A Childrens Play House Can Bring The Whole Family Together

 guest writer  No Responses »
Nov 102009
 

When it comes to a children’s play house, the choices you have are practically as varied as when buying a home. They come in many different styles, sizes and materials. Before you try to sift through all the options, there are some decisions to be made first. 200910x_007
Creative Commons License photo credit: Paul A Hernandez

Size is a good place to start. Do you want a small playhouse that can be used indoors? Or would you prefer a larger one that can only be used outdoors? How many children need to fit in the house? It should be large enough for your own children plus at least one friend each.

You may choose to either build your playhouse from the ground up, or purchase one that you only need assemble. This will partly depend on how comfortable you are with a hammer and saw. If you are not really handy, you will have far more options with a prefabricated house. If you are handy, then you are far less limited by building your own.

If you are buying a prefab playhouse, think about what type of materials you prefer. They generally come in either plastic or wood. Wooden houses will tend to be more durable and last longer. They are also easier to modify, if you want to add your own touches. Even if you think you want to build your own, it is not a bad idea to take a look at what is available to buy. If nothing else, it may give you some good ideas.

Your biggest decision is going to be the design of the house, particularly if you have more than one child to consider as they may have different tastes, especially if different sexes.

Girls often want a place that is perfect for a tea party while boys may be thinking more along the lines of a command post.

In the case of boys and girls both using the playhouse, you can try to come up with something that both enjoy, like a pirate den or a ranch.

Try to get everyone to take part in the project. Although it can open you up to all kinds of impractical ideas, actually ask the children what kind of playhouse they would like. You will get points for listening if you at least try to use some of their concepts.

Speaking of getting them involved, if you decide to build the house yourself, this is a great opportunity for a family project. Get the kids involved in picking the paint colours and in actually painting the walls. They will feel that much more pride in their playhouse, which may also result in them taking care of it better.

When you have the playhouse itself the way you want it, you can then stock it with furniture and accessories that fit with the theme. Accessories can be added both inside and outside. After all, no pirate den would be complete without a Jolly Roger flying over it.

Whether you buy your children’s play house or build it, your kids are sure to be thrilled. They will have a place they can really call their own. A place where they can use their imaginations and have all sorts of fun whether alone or with a group of friends

There are almost as many selections for a childrens play house as there is for your family home. They can vary according to material, size and style. If you are stuck for options why not check out cheap garden sheds first.

Posted by Colin Greensands at 7:03 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,

Giving A Lift For Dahlias And Begonias

 guest writer  2 Responses »
Oct 312009
 

October may provide brilliant color in the landscape but it also signals an end of another growing season. Let’s look at some of the things needed to be done in the landscape.

last bouquet before frost
Creative Commons License photo credit: daviza

Dahlias can remain in the ground until after frost. Cut off the stems six inches above the ground and lift carefully, for the tubers are brittle and break off easily. Discard any that do. Place the clumps in flats, stem side down, and let them dry off before storing.

Just before storing cut off the fine roots and cut the stem back to within an inch or two of the crown. They are best stored in a cool place (about 40 degrees) but may be stored at a warmer temperature if covered with peatmoss or sand. Line the storage boxes with paper. A dusting of sulphur before storing will prevent rot. Be sure to tie labels to the clumps so you will know what is what next year.

Tuberous begonias are lifted after the foliage has yellowed, but don’t remove the foliage until it is dry. Remove the dried stems and clean off the dry soil. Store the tubers in flats in a warm place (50 to 60 degrees) and cover them with peatmoss. They need good circulation of air to prevent rot.

Cannas should be lifted after the first frost and stored in a cool place. To prevent shriveling cover them with dry peatmoss or sand. Many, however, no longer store canna roots over winter, preferring to buy live plants each spring.

Lift Gladiolus corms as the leaves begin to turn yellow. After lifting, cut the foliage to within three inches of the corms and then let them dry off in the sun if possible for a little while each day. When completely dry, dust them with an insecticide to prevent thrips injury. Store them uncovered in a cool place.

Ismenes (Peruvian daffodils) must be lifted very carefully to preserve the root system. So, dig deeply. Spread out the plants indoors to dry. Remove the tops but not the roots. Store them uncovered in a place where the temperature will not go below 50 degrees.

Montbretias may be left in the ground if given a heavy covering of leaves. If lifted they should be removed from the ground in clumps with the soil clinging to them. Don’t let the soil dry out.

Tuberose bulbs should be lifted in clumps and dried off for storage in a warm dry place. Divide into single bulbs during the winter or use a second year without dividing the clumps.

