The Largest Plant-Eating Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs are descendanst of the most recent ancestor of modern birds and the Triceratops. In fact, you can trace their behavior with that of the birds, especially when they sleep. "Dinosauria" came from the descendants of the recent ancestors of the Iguanodon and Megalosaurus. This also includes the Sauropodomorphs (huge herbivorous quadrupeds), Theropods (bipedal carnivores), Ankylosaurians (armored types of herbivorous quadrupeds), Stegosaurians (plated types of herbivorous quadrupeds), Ceratopsians horned and frilled herbivorous quadrupeds) and the Ornithopods (quadrupedal or bipedal herbivores).

Here are some of the largest plant-eating dinosaurs that existed.

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Ankylosaurus
This is the last and biggest "armored" dinosaurs that evolved. This plant-eating dinosaur lived through the latter part of the Cretaceous Period, approximately 70 to 65 million years back.

The Largest Plant-Eating Dinosaurs

It eats loads of low-lying plant materials to sustain itself. It has a large gut, and produces phenomenal amounts of gas.

It is a huge armored reptile that measures approximately 25 to 35 feet long, 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It weighs about 4.4 tons. Its oval and thick plates embedded on its upper leathery skin, the spikes and tails all protect it from predators or carnivores. The only un-plated part is its underbelly, which means, you can only wound it if you flip it over.

This dinosaur got its name in the year 1908 from Barnum Brown. Its fossils were found along Alberta, Canada and Montana, US. 3 partial skeletons (armor and tail) and 2 skulls were uncovered. Trackways were even found in South America (Sucre, Bolivia).

Alamosaurus
This plant-eating quadrupedal dinosaur lived through the latter part of the Cretaceous Period. This period was approximately 73 up to 65 million years back. It is both a Titanosaurid and Sauropod which means it has some body armor.

Being a whip-tailed and long-necked dinosaur, it grows to 69 feet long and weighs 33 tons. Fossils such as fragmentary skeletons (no skulls) of the Alamosaurus were discovered in Utah, New Mexico and Texas. Its name means "Ojo Alamo Lizard."

Apatosaurus
The Apatosaurus was formerly known as the Brontosaurus. It is among the largest animals that existed on land. It lived through the latter part of the Jurassic Period, approximately 157 up to 146 millions of years back.

It is a whip-tailed, long-necked dinosaur, measuring roughly 70 up to 90 ft. long and 15 feet tall around the hips. Its head is not more than 2 ft. long with a very small brain and long skull. The long neck consists of 15 vertebrae and hollow backbones. Its long "whip-like" tail is approximately 50 feet long. It also has "peg-like" teeth in the frontal part of its jaws. It has 4 "column-like" massive legs, with the hind legs being larger than the ones in front. The nostrils are on the upper part of its head.

Fossils of the Apatosaurus were discovered in Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. It was Othniel C. Marsh, an American paleontologist, who named and described the Apatosaurus in 1877. In 1879, he named and described another fossil, the Brontosaurus. Further studies have proven that both the Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus came are from a similar genus. It was the former name, Apatosaurus that was adopted.

The Largest Plant-Eating Dinosaurs

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How to Grow and Care For a Heather Plant

Heather plants are hardy, colorful, low-growing perennial shrubs native to the heaths, moors, and woodlands or Europe and Asia Minor. Well suited to marginal pastures, heathers are low-maintenance plants that can thrive in acidic soil with little fertilizer in and near-drought conditions.

The evergreen plants provide year-round displays of color from flowers and leaves. Depending on the type of heather plant, the flowers bloom between July and November and come in pink, lavender, white, magenta, amethyst, purple and red. If a gardener plans it right, a field full of different types of heather will remain colorful for a longtime, with new plants blooming just when others begin to fade.

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Just as important as flower color is the foliage color, which can be found in pink, red, copper, bronze, gold, silvery gray, and every shade of green imaginable. They keep their color though the winter, breaking up the dreary tans and browns of winter landscapes.

How to Grow and Care For a Heather Plant

CLIMATE: The colder, damper climates of the New England and the Pacific Northwest are well suited to growing heather, however, and gardeners in the northern Midwest, Great Plains, and Rocky Mountain areas should have fair success.

SOIL: The heather plant will do just fine in rocky soil, making them good candidates for coastal hillsides where few plants grow. Slightly acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 - 5.5 will work well for this plant.

SUN: As a general guideline, heather plants should get four to six hours of sunlight daily. So it is best to plant it in a place with enough sunlight throughout the year. The more sunshine this plant receives, the brighter are its leaves and flowers. Not enough sun will cause the plant to look leggy and dull.

SPACING: When you are ready to start growing a heather plant, consider the space a mature plant needs to fully develop. On average, these plants grow up to twenty inches tall and three feet wide.

PLANTING: The best time to plant the heather is in the spring or beginning of fall. Seed, division and cuttings can start new heather plants. If starting by cuttings, the best time to take them is in summer when the wood is half-ripe.

WATERING: After getting the plants into the ground, water them until the ground is moist. Follow this watering ritual twice a week for a few months. As with most plants, do not over water them. If the soil remains too wet the plant will suffer and possibly die.

The heather plant is hardy and resistant to insects, common diseases, and small burrowing rodents.

How to Grow and Care For a Heather Plant

Steve Habib is an active gardener and researcher on the subject of growing and caring for a variety of plants. To learn more about HEATHER PLANT [http://www.different-kinds-of-plants.com/heatherplant.html] visit here.

Cumin Seed: Grow Your Own

Cumin seed will grow in the Northern Hemisphere clear into Norway. The plant will grow, but that does not mean you will have enough days of warmth to mature the fruit, or the cumin seed.

Where to Grow Cumin
Cumin is native the Mediterranean, supposedly originating from Egypt. So, if you are considering growing your own cumin, simply assess how closely your climate is to the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The southwestern area of the United States is a good candidate for growing cumin.

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How to Grow Cumin
Choosing Seed: Cumin seed maintains its viability for a good two years. So technically, if you have cumin you have used in cooking and have been satisfied with the quality, plant that.

Cumin Seed: Grow Your Own

If you are just tinkering and want a few plants or even a whole row of cumin in your garden, purchase a pack of seed from your favorite seed vendor like Nichols Garden Nursery.

But, if you have decided to go into large-scale production, shop around to get the best prices and best guarantees of germination. If you are organic, you will probably want to start with organic seed.

Planting Seed: Cumin is related to parsley. Both germinate best in cool spring temperatures although the mature plants will withstand really hot days.

You can directly sow into the soil. However, these seeds are slow to germinate and may be wildly overtaken by weeds before they get their heads out of the ground.

The better option is to start cumin in a cold frame or greenhouse situation in a potting soil mix that is weed-free. Be patient. These plants will do best if held in these situations until they are two to three inches tall and that could take eight weeks or more.

Harvesting Seed: Depending on your locale, you could be looking at a full year before you have cumin to harvest. Only experience will guide you on this kind of planning. Talk to someone in your area who has already grown cumin seed for the local wisdom on this topic.

Seeds develop on the top of large, round, flat flower clusters. Allow these stalks to remain on the plant until the plant is close to spent. This assures that the cumin seeds mature and store their flavor-filled oil.

Allow further dying after the harvest of the stalks. This should be done indoors to protect the cumin seeds from dew and rain. Spread the stalks loosely on a flat surface and cover with a thin cloth like muslin to keep dust and bugs to a minimum.

Check the stalks from time to time. When the cumin seeds readily part from the dried flower form is the best time to do the next step. Wearing thin cotton gloves, separate the seeds from the flower stalks. The gloves save wear and tear on your skin and help to keep your skin oils off the seeds.

