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Two of the most valuable attributes of a deck is that is be durable and functional. That is, it should last a long time and serve its purpose while offering protection and safety to those using it. For these reasons manufacturers have developed a number of products that perform these two tasks, being various deck coatings. These deck coatings range in purpose from providing defense against weathering agents to giving a deck a non-stick surface.

Of the non-stick products, several have ground up items in them, which provides the aforementioned effect while still keeping the deck surface smooth, even on bare feet. A particular type, poly-crete, can actually be used to create a surface somewhat like slate when applied to plywood. Of the products with ground up pieces in them, rubber is the more common additive, but walnut shells are also frequently used. Sand is another anti-slip ingredient in many of these products and in fact, is invisible in clear coatings. A nice feature of these non-stick coatings is that they can easily be sanded off. A disadvantage of these coatings is that some do not take well to various paints and epoxies. Latex paint however, does work fine to paint over these coatings.

Products offering waterproofing can not only be applied to decks but also indoor surfaces including even vertical surfaces. These products, when dry, create a non-porous film over surfaces. 3M™, a United States based company, supplies many of these articles with the advantages of being UV resistant, low odor and non-flammable. It also offers Scotch-Clad™ TC deck coating, which is one of the most durable

water-resistant commodities on the market. Products supplied by other manufacturers include Versa Deck and Versa Deck Plus, which both employ a fiberglass system, with the former being used on concrete decks and the later being utilized on plywood surfaces, and Elasto Shield, which is a latex waterproofing membrane used over existing waterproof coatings to offer additional support.

For lots of information on

the best deck material and other decks and patios related topics, visit http://www.decks-and-patios.com

If you are looking for plant ideas for container gardening, look no further. Who doesn’t enjoy the enticing aromas from the scent of fresh herbs? Can you imagine what it would be like to have wonderful aromas wafting out of your kitchen as you cook with fresh herbs picked moments before in your container garden? Forget about needing a large outside garden to make this happen. Indoor container gardening is relatively easy when you follow these easy tips and ideas; and, herbs are a great way to start!

First let’s pick the pot you’ll use. Choose pots that fit the feel of your home. Is it contemporary or old world? Pick a pot that reflects your style. Herbs are attractive plants anyway and a well chosen pot will be beautiful in your home, as well as season your food. Once you have your pot or pots chosen, it is a good idea in indoor container gardening to add some bark chips and stones to the bottom. Herbs in particular like a lot of aeration and usually respond well to this method. As far as the type of soil to use, a loose mixture is best. Compact soil makes it difficult for the roots to grow properly.

The easiest way to plant your herbs is to place some soil in the container, add the plant, and fill the pot the rest of the way. In order to eliminate any confusion, on which herb is which, put the information stick that came with your plant in the soil of the pot. Indoor herb container gardening is a simple project that will add a new appreciation for cooking and growing your own seasonings.

There are few other ideas that will help ensure your indoor herb container gardening experience is a success. Remember that herb plants need an average of ten to twelve hours of sunlight a day. If this isn’t possible naturally in your home, your best course of action is to purchase a grow light to provide what the plants need. Fertilizer is important to most plants, however since your herbs will be indoors they probably won’t need much. Refer to the information tag for specifics of each herb. Finally, while bugs can certainly be a problem even in indoor conditions, be cautious about adding insecticides to the soil. Think organic. If you don’t want to eat it, then don’t add it.

Herbs are an easy plant idea for container gardening; not to mention, how fun and excellent way to add color and flavor to both your home and food. It is a rare thing to be able to enjoy fresh herbs any time of the year. You won’t have to buy what is often expensive herbs in the supermarket; and, you’ll have whatever you need fresh when it comes time to whip up your special sauce or season that roast chicken. With your own private collection of herbs to pick from, you’ll never lack color or flavor every again if you choose to use herbs as your plant ideas for container gardening.

Susanne Garris is a gardening enthusiast and green thumb advocate who enjoys helping others get started with easy gardening tips.To find out more about how to choose the right container, get her free report instantly by clicking here! Indoor Gardening Secrets

As we live in Australia (Melbourne in fact) the molybdenum orchid is a native species . My wife was given some pots by a friend some 20 years ago. She has been caring for them all these years and now has at least 40 pots of them. I like to observe how she looks after them.

