Growing and maintaining a lush green lawn takes care and the right equipment. The right lawn mover for your landscape and proper maintenance of your equipment will ensure a nice even lawn. A good lawn mower should cut the grass and not tear or rip it out.

The first thing to consider when purchasing a lawn mover is your landscape. Is your lawn on a slope or flat ground? What type of mower can get the job done with the least amount of effort? Another factor is how easy the mower is to maintain for peak performance.

If you have to cut grass on a slope, the best type of lawn mower is one with high wheels. This will make it easier to push up a hill, or to move back down the hill with. The second type of lawn mower is a cordless or electric mulching lawn mower. The mulching mower is less messy and mulches your lawn. The third type of lawn mower is a reel lawn mower. Reel lawnmowers are environmental friendly, not contributing to pollution and are easy to use.

After deciding on the type of lawn mower to purchase, review the maintenance schedule. A good maintenance program will allow your mower to last for years to come and give your grass a better cut. Every spring, the different parts of the lawnmower should be cleaned or repaired. Spark plugs should be cleaned or replaced for good firing and nuts and bolts should be checked and tightened where necessary.

The underside decking should be cleaned throughout the season to remove build up of grass and dirt. Cleaning the grass and dirt will also help in preventing the spread of diseases in grass. In order to clean the deck of the lawnmower, you should first empty the gas tank and make sure that the spark plug is not connected. You can then stand the mower up on its side and spray the mower with water. You can then scrub off the rest of the dirt and grass that is stuck on the mower. Make sure to dry the mower after you have finished rinsing it off, to make sure that none of the parts rust.

Your maintenance should also include checking the oil and air filters. The air filters should be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. Before removing the filter to replace, make sure that you know whether it is paper or foam. The oil in your lawn mower lubricates the engine. Be sure you read the operating instructions on the type and amount of oil your mower uses.

Another important part of maintenance is sharpening the blades every one or two months, depending on use. Sharp blades ensure a clean cut rather than ripping out the grass. This can be easily done by removing the blade from the mower and sharpening it with a file.

When mowing season is over, there are certain steps to properly store your lawn mower for the winter. It is advisable to remove the oil and gas, and clean the exterior.

With consistent and proper care of your lawnmower, you will be able to keep your lawn looking great through the seasons and years, and your mower will last for years too.

For more information about lawn mowers and your lawn, visit Lawn Mowers and Lawn

Bird watching brings enjoyment to many people. Selecting and correct placement of bird house can attract many birds to your yard. The correct bird house can bring enjoyment and viewing pleasure from the comfort of your own home.

Selecting the correct bird house or feeder is important to attracting birds to your yard. There is a wide variety available from very decorative to functional. With the right selection you can have an attractive addition to your yards landscape and give your feathered friends a functional place to nest.

When selecting a bird house there are many factors to consider. Robins will nest in an enclosed bird house but prefer an open area such as a nesting post. Wrens and other similar small birds prefer an enclosed boxed structure. Many bird houses have small openings suited to birds like wrens. Many birds will not nest in a house that has multiple chambers preferring a single box structure. You can select a decorative structure to add beauty to your yard while giving your area birds an attractive place to nest.

Placement is important in attracting birds to your structure. Do not place your house near a feeder but try to place it near convenient cover for the birds. Near by bushes or trees will give the nesting birds a place to dart to when they sense danger. Many birds will not nest in an area where there are other birds or back yard animals like squirrels and rabbits. Feeders will attract many animals other than birds.

Nesting birds will seek areas away from the commotion of feeders and bird baths but these structures will aid in attracting nesting birds. Convenient water and food sources in another area of your yard will provide an easy source of needed sustenance for the birds that have selected you bird house to nest.

Do not face the opening of your bird house to the South or East. The direct sunlight from these directions will cause your bird house to be to warm in the morning and mid-day hours.

Try to mount your bird house on a pole or post rather than hanging it from a tree. A post will protect your nesting birds from back yard predators.

Keeping your bird house clean is very important to the health of birds that have selected your structure and to your family. Clean your bird house every spring. Remember to wear gloves and a face mask when cleaning your bird house. Cleaning will not only protect the health of the birds but will ensure your bird house can be an eye catching element of your landscape for many years.

Make sure to keep your feeders and bird baths clean and full of food and water. You may have to fill you water source a couple times throughout the day.

With thought, planning and a little maintenance the addition of a bird house can bring birds to your yard every year to give you viewing pleasure in your own back yard.

Scott Kirchoff manages news and information for http://www.sekwholesale.com, an online supplier of home décor, gardening supplies, and exceptional gifts (including a huge selection of bird houses).