If you plan to grow acres of cumin seed, you will need another method of removing the seed. It was common in days of yore to gather bundles of dried cumin stalks and beat them with a stick. That can still work today.

Spread out your cumin seed on a flat surface and pick out the debris including sticks, dried leaves, flower parts. Allow the cumin to dry like this for another couple of weeks. Nothing is more discouraging than packaging seeds prematurely only to discover a few months later that they had molded. This is a consequence of inadequate drying.

Cumin Seed: Grow Your Own

If after reading all these instruction you feel tired out, perhaps just buy cumin seed in bulk from a reputable supplier. Shop for cumin seed [http://www.cuminseed.net/] whole or powdered. You can purchase it in nearly grocery store, but the best quality and price is often found from a reputable herb dealer online.

Seed Germination

What is seed germination?
Seed germination is one of the most important phases in the life of plants. The seed is the basic building block for plants. Although a seed appears as a tiny capsule, it contains a potential life or embryo within it. In fact, even that seemingly life-less seed has reserve supplies of food and water that keeps the embryo within it alive. Without favorable environmental conditions, the seed is inactive or said to be in a quiescent state. When external conditions become favorable the metabolism process is initiated and the seed will germinate. It is then ready to grow into a plant.

So simply put, germination is a process that includes various changes that occur from the instance the inactive seed is provided with externally favorable conditions to the time when it sprouts into young seedlings.

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So, what happens during germination?
Various changes take place during germination. It is during the process of germination that the embryo of the seed starts to develop. The germination process can be divided into two steps:

Seed Germination

Imbibition: This is the first step in the seed germination process in which the seed absorbs water. When water has been provided to the seed, an externally favorable environmental condition is created and the seed becomes active because its constituents are hydrated. Subsequently the seed swells up. It swells up to a point which causes the coating of the seed to crack. And from this opening in the seed, life springs out in the form of a root.

Respiration: When externally favorable conditions are provided to the seed, the metabolic process is triggered, initially in the absence of oxygen. Over a period of time, metabolism processes take place in the presence of oxygen.

Thus in the process of germination, the seed sprouts into a seedling, with the roots forming first and then the leaves forming next. The germination process comes to an end when the seedling has used up all the stored reserves of food it had as a seed. The end of germination marks the beginning of establishment phase.

So, what are the requirements for seed germination?
The essential external factors for germination are:

• Water: Water is crucial for the germination of the seed. Water softens the coating. When this water is absorbed by the seed, it causes the seed to swell and then cracks open to start the process of germination
• Temperature: The soil or compost temperature required by various seeds to germinate is different. The temperature range is crucial since the seed will not germinate above or below that range. A temperature range of 60 degree F to 75 degree F is ideal for many varieties of seeds to germinate. However, there are seeds that will germinate in cooler soil temperatures
• Oxygen: It is crucial to the metabolism process and provides energy to the seedling. Burying the seed deep inside the soil or water logging the soil may prevent seed germination due to lack of oxygen
• Light or darkness: Some seeds require light whereas some seeds germinate regardless of exposure to light. The former type is called Photoblastic and the latter is called Non- Photoblastic

Thus, in order to increase the likelihood of seed germination or the germination rate, it is important to provide favorable environmental conditions to that particular group of seeds

Seed Germination

Eddie enjoys gardening and the challenges it provides. He is particularly interesting in growing vegetable garden seeds and often uses a seedling mat to help them along.

How to Plant Iris Bulbs

With nearly 300 species, the iris plant is an extremely popular perennial plant. They are easy to grow, and spread quickly. Irises come in all sorts of colors and several groups can be grown in the same garden. They come in bearded and non-bearded varieties. Dwarf versions grow up to about eight inches tall. Irises are an excellent choice for your garden. Here are some key points to remember when planting iris bulbs:

• Plant your iris bulbs in July, August or September. This will give your new plants the best chance of establishing themselves in your garden.
• Plant irises in full sunlight. They can also handle partial shade.
• Do not plant them in soggy areas of your garden. Irises need to be planted in a good draining area so they do not get root rot. You can raise the soil bed level if needed.
• Do not over fertilize your irises. They do not need the most fertile ground in your garden either. If you plant them in clayish soil, you can use sand and compost to prepare for the iris bulbs.
• Plant them in a spot where they will have room to grow and spread. They will need to be divided or thinned at regular intervals to prevent them from taking over your garden or adjacent plants.

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Irises are an easy flower to work with, and will give your garden a simple to care for splash of color. Iris bulbs are easy to plant, and they will return year after year to brighten your garden.

How to Plant Iris Bulbs

How to Plant Iris Bulbs

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Plant Growth Stages - How Plants Grow

Plant growth stages mirror other living things with a beginning, reproductive, and ending stage, except some plants have an additional dormant stage. The terms for these stages are: Vegetative, Reproductive, Senescence, and Dormancy.

Starting with the seed, a plant seed is similar to a fertilized egg. It contains a food store for the new plant life, and a protective outer shell. In the first stage of plant growth, the Vegetative stage, the seedling absorbs moisture and nutrients from the inner food store inside the seed. When the plant has absorbed the seed foods and starts growing the root stem, and shoot that becomes leaves, it penetrates the seed's protective wall and begins growth. The root grows down into the warm moist earth, while the shoot rises upwards towards the sunlight and warm air. Upon emergence, leaves unfold and the roots continue to grow and spread. This continues until the plant seedling is fully developed with extensive roots, root hairs and leaves. The roots and leaves absorb moisture and nutrients from soil, water, and air.

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The next of the plant growth stages would be a Reproductive stage. At this point, when the seedling has matured, it will produce a flower that has either male or female parts, or both. The flower contains pollen, which is then transferred to the egg part of the flower and a transformation into new seeds, or pods containing seeds, begins to grow to maturity. The pollination can occur with the help of wind, vibrations, insects like bees, and animals. Or, humans can artificially breed and cross breed plants through pollination efforts or splicing branches to other plants. The benefit to pollination of seeds is that gene diversity can occur, which may help survival.

Plant Growth Stages - How Plants Grow

A third growth stage occurs after new seeds or pods have been produced and spread to make new plant life. This would be Senescence, or old age in plants. This can be seen in the fall as the leaves on certain deciduous trees change color before dropping off. Plants show deterioration similar to other organisms in old age, such as damage from free radicals and telomere shortening.

Another growth stage that is different than Senescence is the Dormancy stage. In Dormancy, the plant goes into a state of hibernation, allowing it to survive intense winter weather and revive in the springtime with new growth, without going through a seed stage. This is easily seen in trees, that drop leaves in the fall, and the sap runs up, then the tree remains in a dormant stage until new buds come out in the warmer spring weather, to run the entire cycle year after year until the tree eventually dies. Dormancy can give plants an edge because they can build on prior year's growth instead of starting over from seed. This gives them a competitive edge in competition for sunlight and soil, as they are bigger.

Plant growth stages are similar to growth and deterioration of other organisms, all part of the chain of life.

Plant Growth Stages - How Plants Grow

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Gardening - Plumeria Plant Care

The plumeria is a beautiful plant whose flowers are put into the Hawaiian leis. It is also known as the Frangipani or the Lei flower. It doesn't only grow in Hawaii though; you can grow it at your own home!

The plumeria is native to tropical areas of the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, South America and Mexico. When they are grown in these tropical regions, they can become thirty to forty feet tall and half as wide! If grown in other areas, however, they will usually only grow to be large shrubs or sometimes small trees. The branches of this plant are spaced quite widely and are round or pointed. The leaves grow in clusters by the branch's tips.