Care of these orchids takes quite an amount of time, especially during autumn (May-June) when their growth period starts, the flowering months (July-September) and even more so when the flowering season is over and the plants go dormant during the hot summer months. That is the time she takes the older plants where the roots have become pot-bound and that have not flowered that season, divides the root system and re-pots them in 2,3 or even 4 pots with new orchid mix(mostly charcoal and some sandy soil, mixed with some organic plant food. The new pots are then placed around the garden in shady areas to avoid the hot sun in summer (temperatures go well over 100 degr.F or 38 degr. C) (they also make welcome gifts to our friends and neighbors)

The care of orchids is a difficult subject in as far as there are so many different species and kinds of orchids, each requiring its own care. The care of orchids depends very much on the kind of orchid you are caring for. The type of soil required (if at all), whether they like acidy soil or soil derived of acid, is important for the care of orchids,as for any plant. Then of course the amount of soil drainage is of extreme importance for the care of orchids.

The care for orchids sometimes requires a tropical climate and outside of the tropics the care of those orchids will require a hothouse where temperature and humidity can be controlled. Other orchids like a hot and dry climate, others again thrive in a cool or even a cold climate. Thus the care of orchids depends on many factors. Then again there are seasonal differences to be considered,which influence the care of such orchids. Whereas tropical species are used to a more or less even climate year round, orchids from the Northern or Southern hemispheres will have quite different growing and blooming seasons and thus determine the care for those orchids.Thus the time of separating roots and fertilizing will differ on where the orchids are from and thus affect the care of such orchids.

The care of orchids is a very intriguing and exacting science. Witness the care Nero Wolfe, the great (fictional) detective, created by by American author Rex Stout in the 1930s, who had his orchid garden on the rooftop of his establishment where he spent hours every day morning and evening caring for his orchids, watering, cutting, transplanting, separating end re-establishing his favorite flowers. Indeed these hours were sacred to him and he hated to be disturbed during the care of his orchids.

My wife is an ardent grower of orchids. I observed her for many years and wrote http://www.orchidcarer.com to help her widen her interest and help other enthusiasts as well.

For a more detailed information I refer you to my site http://www.orchidcarer.com

Animal Damage Control is a recent addition of services to property owners who are experiencing wildlife damage to their homes or commercial properties.

Animals can do serious damage to homes and commercial structures as well as landscaping. It is not uncommon for a deer to eat every bit of your wild flowers in a single night! Kind of a "now you see them, now you don’t" trick.

Most animal damage can be stopped through a number of methods.

The animal can be captured and removed. In the case of the deer eating the wild flowers, it will not be captured and removed. A problem like this could involve fencing the area to prevent browsing.

To stop animal damage you have to be proactive. Inspect your property frequently and look for signs of damage. Determine what animal is doing the damage and apply the appropriate control methods to stop this damage in its tracks. No pun intended!

By being aware of this damage before it gets out of hand, you can save money; perhaps a lot of money by removing the source and preventing another occurrence. Once you have an animal infestation, you are very likely to have another if the holes are not repaired or the entry points covered or sealed.

Not only is the physical damage an issue, but the possible diseases wildlife can carry is another reason to keep your property safe from all wildlife.

Another thing that is often overlooked is wildlife feeding. You might be feeding the birds or your animals outside, but you might also be feeding squirrels, skunks and raccoons. Once they get accustomed to this food supply, they likely may move into your home! Remove the food and you will go a long way to removing the problem.

Many problems can be prevented by installing covers or caps to eliminate animal entry points. Be sure to check local codes for proper recommendations in your area.

All articles may be freely re-printed or shared as long as the name of the author and their websites are included.

Mark Dotson, a 20-year Wildlife Veteran helps people interested in working with wildlife to fulfill their dream. Author of the “King of Cages!” book and ebook. Sign up for a regular e-newsletter about working in the field of Wildlife Management at our website.
Need help with a wildlife problem or want to start your own business, visit this site http://www.aallanimalcontrol.com/franchise.cfm
Need supplies to solve your own problem, check out this site http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.net

I remember the first time I was exposed to the beautiful artistry of Bonsai. When I was about 5
years old, I was visiting relatives at my uncles house in Tokyo, Japan. After a while, some of us
kids went out to the back “yard”. In Tokyo, as in most places in Japan, land is a real premium,
so the back “yard” was really just a small rock garden. It was in that small, simple, yet beautiful
rock garde, that I saw my first bonsai tree. It was so tiny, yet proportionally perfect. I later
found out that it was more than 40 years old! I was hooked!

