Ideas4Landscaping is a comprehensive collection of 7250 landscaping designs, ideas and themes and about 300 pages of gardening landscape guides. I've just bought the entire package and this is my honest review of the product. I will be covering what I like and dislike.
What Is Ideas4Landscaping?
The product offers step by step blueprints and pictures of over 7250 different landscaping designs. The creator, Helen Whitfield offers a simple, efficient and user-friendly online gallery for landscaping inspiration to design your dream landcsape. Inside this massive database, you'll find 1'000s of landscaping pictures in 60+ categories consisting of:
Backyards
Front Yards
Gardens
Patios
Decks
Walkways
Lawns
And Many More...
This massive collection of photos, ideas, and simple step-by-step details is designed to help home owners make some progress with their plan to liven up their home with the perfect landscaping.
== Ideas4Landscaping Review #1
Ideas4Landscaping is a comprehensive collection of 7250 landscaping designs, ideas and themes and about 300 pages of gardening landscape guides. I've just bought the entire package and this is my honest review of the product. I will be covering what I like and dislike.
What Is Ideas4Landscaping?
The product offers step by step blueprints and pictures of over 7250 different landscaping designs. The creator, Helen Whitfield offers a simple, efficient and user-friendly online gallery for landscaping inspiration to design your dream landcsape. Inside this massive database, you'll find 1'000s of landscaping pictures in 60+ categories consisting of:
Backyards
Front Yards
Gardens
Patios
Decks
Walkways
Lawns
And Many More...
This massive collection of photos, ideas, and simple step-by-step details is designed to help home owners make some progress with their plan to liven up their home with the perfect landscaping.
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
The Pros:
Below are some of the points I was really impressed with.
- A Huge Range of Designs To Choose From
This is a complete landscaping resource with detailed diagrams, complete with color pictures and examples on many types of landscaping designs. It is everything you'll need to get started in creating the perfect outdoor living experience for you and your family with gardens, pools ,decks, pathways ,sheds, gazebos, hedges, driveways, waterfalls, ponds, patios and walkways
There are multiple designs available for each types of landscape, so you have some variety to choose from.
- Suitable For Beginners or Pros
All the designs are suitable for beginners and professionals. I'm somewhat new to landscaping but I found most of the projects can be completed in 1 weekend.
- Great bonuses included
The bonuses you get with this product are great. The bonus videos on landscaping is great for beginners who want an easy to follow video guide. There are also some great value books added in, including an organic vegetable farming guide which I've found very useful.
- Full Color Pictures
I appreciated the amount of full color pictures and diagrams that are included. I’m a very visual person, so it is easier for me to follow a picture or diagram instead of reading paragraphs.
- Money Back Policy
The 60 day money back guarantee is always appreciated. I like seeing a merchant who stands behind their product 100%. It puts the consumer at ease, knowing that they aren’t going to lose a cent if they choose to not use the system.
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
What I Didn't Like:
It is cool that I get instant download access but it also takes away the joy of a printed collection. The designs are all in downloadable online gallery, which is great if your main purpose is to stop using paper and save the trees. But it can be quite a hassle if you want to have your design sitting snugly next to you as you build your boat.
However, you do have the option of printing everything out.That way, you don’t have to go online to view it.
Do You Recommend It?
Yes!
Ideas4Landscaping is is a great collection anyway you look at it. It is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned landscapers alike. It offer great value for money considering the one-time price you pay for such an extensive system.
Ideas4Landscaping gets 2 thumbs up from me!
P.S IMPORTANT NOTE: I've just been told, Ideas4Landscaping is currently running a huge promotion. Normally it sells for over $297, Helen have slashed that price down to $47…for now.
I’m told the price is going back up within a matter of days. So if you’re at all interested, now is the time to buy Ideas4Landscaping:
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
The Pros:
Below are some of the points I was really impressed with.
- A Huge Range of Designs To Choose From
This is a complete landscaping resource with detailed diagrams, complete with color pictures and examples on many types of landscaping designs. It is everything you'll need to get started in creating the perfect outdoor living experience for you and your family with gardens, pools ,decks, pathways ,sheds, gazebos, hedges, driveways, waterfalls, ponds, patios and walkways
There are multiple designs available for each types of landscape, so you have some variety to choose from.
- Suitable For Beginners or Pros
All the designs are suitable for beginners and professionals. I'm somewhat new to landscaping but I found most of the projects can be completed in 1 weekend.
- Great bonuses included
The bonuses you get with this product are great. The bonus videos on landscaping is great for beginners who want an easy to follow video guide. There are also some great value books added in, including an organic vegetable farming guide which I've found very useful.
- Full Color Pictures
I appreciated the amount of full color pictures and diagrams that are included. I’m a very visual person, so it is easier for me to follow a picture or diagram instead of reading paragraphs.
- Money Back Policy
The 60 day money back guarantee is always appreciated. I like seeing a merchant who stands behind their product 100%. It puts the consumer at ease, knowing that they aren’t going to lose a cent if they choose to not use the system.
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
What I Didn't Like:
It is cool that I get instant download access but it also takes away the joy of a printed collection. The designs are all in downloadable online gallery, which is great if your main purpose is to stop using paper and save the trees. But it can be quite a hassle if you want to have your design sitting snugly next to you as you build your boat.
However, you do have the option of printing everything out.That way, you don’t have to go online to view it.
Do You Recommend It?
Yes!
Ideas4Landscaping is is a great collection anyway you look at it. It is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned landscapers alike. It offer great value for money considering the one-time price you pay for such an extensive system.
Ideas4Landscaping gets 2 thumbs up from me!
P.S IMPORTANT NOTE: I've just been told, Ideas4Landscaping is currently running a huge promotion. Normally it sells for over $297, Helen have slashed that price down to $47…for now.