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If you live in a colder climate, your plumeria should be grown in a container. They make great potted plants for your porch, patio, or greenhouse. If you live in a mild climate, they can be put into the ground where they will become beautiful small trees. However, if temperatures fall into the low 40s they need to be kept in their containers or uprooted from the ground and brought to a heated location. When you uproot this plant, try to get as much root as possible and put the plant into a heated garage or basement where the temperatures are above freezing. During the winter, this plant goes into a dormant stage and does not need light or water. Once all the leaves fall off, you can store it inside until spring comes again.

Gardening - Plumeria Plant Care

As soon as the temperature rises outside, you can bring the plant back outside or plant it again if you had it in the ground. It will start growing again as if nothing happened.

Starting in the early summer and ending in the early fall, this plant will make very beautiful, fragrant flowers. The fragrance of these flowers is amazing; it is very pleasant and sweet. The flowers also come in many colors, such as whites, reds, yellow and many pastels. The plant can flower for three months at a time and will produce new flowers every day. When you pick these flowers, they will last for several days if you keep them in water.

If you plant the plumeria in a container, use a well draining potting soil. Cactus mix or a mix with sand and perlite works great. Put the cut end into the soil about two inches deep and firm the soil. Plumerias have low water requirements. Only water them when the soil is dry. Stop watering them in the winter when the leaves fall off and resume in the spring.

Plumerias do need fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Start giving the fertilizer in the spring when the new growth comes. If you want to encourage the plant to make lots of flowers, switch your fertilizer to one high in phosphorous in early May. Use the high phosphorous fertilizer every two to three weeks until the end of August.

The Plumeria is a beautiful, hardy plant that many people enjoy. If you care for this plant properly, you will be well rewarded with stunning, fragrant flowers. Most importantly, just make sure you protect this plant from the cold.

Gardening - Plumeria Plant Care

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Gardening [http://gardening.tips-and-gear.com/]

Flax Seed - Good News For Diabetics

Diabetics on the lookout for a dietary supplement to ease the symptoms of the metabolic disorder can find a healthy option in flax seed, whether in its whole, ground or oil form. Flax seed endeavors a holistic nourishment being enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, dietary fibers, vitamins and minerals.

Considering that diabetes mellitus affects the body's metabolic functions, particularly impairing the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin, flax seed is also an excellent nutritional complement to the maintenance of insulin-sensitizer drugs.

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How can flax seed help in relieving diabetes symptoms?

Flax Seed - Good News For Diabetics

Flax seed contains a good proportion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids deemed beneficial to circulatory health. Supplements formulated with these essential fatty acids have been affirmed to regulate elevated blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Furthermore, the Omega 3 present in the grain conveys anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risks of symptomatic hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis and atherosclerosis.

Clinical studies reveal how the antioxidant properties of the grain, in line with its high lignan content, aids in the management of insulin-resistant diabetes. This benefit is attributive of the estrogenic activities of lignans which promotes pancreatic functioning of insulin and sustains hormonal balance in the body. Regarded as an adaptogen, flax lignans restores cellular processing of glucose to therefore prevent what triggers diabetes mellitus, reduce its risks to health and relieve related symptoms as well.

Thus by addressing nutritional deficiencies, diabetes mellitus can be properly managed. Given its high dietary fiber content, along with other essential nutrients such as potassium, zinc, magnesium, and lecithin; flax seed remarkably supports the daily nutritional requirements of diabetics. To this intent, flax seed can be utilized as an alternative ingredient to eggs, flour or wheat to support the need for increased Omega 3 fatty acid intake among diabetes sufferers.

Holistic Benefits of Flax Seed

We've seen how the medicinal benefits of its bioactive compounds makes flax seed a promising component of a diabetes diet. Though besides regulating blood glucose levels, supplementation with the grain can also help lower LDL cholesterol levels through Omega 3 support. A boost of lignan antioxidants meanwhile reduces the risk of certain cancers, so why not integrate flax seed sprinkles in your next meal?

Cravings for sugary treats and carbs while managing the spikes in blood sugar levels can be pacified through the consumption of flax seed meals. Skim the Internet and you're bound to find a handful of flax seed recipes published. From drinks to whole meals, you will discover that flax seed is not only a healthy supplement but a savory treat as well.

Flax Seed - Good News For Diabetics

Bruce Maul is a partner in Gold Flax Seed, Inc. which provides only top quality Flax Seed and Health related products. Learn more about Flax Seed by visiting http://www.goldflaxseed.com

Flax Seed - The Natural Laxative

It is all right to take over-the-counter laxatives once in a while, especially if you have been badly constipated for a few days. Relying on laxatives alone to get the bowels moving is not beneficial to your body in the long run. Know that the prolonged conveyance of chemical substances to the gut could seriously disrupt the bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal tract and compromise the bodys immune defenses in the process. What the body needs is a natural laxative that will provide you about three bowel movements a day and of course get you dumping those feces regularly. And to get that done, you will have to feed the body frequently with plant sources rich in dietary fibers, like flax seed.

Flax seedis packed with remarkable health benefits inside and out, making it an ideal dietary supplement. The husk is enriched with insoluble fibers that readily combine with water to soften stool, induce bowel movement, and facilitate the excretion of feces from the colon to prevent constipation. Moreover, dietary fibers instantly provide a full feeling during meals, making flax seed an effective weight loss supplement as well. Grind the seed moderately and your body will surely benefit from a threshold of nutrients you will not find bundled in any other dietary supplement.

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Trapped inside the husk isflax seed oil,which happens to be the richest plant resource for the renowned EFAs (essential fatty acids) known as Omega 3 and also the phytochemicals called lignans. Omega 3 EFAs are unsaturated types of fat that sweep the artery walls from an undue formation of HDL, or the bad cholesterol, thus preventing the onset of hypertension, heart disease, and strokes. What a good way to nurture your cardiovascular health! Omega 3 also helps regulate metabolic, digestive, mental, and adrenal functions.

Flax Seed - The Natural Laxative

Lignans are naturally occurring chemicals that play a vital role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, tumor, and cancer cell formation by cushioning the impact of free radicals on bodily cells. Flax seed was not hailed as the health wonder of the 90s for nothing. Completing its nutritional portfolio is an array of vitamins and minerals bound to keep the body agile, fit, and healthy all day long.

Say goodbye to pharmaceutical laxatives for good. Taking milled flax seed regularly beats constipation in no time while nourishing the body with the health benefits of dietary fibers, Omega 3, lignans, and multivitamins. That is nutrition and wellness available in a few servings of flax.

Flax Seed - The Natural Laxative

Bruce Maul is a partner in Goldf Flax Seed, Inc. which provides only top quality Flax Seed and Health related products. Learn more about Flax Seed by visiting http://www.goldflaxseed.com

Garden Landscaping - Thinking About Umbrella Shaped Plants In The Garden Design

One of the factors behind a successful and satisfying garden composition is the intelligent use of trees and shrubs that have a definite and clear form. A pencil thin Cypress for instance, creates a clear vertical accent, and draws the eye upwards. A contrasting effect, horizontal in nature, is created by trees that possess an umbrella, flat-topped shape. In general, plants with a strong, definite line enhance both the sense of order in the garden, and its natural feel. Umbrella-shaped plants are therefore ideally suited to small home gardens. Two fine examples that stand out for gardeners in Mediterranean climates are Delonix regia and the Silk or Mimosa tree. (Albizia julibrissin)

Delonix is only suitable for warm winter locations. It has zero tolerance of frost, and is best avoided if the winter minimums reach below 10c. However, in the right place it can be one of the most unforgettable garden treats imaginable. In the tropics, where it originates, it grows to about 12 meters in height and as much in width, although in climates with cooler winters, it has a more squat, flat shape, being very wide, but relatively low. Delonix's leaf texture is delicate and feathery, but most people are struck by the spectacular red blooms that adorn the tree in the summer, followed by the dramatic looking fruit that hang from in long pods. Delonix is not suitable for planting as a shade tree near a house, as its roots are very aggressive and invasive.

