So often new gardeners are put off the idea of gardening by thinking about the time it might take, and the hard work involved. The popular idea of a low-maintenance garden is one of covering the space with decking and gravel, planted with a few grasses and pots of evergreens.

However, I have discovered an ideal way to help thwart one of the most time-consuming chores in the garden - that of weeding.

This came about almost by accident, as I have a cat who thinks that any uncovered ground is a glorious litter tray! I quickly had to find a way to cover up as much of the soil as possible, but soon realised that ground cover plants gave me the even greater benefit of vastly reducing the number of weeds.

Of course, there are many gardeners who enjoy the time spent weeding, and I admire them tremendously - there are great physical and mental benefits to spending time outdoors among your plants.

But for those of us whose time spent in the garden must be limited because of work commitments or perhaps physical limitations, there is a way to enjoy our plants with a minimum of fuss. Of course, time has to be spent on the initial ground preparation and planting, however, this would probably take far less time than laying decking and gravel!

Weeds are great survivors and they very quickly take over any bare patch of soil. Once they take hold they can very easily smother existing plants and become notoriously difficult to get rid of.

So the idea is to find plants that form dense clumps or spread via their roots to cover the ground. As with most plants, there are ground cover plants for each season when they are at their best, and some that look good all year round.

One word of caution. Because some of these plants spread quickly - which is of course what we want - they also don’t actually know when to stop! So you may need to cut them back occasionally to keep them within their allotted space.

What to plant?

I have discovered that plants such as bugle (ajuga) - you can get plants with purple, bronze or variegated foliage; euphorbia - with stunning acid-green flowers in early to late spring; lesser periwinkle (vinca minor); bergenias - commonly known as elephant’s ears; as well as small-leaved variegated ivies, all provide year round ground cover. Another advantage of these particular plants is that they are also slug and snail resistant!

In spring and summer, you can use aubretia, arabis, alyssum and candytuft (iberis), which all hug the ground. And particularly useful, and providing some height to a border, is aquilegia - the old-fashioned cottage garden variety - which after flowering retains its foliage in attractive clumps. They also self-seed prolifically, giving you extra plants each year.

Another favourite plant of mine is the hardy geranium. Some varieties do die down in the winter - weeds don’t grow much then anyway - but the plants soon romp away in spring and provide ground cover and masses of flowers all summer.

Other useful plants to use for ground cover are herbs. Among a wide variety to choose from are comfrey, feverfew, catmint, golden marjoram and mallow.

So there you have it! Once your ground cover plants are established, you’ll no longer have to spend hours on your knees, but can spend quality time in your garden.

Fran Barnwell is a self-taught gardener, learning through experience in her own garden. Fran understands the difficulties that face new gardeners, and has written The Ultimate Guide to Gardening for Beginners, a successful eBook that helps anyone new to gardening to get started, explaining the basics in easy to understand terms. To find out more and to sign up to receive a free series of articles, go to http://www.NewToGardening.com

The arrival of summer heralds a time of increased wear and tear for the average garden lawn. Children’s yard games, barbecue parties, outdoor sports and generally more activity in the garden means your lawn is set to come in for something of a beating and without a little TLC is likely to start showing more than a little worse for wear. Stomp all over any living thing and it doesn’t respond too kindly but with a little help, your lawn can remain looking great all through summer and beyond!

Fertiziler

For a lusher, healthier, faster-growing lawn you can’t beat a bit of fertilizer. Test your soil type and choose a fertilizer to compliment this for best results. Most lawns will benefit from around three to four fertilizer applications through the year, with the first around a month before the start of the growinf season to give your grass a kickstart and then up to three more with approximately a two month gap in between applications can give good results. You can either spread the fertilizer by hand if you have a smaller lawn area to cover or use a specialist spreader tool for more even coverage, using a drop spreader for small lawns or a rotary/broadcase spreader for bigger areas.

After fertilizing it is generally a good idea to water-in the fertilizer or plan on adding fertilizer before an expected rainfall unless otherwise stated in the usage instructions. The important thing with fertiliser is to follow the manufacturer guidelines and not be tempted to over-do it. An excessive application of fertiliser is not a good thing and can lead to fungus, over-growth and weakness. Keep to the guidelines and you’ll get that lush, thick green grass you wanted.