I’m told the price is going back up within a matter of days. So if you’re at all interested, now is the time to buy Ideas4Landscaping:
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Thanks From,
Donald, And All The Best For 2012 Everyone!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Mulch, Pine Straw Or Decorative Stones Finish A Landscape Project!
Light Mulch
Mulch, pine straw, or decorative stones provide a finished look for your landscape project. Each of these materials result in a different look.
Maybe you have new trees, shrubs, flowers, or a hard-scape feature all installed. Now it is time for the final step in your landscape project. It is important to know the difference between the three different materials.
Dark Mulch
Mulch is a very popular product today. There are several different varieties out on the market. The organic type is good to use.
When meeting with my clients, we talk about the advantages and dis-advantages of this material. To me, mulch can either represent a formal or informal look.
One of the first steps for you to think about is what grade of ground mulch do you prefer. There are three different phases to grinding this material. Once, twice, or three times grinding through a machine.
The bark of the tree is the best part to use. The more times the batch of wood is grounded, the finer the mulch will become. I recommend the bark or wood be grounded at least twice. The cost for you may be a little bit more, but worth the few extra dollars.
Cedar Mulch
There have been concerns about termites in wood products. The product that has been through the grinding process is safe to use in and around your foundation. If the material hasn't been grounded, there will be larger pieces of wood and a change of infestation of termites, and other insects. Always check with your suppler on what specifications they do when grinding the bark.
Another item to consider is the color. The hard wood material comes in light and dark brown. Cedar has a orange - red tint to it. One word of caution if you are considering cedar mulch.
A dye is usually put into the cedar material and can stain your driveway or lawn. Look at the colors of your brick, siding or shutters. What color would match well with any of these features? This material is measured by cubic yard. Plant around a Tree explains the steps in buying mulch at a nursery. Playground mulch is the one of the best to use, but it is somewhat more expensive to purchase.
Burpee.com - Tomato HP Logo
The Burpee Company is known for its wonderful collection of seeds, plants, and gardening supplies. Now is a great time to purchase a "Burpee Gift Card" as a present or for your own gardens and landscape. Create a beautiful look for your outdoors, before finishing the project.
The playground material is finely shredded of good quality bark. Many child care centers and schools are using this particular type. Pine nuggets are popular and will last longer. Over time this material may loose its color. You will need to refresh the landscape area either every six months, or once a year.
Pine Straw
Pine Straw represents a natural feeling of being out in nature. The Pine straw comes in bales. Usually one bale will cover forty to sixty feet, one to two inches thick. Pine straw is easier to install then mulch. It will also tend to loose its color after a period of time.
The pine will turn a shade of gray and you will have to refresh the area the same as mulch, every six months or annually. Pine straw does have some acidic levels and is great for certain types of plants that thrive in an acid base environment. (Azaleas in the south love the pine straw)
If you have pine trees around, let the needles from the tree collect the ground and use it in your landscaped area. Prices range depending on your geographic location.
Your cost will usually run anywhere from two to four dollars per bale. You have a big advantage if you live on a farm with pine trees, as the needles will naturally fall onto the ground.
Pine is safe around foundations, children or animals. One word of caution, every once in awhile you may find a a vine with thorns in a bale. I recommend wearing gloves. Did you know that birds and other small creatures will use the pine straw to make part of their nests? If you are planning a relaxed landscape project, and want to feel as if you are walking through the woods, pine straw may be the answer.
Stone
Decorative Stone is a third alternative in finishing your landscape project. The stones are usually cut in one, two, or three inches in diameter.
There are several different colors to choose from. Decorative stone creates a look of formality in garden areas. The rocks will last longer than pine straw and mulch. You can purchase stone in bags at a local store, nursery, or garden center. Some nurseries and garden centers will carry the decorative stone in bulk.
Depending on the size of your project, they will deliver the stone usually starting with a half ton. Pick up trucks are great for getting the rocks to your home, but also a lot more work for you. Delivery fees can run twenty to forty dollars.
If you have a sunny location be careful about putting stark white stone in a bed, as the sun reflects off the white color. In partial shade or full shade, the white rock creates a very clean and crisp look.
An idea for you to think about is using the stone in certain beds, and pine straw or mulch in other beds. Consider the stone around a few trees or any outdoor feature such as a bird feeder, sun dial, container gardens or decorating around a pond or pool area. You also can purchase pebbles. These flat stones are smaller in size and great for walkways.
Whether you are planning a full scale landscape project incorporating a few new beds, or tired of what is presently there, consider the above possibilities. These three materials can improve the appearance of your home. Remember to include this step in your planning phase.
Take a look at plan-prep-plant and finish with mulch, or pine straw and understand the importance of the planning phase. I hope this article has helped you in the decision making process of applying the final material in your outdoor venture.
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Great Day! For Landscaping!
Donald
Mulch, pine straw, or decorative stones provide a finished look for your landscape project. Each of these materials result in a different look.
Maybe you have new trees, shrubs, flowers, or a hard-scape feature all installed. Now it is time for the final step in your landscape project. It is important to know the difference between the three different materials.
Dark Mulch
Mulch is a very popular product today. There are several different varieties out on the market. The organic type is good to use.
When meeting with my clients, we talk about the advantages and dis-advantages of this material. To me, mulch can either represent a formal or informal look.
One of the first steps for you to think about is what grade of ground mulch do you prefer. There are three different phases to grinding this material. Once, twice, or three times grinding through a machine.
The bark of the tree is the best part to use. The more times the batch of wood is grounded, the finer the mulch will become. I recommend the bark or wood be grounded at least twice. The cost for you may be a little bit more, but worth the few extra dollars.
Cedar Mulch
There have been concerns about termites in wood products. The product that has been through the grinding process is safe to use in and around your foundation. If the material hasn't been grounded, there will be larger pieces of wood and a change of infestation of termites, and other insects. Always check with your suppler on what specifications they do when grinding the bark.