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The Silk tree cannot compare to a truly great Delonix, but as it can be grown in locations that receive light frosts, it is a far more viable option in many Mediterranean regions. Sometimes, the leading shoot has to be clipped, causing the tree to adopt the desired umbrella form. Mimosa's leaf texture, like that of Delonix, is light and feathery. It also adds color to the garden with its pin-cushion, pinkish red flowers. It associates brilliantly with Calliandra, a large shrub from the same botanical family, (Fabaceae) the latter's blooms being almost identical in color and shape. Mimosa is a slow starter tending to take a few years before growing fairly rapidly to 4-5 meters.

Garden Landscaping - Thinking About Umbrella Shaped Plants In The Garden Design

A number of shrubs and bushes can also be used for the purpose of creating a low, flat appearance. One of the best and easiest to grow in this manner is the Chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus from West and Central Asia, or its Australian counterpart, Vitex trifolia. These plants can be limbed-up to reveal interesting branch architecture, while the tops can be pruned now and again to maintain the desired height. Furthermore, their addition to the planting scheme, strengthen the umbrella motif established by the trees.

Garden Landscaping - Thinking About Umbrella Shaped Plants In The Garden Design

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi.

I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to help you get the very best from your garden, so you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

The temptation with an awkwardly shaped garden is either to do as little as possible to it -- maybe a lawn surrounded with flowerbeds -- or to add too many hidden corners and details, which might work well in an enormous plot, but won't make the best of an average-sized garden. The ideal is to come up with a layout that's simple but uses design tricks to correct the shape of the garden. Better still, a clever layout can make the awkward shape an advantage, using odd corners for hidden storage or raised levels to define areas of the garden.

We asked Katrina Wells of Earth Designs to come up with three solutions for three classic problems: a sloping site, an L-shaped garden and a tapering plot. Our advice is to simplify the look of the garden, where possible, by using similar shades to unify the different elements such as decking, paving and walls. As for budget, we've suggested where you can make savings. Now all you have to do is pick the plan that's best for you.

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Designs For A Sloping Garden

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

Make the most of a sloping garden by creating different levels, each with its own purpose. This design has an area right next to the house for outdoor dining and a barbecue. Then, wide steps lead down (or up, depending on which way your garden slopes) to an area with built-in seats (with lift-up lids for extra storage) and a water feature, or sandpit if you have children. The last level includes a play area and lawn, plus a shed and compost heap. Hardy plants that don't need lots of water, such as osteospermum, are great for a low-maintenance garden. Will it take much looking after? The lawn will need cutting up to once a week in high summer, but if you choose raised borders planted with hardy perennials, such as hosta and astilbe, they won't need much care or constant maintenance. Add splashes of colour with drought-resistant osteospermum and gazania. How can I cut costs? Shifting earth and shoring up the terraces can be quite costly. In a gently sloping garden, save money by just decking over the top of the old surface, and swap raised planters for pots (which you could always add later when you've saved up).

Designs For An L Shaped Garden

The trouble with L-shaped gardens is that the slimmest part of the ?L' is often wasted space. Try and use it to tuck away things you don't want to see from the patio, such as the bins and shed or a play area. Keep the rest of the garden simple and break up the straight lines with a curved patio, borders and lawn to make the most of the space and give it a relaxed feel.

Will it take much looking after? The lawn will need cutting in summer, but if you use bark chippings the kids' play area will be maintenance-free. For borders, choose long-flowering, care-free perennials, such as yarrow, bleeding heart and black-eyed Susan. How can I cut costs? This garden shouldn't be expensive to create or maintain, as long as you keep the borders quite narrow. You can make them seem deeper, though, by planting evergreen climbers, such as Clematis armandii.

Design For A Tapering Garden

The best design for a tapering garden uses strong diagonals to trick the eye. The main border comes into the middle of the garden, while the lawn widens as the garden narrows, balancing the tapered shape. The shed hides behind a water feature at the far end, making the narrowest part of the garden a useful spot.

Will it take much looking after? In the summer the lawn will need cutting once a week and the plants in the borders will need regular watering. Put down a weed-suppressing membrane (from garden centres) to cut down on the amount of weeding, then plant the border with ground cover plants, such as geraniums or catmint. Geraniums, in particular, provide good ground cover and colour through the summer. Use tall pots planted with grasses for an eye-catching display. How can I cut costs? Replace the pots with tall plants set into the ground -- bamboo would be a good choice because it's evergreen and makes a good screening plant. Making the lawn area larger and the border narrower will also save money.

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

You can find more information on garden design ideas and garden advice at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love

Antique Garden Tractors

Antique Garden tractors were quickly used for all different facets of farm work, including digging and moving soil. The invention of the garden tractor has great increased a farmer's efficiency in taking care of a farm. Garden tractor pulling also helps to bring families and friends closer together. You and your family and/or friends get to travel to other towns (sometimes out of state), see the beautiful countryside or interesting sights along the way while on the road, meet interesting people and make new friends, dine at nice restaurants, even stay at a motel before or after a pull! Antique garden tractors are designed to use many different attachments and have the ability to mow your lawn. Antique garden tractors are designed for one thing and that thing is mow.

Lawnmowers in this range are fitted with either an electric key start system or a recoil pull start. Some people personally prefer an electric start. Lawnmowers in this range are equipped with either electric start system or a key drop draw departure. Lawn equipment stores should let you get a demonstration and test ride the mower--especially for the price you're going to pay.

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Garden tractors, on the other hand, are larger machines, built on heavier duty frames and usually have more horsepower. They have larger wheels, stouter axles and transmissions, and the rear wheels are usually bolted on. Gauge wheels on the deck prevent scalping of your grass in uneven terrain. Additional features include 6-position cutting height adjustment, 4 gallon fuel tank, an 18 inch turning radius and comfortable 15 inch high back seats. Antique garden tractors with mower decks count as one item, see delivery information above for carriage charges. Optional accessories such as grass collection systems and additional mower decks may incur an additional charge as they will normally need to be shipped on a separate pallet.

Antique Garden Tractors

Gardens with an area of around 2 to 3 acres can make use of Antique Garden Tractors for mowing. Small Antique Garden Tractors come in capacities of 4 to 6 HP. Garden tractors provide more brawn than a riding mower, and you need to do more than just cut the lawn, don't you? Garden tractors have larger engines, taller tires and rear connections for ground-engaging attachments, such as tillers and cultivators.

Antique Garden Tractors

Article by Andre B Antique Garden Tractors [http://www.gardentooletc.com/Antique%20Garden%20Tractors.html]

The Secret Garden

A mysterious garden hidden behind a high brick wall, a key stashed away in a forgotten room, and a young, bored and curious girl set the stage for an exciting and engaging story. My favorite childhood novel was Francis Hodgson Burnett's classic The Secret Garden. I think at the time I was drawn in by the mystery of the secret and my fascination with wild, unkempt English gardens. That must explain the state of my own yard today!