No garden would ever be the same without the sounds, colours and movement of the birds that visit it. The British and Americans appreciate birds in their gardens more than most, and in the UK, the million plus membership of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is testimony to that. Not only do we love having birds in the garden, many encourage them by providing bird feeders and bird houses, or nest boxes as we call them in the UK.

The birds themselves come in all shapes and sizes, so you will find bird houses have evolved to cater for the many different species that might visit the garden in the breeding season. For gardeners who like to see the birds close at hand, bird houses can be an integral part of the garden, even the house itself in some cases.

While bird houses are functional, and intended as a place to breed, they can also make attractive garden decor. Some bird houses are, indeed, very decorative. They can even be whimsical and humourous. There really are some wonderful and unusual designs on the market. More conventional bird houses are also readily available, especially online.

One type of bird house, though, is particularly important, and that is especially designed for purple martins.

Purple Martins – A Breed Apart For Human Intervention

The type of birds you get in the garden will depend on where you live, of course, but you may find specially designed bird houses for your favourite birds, whether they are bluebirds, robins, purple martins, or other favourites.

Purple martins, though, are very special when it comes to people providing their housing needs. They are much loved visitors to parts of North America, where they go to breed every spring and summer. One remarkable thing about these fork tailed swallows is that they actually depend on human intervention for their housing needs. In other words purple martin bird houses are more than a desirable residence for the purple martins; they are an essential to their survival in North America.

If you are excited about birds visiting and breeding in your garden, and are lucky enough to live in an area where purple martins are summer visitors, then you can have many hours of joy every day knowing that you are also providing an important service. The purple martins will not come down to feed in the garden, but you can watch them fly off to feed on high flying insects, and return to base to feed their hungry young. That is, if you have one or more purple martin bird houses.

Later in the season, you can watch the baby purple martins learn to fly as they depart from the nests you provide. So, having purple martin bird houses is much more than adding garden decor; they are like a living entertainment centre for those lazy summer afternoons in the garden. You can relax, knowing that you are doing the world a big favour by helping to perpetuate the purple martin species.

Purple martin houses come in many forms, but you need to bear in mind that they breed in colonies, so putting up a single bird box for one nest is no help. The other thing to consider is that the purple martin needs height; they will only breed if well clear of the ground. Despite those limitations, purple martin bird houses come in many designs and have evolved to make the most of what the birds need. Some can be very attractive too, making them a welcome addition to the garden décor.

This bird house article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Gardens and Decor web site.

Myths and facts
A misconception about bamboo is that they spread like wildfire. This is not entirely true as only a some species of bamboo will be invasive. Spreading, however, can easily be controlled if it becomes a problem. Many people also think that bamboos will die when the temperature falls below freezing. This myth is also false.

Designing with bamboo
Bamboos can create a wall or screen to provide privacy, used in containers for your deck, terrace or patio, or create a bamboo forest, maze or retreat - whatever you like!

Bamboos compliment perennials and annuals well and can be used as a background or an accent plant or low border depending on the variety of bamboo used.

Bamboos are actually a grass colony plant with over 1200 species world wide. Approximately 200 species can be grown without complications in North America.

Additional information about bamboo
Certain species of bamboos are runners while others grow in clumps. Some bamboos have narrow leaves and others have wide leaves. When the main stem (known as culms or canes) emerge from the ground or media, they sprout at the diameter they will remain into maturity. Successive clumps will emerge with wider and taller than previous season’s.

Running bamboo
The clum is typically hollow except at the nodes, the area where horizontal branches grow. A rhizome is a horizontal "creeping" stem on or just above the ground, from which new shoots grow and roots descend.

Running bamboo’s rhizomes may spread a considerable distance from the mother plant. On the contrary, clumping bamboos grow in-place and do not spread out as much (some pruning may be necessary).

Selecting a variety of bamboo
Bamboos have two types of root systems. First are the runners, which is found in temperate environments and is known as runners. The second types are the "clumpers" which are typically found in tropical varieties. This variety will also spread, however, it’s not as invasive and only requires pruning to control.

Bamboos are available in various heights and can be trimmed if it gets too tall. A general rule is that taller bamboos require more sunlight than smaller varieties. Tall-growing varieties, like the yellow groove prefers several hours daily, while a smaller variety may tolerate partly shaded environments well.

During the spring, the leaves will yellow and fall from the plant. The loss is gradual as with other types of plants and the leaves are replaced with new foliage.

Health condition
Healthy bamboos should have a combination of yellow leaves, new unfurling leaves, and green leaves. If the foliage is yellowing, falling off and shows no signs of new growth then the bamboo is possibly saturated in water. If the leaves are crisp then it’s possible the bamboo is quite dry and needs water immediately.