Watering

If you live in a hot climate or dry region, and particularly during the summer months then regular watering of your lawn is important. The best time to water a lawn is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to achieve the best results. Avoiding evening watering is advised as soaking grass over night can increase the risk of lawn diseases and mid-day watering when the sun is hottest increases evaporation and water wastage. Excessive watering is also something to avoid and ensure if you use a sprinkler you do actually get out there and move it around rather than allowing large puddles to form whilst other regions of the lawn area remain dry. Too much surface lying water can starve the roots of oxygen and lead to the same symptoms (leaf rolling) as lack of water.

It is important to know when to water rather than just watering because you think a lawn needs watering. There are a few basic tests you can do to know if your lawn needs irrigation. Look for leaf rolling and curling and the slightly blue/purple tinge which comes when grass is being starved of moisture. Also, try the foot print test. Stepping on a healthy lawn should see it spring back into position quickly but if your lawn is slow to react then it’s time to add more water.

Lawn Mowing

The key thing to remember here is that the object of mowing a lawn is lawn "mowing" not lawn "scalping"! To take good care of your lawn you need to make sure you are mowing with sharp lawn mower blades so you cut rather than rip at the grass and ensure you do not set the blades at too low a level as you do not want to cut it back lower than is recommended for your particular species of grass. Cutting too low on a regular basis is the easiest way to do lasting damage to your lawn.

If your lawn has become too overgrown then do two or more passes with your mower rather than trying to take it right down to a desirable length straight away and never cut grass when it is wet. Grass clippings may be left or raked as you please if you do not have a lawn mower with a grass collector. Left clippings do not automatically lead to thatch, this is only occurs when there is too much dead organic matter to be broken down and a few clippings actually add nutrients back into the soil.

Edges are something lawn mowers can not handle but a simple pair of long handled shears will make short work of tidying them up. Strimmers are a simple solution for cutting around obstacles such as trees and immovable garden structures.

Aerating Your Lawn

Grass is a living thing and like all living things it flourishes better when it is able to breath easy and get easy access to food and water. Aeration of your lawn is important as it allows water, oxygen and fertilizer to penetrate more easily through to the roots and improves drainage. If your garden is being regularly used then the ground will begin to suffer from soil compaction. When this happens, drainage is reduced and it becomes more difficult for roots to dig down deeper into the soil. The natural activities of earthworms and other subterranean insects and wildlife help break up the soil but compacted earth can always do with a helping hand.

Basic lawn aeration is very simple to achieve with the help of a simple garden fork. Just drive the fork into the earth at regular intervals to do the job. For bigger garden areas or for more effective aeration you can buy or hire specialised lawn aeration tools which are basically spiked or bladed rollers either motorised or hand driven.

An aerator should be used in the autumn months to loosen compact soil after its summer beating.

Dethatching and Scarification

Scarifying or raking your lawn to remove dead and decaying matter which may choke and hinder water and nutrients reaching the soil is an essential part of a good spring and autumn lawn maintenance routine. Raking removes thatch, the accumulation of dead and decaying organic matter like leaves and old grass clippings from around the base of the grass stems. This scarification improves drainage and enables increased amounts of water and air to penetrate down to the roots as well as reducing the chances of lawn disease occuring. Before detatching a lawn you should ensure there is no moss growing there as this process will only help spread the moss around. Kill the moss first with a specialised moss killer found at good garden centers and then scarify the lawn. Scarifying a lawn may be performed manually by raking whilst for larger lawns it might be recommended to use a power lawn scarifier machine which can be hired or bought for the purpose.

Removing Worm Casts

Worms are the gardener’s best friend…unless your lawn is your pride and joy. Worm casts are those unsightly piles of mud which appear on the surface of your lawn and left to their own devices may encourage moss and weed growth. Removal is simple during dry weather, just wait until they are dry and brush or rake them away but during prolonged wet periods you may just have to put up with them. Use of acidic fertilizers may discourage worms from coming to the surface but for most gardeners just consider worms are your friend, they help aerate the soil and drag organic matter from the soil surface into their burrows thus making the soil a richer growing environment.