My mother was an avid member of the local Garden Club and even involved me in some of the youth flower arranging competitions. I think these activities nurtured in me a love of growing things, as I always had flowers on my windowsill while I was growing up. Nonetheless, I dreamed of the day when I, too, would have a large expanse of garden to till and plant and watch with joy as the beautiful mass of color burst into life with the warm winds of spring.

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Alas, by the time I had such space to enjoy, the responsibilities of every day life had crept in to steal my time and prevent my enjoyment of reckless abandon in the garden. So, while I love The Secret Garden I think I also envy Mary Lennox, who has the time and space to toil endlessly in the garden and then to enjoy the fruits of her labor.

The Secret Garden

She is also able to lure her chronically ill cousin Colin out of doors and he discovers the healing power of the garden. I can relate to that power - there is no quicker way for me to release tension and feel utterly relaxed than for me to spend a few minutes puttering in my garden.  A case of the blues can be cured rather quickly by a few minutes in the sunshine and a freshly picked bouquet of flowers.

There were life lessons to be learned from the story as well. People are not always as they first appear, keeping secrets can be detrimental to the healing of the soul; and in gardens, as in life, hard work  leads to more beauty whereas neglect and apathy eat away at the soul.

As the gardener reminds the children, "Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow." What a perfect philosophy for life : focus on nurturing the beautiful aspects of your life and there will be little room for the pain.

The Secret Garden

Lisa Scott is a mom, chef-on-call, and a nationally certified speech pathologist. She believes in living every day intentionally and thinking through decisions with a heart after God rather than just following the crowd. She is passionate about helping people find creative solutions to life's challenges, and blogs about her experiences at http://www.wisdompursuit.com When not chauffeuring her three kids around town, she helps professionals with a foreign accent or regional dialect to increase the clarity of their speech. You can find her speech services at http://www.accentuatecommunication.com

Garden Landscaping - Planting

If you have recently invested a lot of time and money in your garden, maybe you have upgraded your fencing, installed new decking or had a new patio area constructed, maybe the next job on your listing is the planting. If so, do you have the correct knowledge and know how to choose the best type of flower or shrubs?

If you have previously spend time and money getting your garden just how you want it, plants and flowers in full bloom, it looks great and then suddenly there is a down pour of rain, or some bad weather and then all your hard work and effort is destroyed. Maybe your planting looked great for the first year however the following year it really paled in comparison. If so, then you will know first hand just how frustrating and disheartening this can be. However, this can usually be avoided if you have knowledge of what plants and flowers are the best for your particular garden and soil.

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One way to avoid the above happening is to employ the services of a local landscape gardener who offer planting schemes. Maybe you have dry soil, your soil has a lot of clay or your garden may be is quite shaded. Whatever your particular situation they will be able to recommend plants, shrubs, or even vegetables that will thrive best in your particular garden/soil. Allowing your garden to look beautiful year after year.

Garden Landscaping - Planting

Maybe you aim is to create a theme, maybe you want to layer and have a graduated look, they will be able to help you achieve the exact look you want.

Of course as mentioned above it's not just plants and shrubs, maybe you would love to grow your own fruit and vegetables, maybe you have already tried and failed, getting the right advise up front can normally save you a lot of time, hard work and money.

Many people will admit that they don't have the knowledge but would rather give it a try then pay someone else to do it for them.This can however turn out to be fault economy, if you're lucky and your efforts work, then great, however more often than not this is not the case and you end up calling in the skills of a qualified landscape gardener, meaning your effort to try and save money, ends up costing you more in the end.

Summary: Whether you are looking for some advise or you want someone to undertake your planting needs for you, it makes sense to have a chat with your local landscape gardener. In the long term, it could end up saving you a lot of time, effort.

Garden Landscaping - Planting

Landscaping - Planting Schemes
Landscape Garden Design

Small Garden Bridges You'll Love To Cross!

Small garden bridges have become an all-time favorite form of garden decor. They add just the right touch that will turn a mediocre garden into something quite splendid.

This small structure is an ancient design that has been used across the ages for foot traffic and decoration, and it goes by many descriptive names: Foot bridge, ornamental bridge, landscaping bridges, timber bridge, oriental bridge, Japanese bridge and garden bridge are just a few.

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Small garden bridges are gently arched structures that span lengths from 5 feet to 20 feet, and are usually about 3 feet wide. Some bridges feature a flat platform.

Small Garden Bridges You'll Love To Cross!

The simplest garden bridge is the arched or flat plank structure without hand or side rails. More decorative garden bridges are built with ornamental and functional posts and side rails. Some side rails are specifically designed to protect children and other pedestrians; other side rails are strictly for decoration.

Garden landscaping bridges are not just for large, elaborate gardens. Many gardens that are small in size are large in beauty simply because garden bridges have been added in just the right places. Used over a small stream, rough terrain or even a little pond, bridges can add a wonderful, new dimension to any garden.

With such popularity, small garden bridges are easy to find. Garden centers and home improvement depots carry them, and one of the best places to find and compare garden bridges is online. Most bridges are shipped requiring some assembly.

How To Select Small Garden Bridges

Choosing the right garden bridge is easy with just a little planning. Look at the space you have and decide where a bridge would fit in. Consider more than one area and then choose your favorite. Always measure the area you intend your bridge to span.

When you measure the distance you want an arched garden bridge to reach across, you need to know exactly how long the bridge will span. Measure the actual span length of the distance you wish to cover and not the arch length. Some bridge builders may sell an "8 foot bridge" but it will actually only span about 6 or 7 feet.

Make sure the bridge is made of weather and water resistant wood, or sealed and stained wood. Most small garden bridges are constructed of cedar, teak, pressure treated pine, spruce, redwood, and birch planks and posts. You can also find garden bridges made with an attractive steel frame with wooden planks. The construction of the bridges should also use only stainless steel or galvanized hardware such as bolts, washers, nuts and screws.

Try to find a garden bridge that is very easily assembled with only a few tools required. Find out if the manufacturer numbered and labeled each board, each post and rail - so when it's time to assemble it, you just match the numbers and put in the screws and tighten.

For Do-It-Yourselfers, building a small garden bridge is a great project. Garden foot bridge plans are always available at the same places you can find the actual bridges for sale.

Small garden bridges can be used in a host of garden and landscape settings. As a foot bridge over a stream, or as a decorative accent through a large flower bed, these simple structures instill a functional and captivating charm.

Copyright 2006 Robert Mosse

Small Garden Bridges You'll Love To Cross!

Robert Mosse is a gardening and lawn care specialist and author of the "Easy" Lawn and Gardening Book Series. Visit Robert at Lawn And Gardening Tips for great, hands-on gardening info... and get the Guide for 101 Gardening Tips, completely Free at http://www.lawn-and-gardening-tips.com

Vegetable Garden

Having a vegetable garden is very good. There are many people who like plants and like to grow vegetables in their back yard. The vegetable garden looks nice and elegant if planned properly. First and foremost vegetables need a whole lot of sunlight to grow. So first look out for a place where there is enough sunlight to set up your vegetable garden.

The ground should be even for a vegetable garden. This is because the water that you would be giving to your plants would remain in the soil itself. This would ensure that all the fertilizers and essential minerals that exist in the soil are not hampered. If you do not have a choice then you will have to flatten the ground or then finally plant them on the slope itself.

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The vegetable garden requires good soil. The soil should contain enough amounts of minerals for the vegetables to grow well. Some places naturally have good soil then in such a case it is not a problem. But if you do not have such a soil, then you will have to get it and place thirty centimeter of soil in the ground. This soil would be available in the market easily.

