Archive for September, 2010

Have you ever wondered what makes the difference between a nice, neat looking yard and a breathtaking professionally landscaped one?

One of the unspoken secrets of the pros is using layers in their designs. If you have any doubts about that, go to some of the most exclusive and expensive neighborhoods where you live and really look at the differences in those landscapes and the ones in the more middle-class areas. Big difference. Right?

You can look at world-class and famous gardens such as Canada’s Buchart Gardens or the Missouri Botanical Gardens as well and you’ll see it there, too. It’s layers!

Of course, there are many other elements about a design other than just using layers of plants, but this is the one that makes for a spectacular garden and landscape versus one that is attractive but somewhat mundane.

In using layers, you’ll find for example, large shrubs in the background or maybe some of the tall slender Italian Cypress-type trees, but in every part of the design there will be other shorter plants and flowers in front of those.

So if you think your small little yard can’t look amazingly beautiful and get a lot of attention from the neighbors, think again!

One example that could be used in a smaller landscape and get that gorgeous, lush appearance would be to have the tallest shrubs say, against your back fence (maybe Red-Tipped Photinia or a Privet Hedge with 2-3 tall cypress-type trees either in front of the hedge or off to the side, and then in front of that could be some Japanese Boxwood, kept to about a 4-6′ height (depending on the height of the hedges in back) and then to compliment the layers, maybe a statue or birdbath surrounded by smaller shrubs (such as dwarf Youpon Hollies or dwarf Pittosporum or flowers as an alternative).
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Most new homes today have air conditioning units. It is more unusual to see homes without central air then to see ones with it nowadays. Air conditioning can be a necessity in warmer climates for the comfort of the family. Most air conditioner units will range from three to six thousand dollars, including installation. This is not a minor investment but one necessary for comfort. If you need a new air conditioner, there are several things to consider prior to purchasing.

Air conditioning units should be installed by a contractor who is experienced with this type of work. Depending on existing ducts and the type of unit purchased, the price may vary greatly. Get several estimates from qualified contractors before deciding on the unit and installer. Ensure the contractor has experience and works well with you. Get references and check them thoroughly.

Air conditioner units use electricity to run. If the unit is used often this can increase energy costs significantly. This is especially true in warmer climates where it is a necessity to cool the home. To help combat these costs, it is advisable to look at the efficiency of the unit. This may mean a larger initial investment, but should save money in the long run.
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Water gardens or garden pools have become a popular part of landscape architecture in the United States. Water gardens are visually soothing and seem to connect people to the natural aquatic world. The esthetic value of water gardens is enhanced by the almost endless variety of design and planting options that make each one a unique and personal creation.

The location of the water garden is critical to its ecology and maintenance, as well as to your enjoyment of it. Sunlight is needed for plant photosynthesis. Plants are important to the water garden’s ecology because they produce oxygen, remove and recycle nutrients, and provide shade and hiding places for fish and other inhabitants. A water garden should be situated to receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.

However, direct sun at mid-day during the warmest months can cause shallow pools to overheat. Locating the water garden so that it can be viewed from the house will increase your enjoyment and allow you to supervise it. Be sure to control access to the water garden to ensure the safety of children. A good view of the water garden will also help you spot unwanted visitors such as predators.

Water gardens should not be located over utility services. Check with utility companies for the location of underground lines. Water gardens should not be located directly under trees because roots hamper excavation and may cause structural damage later.Also leaves foul the water and over-hanging branches may exude toxic substances into the water garden.

The depth of a water garden depends on design, local climate, and over-wintering strategies. Many year-round outdoor water gardens have a section at least 3 or 4 feet deep that does not freeze in the winter and gives fish a cool retreat during hot weather. Large koi carp, in particular, tend to lose color and become stressed if they do not have a cool place to stay during hot weather.

Construction of a water garden can be simple or complex. Water gardens built of fiberglass or concrete take considerable construction skill. Earthen and plasticliner pools require less construction skill or experience.

Many commercial firms selling water garden equipment offer consulting services on design, construction and maintenance. Use available expertise and your own creativity to design a water garden reflecting your imagination and taste.

Water gardens can be relatively expensive to build and maintain. Cost of construction varies with size and the materials used, but can range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars. Construction plans should be reviewed by local governmental agencies to ensure that the proposed pool complies with all building codes.

Water gardens may be irregular or geometric in shape. Irregularly shaped water gardens have a natural look, while the geometric shapes appear more formal. Before you start construction, try laying out possible water garden designs using a garden hose or rope.
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Kitchen islands add a decorative element to the kitchen. They also add extra work and storage space. Space to store things and prepare meals is often lacking in kitchens. An island is the perfect solution to these problems. Some offer additional areas for cooking or an extra sink for cleaning up. There are designs and features to fit every lifestyle.

Choices Available in Kitchen Islands

The simplest kitchen islands resemble a table. They have legs and a flat counter space for cooking. These are functional for preparing foods and serving meals buffet style. In addition, they add a design element to the room. The draw back of these islands is they don’t add additional space for storage.

