Gardening - Using Annuals in Your Perennial Garden

Author: Jill Dow

Article: Annuals in your perennial garden are something to think about! Annuals give you season long color, easy propogation, they're cost efficient, and provide first season interest.

If you're just starting a perennial garden annuals are a great choice to fill in gaps. I remember my first garden. I bought a couple of plants thinking ""This is gonna be great!"" A few weeks later I realised this wasn't true. I needed a whole lot more plants and they cost a bunch! I opted for some annual seeds and I had a really pretty garden by the seasons end. Annuals can certainly help to fill in a garden while you wait for perennials to mature.

Even an established perennial garden may have spots where little is blooming at one time or another. Annuals are a great way to fill those gaps and keep color in your garden. They bloom from summer to fall and with a bit of dead heading you can continue to coax them back.

Annuals are simple to start from seed which makes them very cost efficient. You can certainly purchase annual bedding plants from a local garden center, but mail order or seeds at the garden center offer you a much wider variety than your standard petunia, pansy or snapdragon.

Get your free catlogues now so you can plan for next year!

About the author: For more gardening resources see http://www.bulbandseed.com and http://www.agardenwalk.com

Outdoor life and garden living

Author: Chay Leach

Article: <h1>The Gadget Shop review - Including spa's, swimming pools, hammocks and trampolines</h1> <h2>Intro.</h2> New for 2005 at Gadget-Box is our '<a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYCAT&c atid=21"" title=""online garden life and outdoor living shop department"" target=""_blank"">outdoor living and garden life</a>' section, packed full of great new products ideal for summer. At Gadget-Box we never stop looking for wacky <a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYCAT&c atid=2"" title=""take a look at our gadgets and gizmo section"" target=""_blank"">gadgets</a> that are hard to find elsewhere. The section contains dozens of products, in this review we will be looking at 4 products which we believe are great fun and even better value for money.

<h2>Lava Hammock</h2> Firstly we will start with the <a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODU CT&productid=392"" title=""Want to relax in the garden, click here to see the lava hammock"" target=""_blank"">Lava Hammock</a>, its a double size hammock with a maximum load of 160kg. As with all our hammocks you can hang them from trees or you can purchase a stand from us to support the hammock. This particular hammock is available in 5 different colours. Imagine lazing away the day under the sun sipping an ice cold beer, you no longer have to dream because our hammocks start at just £45 and supporting stands start at £99.

<h2>Moonwalker trampolines</h2> Moving on to our second product , is the <a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODU CT&productid=397"" title=""outdoor living is all about jumping up and down one of our garden trampolines"" target=""_blank"">Moonwalker Trampolines</a>, a great summer item for the kids. The Moon Walker range is a deluxe trampoline with a 1 inch thick padding covering the springs. It comes with a free weather cover and ladder. It has a green coloured pad to blend into your garden. Single user weight limit is 16 stones. With such an easy to assemble steel frame and available in 12 or 14ft sizes starting at £229 its a must see product.

<h2>Swimming pools</h2> Don't want to get stuck in summer traffic just trying to make it to the seaside or swimming pool, with this range you wont even have to leave your garden to get a cool refreshing dip. Our <a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODU CT&productid=415"" title=""see our mech tec range of inflatable outdoor swimming pools for the garden"" target=""_blank"">Mech Tech</a> Inflatable Pools are great value for money, don't be mistaken, these are not your 6x6ft paddling pools , you can easily submerge yourself as they come in either a 12ft x 30"" or 12ft x 36"". They also come complete with a filter pump so there is no need to keep emptying and refilling as the pump will help keep the water fresh and clean. That's an inflatable pumped swimming pool starting at £129, you really will be hard pushed to find such a great product as this. If your looking for an even large pool, take a look at our steal frame pools which can be as large as 28ft x 15ft, that's a standard swimming pool in your back garden.