This article courtesy of http://www.hydroponicsearch.com - The internet’s only agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture search engine and community.

Your enjoyment of your home increases exponentially when you have a beautifully landscaped yard. Whether you’ve nurtured your home’s landscaping with your own hands or hired a landscaper to create your slice of paradise, you no doubt experience pride and pleasure when you see dappled sunlight peeking through the trees or the riot of colors your perennials lend to your garden in the morning light.

Increasingly, homeowners are going to the next level with landscaping, and are investing time and money in outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting enhances both the appearance of your home and your landscaping, as well as the enjoyment you and your guests experience when you entertain outdoors.

Typically, outdoor lighting focuses on focal points in the yard, though it can also be used as security lighting. Bill Locklin, owner of Nightscaping, the preeminent outdoor lighting company, suggests using 12-volt outdoor lighting to bring out the features of large trees, specimen plants, architecture, and water features. His suggestions include the following:

Large Trees: If the tree has open growth, let the light spill down through the leaves and branches, creating interesting shapes and contrasts in highlight and shadow. If the tree has full foliage, like some pines, try cross lighting or using a grazing light. If your focal point tree has an interesting bark texture, try grazing it to accent this feature and add a greater element of visual interest.

Specimen Plants: Consider hanging plants as well as ground plantings for focal point lighting. Try to throw shadows of smaller plants on walls and other surfaces for added effect. Bonsai plants are very effective when silhouetted to accent their unique shapes.

Architecture: Look at decorative construction techniques in masonry and wood facades. For example, place fixtures at the bottom of the gables and project the light up from each side so that it meets at the tip of the peak, or place two fixtures under the peak and aim them down to the lower edges. A home’s door can be a focal point, as in the case of hand-carved wood, raised wood panels, pr artistic metal designs. Draw attention to the door from overhead, being careful not to cast glare in the eyes of those entering and exiting the building. Likewise, objects in the atrium, such as columns, arches, breezeways, ledges, shutters, cupolas, weather vanes, and seasonal and holiday flags can all be architectural focal points that can have attention drawn by professionally designed outdoor lighting.

Water Features: Fountains, fishponds, and moving streams all lend themselves to the introduction of landscape outdoor lighting. Filtered, crystal clean water can be lighted either from within or from above. Dirty water is usually best lighted from above or used as a reflecting surface to accent surrounding features. Designer fountain lighting can add drama to a yard’s fountain.

Outdoor path lighting is also important, both for aesthetic and safety reasons. You, your family, and your guests should be able to safely move around your property after dark. Walkways should always be lighted both as a directional guide and prevent people from tripping on obstacles.

Outdoor lighting - whether it is path lighting, designer fountain lighting, or security lighting - gives your home another dimension, one to be enjoyed for years to come.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Home and Garden Website and Majon’s http://www.majon.com/directory/Home_and_Garden">Home and Garden directory.

Here are some of the popular orchid myths

#1 Orchids are Carnivorous

They are not, in fact, they pollinate by luring insects to them but they do not eat the insects. This helps the orchid gardening

Orchid Myths#2 Orchids come from the Tropics

Some orchid flowers do come from the tropical climates but they grow in any climate and in any country, even Alaska.

#3 Orchids are Expensive.

Not anymore. Now with the increased number of orchid gardening and growers, the modern reproductive methods orchids now are reasonably priced.

#4 Orchids are Hard to Grow.

This orchid myths is now furthest from the truth. They are not anymore difficult than any other plant. They need the basics, water, light, air and fertilizer. And you can have a beautful orchid flowers that last for years.

Some Orchid Questions

#1 Are all orchids the same?

On the contrary o what most florists want you to believe, they come in over 28,000 varieties, they are the largest plant family. There are estimates of 110,000 hybrids today. They grow from thimble size (Mystacidium) to over 20 feet tall (Renanthera storei)

#2 What soil do they grow in?

Most orchids require no soil. In nature orchids are divided into 4 classes;

Epiphytes air plants (majority of orchids) grow on trees

Lithophytes air plants grow on rock surfaces

Saprophytes air plants grown on decaying vegetation

Terrestrials ground plants grow in soil

#3 Do orchids only last a short time?

On the contrary most species can last for years if taken care of. There are some plants which were propagated in the 18th century and continue to live today.

#4 How often do they bloom?

It varies according to the variety and hybrid but they can bloom from once to 2 - 4 times a year. The blossoms can last for weeks to months which is a real plus.

#5 How old is my plant?