Vegetable Garden

In the vegetable garden you can plan to grow any type of vegetables from tomatoes, potatoes, beans, cucumber, melons, sweet corn, radish etc. It is not very difficult to grow them. They just require a whole lot of care and attention.

You will have to plan the vegetable garden well. What kind of pots you would like to keep; whether big ones or smaller ones. In the pots you can grow tomatoes, mint, basil etc. in smaller pots you can think of growing lettuce, French beans etc. Keeping small pots are very advantageous as they fit into any place easily. If you have a small garden you can think of this option. If you have a large place to have a vegetable garden then you have lots of options. You can divide the place into different parts and plan accordingly where you would want to plant each type of vegetables.

Try to keep pests away from your vegetable garden. This would ensure that the plants are healthy and are growing well. There are some sprays that are available to keep such pests away from the vegetables. But be careful when buying them as they may be dangerous to your health as you would be consuming the vegetables. Alternatively, you can use your hands to remove the pests other than using chemicals. This would keep your garden fresh.

Vegetable Garden

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about vegetable gardens [http://growvegetablessite.info/vegetable-garden] visit Grow Vegetables Site [http://growvegetablessite.info] for current articles and discussions.

English Garden Landscape Design - The Mystery and Romance of a Secret Garden

Materials, accessories, and, of course, appropriate plant life are all important aspects of a romantic cottage style garden design that brings elegance and beauty to your outdoor space, as well as your home. Natural, twisting walkways, edged with flourishing plants and shaded by majestic trees, thriving lawns for relaxing and playing, and traditional county cottage style accessories create a simple outdoor living area full of beauty that complements your home.

Building English Garden Paths

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Secluded walkways with graceful curves and abundant, free-flowing plant life are the foundation to creating a genuine English landscape design. Garden paths meander through the landscape, allowing peaceful enjoyment of nature's pleasures. The materials used to build the walkways are the key to a romantic, English atmosphere.

English Garden Landscape Design - The Mystery and Romance of a Secret Garden

These materials and design tips are perfect for your English garden style outdoor living area:

• Natural materials, like gravel and bark, make beautiful paths with a simplistic look. These materials are inexpensive and relatively low-maintenance.
• Stylish brick or stone pavers are a more luxurious option, lending an element of charm and grace to your outdoor design.
• Combine stone, gravel, and brick materials for a more genuine English garden landscape design.
• Avoid formal angles and conservative patterns, integrating soft lines and curving designs that suggest romance instead.

The Charm of English Garden Accessories

Your quaint English garden should be a relaxing and tranquil place that allows you to enjoy the beauty of fine outdoor living. The garden accessories you choose are an important influence on the overall atmosphere and theme of your outdoor space. Select decor that complements the free-flowing, natural uniqueness of the English countryside.

Green lawns with picturesque views of the most beautiful aspects of your design are made functional with wooden garden furniture, like teak, that has an antique, aged appearance. Romantic benches or intimate cottage style outdoor furniture, along with quaint arbors and fragrantly adorned trellises, create the appeal of the country without detracting from the modern beauty of your home. Gazebos, quaint foot bridges, and rustic fences can also add the charm of your country style garden.

Wildlife's Role in the English Garden

Traditional English gardens were abundant with a variety of insects, birds, and other wildlife that only complements the natural beauty of this landscape style. Garden accessories, like water gardens and rustic bird baths or feeders, are one way to attract a number of species to your outdoor living space.

Certain plants and ground coverings are known to attract wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant fragrant lavender, clover, and small bushes with bright colored berries throughout the garden. Undisturbed grasslands and natural rock arrangements are also inviting to area wildlife.

English Garden Plants

The country garden style is characterized by a lavish array of flowers, shrubs, and vines in a rainbow of vibrant hues, complemented by majestic, curving trees providing relaxing shade from the afternoon sun.

Select a variety of country garden plants for your design, including blooms that provide color in each season. Some flowers and shrubs to consider are:

• Traditional country rose bushes, aromatic honeysuckles, foxglove and primroses, and the native, graceful lily of the valley are excellent plants for shady areas.
• Potted herb gardens and planters filled with cornflowers, violas, and petunias can tolerate the tranquil shade of your English garden as well.
• Native flowers, peonies, easy to care for geraniums, and fragrantly luxurious sweet peas are other suggestions.

English garden landscape designs provide unique outdoor living areas with a fun and whimsical atmosphere. A landscape design plan that blends the style of your home into the simple, natural charm of your outdoor space can be perfected with the assistance of a professional landscape architect or garden designer. Your design firm can also offer advice on the best country garden style for you and your home.

English Garden Landscape Design - The Mystery and Romance of a Secret Garden

Allen Quay is a professional landscape designer in the Southern California area and specializes in custom high-end landscape designs. You can find more valuable landscape design tips and information on Allen's website, the Landscape Design Advisor: http://www.landscape-design-advisor.com

Your Efficient Garden Maintenance Checklist

If you are a Hertfordshire resident frustrated with the condition of your garden and no matter how hard you try, your garden maintenance efforts are not succeeding. You might want to consider one of the many gardening firms in Hertfordshire who offer effective and efficient garden maintenance services.

The majority of Hertfordshire based gardening services companies are well versed with the requirements of what it takes to successfully carry out garden maintenance and achieve the result required results. Of course, every garden is different and its important for you to understand your requirements.

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It is a good idea to have a checklist that you can use to assess whether the gardener you are speaking to, is able to offer a full maintenance service that meets your needs. Also, having a checklist removes the emotion from the exercise and will help you to look at it more objectively.

Your Efficient Garden Maintenance Checklist

Set out below is a garden maintenance checklist that will help cover off main areas and hopefully make you aware of some others.

Lawn and Turf Care

- Lawn Maintenance
- Grass Cutting
- Lawn Treatments
- Lawn Scarifying
- Lawn Top Dressing
- Lawn Core Aeration
- Turf Replacement and Removal

Maintenance of Flower Beds and Hedges

- Weed Prevention
- Hedge Trimming
- Weeding Planted Areas
- Pest and Disease Control
- Pruning and Planting

Miscellaneous Garden Areas

- Pressure Washing of Paths, Patios & Driveways
- Rubbish removal
- Leaf Clean Up
- Rubbish removal
- Sprinkler Maintenance & Irrigation Systems

If you are a Hertfordshire resident frustrated with the condition of your garden and no matter how hard you try, your garden maintenance efforts are not succeeding. You might want to consider one of the many gardening firms in Hertfordshire who offer effective and efficient garden maintenance services.

The majority of Hertfordshire based gardening services companies are well versed with the requirements of what it takes to successfully carry out garden maintenance and achieve the result required results. Of course, every garden is different and its important for you to understand your requirements.

It is a good idea to have a checklist that you can use to assess whether the gardener you are speaking to, is able to offer a full maintenance service that meets your needs. Also, having a checklist removes the emotion from the exercise and will help you to look at it more objectively.

Set out below is a garden maintenance checklist that will help cover off main areas and hopefully make you aware of some others.

Lawn and Turf Care

- Lawn Maintenance
- Grass Cutting
- Lawn Treatments
- Lawn Scarifying
- Lawn Top Dressing
- Lawn Core Aeration
- Turf Replacement and Removal

Maintenance of Flower Beds and Hedges

- Weed Prevention
- Hedge Trimming
- Weeding Planted Areas
- Pest and Disease Control
- Pruning and Planting

Miscellaneous Garden Areas

- Pressure Washing of Paths, Patios & Driveways
- Rubbish removal
- Leaf Clean Up
- Rubbish removal
- Sprinkler Maintenance & Irrigation Systems
- Fences/Sheds painted and repaired

In addition, an efficient garden care provider should also offer sound horticultural planning services to fit your individual plans. Better still, if they offer hard and soft landscaping services, you can consider their garden design skills for future projects.

