, you have plenty of options to fit your needs. They come as 4-sided structures, all the way to 12-sided structures, as well as irregular structures like rectangles, ovals, and multi-sectioned shapes. They often boast many flourishes, such as swirling, plant-like shapes. Despite their not being made of wood, they have a very graceful feel to them capable of complimenting any outdoor setting.

Most metal gazebos come in aluminum, or steel and wrought iron. Aluminum is the less expensive and more lightweight material. It will do just fine under most circumstances. But if you’re looking for a much more permanent structure, steel or wrought iron is your best bet. These metals are much heavier than aluminum and therefore stand up better to hard winds.

Another consideration for some consumers is that steel and iron are not likely to be damaged by vandalism. So while steel and iron are more expensive than aluminum, you might save money in the long run, because they will last.

Most metal gazebos don’t have a contiguous roof to keep off rain or snow. You can either leave your metal gazebo that way and appreciate it for its aesthetic value, or you can add a fitted canopy. These are often made out of a heavy canvass or polymers. This open design means metal gazebos are great for displaying plants that hang in pots from the roof or climb like vines up the sides. Adding plants to a metal gazebo will bring more shade and beauty to the area.

The best part about any metal gazebo is its ability to withstand everything that a wood gazebo is prone to. Rot, termites, fading, warping, twisting, chipping, checking, discoloring – these elements are nothing to a metal gazebo.

Gazebos Info provides detailed information about spa, garden, patio, canopy, screened, metal, and vinyl gazebos, as well as gazebo plans and kits. Gazebos Info is the sister site of Awnings Web.

Finally — A Red, Reblooming Daylily!

Everyone loves a daylily. As one of the best performers in the perennial garden, daylilies are known for being hardy, carefree and profuse bloomers. Daylilies are available in a wide range of colors that can brighten any landscape. New daylilies are always being introduced, but many of the new and old daylilies bloom only once a season. There are a handful of new daylilies that are repeat bloomers, allowing you to enjoy their beauty from late spring until well into autumn. ‘Red Hot Returns,’ the first full size repeat-blooming red daylily that is hardy in the north, was introduced in 2005. This is one of the newest creations of master breeder Dr. Darrel Apps, who is also know for other popular repeat-blooming daylilies including ‘Rosy Returns,’ ‘Happy Returns’ and ‘Big Time Happy.’

Red Hot Returns — New and Hard to Find

Red Hot Returns has cherry red blooms with a lemon throat and grass green tonsils. Blooms are large, reaching up to 5 inches across and will repeat in cycles from late spring until the first hard frost. The foliage is deep green with a moderate rate of clump development. Red Hot Returns will reach 24 inches tall, perfect for mid-border planting or for massing in front of shrubbery.

Planting and Care

‘Red Hot Returns’ is easy to grow and care for - returning year after year to brighten your garden.

For best results plant at any time from early spring to late fall.

Performs best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.

Plant 24 inches apart in any normally fertile soil.

Divide every three to four years for the best blooms.

Fertilize in early spring and late fall with Flower-Tone and Kelp Meal.

Hardy in zones 4-9.

Click here to view ‘Red Hot Returns’ on the Carroll Gardens website.

One often forgotten area of landscape design is coming under renewed focus with the introduction of a new design concept to Australia known as Roofscaping. Simply put Roofscaping involves the introduction of design elements onto rooftops being created in urban developments.

The trend towards medium and high density urban living shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Many urban developments are built without giving consideration to the need Australians have to stay in touch with the fun of outdoor living. Another important factor is that whilst many people need the access to the employment opportunities and services the big cities provide they do not want to lose touch with being part of our natural environment. This is where the Roofscaping concept originated from.

Recently at Mirvac’s Yarra’s Edge Apartment project in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct Roofscaping was introduced into the overall design. The 6th floor Podium Level design was done by Edaw Pty Ltd and incorporates hardy plants with decorative recycled glass and pebble paths from Melbourne based company DécoR Pebble. The beautiful area can be seen from many areas of the development and makes a wonderful departure from the traditionally drab and uninteresting roofs in most apartment developments.

Another project currently in the planning stage, EJE Group, is the Hunter’s Wharf Project in Sydney. The project design uses an outline of the Parramatta River made entirely by using DécoR Glass and DécoR Pebble products. Geoff Iles owner of DécoR Pebble believes imagination is the only limit to what can be done with urban rooftop spaces.

DécoR Glass and DécoR Pebble provide ideal light weight permanent coloured aggregate for use in the greenscaping of urban high-rise roof decks. The 5-10mm glass & pebble aggregates can be loose laid or mixed with an adhesive epoxy or acrylic resin to permanently hold them in place. The application is usually carried out at a thickness between 20-30mm over the drainage system. The coverage rate of a 5-10mm aggregate is approx. 20kg per M2 @ 10mm depth.

Whilst the Décor Pebble range of manufactured aggregates offer a more cost efficient product, the 36 colours of crushed recycled Décor Glass aggregates offers designers a greater range of vibrant and soft colours to choose from. The coloured recycled glass is becoming increasingly popular with environmentally conscious designers.

Please visit our site for more landscape design ideas