Bonsai or the art of growing miniature trees, requires patience and know how. In this article I
will touch on 5 things that every aspiring Bonsai artist should know, in their quest to learn How To Do Bonsai.

How To Do Bonsai - Key #1…Bonsai Are Not Houseplants.

For the most part, bonsai are outdoor plant and should remain outdoors all year long. Of
course, that does not mean that they cannot come indoors to be enjoyed for a short while, just
that a majority of the time they need to be outside. Bonsai are temperate climate plants that
require a period of dormancy. Dormancy is a survival strategy that temperate climate species
have evolved to stay alive over the winter. These plants have an internal clock that tell them
when to slow their growth activity, so that they may survive any extreme or freezing
temperatures. For the home bonsai artist, you will need a place outside to keep your plants.

How To Do Bonsai - Key #2…Bonsai Must Be Trained.

Bonsai are trained to look a certain way through a number of different techniques. This can be
accomplished through manipulating the trunk and branches through pruning and wiring. This is
where the heart of the bonsai artistry resides. To make mistakes in this area of training could
lead to deadly results. Don’t be disheartened though. Anyone, with some proper training
and time can learn how to properly train their bonsai.

How To Do Bonsai - Key #3…Bonsai Must be Fed and Watered.

Just like all other plant life, bonsai require three things to survive: sun, food and water.
Assuming your bonsai resides primarily outside, as the bonsai artist, your primary concern is to
feed and water your trees. Feeding your bonsai with the proper nutrients and trace elements is
crucial to promote proper and healthy growth. Watering improperly is probably the most
common mistake made by beginners. Again, with the proper teaching resource, whether that is
a Master Bonsai artist or a reputable how to book, anyone can easily learn how to properly
care for their bonsai.

How To Do Bonsai - Key #4…Bonsai Require Time.

Many first time bonsai artists think that “owning’ a bonsai is what it is all about. This is not what
bonsai is all about. Bonsai is all about the enjoyment of caring for them and ultimately their
creation. Remember: bonsai truly is an art form and as such requires time to perfect. As an
aspiring bonsai artist you will need time to learn how to properly care for and train your tree,
but you must also have the time to see it come to fruition. Bonsai are not created over night. A
typical bonsai may not even be placed into a bonsai pot until after a few years of training. Don’t
rush the process, enjoy it!

After reading this article, I hope you have come to understand a little more of what the art of
bonsai is all about. Have fun!

You can learn from the Bonsai Masters how to grow, train and care for your own bonsai art!
http://www.squidoo.com/How-To-Do-Bonsai/

Growing a breathtakingly beautiful orchid can be a very rewarding experience as well as a challenging one. There are many enthusiasts out there trying to grow the perfect orchid, however, many an enthusiast has been let frustrated in trying to achieve such an objective.

If you haven’t already bought your orchid, the best place to do so is at a nursery which specialises in orchids. You will find that the staff at these specialist nurseries will have many year’s of experience and plenty of enthusiasm. They will be able to point you in the right direction of where you need to start. If you do find a knowledgeable member of staff be sure to remember their name so you can get some advice if you need it in the future.

Orchid care is much more an art than a science so there are no strict rules that you should follow. There is, however, advice that you can use to assist you until you become more experienced.

Positioning

The best site to place the orchid is in a well lit position as good levels of light are required. Avoiding direct sunlight is also necessary as too much light can lead to leaf scorch. If the leaves begin to go a reddish color then this is a sign of too much light and you should try and introduce some shade to bring the leaf temperature down.

Temperature

Orchids generally like a warm position with temperatures of more than 50°F. For orchids sold in general garden centers, temperatures usually range from 50°F to 60°F. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous then do some research and grow an orchid which requires temperatures of 65°F throughout the year.