<h2>Spa's</h2> How about adding a little luxury to your life with a <a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYCAT&c atid=60"" title=""Balmy summer evening outdoors, relax in our outdoor spa's"" target=""_blank"">spa</a>, yes a spa, at Gadget-Box we don't stop at <a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYCAT&c atid=23"" title=""born to be wild, ride on these baby bikes"" target=""_blank"">mini motor bikes</a> or <a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODU CT&productid=104"" title=""Friday night gambling games with the lads? Try some of our craps dice"" target=""_blank"">Gambling dice</a> from Las Vegas, we are always going that one step further and with this range we have hit new heights. Our Spa range come with add on ranges of <a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYCAT&c atid=60"" title=""garden gazebos and spa's"" target=""_blank"">gazebos</a>. We have 3 spas available the Montreal, Alberta and Vancouver, all of which have there own features, for this article we shall take a look at the Montreal Spa. The cozy Montreal offers 2 bench seats and a body form lounger, but can accommodate up to 4 people. All the features you'll need, in a compact size of 204cm X 165cm X 81cm. It will hold 765 litres of water, has a front access filter and is fitted with 40 jets, with 15 of these jets being Large Storm jets. Spas can be used all year round, whether its icy cold or baking hot, sitting in warm jetted spa will relax you in no time, and with adding a gazebo it really is a product you can use all year round even in the rain.

About the author: We hope this article has been of help to you, please remember its only a tiny selection from the huge range of gadgets, gifts and big boys toys which we supply at <a href=""http://www.gadget-box.co.uk"" title=""Gadget box - The gadget shop for big boys toys"">Gadget-box</a> so please visit our web site for more in depth information on all our range.

How to Find a Pond Leak

Author: Danielle Dickinson

Article: How to find a Pond Leak

If you have ever experienced a leak in your pond you will know how time consuming and frustrating pinpointing the source of the leak can be! While all ponds will lose some water due to normal environmental issues such as evaporation through sun or wind and splash, major water loss is a significant problem.

The following steps should help make the task a little easier:

1.Turn off the pump and observe water levels

(a) Does the water level continue to drop? If yes go to Step 3

(b) Does the water level remain the same? If yes go to step 2

2.The leak is not in your base pond.

(a)Inspect your plumbing, making sure that all joins and fastenings are tight and waterproof.

(b)Ensure no plant matter is intruding into the creek/waterfall causing water to run along plant stems and out of the pond.

(c)Check the positioning of your rocks / pebbles. They may have moved into the water, raising the water level thus causing water to spill out.

(d)When surrounding garden area is dry check for wet patches, indicating leaks. Inspect closer around the source of any wet patches.

(e)Check your creek / waterfall for a build-up of organic matter such as leaves, branches and twigs. Debris can cause dams thus raising the water level causing the water to spill out.

(f)Check liner is still in its original position and has not dropped in height.

3.The leak is in your base pond.

(a)Watch the water level closely until the water level is stable. Remove any fish and plants from the pond and store temporarily in a container original pond water if water level drops dangerously low.

(b)When the water level is no longer dropping check very carefully around the water level. Some leaks will be obvious while others will be tiny little holes that may be difficult to see.

(c)If you have a larger leak, try putting some milk into the water. The milk will cloud the water and move toward the direction of the leak. This is not always successful but is worth trying.

4.Repair the leak.

(a)Once you have located the leak you need to repair it. Use either:

(i)Poly Pond Repair Kit or (ii)PVC Liner Repair Kit

About the author: Danielle Dickinson is an avid water feature enthusiast. She is a regular contributor to Gardening Magazines. Visit her website <a href>http://www.waterfeaturesonline.com.au for more information on building and maintaining any type of Water Feature as well as a huge range of water gardening products.

Water Wall Units Explained

Author: Danielle Dickinson

Article: Water walls are almost a must in today's contemporary style gardens. Often the focal point of the garden, this is due not only to their grandeur but also to their tactility. Modern day urban noise such as traffic can be drowned out by such a feature creating a calming environment favourable to sipping a glass of wine and enjoying relaxed conversation. Necessary to create these impressive walls is a prefabricated unit called a Water Wall Trough or Sheet Descent Unit. These units are specifically designed to produce an even flow of water along the entire length of the unit. There are two main types of Water Wall Troughs. Made from Stainless Steel, Copper or PVC, each type distributes the water in a different way. Below we explain the differences between the two main types of Water Wall Troughs available.