Orchids can take years to come to maturity and bloom. Typically, the plants are anywhere from 5 to 8 years old.

#6 Is conservation of orchids important?

According to the American Orchid Society this is a priority. Threats to orchids come primarily from loss of habitat and collecting. The AOS encourages the purchase of only artificially propagated orchids.

#7 Should orchids be protected from a draft? This could be another orchid myths, but the answer is no, orchids prefer moving air but should not be over a heating or air conditioning vent.

Visit our Orchid Store: http://www.orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com

** This article can be used freely as long as the author and the Orchids-Plus-More.com are identified within the article

Bob Roy has an orchid site with many articlea and information on orchids. His website is quite popular, http://www.orchids-plus-more.com. You will also see a large selection of stunning orchids

How many times have you gone to the garden store and bought some plants that you absolutely loved only to get home and not be able to find a suitable place in the garden?

Getting the right look in you garden takes a lot of planning. You simply can’t go to the garden store and randomly choose plants as there are many things to consider such as light conditions, soil conditions and surrounding plants. A well planned garden will have plants that thrive and compliment each other but a randomly chosen garden will look haphazard and may even be bad for the health of your plants.

Before you purchase your plants evaluate your garden for how much sun and shade it gets and in what areas. Consider whether the soil is well drained or has standing water and whether it is sheltered or windy. Then when you go to the garden store, buy only plants that will thrive in your garden; shade-loving plants for the shady areas, sun-lovers for those sunny spots, swamp plants for areas with poor drainage and drought-resistant plants for those areas that don‘t stay wet enough.

Another thing that many gardeners fail to consider is the PH of the soil. Is your soil acidic or alkaline? Most plants prefer soil that is a bit on the acidic side, but there are some that need alkaline soil to grow. You ca change the PH level of your soil, but it’s just easier to buy plants that like the PH of the soil you already have.

Another thing to consider is how and where to plant your plants. Do you want a lot of greenery or a splashy show of colors? Narrow down your choices of plants to just a few and buy many of each kind. If you plant ‘one of everything’ your garden may seem rather spotty. Planting in groups is much more aesthetically pleasing as well as harmonious.

One thing you might try is to draw out your garden on a piece of paper. This doesn’t have to be a masterpiece painting just a simple sketch. Get some colored pencils or even crayons and add the colors of the flowers you want to plant. Are the colors pleasing together? If so you have a plan, if not it’s back to the drawing board.

Before planting, you can put the plants around the garden bed in their pots to see how they will look. This will allow you to move them around and rearrange until you get the look just right. Grouping of plants in odd numbers look best so try putting groups of 3 or 5 of the same plant together. Combine colors and textures to add interest and always put the taller plants in the back and shorter ones in the front. If your garden can be viewed from all sides as opposed to being up against a fence or house then put the taller plants in the center.

One final consideration is the blooming season. Many plants only bloom for a short period of time so if you want continual color all season you will have to grow plants that flower during the different periods of the season. Plant flowers with different bloom times next to each other and you will always have a flower blooming in that spot in the garden. Also, don’t forget the foliage. Many flower plants have silver, grey or purplish foliage that is just as attractive as the flower. This means that they are still attractive well past the blooming season!

Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden And Patio where you can get more great gardening and landscaping tips.

One of the long standing myths that I still hear is that orchid house plants are difficult and finicky to grow. Well, plain and simple, the answer is No. In fact, orchids as house plants are easy to grow and will continue to bloom for years. Some orchid plants have been around for centuries.

Watering

Orchid house plants and orchid plants in general will need watering periodically, usually you can water once a week. Remember, most orchids are air plants and this means you will see their roots. Their root system is very efficient in storing water.

Here is a watering guide you can use: Cattleya, oncidium and dendrobium orchids like to dry out between watering. An easy way to water is to put the plant in the sink and let water flow through the plant for about 1 minute. Remember, let the water drain from the plant before putting it back into the decorative pot.

Plhalaenopsis orchids like to almost dry out between watering. To decide on the next watering is to stick your finger about an inch into the moss which should feel spongy and not bone dry.

Paphiopedilum and epidendrum should be slightly moist so that watering can be twice a week.

Humidity

If the humidity in your home is low (below 40%) you may need to either mist the plant occasionally or use a humidity tray. The tray is simply a metal or plastic tray that is filled with pebbles and 1/2 of water. The plant would sit would sit on the pebbles. Be sure not to let the plant or roots sit in the water while on the tray.

The Right Lighting

Light is the next most important element to growing orchid plants. As a general statement most orchid house plants do well in medium light. This would in a window or an area that could get about 4 hours a day. Cattleya orchids do well in this light but can also do well in a sunlit area for up to six hours. Phals do well in indirect but bright light.