Watering

The correct amount of watering required is hard to judge. As there is a tendency to provide too much light for your orchid, it is also common for the orchid to be over watered. Orchids require much less water than most people imagine. You will be required to water more in the summer than you need to in the winter. You should use rainwater where possible as this is more desirable than tap water. Consider introducing a rainharvesting system into your garden so that you always have a sufficient supply of rainwater. If you aren’t sure whether your plant requires watering it is probably best if you hold off and wait as orchids can survive mild drought like conditions.

Nigel owns OrchidCareExpert, a website which contains lots of useful information if you wish to know more about orchid care.

The quintessential piece of furniture for relaxation, the chaise lounge combines luxury, style and function with beautiful form. Regardless of the material or style you choose, chaise lounges can make your outdoor living area much more versatile.

According to industry experts, chaise lounges are an attractive part of a new trend in outdoor furniture called “low dining” groups. This term refers to tables and chairs that are low to the ground. In combination with other low seating, you can use a chaise lounge anywhere on your patio.

A chaise lounge is typically made like a couch with a backrest on the short end. Made to be used by one person at a time, the backrest on the short end allows the user to stretch his or her legs out over the extended cushion.

Wood chaise lounges are especially pleasant because the natural oils retained in the wood act as an insect repellent. This is the case with Red Cedar and Teak chaise lounges. Attractive cushions not only make using a chaise much more comfortable, they can enhance the entire look of your patio as well. When choosing fabric, try to find one that is durable and can handle a bit of moisture.

A modern Teak chaise lounge expands the usable living space of a home; it can make your backyard feel more cozy, comfortable and warm. Chaise lounges also offers you the ability to enjoy the pleasant outdoor atmosphere and natural surroundings in comfort.

Choose a chaise lounge for its versatility, unique style or comfortable fit. Chaise lounges offer many choices for relaxing and are a perfect fit with outdoor spaces.

Andrew Lewis is a contributing editor of Backyard Guru, a website that offers Pool and Patio Furniture and Contemporary Outdoor Furniture.

Buying a greenhouse kit can be a major purchase, so you want to make sure you have the right kit that will fit your needs. In this article, I will go through the most important aspects of buying a greenhouse kit and what you should be looking for when deciding what kind of green house kit you need.

How to Choose the Right Sized Greenhouse Kit

This will depend on how much space you have for a greenhouse kit, and what you want to grow in it. If you are just going to be growing herbs in your kit, you can probably go for a smaller size. If you want to grow flowers, you should be looking for a small to medium sized kit. If you want to grow vegetables (depending on what kinds), you probably want a larger kit.

You also want to think about whether you want a kit that will be staying in the same place all of the time, or if you want it to be portable. If you get one made out of wood, it will need a lot more care than one that does not require as much maintenance. Also, what type of covering do you want on your kit? You can choose from tempered glass or polycarbonate.

Green House Kit Prices

Greenhouse kits can range from $50 - $6,000, depending on what size and type you choose. The best part about buying a greenhouse kit is that you can build it yourself so you don’t have to pay someone else to build it. You want to make sure you have a large enough greenhouse so that the plants have enough room to grow. So plan ahead on what size would be best for you and your needs.

Green House Kit Reliability

A polycarbonate covering is one of the best coverings to choose from. For the frame, a PVC and metal tubing is the most affordable option. Steel and aluminum is more expensive, but more resilient as well. When it comes to all of the factors of a greenhouse of your choice, including how long it will last, how it looks and the best energy efficiency, a greenhouse kit built from natural cypress is the best choice.

Green House Kit Guarantee

A lot of companies that sell greenhouse kits offer some guarantees that you should look for. One of them is a lowest price guarantee. Usually, with this guarantee, you will find that the company does have the lowest prices available for a greenhouse. However, in this guarantee you should be able to get some of your money back if you find the same greenhouse kit for a lower price somewhere else. This guarantee is usually good for 7 – 30 days or more.

You should also look for kits that come with some type of warranty that will cover the costs of damage to your greenhouse kit for at least up to one year. Some companies offer a warranty for up to twenty years! You should look for a warranty that includes any damage, breakage, and/or defects.

Have fun searching for the best greenhouse kit that will suit your needs and your budget.