Fences/Sheds painted and repaired

In addition, an efficient garden care provider should also offer sound horticultural planning services to fit your individual plans. Better still, if they offer hard and soft landscaping services, you can consider their garden design skills for future projects.

Your Efficient Garden Maintenance Checklist

Efficient Garden Maintenance Services in Hertfordshire and Garden Design in Hertfordshire is offered by Quality Horticultural Landscapes in St Albans, Berkhamstead, Tring, Watford and across the county of Hertfordshire. We are passionate about creating and maintaining beautiful gardens.

Visit here: http://www.qhlservices.co.uk/garden-maintenance-services

Grow a Vegetable Garden at Home

It is very rewarding to grow a vegetable garden at home. It is really good exercise and the home grown vegetables taste better than something bought in a store. You are also aware of precisely what's gone into the produce. A vegetable plot requires an assortment of jobs for which you will need the correct equipment. The basics will suffice and they are a fork, spade, hoe, trowel and a rake. It really is best to get good quality brands. Others may be cheaper but they are not as likely to last as long. A barrow is also helpful and a watering can. Sometimes, there are drought orders and it is good to have one or two rain butts. If you are starting your vegetable garden from scratch and it is a sizeable area, you may want to use a rotary cultivator to help you do the digging. It will save you loads of time and a sore back. They can be leased if you do not want to buy one.

Firstly, you need to locate and draw out your scheme. Plants must be moved around in order to keep the ground healthy. Apply a soil tester to check which sort of soil your yard has. This is important because different sorts of soil need different methods of treating it. The soil could be dense clay, light, sandy, chalky or alkaline. It also affects what variety of vegetables you can raise in your veg patch, as crops respond differently to different types of soil.

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The soil will need breaking up so the seeds can settle in and so water and air can get through to them. Unless the soil is particularly hard, you can a spade as opposed to a fork. Take the weeds out and add fertilizer or organic manure. It's a sensible idea to start a compost bin near the vegetable garden. This will be a free source of fertilizer for the soil.

Grow a Vegetable Garden at Home

Once you've set up the area and fed the soil, you are ready to start planting and sowing. Split the vegetable plot into root crops, brassica and produce not in the first two groups. Root crops can include potatoes, carrots, swede, beetroot and onions. Brassicas are cauliflower, kale, cabbage, broccoli and sprouts. That leaves garden vegetables such as sweetcorn, peas, squash, beans and salad plants like tomatoes and cucumbers.

You could start some plants growing underneath a cloche or in a greenhouse, especially if your are in an region where there can be lots of cold or windy weather. Make sure you keep up with the irrigation and weeding. Many gardeners put up a wall chart and plan their jobs in the vegetable plot, on a monthly basis.

Grow a Vegetable Garden at Home

Visit the grow a vegetable garden [http://growavegetablegarden.org] website for practical tips concerning planting vegetables, from growing a culinary herb plot, to planning a raised bed vegetable garden [http://growavegetablegarden.org/raised-bed-vegetable-garden/raised-bed-vegetable-garden/]. Plus all the latest news about this year's veggie garden trends.

How to Get the Most Out of Solar LED Garden Lights

Solar LED lighting fixtures are increasingly becoming more popular as a mainstay in homeowner's landscape lighting designs. Today's outdoor solar lights are environmentally friendly, come in a wide range of attractive styles, and are constructed of high-quality materials capable of withstanding all of nature's forces.

It's easy to think of the obvious uses for solar LED garden lights. They are most commonly used as accent lighting for pathways and driveways, where the main goal is either security or safety. Yet solar LED lighting can successfully be employed for many other purposes as well.

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All exterior solar lights are popular for the following reasons:

How to Get the Most Out of Solar LED Garden Lights

(1) they're reliable,
(2) safe,
(3) easy to install,
(4) versatile,
(5) and a great source of renewable energy.

The utilization of free solar power to recharge LED light bulbs and batteries, which only need a fraction of the amount of electricity to deliver just as much light as traditional lights bulbs gives solar landscape lights an overwhelming advantage over traditional bulbs in terms of both energy savings and a clean environment.

How To Install Outdoor LED Solar Lights

If you want to get the most out of your garden lighting system, it's important to consider a few major factors before taking the plunge and purchasing and installing solar LED garden lights

The most important factor by far is sunlight.

Rechargeable batteries are what power your solar garden lights. How long the bulbs remain switched on at night is roughly equivalent to the amount of sunlight the solar charging panel has been exposed to during daylight hours.

As you can imagine, people who live in northern latitudes during winter months are going to have a problem getting enough sunlight to sufficiently recharge their solar garden lights. This problem can be resolved by doing one of two things:

(1) Turn the lights off for one or two nights. Doing this will enable your solar panel to fully recharge the batteries.

(2) Remove the batteries and recharge them using a traditional battery recharger.

An initial primary objective when installing solar garden lights is to situate the solar panels (also known as the Photovoltaic (PV) cells) in an area that receives an abundance of natural daylight. Ideally, you want them to absorb as much sunlight as possible to ensure optimal performance. But the solar panels are able to obtain a reasonable charge even amid overcast days.

Buildings, trees and other obstructions are naturally going to limit the daylight recharging cycle. Consequently, this is going to limit both the duration and brightness of the exterior solar lights once evening arrives.

Another point to consider is whether your solar LED garden lights have a central solar panel or an integral solar panel. Whichever type of panel you have, the solar panel incorporates a slight tilt that enables it to face the most amount of sunlight during the day.

Solar lighting that connects to a central solar panel has two distinct advantages:

(1) Since only one solar panel needs sunlight, the lights can be situated without regard to the amount of sunlight they will receive during the day.

(2) All of the solar garden lights can be controlled from one central location.

But, to accomplish this, you'll need to connect each of the lights to the shared solar panel through the use of wires.

Exterior solar lights that utilize an integral solar panel do not require wires and are therefore much easier to install. All you need to do is locate each light where you want it to be placed. But, since there is no central solar panel, each light needs to be exposed to as much daylight as possible.

The Best Batteries for Solar Landscape Lights

Once you have factored in the amount of sunlight you can provide for your solar panel, you can then move on to choosing the best battery for solar LED garden lights.

Before you make a purchase of solar garden lights, be certain to check the type of battery that is supplied. If the supplied batteries are of low quality, you may want to consider purchasing higher-quality batteries. Not only will these batteries last longer, but they'll also improve duration and light levels.

Lead acid batteries have an extremely limited life span and are not very good at holding a charge. Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries perform better, but have the distinct disadvantage of being a fairly toxic heavy metal. This will cause troubles when it comes time to dispose of them because a number of US states and European countries mandate these batteries to be disposed at waste recycling plants.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries are the best option today because they charge easily and have a terrific life span. Some manufacturers of these batteries claim up 3,000 recharge life cycles, with the range being between 1,000 and 3,000. This means that, if you run a complete recharge/discharge cycle every single day, you can expect your batteries to last 3 to 8 years. On top of this, you can expect your solar garden lights to last longer and look brighter.

Even as this is the case, Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries are steadily advancing on and taking over from where NiMH batteries left off.

Just be sure to responsibly dispose your rechargeable batteries. A recycling bin is typically provided by stores that sell such batteries.