Another item to consider is the color. The hard wood material comes in light and dark brown. Cedar has a orange - red tint to it. One word of caution if you are considering cedar mulch.
A dye is usually put into the cedar material and can stain your driveway or lawn. Look at the colors of your brick, siding or shutters. What color would match well with any of these features? This material is measured by cubic yard. Plant around a Tree explains the steps in buying mulch at a nursery. Playground mulch is the one of the best to use, but it is somewhat more expensive to purchase.
Burpee.com - Tomato HP Logo
The Burpee Company is known for its wonderful collection of seeds, plants, and gardening supplies. Now is a great time to purchase a "Burpee Gift Card" as a present or for your own gardens and landscape. Create a beautiful look for your outdoors, before finishing the project.
The playground material is finely shredded of good quality bark. Many child care centers and schools are using this particular type. Pine nuggets are popular and will last longer. Over time this material may loose its color. You will need to refresh the landscape area either every six months, or once a year.
Pine Straw
Pine Straw represents a natural feeling of being out in nature. The Pine straw comes in bales. Usually one bale will cover forty to sixty feet, one to two inches thick. Pine straw is easier to install then mulch. It will also tend to loose its color after a period of time.
The pine will turn a shade of gray and you will have to refresh the area the same as mulch, every six months or annually. Pine straw does have some acidic levels and is great for certain types of plants that thrive in an acid base environment. (Azaleas in the south love the pine straw)
If you have pine trees around, let the needles from the tree collect the ground and use it in your landscaped area. Prices range depending on your geographic location.
Your cost will usually run anywhere from two to four dollars per bale. You have a big advantage if you live on a farm with pine trees, as the needles will naturally fall onto the ground.
Pine is safe around foundations, children or animals. One word of caution, every once in awhile you may find a a vine with thorns in a bale. I recommend wearing gloves. Did you know that birds and other small creatures will use the pine straw to make part of their nests? If you are planning a relaxed landscape project, and want to feel as if you are walking through the woods, pine straw may be the answer.
Stone
Decorative Stone is a third alternative in finishing your landscape project. The stones are usually cut in one, two, or three inches in diameter.
There are several different colors to choose from. Decorative stone creates a look of formality in garden areas. The rocks will last longer than pine straw and mulch. You can purchase stone in bags at a local store, nursery, or garden center. Some nurseries and garden centers will carry the decorative stone in bulk.
Depending on the size of your project, they will deliver the stone usually starting with a half ton. Pick up trucks are great for getting the rocks to your home, but also a lot more work for you. Delivery fees can run twenty to forty dollars.
If you have a sunny location be careful about putting stark white stone in a bed, as the sun reflects off the white color. In partial shade or full shade, the white rock creates a very clean and crisp look.
An idea for you to think about is using the stone in certain beds, and pine straw or mulch in other beds. Consider the stone around a few trees or any outdoor feature such as a bird feeder, sun dial, container gardens or decorating around a pond or pool area. You also can purchase pebbles. These flat stones are smaller in size and great for walkways.
Whether you are planning a full scale landscape project incorporating a few new beds, or tired of what is presently there, consider the above possibilities. These three materials can improve the appearance of your home. Remember to include this step in your planning phase.
Take a look at plan-prep-plant and finish with mulch, or pine straw and understand the importance of the planning phase. I hope this article has helped you in the decision making process of applying the final material in your outdoor venture.
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Great Day! For Landscaping!
Donald
Designing within a Design - A Garden or Landscape
Designing within a Design is a great way to create your very own garden or landscape project. Techniques for developing your garden can be made easy through a few simple tips. Think about a particular shape for a bed.
For example, lets take a square. There are different ideas you could do inside the square. Generate rows similar to what you see in vegetable gardens. Another thought, you could actually use different shapes such as a triangle or circle inside the square.
In the triangle, put one or three of the same or different shrubs. Remember to keep odd numbers. (This is a good rule of thumb) Another consideration is border your triangle with flowers and put a series of three shrubs inside the triangle.
Think about what you want to plant in each of your shapes as you draw them. Next to your triangle, make a circle. You love Indian Hawthorns, put Indian Hawthorns in your triangle, add flowers inside your circle. Does this sound confusing to you? Take a piece of paper and and try these steps...
Draw a big Square - use a pencil so you can erase.
Think about putting a triangle somewhere inside the square.
Before you draw the triangle, think about what plants would fit well in this shape.
Draw your plants in your triangle. Don't worry about drawing an actual plant, put an x for now and make a key and identify what your x is.
Continue putting X's in or if you want something different, make that an o. You can use whatever code or key you want. Make it as simple as you can for yourself. Use letters or numbers.
Once you have your triangle done, stop and think about two things. Do you want all different shapes throughout your square or do you want just triangles? Another tip is to add rows to connect all your triangles or your different shapes. There are a couple of possibilities with rows. If you have trees in your triangle, put a row of shrubs to your next triangle or shape. If you have shrubs in your triangle, add a row of perennial flowers.
Build your square with your own personality of what you like. Maybe you want to do a square with all flowers. Pick out your favorite ones and create shapes and rows.
This is a basic technique. You start with a shape and continually add on. I have done a entire backyard of just kidney shapes and then put different shapes in all the kidney beds. You can have a formal or informal garden using these shapes.
Below is a very simple drawing for your garden or landscape project. You can create any type of garden designing within a design. I drew the square, put a couple of of triangles in each corner, a kidney shape in the middle and two circles on either side. This could be your backyard or front yard. You do not have to have this many shapes. Make it as simple or get real creative and design several shapes or beds. Also there is an easy key to follow with a few tips and suggestions on what kind of plants to incorporate.
Designing Within A Deisgn
A - Trees - Consider putting two evergreen trees in the triangle, such as an Emerald Green Arborvitae, Douglas Fir, Redbud, or a Nellie Steven Holly. You could go a little smaller and put a Osmanthus, (Tea Olive) Cleyera, or a Weeping Youpon Holly.