Sheet Descent Water Wall Unit Water Distribution Effect

Pictured above, this unit distributes the water from the trough over the spout or lip and down the surface of the wall into a catchment reservoir or pond (can also be used as a 'free-fall' unit). This unit brings subtle noise and movement into the garden. Wonderfully tactile, it invites the onlooker to touch the wall and feel the cool water running through the hand. The shimmering effect of the water can be captured at night with the inclusion of subtle lighting.

Installation

This unit should not be installed any higher than 2.0m above the surface of the water in the catchment reservoir. If used as a 'free-fall' unit this height reduces to 0.8m. Flow Requirement This unit requires approximately 4500 litres per hour per metre width. This should produce a film of water approximately 3mm thick. Some adjustment in flow is achievable with the use of an inline value. See examples 1 & 2 for further explanation.

Catchment Reservoir

Waterfall catchment troughs are designed to be positioned at the base of a sheet descent water wall where the wall surface is fairly even ie. tiles, render, smooth stone, metal, glass etc. They are large enough to suit most submersible pumps. Where a surface is irregular and likely to cause splash such as with pebbles, rock etc a larger catchment reservoir should be used to stop the water from splashing out of the feature. Not only is this a waste of water in times of drought but it is truly amazing how quickly a water feature can empty when splash becomes a problem. Rectangular Statue ponds are recommended in these circumstances.

Pump

The pump required is governed by the flow requirement and head height (ie. the height at which the waterfall is installed above the surface of the water in the catchment reservoir). Example 1:- Installing a 1.0m Sheet Descent at a head height of 2.0m

This unit has a flow requirement of 4500 litres per hour (4500 (litres) x 1 (metre)) therefore requires a pump that will supply 4500 lph at 2.0m high. Check pump performance charts to find a pump that will supply this flow at the required height. In this example a Blagdon Amphibious 8000 will push 4980 lph at 2.0m high and is therefore suitable. Example 2:- Installing a 0.8m Sheet Descent at a head height of 1.5m

This unit has a flow requirement of 3600 litres per hour (4500 (litres) x 0.8 (metres)) therefore requires a pump that will supply 3600 litres at 1.5m high. Check pump performance charts to find a pump that will supply this flow at the required height. In this example a Seerose UP90 Fountain Pump will push 3840 lph at 1.5m high and is therefore suitable. Projecting Water Wall Unit Water Distribution Effect

This unit projects the water out from the wall in a clear and even arc, re-entering the water approximately 200mm away from the wall providing a dramatic, lively effect. This involves the senses and proves difficult for even the most staid personality to resist the urge to reach out and play with the curtain of water produced by this unit. Further enrichment is accomplished with the use of lighting at night. A simple submersible spotlight positioned under the curtain of water is all that is required.

Installation

This unit should not be installed any higher than 1.2m above the surface of the water in the catchment reservoir. The water will begin to break up if installed any higher. A high-flow projecting waterfall is available which may be installed up to 2.0m high (please enquire).

Flow Requirement

This unit requires approximately 7200 litres per hour per metre width. This should produce a film of water approximately 5mm thick. Some adjustment in flow is achievable with the use of an inline value. See examples 1 & 2 for further explanation.

Catchment Reservoir

Rectangular Statue ponds are recommended for use with a Projecting Water Wall as the catchment reservoir needs to protrude at least 500mm from the wall to avoid losing too much water from splash.

Pump

The pump required is governed by the flow requirement and head height (ie. ie. the height at which the waterfall is installed above the surface of the water in the catchment reservoir).