Article copyright Mark Falco, webmaster of ukgardeningsupplies.co.uk where you can find lawn care and gardening equipment including lawn mowers, lawn scarifiers, garden tools and lawn care accessories available for UK delivery.

Reproduction of this article is permitted so long as this resource box is included, it remains unchanged and all links remain active and clickable.

There are certain parameters to adjudicate the quality and worth of a thing. For instance a good human being should be a moral and an ethical individual, a good book must be informative, comprehensible and written with a profound thought etc. Similarly the merit of any building, house or workplace is assessed by its aesthetic value and quality of material used in making it.

Besides applying vibrant paints in different color combinations, marble floorings and tiles etc. now something more and exclusive can be done to enhance the aesthetic significance of an edifice. This is the installation of Mosaic Art. Mosaic art involves intermixing differently colored pieces of stones, glass etc. to form various pictures and patterns.

Mosaic is quite an ancient art. It started about 4000 years ago. During 4th and 3rd century BC, Mesopotamians had developed mosaic with thin cones of baked clay that were painted differently at the ends. Similarly Greeks decorated their floors with the help of pebble made mosaics and Macedonians used polychrome pebble mosaics to embellish their structures. But the variation was not confined to mosaic ingredients only for the images so created also differed with different civilizations. For instance early Christian mosaics of 4th and 6th century BC mainly represented hunting scenes, birds and animals. While 7th century Islamic mosaics were mostly floral pictures and scenes. However with the passage of time mosaic art has encountered many changes and has greatly been refined, though the technique is still the same.

Phoenician Arts, a third generation company with a distinguished name in mosaic art industry, has given a new dimension to this art. Phoenician Arts has gifted the world absolutely novel hand-made marble mosaic designs carved out of natural marble and semi-precious stones. It has also revived and reproduced the traditional elite mosaics of the Greeks, Romans and Byzantinians. The mosaics by Phoenician Arts are wonderful paradigms of the primitive and contemporary existence. This is the reason that the mosaic work has successfully replaced the other art forms that exist today. At present mosaics are the most prized and coveted means to augment the aesthetic value of a place or structure.

Since Phoenician Arts develops mosaics for various themes such as medallions, animals, figures & scenes, kitchen related, religious, geometric etc., these are largely and conveniently used to adorn indoors as well as outdoors. Within a house or workplace mosaics can be installed in hallways, dining areas, floor center of living rooms, above the fire place, in an archway and the like. Whereas in case of outdoors mosaics can beautify tabletops, pools, garden areas, entrance of buildings and houses.

The popularity of the Phoenician mosaics is at a surge not only because of their mesmerizing appearance but also due to the advantages they have over other means to decorate houses and places. For instance in comparison to paintings and photographs, these mosaics are more appealing and authentic. Phoenician mosaics are heat and water resistant and so can be installed at places like bathtubs, pools, outer surface and floors of a building. Also these mosaics are easy to clean with least chances of wear and tear. Moreover Phoenician Arts offers the opportunity to customize the mosaics according to the need (budget, ambience of the house, colors, sizes, etc.) of the customer.

Mansi Gupta recommends that you visit Mozaico Marble Mosaic Art and Phoenician Arts Mosaics

To many people, “tarp” conjures an image of a crumpled canvas in the corner of the garage, or maybe that shiny blue plastic sheet in the hardware store.

But tarps are the beneficiary of some of the best technology in textile and chemical treatments. And so they have been adapted to many uses, whether at home, in the garden, on a camping trip, in the workshop, in the industrial yard, or on the construction site.

The workhorse of all tarpaulins, there are more color, material, construction, and size combinations in poly tarps than for any other. They are readily available. And as long as you select the right one for the job, tarps provide good protection for almost anything that needs shelter from the elements.

It’s no wonder that the common tarp is one of the most versatile of all ‘tools’.

Basic Poly Tarps

Blue or green poly tarps are, overall, the least expensive of all tarps. The cheapest ones are little more than a thin sheet of plastic. And like anything else, the cheaper they are, the less durability you’ll have.