The open space where there are three trees, consider maybe two evergreen trees on the outside and a deciduous tree in the middle. A Purple Plum, Maple, (provides great shade) or maybe a flowering Crabapple. Add some color with the evergreens such as a False Cypress, Black Dragon Cryptomeria, or a Leyland Cypress. Leyland Cypress looks striking with a Purple Plum.
The gallery of plants section has photos of different trees, shrubs, flowers and herbs. There is a brief description of each and also climate zones.
B - Shrubs - Put a couple of evergreen shrubs in either side of your triangle. Try a Loropetalum, (Chinese Pizazz) Mop Cypress, Indian Hawthorn, or a Blue or Gray Owl Juniper. (nice teal color) Mix and match some deciduous shrubs also. Winged Euonymus, (beautiful red tones) Spirea, Peegee or Annabelle Hydrangea.
C - Dwarf Shrubs - dwarf shrubs are wonderful specimens around flowers. Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, dwarf Hemlock, Blue Pacific Juniper, or a Birds Nest.
D - Flowers - annual or perennials would look nice. Do two beds of perennials or mix some annuals up with the perennial flowers. In winter, those annuals will die out and you will be left with a dead space. Some great annuals are Petunias, Impatiens, Dusty Millers and of course some marigolds.(a very popular annual flower) Mix in some perennials such as Phlox, Columbine, Bee Balm, or some Coreopsis.
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Go! Landscaping!
Donald
For example, lets take a square. There are different ideas you could do inside the square. Generate rows similar to what you see in vegetable gardens. Another thought, you could actually use different shapes such as a triangle or circle inside the square.
In the triangle, put one or three of the same or different shrubs. Remember to keep odd numbers. (This is a good rule of thumb) Another consideration is border your triangle with flowers and put a series of three shrubs inside the triangle.
Think about what you want to plant in each of your shapes as you draw them. Next to your triangle, make a circle. You love Indian Hawthorns, put Indian Hawthorns in your triangle, add flowers inside your circle. Does this sound confusing to you? Take a piece of paper and and try these steps...
Draw a big Square - use a pencil so you can erase.
Think about putting a triangle somewhere inside the square.
Before you draw the triangle, think about what plants would fit well in this shape.
Draw your plants in your triangle. Don't worry about drawing an actual plant, put an x for now and make a key and identify what your x is.
Continue putting X's in or if you want something different, make that an o. You can use whatever code or key you want. Make it as simple as you can for yourself. Use letters or numbers.
Once you have your triangle done, stop and think about two things. Do you want all different shapes throughout your square or do you want just triangles? Another tip is to add rows to connect all your triangles or your different shapes. There are a couple of possibilities with rows. If you have trees in your triangle, put a row of shrubs to your next triangle or shape. If you have shrubs in your triangle, add a row of perennial flowers.
Build your square with your own personality of what you like. Maybe you want to do a square with all flowers. Pick out your favorite ones and create shapes and rows.
This is a basic technique. You start with a shape and continually add on. I have done a entire backyard of just kidney shapes and then put different shapes in all the kidney beds. You can have a formal or informal garden using these shapes.
Below is a very simple drawing for your garden or landscape project. You can create any type of garden designing within a design. I drew the square, put a couple of of triangles in each corner, a kidney shape in the middle and two circles on either side. This could be your backyard or front yard. You do not have to have this many shapes. Make it as simple or get real creative and design several shapes or beds. Also there is an easy key to follow with a few tips and suggestions on what kind of plants to incorporate.
Designing Within A Deisgn
A - Trees - Consider putting two evergreen trees in the triangle, such as an Emerald Green Arborvitae, Douglas Fir, Redbud, or a Nellie Steven Holly. You could go a little smaller and put a Osmanthus, (Tea Olive) Cleyera, or a Weeping Youpon Holly.
The open space where there are three trees, consider maybe two evergreen trees on the outside and a deciduous tree in the middle. A Purple Plum, Maple, (provides great shade) or maybe a flowering Crabapple. Add some color with the evergreens such as a False Cypress, Black Dragon Cryptomeria, or a Leyland Cypress. Leyland Cypress looks striking with a Purple Plum.
The gallery of plants section has photos of different trees, shrubs, flowers and herbs. There is a brief description of each and also climate zones.
B - Shrubs - Put a couple of evergreen shrubs in either side of your triangle. Try a Loropetalum, (Chinese Pizazz) Mop Cypress, Indian Hawthorn, or a Blue or Gray Owl Juniper. (nice teal color) Mix and match some deciduous shrubs also. Winged Euonymus, (beautiful red tones) Spirea, Peegee or Annabelle Hydrangea.
C - Dwarf Shrubs - dwarf shrubs are wonderful specimens around flowers. Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, dwarf Hemlock, Blue Pacific Juniper, or a Birds Nest.
D - Flowers - annual or perennials would look nice. Do two beds of perennials or mix some annuals up with the perennial flowers. In winter, those annuals will die out and you will be left with a dead space. Some great annuals are Petunias, Impatiens, Dusty Millers and of course some marigolds.(a very popular annual flower) Mix in some perennials such as Phlox, Columbine, Bee Balm, or some Coreopsis.
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Go! Landscaping!
Donald
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Landscaping A Sloped Lot – Design Ideas!
While a house in a hilly area comes with a promise of stunning panoramic views of the surroundings, to their utter chagrin, homeowners quickly realize that working on a sloping backyard can be a harrowing task. However, the old adage, "More work equals to better results" certainly holds true in case of landscaping a sloping yard which presents innumerable opportunities for aesthetically pleasing inclusions that would otherwise look mundane.
When planning a landscape for a hilly yard, it is quintessential to include this topographical feature as a crucial consideration when deciding on every aspect of the landscape, from the type of plants that you intend to use to the design of the garden. Preplanning will help you to tackle the more cumbersome aspects of landscaping a slope while yielding astounding results. So, here are some tips on how you can landscape your sloping backyard to create a stunning medley of colors and textures.