In The Greenhouse

Repotting is one of the round-the-year jobs. When in doubt about the need for repotting, knock the plant like the watermelon peperomia out of the pot. If the ball is well covered with roots it is time for repotting. Don’t repot flowering plants that have flower buds forming. Soak new flower pots in a tub of water for at least a half hour before they are used.

Canna Flowers
Creative Commons License photo credit: audreyjm529

Freesias that were potted and placed in the coldframe should now have several inches of growth. Bring them into a cool part of the greenhouse before frost. For better results give them a weekly feeding.

Watering.

Don’t just turn on the hose and water everything in sight. Water plants when they need it. When in doubt give the pot a sharp knock with the handle of your pocketknife and if the pot rings water is needed. A dull thud indicates the soil is still damp. Soil in benches that feels dry and somewhat crumbly needs a thorough soaking with the hose or watering pot.

Find out more as Thomas Fryd shares his experiences on landscaping and gardens at plant-care.com. Get cleared up on watermelon peperomia.

Posted by Thomas Fryd at 12:15 am  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

The Quick and Easy Guide to Landscape Tools

 guest writer  No Responses »
Oct 292009
 

Landscape tools are very important when it comes to landscaping projects. Landscaping projects can help improve the look of your yard considerably, but there is a good deal of work required.

Pink
Creative Commons License photo credit: quinn.anya

Many tools available can help make these jobs easier, or in some cases, even possible. There are a few basic groups of tools that can help you perform a multitude of task. They are listed below.

  • Group 1 is the shovel.
  • Group 2 is the rake.
  • Group 3 is the lopper, shear or pruner.
  • Group 4 is the garden cart or wheel barrel.

The first tool group is the shovel, which is a flattened piece of metal attached to a handle. The main use for a shovel is to move material from place to place. There are many different variations of the shovel. The main types are the rounded or pointed tip shovel. This type digs into material well, and is perfect for digging holes in the ground. The second type is the flat shovel. This one has a wider surface area, and is perfect for scooping from rock or gravel piles. The last shovel is the narrow shovel. These are perfect for digging in tight quarters or for making small holes in the ground.

The second tool group is the rake. There are two main varieties. The bow rake is a thick and sturdy rake, and is used to move heavier items around, such as rocks. The second type is the leaf rake. This has long prongs that flex, pulling leaves along without damaging things under, such as grass.

The third tool group is the pruner, shear or lopper. These cut, trim and clip things to size. Small pruners cut through small, but tough, material. Long grass shears are used to trim materials such as tall grasses or shrubs. Loppers are powerful tools used to cut through thick and tough material such as tree limbs.

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Creative Commons License photo credit: fotogail

The wheel barrel or garden cart is the fourth group of tools. Both of these items are used to transfer large amounts of heavy and/or bulky material around. Garden carts roll on two wheels, which reduce its maneuverability, but increase its stability. Wheel barrels are the opposite, balancing on one wheel and having better maneuverability and less stability.

If you plan to undertake any landscaping project, whether big or small, you will need some tools. The basic tool groups listed and explained above will give you the ability to perform many tasks outside, and successfully complete your project.

If you are working on any landscape project, make sure you have the right landscape tools and all the landscape supplies to do the job right. Jeremy Szechenyi’s blog, hubpages.com will give you all the information you need.

Posted by Jeremy S at 1:53 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Fall Decorating Ideas – 5 Classic Ways to Get Ready for Thanksgiving & Halloween

 guest writer  No Responses »
Oct 272009
 

Looking for the perfect fall decorating ideas? Here are 5 terrific ideas that can’t miss when you are wondering what to do to make your home more festive for Halloween, Thanksgiving and the fall harvest time.

#1 – Pumpkins & cornstalks. The classic fall yard decoration is cornstalks and pumpkins and gourds. It is so easy to do. Visit your local nursery or farmer’s market. This time of year they are sure to have everything you need. Buy an inexpensive sheaf of cornstalks, a couple of large pumpkins and some colorful gourds or giant squash and you have all you need for the perfect fall yard display.

Halloween/ Harvest 2009
Creative Commons License photo credit: ED́WW day_dae

#2 – Construction paper cut-outs. Don’t overlook your windows when it is time to dress up the house for fall. Some simple decorative cut outs taped in the windows is a festive site for anyone inside or out of the house. Grab some construction paper in fall colors (orange, black brown, yellow, gold & green). Now draw or trace some simple fall outlines on them like leaves, pumpkins, tractors, bats, cats, witches (and other Halloween shapes). Cut out the shapes and tape them in your front windows to show off your seasonal spirit.

#3 – Gourds, squash & straw. How about the perfect fall table centerpiece? At this time of year there are many small colorful gourds and squash that are just fun to look at. visit your local supermarket to pick up a small armful and get a handful of straw to put them on. This little display in th center of any fall holiday table adds visual interest and charm at very little cost.