Basic(but good quality) poly tarps are made using a weave of nylon chord, with a laminate of polyethylene on both sides. Thread size is typically 700-800 denier, and the fabric weight will be between 2- 4 ounces per square yard.

They are waterproof, as well as resistant to rot and mildew. And they provide a good multi-purpose covering that provides basic protection from the elements.

But don’t make the same mistake that so many people do: Do not use a poly tarp as a cheap way to cover your vehicle. Polyethylene does not breathe, and the resulting condensation under the tarp is guaranteed to cause you problems. On our web site, you can find much better ways to protect your car, boat or RV.

Heavy-Duty Poly Tarps

In addition to the basic version, there are some much tougher, heavy-duty polyethylene tarps. These heavy-duty tarps are less prone to tears and punctures, and do not get brittle as quickly.

Their strength comes from using a heavier denier nylon thread, and usually with a much tighter weave. This makes the tarp thicker – almost twice as thick - and therefore much longer lasting.

One example is the silver tarp, which is often preferred for its’ UV resistance and heat reflective properties. With heavier thread and lamination, these premium silver tarps can be 2-3 times thicker than the standard hardware store variety.

Hems are the greatest point of stress, so the strongest tarps will also have heat-sealed hems, sometimes with a reinforcing rope inside. And there will be more grommets, spaced closer together, to spread the stress more effectively over the entire tarp.

In addition to basic and heavy duty versions, there is a size to meet almost any need. Small 6×8 sheets are available for just a few dollars. At the other end of the spectrum are the over-sized or very large athletic field covers and hay tarps. Need something in between ? Custom sizes are also available.

So the next time you look at that crumpled canvas or shiny blue sheet, you’ll know there is more potential there than meets the eye.

John Bri is a regular contributor to That Covers It!, a collection of helpful information on a variety of shelters and protective coverings. You’ll find tips and sources for tarps, pop-up and garden canopies, garage kits, and covers for your car, truck, boat, and RV.

You can get more information about poly tarps at http://www.that-covers-it.com

Discount garden benches are available on the Internet, at garden utility stores and in furniture shops. They are basically garden benches that are available at a discounted rate due to either some of the shop’s special offers, a promotional festival or because of your good luck and timing to buy a garden bench!

Wherever you do venture to buy a discount garden bench, it is always advisable to check on the condition of the garden bench. You are paying a good amount of money for the garden bench, and you would want it to come for some time of usage. First of all, make sure that there are no faults or damages made to the garden bench. If there are minor damages, there is always the possibility of getting more discounts. It is always better to buy a garden bench that has fewer screws and bolts. You can avail of discount garden benches of various materials. There are garden benches made of metal, wood, stone and plastic. If you prefer something long lasting and reasonable, go in for stone or metal benches. They last for quite some time, though they are a bit uncomfortable to sit on. Rectify this problem by using a cushion while sitting on it! Of wooden benches, though teak garden benches are the most expensive, they are the most worth worthy. Plastic garden benches are not that durable, but are light enough to be shifted from room to room.

Whatever the make of discount garden bench you plan to buy, make sure you have got yourself a good buy before paying for it. Try to get some discount in the shipping too, if there is any shipping to be done, otherwise the discount that you got on the bench will be compensated in the shipping charges. And last of all, make sure you claim your rightful bargain and discount on the garden bench!

Garden Bench provides detailed information about garden benches, discount garden benches, how to build a garden bench, metal garden benches and more. Garden Bench is the sister site of Lattice Patio Covers.

What could be more relaxing than gardening on a nice summer morning? Listening to your wind chime while you garden! Wind chimes are not only fun to look at but they add much more to your garden then just visual appeal.

Wind chimes have tones and vibrations that soothe and calm the mind helping to release all your stress. When you dig in the garden and connect with the earth, listening to your chimes tinkle in the breeze can help you also connect with your inner spirit. Chimes have been used for much more than just decoration for centuries. In fact, wind chimes are used in many Feng Shui cures. You can hang your chimes inside as well as outside, metal chimes are best for North, Northwest and West while wood chimes are best for South, Southeast and East. The number of rods can be associated with the cure you want. Use 4, 6, 7, 8 or 18 rods for luck and 5 rods to reject bad energy. Use bamboo for outside.