Example 1:- Installing a 1.0m Projecting Water Wall at a head height of 1.0m

This unit has a flow requirement of 7200 litres per hour (7200 (litres) x 1 (metre)) therefore requires a pump that will supply 7200 lph at 1.0m high. Check pump performance charts to find a pump that will supply this flow at the required height. In this example a Seerose UP150 will push 7740 lph at 1.0m high and is therefore suitable. Example 2:- Installing a 0.8m Projecting Water Wall at a head height of 0.5m

This unit has a flow requirement of 5760 litres per hour (7200 (litres) x 0.8 (metres)) therefore requires a pump that will supply 5760 litres at 0.5m high. Check pump performance charts to find a pump that will supply this flow at the required height. In this example a Seerose UP120 Fountain Pump will push 6840 lph at 0.5m high and is therefore suitable. TIP It is always better to 'oversize' the pump rather than to purchase a pump that will only just suit. Allowances need to be made for loss of flow through tubing and fittings. It is far more practical to buy a pump larger than required and restrict the output buy a valve, as it is impossible to get more performance than the maximum specified on any particular pump.

About the author: Danielle Dickinson is an avid water feature enthusiast. She is a regular contributor to Gardening Magazines. Visit her website <a href>http://www.waterfeaturesonline.com.au for more information on building and maintaining any type of Water Feature as well as a huge range of water gardening products.

Introduction to Plant Grow Chambers

Author: Kirk Gordon

Article: Technically, grow chambers are not classified as a hydroponics growing technique. It's actually a housing or a container for the hydroponics system, accessories and lighting fixture.

Grow chambers are perfect for the home grower because the system is enclosed, putting everything in one container and out of view. Of course, keeping your grow space nice and neat is only one of the many benefits a grow chamber offers.

Some systems are approximately the size of a refrigerator allowing you to grow your plants in one side of the chamber and mother plant with clones in the other. Grow chambers varies in size. The Phototron, for example, is much smaller than the PowerGrow system. Phototron lights illuminate plants from the side because they are placed vertically in the cube. Placing light vertically illuminate the whole plant without lost of lumens on the lower section of plants.

Most systems are built with a reflective interior to efficiently distribute light and increase the amount of lumens reaching the plants, resulting in a higher yield. Some systems are build with Foylon reflective interior to maximize luminescence to 99% light reflectivity.

A Co2 tank may be added to increase Carbon dioxide. If you paid attention in biology, you should know that plants intake Co2 and release oxygen. The system usually comes with built in ventilation for removing stale air and prevent heat build up. Some systems use VHO (Very High Output) fluorescent bulbs which does not generate as much heat as HID's or HPS lamps, but still offer a high lumen output. Using cool burning lamps allow you to place the plants closer to the lights for maximum intensity without burning tender foliage.

<b>Benefits of using a grow chamber</b> 1. Self-contained 2. Energy efficient 3. Ventilation 4. Reflective interior maximizing light intensity and illumination 5. * Co2 6. Grow continuously (replace harvested plants with clones) 7. Eliminate odors 8. Humidity control

<b>Additional notes:</b> Overall grow chambers are an effective and efficient way to grow plants in a small self-contained area of your home. However, it's not recommended for people growing tall plants. Because the grow area is constricted to a specific height, plants that exceed the height of the system will possibly burn on the lamp, bend and block other plants from receiving light.

* Optional accessory add-ons

About the author: <a href=""http://www.hydroponicsearch.com/"">HydroponicSearch.com</a> is an agriculture, horticulture & aquaculture search engine & educational site.

Enhance your garden with fall bulbs

Author: Tony Robinson

Article: The coming of autumn does not have to mean hanging up your garden shears and garden gloves for the year. The fall of the year is actually the time when many of the most popular bulbs bloom, and planting fall bulbs can provide your garden with much needed color almost until the moment the first snow falls.

The fall of the year is also one of the most pleasant times to work in your garden, since the heat of summer has passed. Many gardeners love spending the late summer and autumn days working in their garden.

In addition, fall bulbs are a great investment for the home gardener. After all, the great thing about bulbs is that they are able to remain in the ground, ready to spring forth when their optimal growing conditions are met. Even when they are not growing and blooming, the bulbs are still there, readying themselves for the next season.