More in depth information is included in theOrchid Growing Course, free with the purchase of an orchid plant.

What about temperature?

Most orchids do well in normal house temperature. The low temperature at night do not impede the growth. Here is a little guide you can use.

Orchid Genre Minimum temp Degrees F Maximum temp Degrees F

Phalaenopsis 60 90

Vanda

Paphiopedilum (mottle leaf) 55 85

Dendrobium

Cattleya,

Epidendum

Paphiopedilum (green leaf) 50 80

Oncidium

Miltonia

So, you too can join the millions and a grow orchids just as successful as your neighbor.

Visit our Orchid Store: http://www.orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com

This article may be reproduced without permission as long as the author and Web site are noted in the article.

Bob Roy has a e business in orchids. There are many oarticles dealing with orchids on his web site, orchids-plus-more.com as well as a large selection of stunning orchid plants.

Hydroponic gardening might seem very scientific and difficult but, in fact, it is as simple - and maybe even easier - as regular gardening. They both have many elements in common that being the need for light, humidity, water and nutrients.

Hydroponic gardening, however, uses no soil. A soil substitute is used to hold the roots and the nutrients are carried by the water. You can do hydroponic gardening indoors and plants do respond well and thrive with this type of system.

One vital consideration in hydroponic gardening is the nutrient solution. The solution must maintain a pH level of 5 to 6 after it is diluted. In hydroponics gardening, the plants need to be watered more than three times a day which is typically done automatically using a pump and timer.

For indoor hydroponic gardens, the best temperature is between 71 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. There can be exceptions to this depending on the types of plants you are growing so it is best to know the optimum temp of any plant you intend to grow.

Just like regular plants, those grown hydroponically need to get enough light. The amount of light, of course, depends on the plants but natural light is best. If you cannot provide enough natural light, artificial light such as high pressure sodium bulbs are a good substitute.

Plants love humidity so if you are contemplating an indoor hydroponic garden think about installing a humidifier in the room. Once you get your room hot enough, the air should be able to hold enough moisture for the plants, but a little bit of humidity can help. Not too much though, or you may end up with a mold problem in your home!

Many people prefer growing their plants using hydroponics as it can be totally automated. It is actually much less work than a traditional garden as there is no weeding or digging in dirt. The hydroponics system can be totally automated resulting in less work while still providing the exact amount of nutrients your plants need. This type of gardening is also more economical and the water can be re-used.

If you are thinking about starting a hydroponic garden but don’t know where to begin, take a trip down to your local hardware store, many stores these days sell DIY home hydroponics systems that will get you set up in no time.

Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden And Patio where you can get more great gardening and landscaping tips.

Since Victorian times metal garden furniture has become a popular way to decorate gardens. In fact, since this furniture can easily last for many years with the proper maintenance, some people are still using pieces in their gardens that were made in the Victorian era. Metal garden furniture adds both a classic style and durability, which demand that it should be considered as the preferred choice of garden furniture.

The options range from modern lightweight aluminum to the more traditional iron and it should be possible to obtain the perfect piece of metal garden furniture for your garden. A few metal chairs and a bistro table are a classic addition to even the smallest patio or terrace area. These furniture pieces are often light and therefore fairly portable, so they can be utilized in many areas of the garden. This means you can take advantage of the changes going on in your garden, whether on a daily basis or over the seasons.

Another classical piece of metal garden furniture is the single ornate iron bench, which can really set off a Victorian style garden. These benches are excellent focal points and can dress up the less interesting sections of the garden. An iron bench can really add some interest to a shady spot. The iron bench need not be used for sitting on. You can position an iron bench under the tree and then place several pots around it. Finally place a big pot of impatiens or a garden statue on the bench.

If your garden does not have a lot of colour, you could choose some metal chairs in a number of colours. These could be positioned in front of evergreen shrubs, and they really make a statement. On the other hand, if your garden is filled with flowers, you may want to choose metal furniture with more neutral traditional colours such as black or white to add a calmer element to the garden.

Make sure you add a touch of comfort to your garden with a metal lounge chair. Armed with a good book and a cup of iced tea, these chairs are the perfect way for you to relax on a sunny weekend afternoon.

Finally, don’t forget about the latest aluminum garden furniture. These pieces are extremely easy to carry around and can often be folded for easy storage. Aluminum sun loungers, tables, and chairs are all great pieces for times when you need just a few more pieces of furniture on the patio so that you can entertain your friends and family.

Matthew Anthony is the author of many artickes about garden furniture