Dave Truman offers helpful advice about greenhouse kits and other gardening related topics on the Vegetable Gardeners website. For more helpful information and to claim your free special reports on how to get your garden started, visit http://www.vegetablegardeners.com

Preformed ponds offer the fastest and easiest means of constructing a water garden. When properly installed, they are lead-free and can last for decades. With sufficient space, you can often link together multiple preformed ponds. Some ponds, such as Algreen’s Derrilstone basin, have a lip attached to the pond, such that it can serve as both an upper tier and a watercourse.

Preformed liners for ponds and waterfalls can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They tend to suit small and formal designs and shapes, which vary with the manufacturer. For instance, some preformed ponds are as large as 12 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 2 feet deep, while preformed watercourses can be as small as 12” by 12”. Manufacturers usually list the gallonage of a preformed pond as part of its specifications.

Nowadays, there are many variations of preformed ponds. Most units simulate stone colours, such as gray, brown, and black. It is recommended that you select a color that is similar to the rock that you will use to edge the water garden. Thus, it is extremely important that you plan out the design of your entire water garden, before you start purchasing pond supplies.

The installation of a preformed pond takes a bit of preparation. It is recommended that you get all your requirements down on paper before you start shopping for supplies. Where do you want to place your pond? What color would go well with your landscape? Do you want to have fish? What size of pump do you need for your pond gallonage?

Only after you have decided on a final design should you start purchasing the supplies. Pond supplies can be obtained from hardware stores (such as Home Depot, and Lowe’s), from garden centers, and from online stores (such as GardenSuperMart). It is recommended that you at least conduct a Google search for preformed ponds, because websites such as GardenSuperMart usually have wholesale pond kits which can be significantly more affordable than the supplies selling at retail locations.

Make sure you get a head-start on spring by planning out your water garden, before the Spring rush! Happy ponding!

For more information about wholesale pond kits, and preformed pond installations, go to GardenSM.com.

Bulb planting can be one of the most rewarding things a gardener can do. There’s nothing quite like putting that bulb in the ground, and watching as it grows into the full plant it’s meant to be. As long as some simple ground rules (pardon the pun) are followed, bulbs grow easily and are very rewarding.

Bulbs can be planted either in the fall or in the spring. Fall planting would be the preferred time to plant because that gives the flowers an opportunity to adjust to their surroundings, set their roots firmly, and bloom earlier in the spring. If you are going to be planting in the fall, anytime from about late September to early November is appropriate. Sometimes, circumstances lead us to not be able to plant until spring, or we would just rather wait. If that is the case, it is best to plant as soon as the ground thaws if you live in an area that freezes. If the ground does not freeze, anytime beginning in about mid-April through mid-May would be a good time. Your bulbs will bloom later than those planted in the fall, but they will still put on an impressive show. Planting in the fall does put the bulbs at an increased risk of being exposed to freezing temperatures because they will begin to grow earlier in the spring, but it is a risk that most gardeners are willing to take.

The majority of bulbs should be planted shallowly. There should be enough of a hole to cover them completely, but they do not need to go far down in the earth. However, there are some, like daffodils, that like to be planted a little deeper. Refer to the instructions on the bag or box for just how deep your bulbs should be planted. Be sure to follow those directions so that your flowers are not adversely affected by too deep or too shallow of a bed. Be sure to fertilize and water thoroughly as soon as the planting is completed. The bulbs will need those nutrients to help them root into their new home.

If the bulbs have been planted in the fall, as the winter months progress, they will remain dormant in the ground. Therefore, watering and fertilizing further will not be necessary until the ground begins to thaw in the spring. At that point, when the weather is dry for a few days and watering becomes necessary, do so with a garden hose for five minutes daily while the weather remains dry. Otherwise, it is safe to let nature take her course with these flowers while they are in bloom.

When blooming has completed, though it can be tempting to cut off those empty flower stalks, wait until they have become yellow and shriveled. The stalk is still taking in important nutrients to the bulb, which is now preparing for the next bloom season. If the stalk is cut off while it’s still taking in nutrients, in the following season, the flower will not bloom as well or may not bloom at all. It is important to give those flowers the time they need to prepare for the next growing season.

Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden and Patio where you can learn more about planting bulbs and flowers.