Get to know the terrain
Grading the terrain: Before you draw up plans for landscaping your sloping backyard, it is imperative to study the terrain and the slope to ensure that your landscape will be able to efficaciously handle the drawback of gardening on a slope, while making the most of the natural features of the terrain.
A simple thumb rule to understand how the extent of slope will impact your gardening efforts is that the steepness of the slope will be directly proportional to the water you will need for your plants. Because steeper slopes tend to funnel moisture away from the plants, forcing the water and soil to flow downhill, it is vital to get the slope graded. As a matter of fact, most experts suggest that getting a sloping yard professionally graded can help you to save a significant amount of money on watering the steep terrain in the future.
Visual analysis: Alternatively, you could also do a visual analysis of the area. Gauge the severity of the slope and create a quick diagram labeling the steepest portions of the yard; make a note of the amount of sunlight that the different portions of the yard receive. You may also want to include comments on any drainage problems that may be encountered in specific areas.
List the various elements of the landscape: With the diagram in hand, you will be in a better position to place the various landscaping elements in the drawing such as tress, flower beds, fountains, walkways, boulders etc. It is crucial to accurately anticipate the area that the plants and shrubs will cover at maturity so that the landscape does not look too crammed.
Mark the areas for planting: Ideally the trees should be planted at the bottom half of the slope so that they can add stability to the landscape and prevent soil erosion. The steepest sections should have shrubs with deep reaching fibrous roots that will hold on to the soil while the wider plants that will cover large areas at maturity should be planted at the bottom of the slope so that they can create a neat hedge while affording you all the privacy that you need to enjoy your garden.
Ella C Schwartz is a writer for Hunterstruct Construction, a Vancouver based construction company offering design, building, structural repair and bathroom renovations throughout Southwest British Columbia, including the BC interior and Sunshine Coast. Best known for its functional and great looking sundecks, this sundeck contractor showcases its best sundecks on the Hunterstruct.com website.
Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051519068-1-landscaping-a-sloped-lot-design-ideas/
Thanks For Your Contribution Ella,
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Gather Up The Tools For Landscaping!
Donald.
When planning a landscape for a hilly yard, it is quintessential to include this topographical feature as a crucial consideration when deciding on every aspect of the landscape, from the type of plants that you intend to use to the design of the garden. Preplanning will help you to tackle the more cumbersome aspects of landscaping a slope while yielding astounding results. So, here are some tips on how you can landscape your sloping backyard to create a stunning medley of colors and textures.
Get to know the terrain
Grading the terrain: Before you draw up plans for landscaping your sloping backyard, it is imperative to study the terrain and the slope to ensure that your landscape will be able to efficaciously handle the drawback of gardening on a slope, while making the most of the natural features of the terrain.
A simple thumb rule to understand how the extent of slope will impact your gardening efforts is that the steepness of the slope will be directly proportional to the water you will need for your plants. Because steeper slopes tend to funnel moisture away from the plants, forcing the water and soil to flow downhill, it is vital to get the slope graded. As a matter of fact, most experts suggest that getting a sloping yard professionally graded can help you to save a significant amount of money on watering the steep terrain in the future.
Visual analysis: Alternatively, you could also do a visual analysis of the area. Gauge the severity of the slope and create a quick diagram labeling the steepest portions of the yard; make a note of the amount of sunlight that the different portions of the yard receive. You may also want to include comments on any drainage problems that may be encountered in specific areas.
List the various elements of the landscape: With the diagram in hand, you will be in a better position to place the various landscaping elements in the drawing such as tress, flower beds, fountains, walkways, boulders etc. It is crucial to accurately anticipate the area that the plants and shrubs will cover at maturity so that the landscape does not look too crammed.
Mark the areas for planting: Ideally the trees should be planted at the bottom half of the slope so that they can add stability to the landscape and prevent soil erosion. The steepest sections should have shrubs with deep reaching fibrous roots that will hold on to the soil while the wider plants that will cover large areas at maturity should be planted at the bottom of the slope so that they can create a neat hedge while affording you all the privacy that you need to enjoy your garden.
Ella C Schwartz is a writer for Hunterstruct Construction, a Vancouver based construction company offering design, building, structural repair and bathroom renovations throughout Southwest British Columbia, including the BC interior and Sunshine Coast. Best known for its functional and great looking sundecks, this sundeck contractor showcases its best sundecks on the Hunterstruct.com website.
Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051519068-1-landscaping-a-sloped-lot-design-ideas/
Thanks For Your Contribution Ella,
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Gather Up The Tools For Landscaping!
Donald.
You Want to Build a Pond?, But Don’t know Where to Start!
Building a pond takes time and detailed planning. If you are looking to create water garden in your backyard do tons of research and of course make sure you have enough money to complete the project once you start. Developing and maintaining a healthy pond is a continual learning experience. As the saying goes, “knowledge is power” and you will need to continue to gain a deeper understanding of the steps and natural cycles involved in maintaining and building a backyard pond and waterfall.
The first order of business is to purchase a pond kit rather than each piece of equipment separately. These kits are essentially a pond in a box. All that is required is some assembly and adding the water. A prepackaged kit will decrease your learning curve dramatically as all the equipment supplied is designed to work together as a system and will work successfully together for the size of pond indicated on the box. Many kits also come with great instructions and learning materials that will help give you the information and confidence to tackle the project with success as the final outcome.
There are seven basic steps to building a pond. I have only indentified each step and indentified the a basic outline for each, but it will serve as the beginning of the educational process for you.
Decide and Research
Start off by researching ponds, how to build ponds and places to buy pond materials. This is also the step where you decide the design of your pond and the types of aquatic life you want in it.
Carefully measure the placement and distances
Before you pick up that shovel use a chalk line or spray paint to mark where you’ll be digging and the general shape of your pond. This is also a good time to educate yourself on the placement of gas and electric lines in the yard.
