Consider Drip Irrigation For Your Landscaping!
By admin | November 12, 2008
Drip irrigation
- reduces water usage,
- easily irrigates odd-shaped and narrow areas,
- accommodates hanging baskets and other types of planters,
- may be exempt from water restrictions imposed during drought.
Installation of a drip irrigation system is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most home handymen. The required parts, pipe, fittings, tubing, valves, emitters (nozzles) and controllers to install a drip irrigation system are readily available at most of the “Big Box” home improvement centers in both individual units and packaged systems. As well, most landscaping and garden centers now carry a complete inventory of drip irrigation systems and parts.
Drip irrigation utilizes a network of plastic pipes and tubing. Water is distributed slowly, at a low flow and pressure rate to all plants, unlike sprinkler style irrigation systems, which always end up “over spraying” the areas that need watering.
A normal in-ground sprinkler system has an efficiency of between 50 and 70 percent, whereas a drip irrigation system should provide efficiencies in excess of 90 percent, providing the systems watering scheduled has been considered and programmed properly.
Plant growth is highly improved with drip irrigation because it inherently maintains a proper balance of air and water in the soil around the plants roots. With drip irrigation water is not supplied in excess quantities, it is delivered often and at low flow rates keeping the soil continually moist. Sprinkler irrigation systems have the inherent problem that produce a much more dramatic wet to dry variation in the soil and hence restrict plant growth.
Drip irrigation systems have been available to commercial growers involved in vegetables, orchards, nursery plants and greenhouses for many years. As with many products and systems originally designed for commercial use, drip irrigation has been packaged and re-engineered for residential applications. In home landscaping, drip irrigation systems provide exceptional service in vegetable, herb and flower gardens and can be readily adapted to provide watering for fruit trees and hanging baskets.
If you are considering adding or currently have a berm or mound in your landscaping, drip irrigation provides the most efficient and effective method of watering any associated plants. Any slope in landscaping is difficult to water as large quantities of water run off prior to soaking into the ground. By using the low flow rates associated with drip irrigation on a berm or mound, water is more likely to soak into the soil than run off.
For additional information on drip irrigration systems for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.
Tags: drip irrigation, flowers, in ground, landscaping, Plants, sprinkler system, Vegetables, wateringFlowers Speak Too
By admin | September 27, 2008
It is traditional and stylish to “say it with flowers.” You can send flowers to say welcome; I am sorry; I love you; and many more. Beautifully arranged and fragrant flowers can brighten up a person’s day. World over, flowers have been in use since ancient times to decorate palaces and homes, in rituals, during spring dances, as a part of weddings, and more.
Flowers are not selected randomly, over the years they have developed meanings. For example, the acacia means concealed love, chaste love or beauty; the aster symbolizes both love and daintiness; a pink carnation means says I will never forget you; while the yellow says rejection or disappointment; the tulip says you have sunshine in your smile.
Then of course there are “birthday” flowers. Those born in February have the primrose and violet as birth flowers; while the larkspur and water lily are birth flowers for those born in July; and the holly, narcissus, and poinsettia are flowers for birthdays in December.
Birth signs too have specific flowers: for Arians who are passionate and adventurous the flowers are red roses, tulips, and amaryllis while for Scorpios the flowers are hibiscus, peony, and amaranthus among others.
The colors of flowers have meaning and speak a language that is their own and there are scientific as well as traditional interpretations.
Traditionally:
Red flowers signify romance.
Yellow flowers friendship.
White flowers reverence.
Peach flowers thanks.
Pink flowers appreciation.
Orange flowers flames of desire.
Purple flowers mean love at first sight.
Scientifically speaking, colors are known to affect the mind and soul. So, a color can spread joy, relieve tensions, energize a person, or sooth. In fact, flowers are known to have healing properties too:
Black lends power, confidence, and self esteem.
Blue is calming to the mind and soul. The color is known to lower blood pressure and relieve hypertension.
Red sets the pulse racing and is known to induce passions.
Green is nurturing and relaxes the mind and body.
Violet induces calm and peace.
Pink soothes and is like a salve, cool and calm.
Yellow is energetic and spreads sunshine.
All over the world, there are many traditions and beliefs and poems as well as stories that glorify the beauty and uniqueness of flowers. Some kinds of flowers have a special place in coronations, rituals, and celebrations. Flowers have always blessed life on earth and will always be there for you to gift and say “I care.”
The language of flowers is not set, rigid, or universal. They have different meanings and connotations in different parts of the world. Flowers can help you express thoughts, feelings, and emotions, they do the needful when words are difficult to say.
Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for http://www.1888SendFlowers.com , the premier website to find all kind of services to Send Flowers online like flower arrangements, cheap flower send, roses, bouquets, plants, fresh flowers delivery and more. He also freelances for Submit Free Press Release site http://www.1888PressRelease.com
Tags: bouquets, cheap flower send, flower arrangements, Plants, roses, send flowers, Send Flowers onlineNational Home Gardening Club
By admin | July 7, 2008
Do you want to know more about Garden Clubs? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Gardening Club experts.
What’s in Store for National Home Gardening Club Members?
The National Home Gardening Club offer many benefits to its members.
It is said to be the largest home gardening organization with paid membership. For a nominal fee, various benefits are available.
If you choose to become a member the National Home Gardening club, you will be entitled to the following perks.
1. Members can enter competitions to win free gardening products such as gardening accessories, tools, and other gardening supplies.
2. A coupon will be given to members to claim a free gardening shears.
3. Members can also access a free trial subscription of the Gardening How-To Magazine.
4. They may be eligible to test and keep gardening tools such as pruning shears. These are some of the products tested by members in the past two issues of the Gardening How-To magazine:
- Honda Harmony Lawn Mower
- Miracle-Gro Garden Weed Preventer
- Sunflower Garden
- Cobra Head Precision Weeder and Cultivator
- Preen ‘n Green
See how much you can learn about Gardening Club when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don’t miss out on the rest of this great information.
5. Members can enjoy a free directory of public gardens, which contains information about lush gardens, arboretums, and conservatories throughout the US.
6. They can interact and talk about tips, ideas and methods with other members.
7. Members can obtain gardening and landscaping tips and plans for the completion of various gardening projects.
8. They have access to the members-only gardening website.
9. Members can also preview gardening books, gardening videos, etc.
Indeed, the for-members-only benefits are that grandiose. They are all for the gardening enthusiasts to grab.
After the 30-day trial, you can continue your membership for only $1 per month.
Many garden-lovers think this is a small price to pay for all these privileges.
That’s the latest from the Gardening Club authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.
Bill McRea is the publisher of Garden Facts also Garden Decor and Landscape Trees Landscaping and Gardening with information and products.
Tags: flower seed, flowers, gardening, plant seed, Plants, seed starting, start seeds, vegetable seed, Vegetables