Of course, you should pick chimes that decorate your porch or garden area to your liking. There’s plenty of styles and materials to choose from. I favor the chimes with a stained glass decoration on top that comes in all kinds of whimsical styles. If you are more traditional, you might go for a simple bamboo chime with an Asian flair. You can even get chimes that are hand tuned if you are really into the sound quality of your wind chime.

Hanging your wind chimes is easy. To hang from the top of your porch, you can use a simple C shaped hook that screws into the ceiling. Any type hook can be used as long as it is strong enough to support your wind chime. Be sure you hang it in an area where it’s freedom of movement is not obstructed by anything. You can also buy fancy hangers that screw in or that stick up from the ground. When hanging your chime, try to pick a place that will not get a strong wind – this way you can be sure your chime does not blow off and break.

So, the next time that you get out into the garden, make sure that you hang out some wind chimes so that you can add a new level to your gardening experience!

Lee Dobbins writes for Wonderful-Wind-Chimes.com where you can find all kinds of wind chimes to brighten your day.

Green house gardeners are typically of two minds when it involves planting. One group of gardeners prefers to use seedlings to start their gardens, while another group would rather feel the sense of accomplishment from planting seeds. It all depends on what you personally prefer.

Sometimes transplanting seedlings can introduce problems such as disease or insect infestation to an existing garden. That is why planting from seed is a good alternative for green house gardens.

At first, it may seem difficult to plant from seeds. It really isn’t as long as you read and follow the directions carefully on the packet. And when the seedlings start to grow, it is important to protect them.

A good growing tray is a great accessory to have in your green house or garden and it is ideal for your plant seeds. Be sure to pick the best growing tray you can find. Your local garden nursery or center can recommend the best type to use.

Now that you have a good tray and seeds, you’re ready to fill it with a high quality seed mixture. Although it may be tempting to use regular potting soil, don’t. A “seed starting mix” is recommended and has been specially prepared for growing new seeds. (Sterile, no diseases or garden pests, etc.)

The next step is to plant your seeds in the starter mix after the growing trays have been prepared. Remember, seeds should be planted at least twice their own depth. If the seeds are very small, it might be a better idea to lightly cover the seeds with the planting mix. They may not sprout if they are buried too deep in the soil.

Don’t forget to label your seed plantings in the tray. You can use a nursery label or a waterproof marker. It is not advisable to use the package the seeds came in since it will quickly get ruined from the moisture.

When watering your baby plants, be sure to use a misting sprayer since a watering can or hose could damage or uncover the seeds. To prevent evaporation of the moisture, your growing tray should be covered. Plus, covering the tray will also promote germination.

Heat is another great source for speeding up the germination process. Studies have shown that heat increases germination and many successful green house gardeners use this technique.

Copyright 2006 David Ray. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live. Visit Green-House-Gardening.com to learn more. David Ray is a full-time father, teacher, web developer, among other things. Visit his website at http://www.green-house-gardening.com

The fresh air of the early spring solstice and the celebration song of the earth call us to leave the safety and comfort of our indoor winter haven. We venture forth to explore the new life that is springing up all around us, and habitually look for a place to relax and absorb the sounds and smells swirling through the air. Agio Patio Furniture may be just the answer to true enjoyment of the new season’s arrival.

We all have our ideas of what the “perfect” outdoor furniture setting looks like. Some enjoy a rustic outdoors woodsy look that will endure the weather with stoic indifference. Others fancy a Victorian wicker patio set that combines comfort and appearance into an attractive setting. Still others go all out for a grand weave of grace and charm that envelopes the user in a rapture of comfort. What do you consider to be the “perfect” outdoor setting? Whatever your personal preference, there’s Agio outdoor furniture on the market that will fit your ideal setting.

Patio furniture sets the tone for your backyard experience. A rustic, wooden patio set invites the family outdoors for an evening of roughhousing and fun. Meanwhile, across town, an Agio patio furniture set begs a father to fire up the barbeque grill for a neighborhood cookout.