Dig
This is almost self-explanatory, dig out your pond to the desired depth and width. make sure before you start to know where all the electrical and gas lines are before you begin building your pond. The time spent contacting your local electric and Gas Company is time not spent in the hospital.
Layering
In this phase of pond construction you should begin to see the water garden taking shape. There are a couple of different methods for construction. You can install a pre-formed pond liner made of fiberglass and bonded resins, line the pond with a layer of gravel, fine sand and top it with a roll of flexible PVC pond liner or you can pour concrete. Each has its own positives. A pre-formed pond liner will be the easiest to pop in and is great for those new to water gardening, but if you use the flexible PVC liner you can create any shape of pond you like though it takes more effort to install.
The use of concrete has fallen out of favor in the pond business because you need to wait for it to dry and it cracks badly, but for about a decade or so its very strong and will definitely keep foreign plants from invading your pond.
Installing the Equipment
After the pond lining is in you’ll want to install any equipment. Water pump, filter, skimmer, fountains and lighting for the feature. The use of electricity in the pond may require the aid of a licensed electrician depending on your skill set and the accessibility to a nearby power source.
Because a pond is essentially an independent ecosystem it is important that the equipment all work together to maintain the ecosystem in a balanced way. This is one reason why a using a kit is so important. The equipment will complement each other and help maintain a healthy environment for the aquatic life within the pond.
Fill with water
After everything is complete you can fill your pond with water. Typically water gardeners use city water from the garden hose. This water will be treated with chlorine and other chemicals so you’ll need to wait up to a day for the chlorine to dissipate from the water before adding plants and animals. In the meantime look for your aquatic plants and animals at the store.
Add plants and aquatic life
Once the water has had some time to settle and the chlorine to dissipate, you can lovingly add your aquatic plants to their new home. It is suggested to wait a few weeks before adding fish or other aquatic animals to the pond until the new eco-system has had some time to become more established.
In order to become a ponding and watergarden success you will need to continue to your ponding education well past this brief outline. A pond will not only transform your yard and landscape, but also have positive effects on your lifestyle as you enjoy the peace and tranquility it brings.
Garth Epp wants to help you develop the landscape of your dreams. This is why he developed the supportive online ponding community Building My Pond.com and a bi-weekly water garden podcast. To learn more about Garth, or how you can build the water feature you’ve been dreaming about.
Thanks For Your Article Garth!,
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Crack A Coldie , And Continue Landscaping!
Donald
The first order of business is to purchase a pond kit rather than each piece of equipment separately. These kits are essentially a pond in a box. All that is required is some assembly and adding the water. A prepackaged kit will decrease your learning curve dramatically as all the equipment supplied is designed to work together as a system and will work successfully together for the size of pond indicated on the box. Many kits also come with great instructions and learning materials that will help give you the information and confidence to tackle the project with success as the final outcome.
There are seven basic steps to building a pond. I have only indentified each step and indentified the a basic outline for each, but it will serve as the beginning of the educational process for you.
Decide and Research
Start off by researching ponds, how to build ponds and places to buy pond materials. This is also the step where you decide the design of your pond and the types of aquatic life you want in it.
Carefully measure the placement and distances
Before you pick up that shovel use a chalk line or spray paint to mark where you’ll be digging and the general shape of your pond. This is also a good time to educate yourself on the placement of gas and electric lines in the yard.
Dig
This is almost self-explanatory, dig out your pond to the desired depth and width. make sure before you start to know where all the electrical and gas lines are before you begin building your pond. The time spent contacting your local electric and Gas Company is time not spent in the hospital.
Layering
In this phase of pond construction you should begin to see the water garden taking shape. There are a couple of different methods for construction. You can install a pre-formed pond liner made of fiberglass and bonded resins, line the pond with a layer of gravel, fine sand and top it with a roll of flexible PVC pond liner or you can pour concrete. Each has its own positives. A pre-formed pond liner will be the easiest to pop in and is great for those new to water gardening, but if you use the flexible PVC liner you can create any shape of pond you like though it takes more effort to install.
The use of concrete has fallen out of favor in the pond business because you need to wait for it to dry and it cracks badly, but for about a decade or so its very strong and will definitely keep foreign plants from invading your pond.
Installing the Equipment
After the pond lining is in you’ll want to install any equipment. Water pump, filter, skimmer, fountains and lighting for the feature. The use of electricity in the pond may require the aid of a licensed electrician depending on your skill set and the accessibility to a nearby power source.
Because a pond is essentially an independent ecosystem it is important that the equipment all work together to maintain the ecosystem in a balanced way. This is one reason why a using a kit is so important. The equipment will complement each other and help maintain a healthy environment for the aquatic life within the pond.
Fill with water
After everything is complete you can fill your pond with water. Typically water gardeners use city water from the garden hose. This water will be treated with chlorine and other chemicals so you’ll need to wait up to a day for the chlorine to dissipate from the water before adding plants and animals. In the meantime look for your aquatic plants and animals at the store.
Add plants and aquatic life
Once the water has had some time to settle and the chlorine to dissipate, you can lovingly add your aquatic plants to their new home. It is suggested to wait a few weeks before adding fish or other aquatic animals to the pond until the new eco-system has had some time to become more established.
In order to become a ponding and watergarden success you will need to continue to your ponding education well past this brief outline. A pond will not only transform your yard and landscape, but also have positive effects on your lifestyle as you enjoy the peace and tranquility it brings.
Garth Epp wants to help you develop the landscape of your dreams. This is why he developed the supportive online ponding community Building My Pond.com and a bi-weekly water garden podcast. To learn more about Garth, or how you can build the water feature you’ve been dreaming about.
Thanks For Your Article Garth!,
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Crack A Coldie , And Continue Landscaping!
Donald
How Important Is Landscaping For Your Home?