When planting fall bulbs, one of the most important considerations is finding a suitable location for them. Even though bulbs are very hardy, specific bulbs have their own requirements, and those special requirements must be met in order for the bulbs to thrive and show their best blooms. The soil is probably the most important consideration. Bulbs always do best in a well drained soil, and when bulbs fall to grow it is usually because they have rotted due to overly wet soil.

Most bulb varieties grow best in full sunlight, and it is also important to properly prepare the planting bed. Many experienced gardeners prefer to excavate the area to a depth of between 12 and 15 inches, and then lay down a layer of well aged manure or compost. After this layer is put down, the bulbs are spaced properly, then covered with either the original soil or with a good quality compost or potting soil.

While this method is a great way to plant bulbs, it is also a very time consuming one. If you are looking for a less item consuming method of planting fall bulbs, you can use a bulb planter to make three to four inch wide holes. To use a bulb planter, you simply use a twisting motion. After the proper depth has been reached, the bulb planter is removed and the bulb can be planted. Even though bulb planters are a real time saver for most gardeners, they do not perform well where the soil is rocky.

The most popular types of bulbs to plant in the fall season are tulips, daffodils and crocus. In addition to these well known varieties, however, there are a number of other choices as well, including hyacinths, iris and alliums. These types of bulbs are easy to grow and they bloom beautifully. The chionodoxa is another popular fall bulb, and even though its earliest blooms are only a few inches in height, as it matures its blooms become ever larger. In addition, chionodoxa are resistant to deer, so they are favored by gardeners whose gardens are often visited by these creatures.

About the author: Tony Robinson is an international author and webmaster. In his busy life he finds time to ""Smell the Roses"". For geat tips, techniques and articles visit http://www.rose-bloom.com

Tips for maintaining your Snowblower

Author: Keith Kingston

Article: If you don't want to be standing out in the cold arguing with a snowblower that doesn't want to run, then do the annual maintenance before the snow starts flying. Regular maintenance will give you years of hassle free use, and less attitude from your blower. Don't forget the safety aspect, because without proper maintenance your snowblower could become a hazard.

Each fall before winter arrives, you should check all bolts, belts, and moving parts, to ensure they are not frayed, loose, or worn. Belts are best checked by removing and checking for cracks. Replace any worn parts, and tighten any loose bolts.

Turn your snowblower on its side and check the scraper bar. This is the bar that rubs against the ground and scrapes the snow off. This item wears, so check to see if it need replacement. If you neglect to replace the bar when it is worn, it will lead to damage on the snowblower's housing, and that's will hurt your pocket book. In fact, if your snowblower gets a lot of use through out the season, check it regularly.

Check the rubber paddles and the rubber on the auger. If your finger fits between the rubber and the housing it's time to replace the rubber. A new rubber will help your snowblower operate at its optimum performance levels.

Check tires for wear and proper inflation. Adjust as needed. If you have tire chains for your snowblower, have them handy or put them on in advance. There's nothing worse than searching in the freezing cold, while trying to remember where you put the chains.

There are only two types of snow blower engines: The two cylinder engine which uses mixed gas and oil. You'll just need to replace the spark plug on this style of engine.

If you have a four cylinder engine which uses straight gas, with the oil in the crank case just like your vehicle, you'll need to change the oil, spark plug, and filter. You should also check the oil each time before you start it. Most four cylinders use 5W30 oil, and hold approx 20 ounces. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct oil weight, and replacement part numbers.

Lube the drive and chassis. If you have two stage blower, make sure you check the lube in the gear box. Check with your owners manual whether you have a one stage or two stage. It will also tell you the type of lubricant to use.

If there was fuel left from the previous year, you'll need to siphon it off, and fill the gas tank with fresh gasoline. It doesn't hurt to add some methanol in with the fuel, once or twice a season, to avoid condensation from building up in the tank, or the carburetor icing up.

About the author: Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who is an authority on a wide variety of subjects. Find out more about his reviews on snowblowers at http://www.snow-removal-online.com/