#4 – Goblins & ghosts. The kids favorite fall holiday is of course Halloween. And what would a Halloween be without a few ghosts and goblins around? An old white sheet, some newspaper and twine is all you need for the ghost. Stuff the middle of the sheet with a ball of newspaper for the head and tie the twine to make the neck. Hang your ghost from the nearest tree limb and let him float in the breeze for that perfect ghostly effect.

Halloween/ Harvest 2009
Creative Commons License photo credit: ED́WW day_dae

Goblins are easy to make with some old cloths, shoes, hat and newspaper. Stuff the clothes with newspaper and put a basketball under the hat for a head. Sit him in an old chair or give him some backbone with some broom sticks and you have the perfect goblin to lurk around the shadows of your home and delight your trick-or-treaters.

#5 – A witch and her cauldron. Last but not least, why not invite your own personal witch to partake in the holiday festivities? All you need is an old black dress and hat from the costume shop, attic or local Salvation Army store. Stuff the dress with newspaper and broom sticks for support and cut out a cardboard face with a wicked grimace. Put her in a chair or prop her up in a dark corner of your front porch and watch the kids jump when they notice her.

The finishing touch is her steamy cauldron made from a tub or old pot and some dry ice. Place this at her feet with maybe a small paddle to stir her brew and the mysterious potion is ready for action. Just don’t let any of your kids fall in and become witch’s food!

HMD Card 1h Vintage Witch Close-up
Creative Commons License photo credit: Heathers Miracle Dog

And that’s all you need to dress up your house and yard for fall festivities. Halloween, Thanksgiving and all fall long your house will be the hit of the neighborhood and the local children will flock to your door on on candy night.

Amy Aimsly loves writing about ways to decorate your home. She also has some simple and practical ways in her recent websites on the Wall Mount Ironing Board and the Wall Ironing Board.

Posted by Amy Aimsly at 6:30 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Outdoor Pond – Tips For Successful Backyard Ponds

 Backyard Pond, guest writer  No Responses »
Oct 222009
 

An outdoor pond is a wonderful improvement to your garden or backyard, a place for relaxing and resting while observing your small part of nature. It’s no surprise that its popularity is becoming bigger and bigger.

waterfall2
Creative Commons License photo credit: annrkiszt

Below you will find 7 essential tips to make sure your outdoor pond project is successful.

1. Inspiration from books, magazines and the Internet. You can find inspiring pond photo books in your local library or bookstore; also websites like flickr.com and youtube.com can be researched for images, tutorials and tips.

2. Inspiration is all over the place. Once you start looking you will find ponds and water features everywhere; parks and public buildings just to name a few. Take pictures of things you like and dislike, so later on, when designing, you can easily refer to.

3. Choose your pond location. Remember that a pond is not a mobile feature in your garden. Think of how close you want it to your house or neighbors property. Keep it away from sources of debris like a tree that looses many leaves. Place it in a spot where you can enjoy it from a window or at a relaxing corner of your garden.

4. Choose your outdoor pond style. If you would like to match the architecture of your house then a formal pond is probably your choice. Formal pond examples can be found in palaces and monuments both old and new. If you are looking for something more natural that will blend with the environment and your garden, then informal ponds are your choice. Informal ponds will imitate nature’s rivers and lakes with sand shores and lots of vegetation. The most important issue here is to keep your pond in harmony with your backyard design.

5. Additional design tips. Waterfalls and other features can be added to your pond but take its style into consideration. What kind of fish will you introduce and what are their needs? Does your ground allow easy digging for a below the ground pond or maybe you need to build it above the ground with a nice brick or stone wall?

6. Keep a close eye on your budget. Make sure you have the skills and resources to complete you pond building project. Sum up the materials, construction and maintenance expenses, including professional help if needed. If you need to cut building costs or reduce your efforts take a look at pre-made pond kits in the web or local stores.

7. Keep your pond Safe. Safety is your number one priority when it comes to children and pets playing around your garden. Also keep the stable surfaces around the pond and your electric installations water proof. A good quality liner is a must to avoid holes in your ponds due to rocks and ground movement. Clean and uncontaminated ponds are not only a maintenance issue but a safety one, both for your family and your fish.

Pond building is a complex hobby that can become very enjoyable if you take your time to plan and maintain it. Get your family involved in it from the very beginning making it a project enjoyed by everyone in your household.

Want to find out more about Pond Building, then visit Michael W.’s site on how to build the best outdoor pond for your needs and dreams.

Posted by Michael Wezsky at 9:53 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,
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