By Brian A Schmidt
Publisher, PrefabMetalBuildingKits.com
Guest Writer
As you drive around the neighborhoods what causes you to do a double take?
The size and general appearance of course can make this happen. But the look of the yard and property are probably the main things that catch your eye. That’s because you must look past the yard to see the house. Your yard can make or break the first impression of you, your home and your lifestyle.
Landscape is a great Investment
Quite often, landscaping is often overlooked as an asset to your residence. Many people are reluctant to invest time and money in developing a pleasing streetscape for their homes.
Some even see having to landscape in the vein of a necessary evil; or even money wasted.
The truth is however that carefully planned landscaping can increase the value of your home. An attractive yard will portray the image of a well kept and looked after home.
Attractive landscaping need not be expensive. A modest well planned landscape can be just as powerful (and sometimes more powerful) than a pricey but undisciplined landscape design.
Well planned placement of trees and shrubs can actually save you money in utility costs. Trees placed in appropriate positions can provide tons of cooling during the hot summers that you will not have to pay for. And if these trees are deciduous they will allow the warming rays of the winter sun to help warm your home.
Tree placement can save you money now and when you sell your home they can increase your home’s value. Landscaping – if well designed – is definitely an asset.
But should you spend your money now?
We have all heard the saying “You have but one chance to make a first impression”. While you procrastinate over landscaping your home’s front yard how many people will visit and make their impression of you and your home?
Will your boss visit you? Will clients have a need to meet you at your home or simply drop something off? What about new friends?
You have the opportunity to impress these people with the appearance of your residence. Because you have landscaped your yard well it may help to gain the lasting trust and friendships that we all strive to have in our business and personal lives.
What value can you place on that?
My Home is My Sanctuary
Life today is at a rat-race pace. We all work hard and have stressful jobs. Would it not be comforting to pull into the driveway of your “castle” and view the pleasing and relaxing landscape that greets you?
You get out and the scent of the lilacs in bloom envelopes you. Perhaps it’s the gentle fragrance of a rose hedge. Or maybe it’s simply aromatic evergreens.
In any case when that fragrance fills your head, the stresses of the day seem to melt away. As you walk to your door you gaze across the landscape and… “Ahhhh. I’m home”.
Again, you can’t put a monetary value on that kind of stress relief. The calming senses and emotions provided to you in part by a pleasing landscape can be both enjoyable and rejuvenating.
Landscaping for Healthy Living?
We have already mentioned the emotional benefits of landscaping. But are there other healthy benefits in landscaping?
Trees, shrubs and plants can increase the air quality in the micro climate of your yard. You open your windows to get some fresh air into your home. Wouldn’t it make sense to have the best quality fresh air available coming in?
Maintaining your gardens yourself can be very healthy indeed. My wife and spend many hours in our gardens working off the stress of a busy day or week. We find it very relaxing.
Relaxing but exercise! Because we are doing physical activity outdoors we are getting the benefit of not only the fresh air but the exercise as well. Now we’re not talking muscle building painful exercise here. A little hoeing and weeding provides us with stretching, bending and a modest work-out.
And when you are done you can relax and enjoy the yard and gardens with a sense of accomplishment (another benefit – that of well-being).
The Aesthetics of Landscaping
So far we have talked about the advantages of landscaping from a more spiritual approach. But there are a number of reasons to landscape certain areas of your property to simply make them more aesthetically pleasing.
Do you have a steel garden shed or a steel shop building that looks like it just plunked down from the sky? Or maybe there is one wall that is just plain ugly to look at.
You can soften the view and actually use the shed wall as a backdrop for some strategically placed specimens. A trellis or two with some climbing roses or vines will make the buildings look like they actually belong in the landscape.
Become a Friend of the Environment
You don’t have to be considered and “environmentalist” to embrace the environment. With all of the healthy and emotional benefits of a pleasant landscape you have simply become friends with the environment.
You are providing beauty and a cleaner environment for you, your family and your community. You may even become a community leader for your modest efforts.
Your landscape can provide these benefits for years to come. Your children and your grandchildren will benefit from your efforts today.
My Home is My Castle
With a little planning and work you will be proud to call your home your “castle”. And with all the benefits we have discussed you can see that there can be a return on your investment now and for many years to come.
Landscaping however goes far beyond the monetary benefits. You will have health benefits, emotional benefits, environmental benefits and a happier home for you and your family.
Brian A Schmidt is the author and publisher of a Pre-Fab Metal Buildings website. He lives in a small community in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Having owned his own construction company Brian has been a long time construction manager including working with a low-rise residential metal building packages fabricator, Brian enjoys gardening and woodworking in his backyard workshop. Brian enjoys traveling with his wife - especially on cruise vacations.
Many Thanks For Your Article Brian,
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Happy Landscaping Always!,
Donald
Publisher, PrefabMetalBuildingKits.com
Guest Writer
As you drive around the neighborhoods what causes you to do a double take?
The size and general appearance of course can make this happen. But the look of the yard and property are probably the main things that catch your eye. That’s because you must look past the yard to see the house. Your yard can make or break the first impression of you, your home and your lifestyle.
Landscape is a great Investment
Quite often, landscaping is often overlooked as an asset to your residence. Many people are reluctant to invest time and money in developing a pleasing streetscape for their homes.
Some even see having to landscape in the vein of a necessary evil; or even money wasted.
The truth is however that carefully planned landscaping can increase the value of your home. An attractive yard will portray the image of a well kept and looked after home.
Attractive landscaping need not be expensive. A modest well planned landscape can be just as powerful (and sometimes more powerful) than a pricey but undisciplined landscape design.
Well planned placement of trees and shrubs can actually save you money in utility costs. Trees placed in appropriate positions can provide tons of cooling during the hot summers that you will not have to pay for. And if these trees are deciduous they will allow the warming rays of the winter sun to help warm your home.