Another simple design involves a simple flat counter area with storage space underneath. These are generally drawers and cabinets. They can be built to match the surrounding cabinets in your kitchen. This gives additional storage space under the island, rather than the wasted space of a table top design.
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We also provide rental air compressors and genuine parts and service. Summit Sierra is rated to provide superior service for 8,000 hours in most air compressor applications. In addition to the annual savings in electricity, the new compressors provide Bodine with a more reliable supply of compressed air. Provide adequate ventilation to keep compressor cool; cool air is easier to compress than hot air. For instance, in industrial settings compressors provide the necessary air for air purification systems, air lock systems, blast forges and temperature control systems. A cheap way to provide cooler air is to duct outside air directly into the compressor inlet. Conventional miniature air compressors that provide energy efficiency are typically 10X too expensive due to costly miniature electric motors. A broad range of AIR COMPRESSORS manufacturers has been complied in this industrial directory designed to provide information on leading, quality oriented manufacturers.

The obvious solution is to carry an air tank or air compressor with you on the trail. Mounting options for the air compressor may include skid or base plate mounted, tank mounted or portable. A compressor tank doesn’t produce air, it only stores air. Once you have purchased your compressor you might consider a air tank as well as the on board installation kit. More style tank air compressorTwo-pole, 3450 RPM capacitor start induction motor for maximum air deliveryHeavy duty, cast iron cylinder construction and large 8 oz.

The Max-Air 55 is a dependable high quality breathing air compressor designed for continuous duty at an affordable price. The Max-Air 90 is a dependable high quality breathing air compressor designed for continuous duty at an affordable price. Of course, the most sturdy compressors have a 100% duty cycle, meaning that they can output air continuously. The rotary compressor, therefore, is a continuous duty, air cooled or water cooled compressor package.
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The right tool can help make any job easier and the garden is no exception. More than 91 million households gardened in 2005, the most ever, according to the National Gardening Association. Gardening is an incredibly enjoyable activity, but if you don’t want to end up sore, blistered or itching, it’s important to be properly prepared before you begin.

Here are some essential items that I keep in my garden shed:

• Gardener’s First-Aid Kit-The most important thing in my shed is my first-aid kit for common garden emergencies including sunburn, bug bites, cuts, and poison ivy, oak or sumac. Every gardener I know dreads poison ivy because the itch can last for weeks. A tiny brush against one of these plants can cause a whole lot of itch, but it doesn’t have to with the help of one of my favorite products, Cortaid® Poison Ivy Care Treatment Kit. It can be used to defend against an outbreak, help to prevent spreading and treat an itchy reaction.

• Gardening Gloves-While I believe in getting my hands dirty, nothing beats a great pair of high-quality leather gardening gloves. The right gloves can protect hands from thorns, an unexpected bee or spider, sharp twigs or sticks and blistering.

• Shovels/Spade & Trowel-A good shovel is the difference between making your garden work easier and giving you a backache. Look for one with a long handle (to take pressure off of your back) and flat ledge, which creates a surface for your foot. A trowel is a must. Find one with a wide, curved blade that fits comfortably in your hand.

• Pruners-Pruning, deadheading (picking the dead flowers off of plants) and trimming plants goes on all year long. Look for “bypass” pruners that make a clean cut on the plant without crushing or tearing it.
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The word ‘design’ is multifaceted. It can refer to plans, proposals or creative endeavors. Design surrounds us in every aspect of our life–homes, buildings, city planning, vehicles, art, theater, clothing, and toys. Even food has a design element, presentation. So, design is what makes anything functional, appealing and attractive. It has aesthetic functions that result from inspiration, research, and modeling.

To some the sense of design is ingrained in their genes, while others acquire a design sense through rigorous training.

The principles to be used will of course depend upon whether one is looking at architectural, automotive, computer or machinery design, which are scientific in nature and have different aims, or communication design, which is applied to advertisements, books, magazines, websites, and so on.

In the case of communication design, it must have a focal point, everything else being secondary. It must follow certain simple rules: the design must be simple and clutter free, it must represent clearly the theme or element for which it is in use, it must be functional and have a visual hierarchy. The size, color, texture, and types must be varied to create depth and contrast.

The keys are: alignment, proximity, repetition, and contrast. The spaces must create depth and the colors harmony. Good design is said to be 98% common sense.
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As we all know breathing in clean, pure air is important for our health. So you should get a good quality air cleaner installed in your office or home. The market is flooded with hosts of air cleaning products. These products use a lot of acronyms that can leave any average user bewildered. I would like to your answer some of your questions on understanding these acronyms to assist you in purchasing the right product for your use.

What is HEPA?
High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters were originated during the Second World War. They were designed to prevent the radioactive particles from entering the human respiratory system. Today, they are the best air cleaners in the market with their filtration rate slightly below 100%. They can remove all particles of size 0.3 microns.

Who is OEM?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is the manufacturer who not only sells you the product but also provides the spare parts when the parts in the product deteriorate. You might get generic parts in the market, which can be cheaper. But the quality cannot be guaranteed. When you purchase the product from the OEM, you are assured a good quality not only on the product but also on the spares that you buy. Besides, OEM also takes the responsibility for maintaining the air cleaners. This ensures you get a good quality service for your air cleaners.

What is MERV?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) denotes the efficiency of the filter. It is the ability of the filter to remove the particles. The value lies in the range of 12 to 16. A low value tells you that the filter is inefficient at removing the particles. Values of 12 to 16 denote that the filter is highly efficient in removing more particles. This is the standard used by all the air cleaner manufacturers. This makes comparison among different products very easy.
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