Outdoor patio furniture is made for pleasure, especially Agio Patio Furniture. What can be more enjoyable than a day or afternoon in the outdoors of the summer? Outdoor patio furniture has the privilege of bringing people together for a time of togetherness in an outdoor setting that provides all of the comforts of indoor furniture. Chaise lounges are great for relaxation. Chairs with thickly padded cushions and adjustable backs are perfect for comfortable dining. Large tables with their handsome umbrellas to keep the sun from causing discomfort provide spacious table settings. What more could we ask for?

You are free to publish the above article in your ezine or website, provided the credit is given to the author and a hyperlink (HTML clickable) is given the author.

Hans is author of http://www.patio-furniture-ideas.com and http://www.gardeningguides.com

News and tips for outdoor living, gardening and barbequing.

Easter was on the horizon, 40 people were on their way to our yard for an Easter Egg Hunt and the food was the last thing on my mind; my priorities are straight, and the replanting of my pots was the ONLY thing bothering me. As I anxiously awaited the arrival of annuals at The Growers Exchange, I decided to use my time wisely and clean out the old debris. Imagine my surprise, and delight, upon discovering how many of these planters were offering up their finest. In many cases, an addition of a few flowering annuals was all they needed.

I had forgotten my decision of last spring; all of my pots were planted with a combination of herbs, perennials, ground covers and an assortment of flowering annuals. After a bit of snipping and deadheading and trimming, these pots were almost ready. The ajuga, both varieties, were blooming profusely. They had grown so much; I divided quite a bi and put into my woodland garden. The rosemarys were so big that I transplanted all 8 of them and are a wonderful hedge to my vegetable garden. The lamium made it through a harsh winter, as did the salvia and achillea. A bit of my ivy got leggy, so that went into the compost. But, I am happy to say that the parsley is emerging as well.

Not wanting a complete repeat of last spring, I have been adding a few new items. I have always wanted to try some bulbs, so I have elephant ears planted in my largest pots. I don’t know what to expect. I have filled in here and there with a few new annuals and vines and herbs. The combinations of colors and textures is truly delightful. The best part of this whole unexpected situation is that I have an ever-evolving garden in each pot!

Happy Gardening!

In 1985, Briscoe White opened The Growers Exchange in an abandoned Texaco station on a busy urban street corner in Richmond, Virginia. The facility has grown over the years, and is now 5 distinct growing environments with 5 acres under cover. Briscoe has over 25 years of gardening experience. For further information on gardening products or gardening tips please contact Briscoe White at bwhite@thegrowersexchange.com

In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron. Today, cast aluminum furniture is used more often. Cast aluminum carries all of the grace and charm of cast furniture, but avoids the blight of rust and peeling paint.

The process by which this gorgeous furniture is created begins with a model carved from wood. This wooden model is then used to create a metal mold. A mold is formed by pressing the wooden replica into casting sand, and then pouring molten lava into the impression created. As the molten metal cools it forms a cast which is used to create the beautifully ornate cast aluminum furniture that we often see gracing outdoor settings.

Cast aluminum furniture sets traditionally European scene. Bistro sets consisting of small tables and two chairs evoke the picture of an outdoor French scene. These graceful settings are perfect accents for balconies, gardens, or any small nook.

Cast aluminum furniture is available in a wide variety of furniture pieces. Armchairs, sofas, side tables, love seats and loungers all carry the intricate designs of the cast aluminum furniture. These settings make picturesque arrangements that carry an old world charm.

Cast aluminum furniture is known for its durability. It is a top choice for outdoor use. This hearty furniture can be left outdoors during the cold winter months. The low maintenance feature of these metallic beauties has a charm of its own.

Are you looking for an outdoor set that can transport you to another era? You can turn your balcony into a vine-covered escape surrounded by flowers that transports you to the yesteryears of Europe with an ornate bistro set. For a larger seating arrangement a flag stone backyard patio can also be turned into an old world setting that provides room for the entire family to gather for a time of “old fashioned” family time.

You are free to publish the above article in your ezine or website, provided credit in the form of an (HTML clickable) hyperlink is given to the author.

Hans is author of http://www.patio-furniture-ideas.com and http://www.gardening-guides.com

News and tips for outdoor living, gardening and barbequing.