Just as with most things in life, if you decide to skimp on quality, it'll end up costing you in the long run. If you do your homework and insist on only the highest-quality solar garden lighting and batteries, you'll experience first hand just how effective and enjoyable modern solar LED garden lights can actually be.

How to Mix Solar LED Garden Lights with Low Voltage LED Lights

Many people believe it's not wise or even possible to combine solar-powered LED lights with low voltage LED garden lights. But nothing could be further than the truth. Combining the two very often produces superior results. All you need is a good understanding of what differentiates solar-powered lighting from main powered lighting: namely the nature of the power source.

The two main constraints of battery power are:

(1) how much electricity it is able to deliver while discharging, and
(2) how long it can provide a charge.

One affects the other, so a battery will discharge more slowly with a lower load (dimmer light), and more quickly with a higher load (bright light).

Rechargeable batteries found in outdoor solar LED lights can discharge fully over a period of time of up to 12 hours (although between 8 and 10 hours is more common). And this affects how much power they can deliver to light up a bulb or LED light.

This is not a lot of power, and is the reason why the light source contained in many solar garden lighting systems is well below 1 watt. It also explains why solar LED garden lights are so prevalent these days: for the same amount of electricity, they are able to both last longer and deliver much more light.

To put it in simpler terms, solar outside lights provide a softer, more ambient light. While this isn't always the case, it is the case for the vast majority of solar garden lights purchased in garden stores and DIY stores. For many spaces, this type of ambient light is perfectly suited for the environment it is intended for.

This goes against many people's objections that solar garden lights simply are not bright enough to illuminate their pathways or driveways. In thinking this way, they completely overlook one of the main advantages of solar LED lanterns - a soft, low-level ambient light.

A well-designed garden and patio lighting design incorporates varying illumination levels, colors and beam angles to create a captivating look and feel that is completely different from what the garden looks like during daylight hours.

This is the whole idea behind the proper implementation of outdoor LED lighting. You have the opportunity to give your garden its own distinct character when dusk arrives. You are only limited by your imagination as to the kind of environment you choose to create. Being able to mix solar LED garden lighting with low voltage LED lights gives you the opportunity create a stunning and captivating display.

How to Get the Most Out of Solar LED Garden Lights

Choosing the right Solar LED Garden Lights involves a bit of time and reading. A great place to start looking for all sorts of Outside Landscape Lighting is checking out a website devoted to the topic.

Make a Bog Garden in a Garden Pot - How to Create a Bog Garden in 5 Easy Steps

If you have a horrid wet patch in your garden, and this is often the case if your local soil is a heavy clay, you could always turn it into a bit of a bog garden. The effects can be quite lovely. Due to the abundance of water, the plants always look so lush, green and generally healthy.

If the thought of a full size bog garden seems a bit beyond your capabilities, and you fancy trying your hand at something a little more downsized, how about a bog garden in a pot?

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There is a huge range of pots available theses days, to suit all manner of tastes, styles and budgets so you're sure to find something that you like.

Make a Bog Garden in a Garden Pot - How to Create a Bog Garden in 5 Easy Steps

Creating a bog garden in a pot makes it so much more adaptable. You can change the location of them, put them on a balcony, and if you fancy a change, you can just replant the pot with other things.

Follow these easy steps to get started.

1. Choose a large container to house your bog garden. It doesn't need drainage holes, but if there is hole already there, get a big matching saucer to go underneath that will help the water sit there.
2. Half fill the pot with compost. Regular potting compost will be fine, as it's a good mix that already has lots of fibre incorporated.
3. Hopefully you've assembled your plants before you started, so now's the time to get planting. Just like with bedding plants, ease them from their pots and stand them on the compost in the pot to get a feel for how they will look at the end. Do any shuffling round that you need to and make sure that you have some idea of how high the particular plants will grow. Make sure the taller one go at the back. This will provide a nice backdrop for the others. It always looks nice to have a trailing plant or two at the front, depending on the size of the pot.
4. Plant the plants fairly close together, this emphasises the green and lush theme. If you have any gaps, sprinkle in so pebbles and this will also help prevent the evaporation of the water.
5. Give the whole thing a really good watering, so that the composted is soaked, and if you have a tray beneath your bog garden pot, fill that up with water too.

Your bog garden will do best kept in the sun, but keep the water levels topped up, as they won't appreciate drying out at all. In the winter, the plants will go into dormancy and won't need quite so much water, and often the weather alone takes care of things, but if you just keep them topped up they'll be perfectly happy. 

When the spring comes, it's a good idea to turf out the whole lot and re-pot the plants using fresh compost. Any plants that have got too big for the pot can be divided up and planted somewhere else.

So, there you are, not a post graduate course in bog gardening, but hopefully you can see how even total beginners can have a go at something bit different and get great results.

Make a Bog Garden in a Garden Pot - How to Create a Bog Garden in 5 Easy Steps

Salena J Newport does not profess to be an expert on gardening. What Salena is however is a person that likes to try new things. However, before giving them a try she does a lot of research to make sure that she knows how to do them properly.

That's where gardening comes in. Salena has a large garden and in order to create the best results possible, she researches and then put plans into action. The results of some of her information quests can be found at http://www.garden-pots.com

The gardening articles written by Salena are intended to provide simple, straight forward and non-technical, but nonetheless complete hints and tips to help other new starters get the most out of their new hobby. After all, we all need to start somewhere!

Salena does have a website at http://www.garden-pots.com if you'd like to find more information to enable the journey to garden expert to feel a bit smoother.

Organizing Garden Sheds - Four Tips and Ideas For Easily Organizing a Garden Storage Shed

If you're like many garden lovers, you tend to accumulate a lot of supplies for your hobby over the years. And this is why garden storage sheds can be so handy. Even if you don't have an outdoor shed large enough to use for a big greenhouse, you can still organize smaller sheds to make the most out of it for your gardening supplies and activities. So let's look at a few organizing tips.

1. Hang up tools. If your garden shed is small, you can get more out of the limited space you have by hanging items from the ceiling or walls. Hang your longer gardening tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes on the wall, then hang extra pots and containers from hooks in the ceiling.

Garden

2. Put in shelves. Having shelves in your garden shed will give you a small area to do everyday gardening maintenance such as re-potting plants, mixing compost into soil, and starting garden seeds. Try to have one shelf that's large enough to use for table top activities, then put in several more above which can be used for sitting smaller items on and keeping your garden magazines, books and journals organized.

Organizing Garden Sheds - Four Tips and Ideas For Easily Organizing a Garden Storage Shed

3. Use storage bins. Storage bins are excellent organizers to use in a garden shed, because they come in a variety of sizes and can be used for a wide variety of things. Put storage bins under your small potting table for instance, to hold extra soil and compost. Store spring or fall bulbs in storage bins, and even store your plant stakes in small storage bins too.

4. Use planters for small storage. One of the things most garden lovers have is plenty of extra pots and containers. And even some of the smallest of these can be used to store a variety of things. Use the small starter plant containers to hold seed packets, organized by type. One could have vegetable seeds for instance, while another holds seeds for annual flowers, and a third holds perennial flower seeds. Alternatively you could group your seed packets together based on the soil and sunlight conditions needed for them to grow.

Larger pots and containers can hold small trowels and shovels, or mulch materials such as bark and sawdust. Some containers can even hold landscaping materials such as small stones.

Organizing Garden Sheds - Four Tips and Ideas For Easily Organizing a Garden Storage Shed

Browse through this selection of Garden storage sheds from http://www.OutdoorsStorageSheds.com/