Tree placement can save you money now and when you sell your home they can increase your home’s value. Landscaping – if well designed – is definitely an asset.
But should you spend your money now?
We have all heard the saying “You have but one chance to make a first impression”. While you procrastinate over landscaping your home’s front yard how many people will visit and make their impression of you and your home?
Will your boss visit you? Will clients have a need to meet you at your home or simply drop something off? What about new friends?
You have the opportunity to impress these people with the appearance of your residence. Because you have landscaped your yard well it may help to gain the lasting trust and friendships that we all strive to have in our business and personal lives.
What value can you place on that?
My Home is My Sanctuary
Life today is at a rat-race pace. We all work hard and have stressful jobs. Would it not be comforting to pull into the driveway of your “castle” and view the pleasing and relaxing landscape that greets you?
You get out and the scent of the lilacs in bloom envelopes you. Perhaps it’s the gentle fragrance of a rose hedge. Or maybe it’s simply aromatic evergreens.
In any case when that fragrance fills your head, the stresses of the day seem to melt away. As you walk to your door you gaze across the landscape and… “Ahhhh. I’m home”.
Again, you can’t put a monetary value on that kind of stress relief. The calming senses and emotions provided to you in part by a pleasing landscape can be both enjoyable and rejuvenating.
Landscaping for Healthy Living?
We have already mentioned the emotional benefits of landscaping. But are there other healthy benefits in landscaping?
Trees, shrubs and plants can increase the air quality in the micro climate of your yard. You open your windows to get some fresh air into your home. Wouldn’t it make sense to have the best quality fresh air available coming in?
Maintaining your gardens yourself can be very healthy indeed. My wife and spend many hours in our gardens working off the stress of a busy day or week. We find it very relaxing.
Relaxing but exercise! Because we are doing physical activity outdoors we are getting the benefit of not only the fresh air but the exercise as well. Now we’re not talking muscle building painful exercise here. A little hoeing and weeding provides us with stretching, bending and a modest work-out.
And when you are done you can relax and enjoy the yard and gardens with a sense of accomplishment (another benefit – that of well-being).
The Aesthetics of Landscaping
So far we have talked about the advantages of landscaping from a more spiritual approach. But there are a number of reasons to landscape certain areas of your property to simply make them more aesthetically pleasing.
Do you have a steel garden shed or a steel shop building that looks like it just plunked down from the sky? Or maybe there is one wall that is just plain ugly to look at.
You can soften the view and actually use the shed wall as a backdrop for some strategically placed specimens. A trellis or two with some climbing roses or vines will make the buildings look like they actually belong in the landscape.
Become a Friend of the Environment
You don’t have to be considered and “environmentalist” to embrace the environment. With all of the healthy and emotional benefits of a pleasant landscape you have simply become friends with the environment.
You are providing beauty and a cleaner environment for you, your family and your community. You may even become a community leader for your modest efforts.
Your landscape can provide these benefits for years to come. Your children and your grandchildren will benefit from your efforts today.
My Home is My Castle
With a little planning and work you will be proud to call your home your “castle”. And with all the benefits we have discussed you can see that there can be a return on your investment now and for many years to come.
Landscaping however goes far beyond the monetary benefits. You will have health benefits, emotional benefits, environmental benefits and a happier home for you and your family.
Brian A Schmidt is the author and publisher of a Pre-Fab Metal Buildings website. He lives in a small community in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Having owned his own construction company Brian has been a long time construction manager including working with a low-rise residential metal building packages fabricator, Brian enjoys gardening and woodworking in his backyard workshop. Brian enjoys traveling with his wife - especially on cruise vacations.
Many Thanks For Your Article Brian,
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Happy Landscaping Always!,
Donald
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Most Complete Landscaping Resource On The Net!
Picture this: If just 5 minutes from now, you'll find the right inspiration and design for your landscape and get the "dream home look" you've always wanted.
Landscaping photos, Gardening Ideas for your backyard. There's no question that Ideas4Landscaping is the only resource you'll need to finally achieve some progress in your landscaping. It doesn't matter whether you want to rehab your garden, your front yard, or backyard. It doesn't matter if you want new plants, a new pool, or a new gazebo.
Because, all the landscaping ideas you need are inside Ideas4Landscaping.
Today, you have the chance to get instant access to 0ver 7000 designs and start planning your ideal landscape. You can say, "I'll probably have time for it later."
But if you've read this letter this far.
That only means you really want a new landscape for your home. And if you don't grab this opportunity to start right now, there will never be a "later" or a "next week".
So why delay having that "magazine cover" landscaping for your home when you can start getting it today? Why delay an upgrade that you know your home badly needs? Why delay waking up in the morning to a beautiful garden kissed by sunshine?
Get instant access to Ideas4Landscaping now and move closer to your perfect home now:
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Great Resource.....Download Now!
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Hope You Enjoy!
Donald
Landscaping photos, Gardening Ideas for your backyard. There's no question that Ideas4Landscaping is the only resource you'll need to finally achieve some progress in your landscaping. It doesn't matter whether you want to rehab your garden, your front yard, or backyard. It doesn't matter if you want new plants, a new pool, or a new gazebo.
Because, all the landscaping ideas you need are inside Ideas4Landscaping.
Today, you have the chance to get instant access to 0ver 7000 designs and start planning your ideal landscape. You can say, "I'll probably have time for it later."
But if you've read this letter this far.
That only means you really want a new landscape for your home. And if you don't grab this opportunity to start right now, there will never be a "later" or a "next week".
So why delay having that "magazine cover" landscaping for your home when you can start getting it today? Why delay an upgrade that you know your home badly needs? Why delay waking up in the morning to a beautiful garden kissed by sunshine?
Get instant access to Ideas4Landscaping now and move closer to your perfect home now:
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Great Resource.....Download Now!
http://fossie09.ideas4land.hop.clickbank.net
Hope You Enjoy!
Donald
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