Whether or not you have pets of your own, it is important to have a pet friendly garden. Consider the tragedy if a guest, neighbour or passer by should have a beloved pet fall ill or be injured due to something growing or left unattended in the garden. As pets are unable to know which plants are hazardous or that chemicals may be deadly, it is up to people to protect them from the consequences of natural curiosity.
Create a Pet Friendly Garden
March 8th, 2010
How to Create a Tabletop Water Fountain
March 5th, 2010The sound of running water is soothing for both mind and spirit. Imagine relaxing next to a babbling brook as it gently cascades across pebbles and drops into small pools. Enjoy this experience at home with a simple tabletop fountain.
A House on the Water
March 2nd, 2010Part of Holland lies below sea level and land on which to build new homes is scarce. In addition, the rising sea level in the Netherlands over the last century has claimed some land and this trend is expected to continue during the current century. In answer to these significant challenges, the Dutch have started constructing houses on the water.
Compostable Plastic? Made of Sugar?
February 26th, 2010In light of dwindling oil supplies worldwide and an ever-increasing need for plastic food packaging products, very exciting news was recently published in the British press. According to a story in the Telegraph, British scientists have developed a compostable plastic made from sugars derived from non-edible plants. Using various grasses and fast growing trees, Imperial College London researchers have successfully changed glucose from these plants into a polymer suitable for plastic production.
Garden Lighting
February 25th, 2010
- Image by uberphot via Flickr
Add elegance or create a special mood in your garden with lighting. Available in types and styles to suit any purpose or setting, outdoor lighting is a valuable addition to any home. Imagine enjoying a romantic dinner for two on your own patio, bathed is soft light. Install a series of floodlights where bright illumination is desired or use miniature spotlights to create a focal point of a special garden feature.
A wide variety of outdoor lighting choices are available. Recessed lighting allows for fixtures to be placed unobtrusively, flush with a wall or decking, or level with the ground. Uplights and downlights work well on flat vertical surfaces where stationary lighting is appropriate, such as home or garden walls, while adjustable spotlights can be strategically placed to call attention to trees or other plantings. Read the rest of this entry »
Taking a bath - your relaxing time [recipes]
February 23rd, 2010Every woman (and man) knows what a nice bath can do to soothe a tired body. The heated water relaxes aching muscles, calms the mind, softens the mood. This fact was well known even back in the ancient times, we all know that Cleopatra, the most beautiful woman of her times, was fond of bathing in goat milk which softened her skin and made her look vibrant and fresh. Today, not many of us have the possibility to use milk to bathe in but there are many ways of preparing a miraculous bath.
Live More Ecologically Every Day
February 21st, 2010
Choosing a lifestyle that has the least possible negative impact on the earth’s dwindling resources makes good sense. Strive to use resources wisely and eliminate waste whenever possible. There is much that each individual can do on a daily basis to live more ecologically.
Buy Quality
When purchasing any new item, consider quality along with price. From an ecological standpoint, it is much better to pay more for a durable, high-quality item than to buy a less expensive alternative that may soon need to be replaced. This often makes good economic sense over the long-term, as well. To even further reduce the use of resources, look for second-hand alternatives or repurpose an existing item to meet the current need. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Prepare the Garden for Spring
February 19th, 2010
- Image via Wikipedia
After the harsh conditions of winter, preparing the garden for spring is important. For maximum beauty and enjoyment later in the year, follow these five basic steps:
- Perform a general clean up, including a thorough weeding. Remove and discard fallen leaves or branches, dead annuals and any other debris from the lawn areas or flowerbeds. Weed all areas while the ground is moist and weeds are small and immature.
- Prune roses, perennials, shrubs and trees, as appropriate. Consult a detailed gardening guide for specific recommendations based on the age and type of plant. In general, most perennials that were not cut back in the fall can be pruned to ground level once new growth is evident at the base. For roses, prune only if mature. Read the rest of this entry »
Starting a Windowsill Herb Garden
February 18th, 2010
- Image by atl10trader via Flickr
Growing a windowsill herb garden is easy and fun! Best of all, if located in or near the kitchen, fresh herbs are always close at hand during meal preparation. All that is needed are a few pots filled with good potting soil, the chosen plants and a sunny windowsill. To make the herbs really happy, add organic liquid fertiliser and a tray with a layer of gravel to the list.
The first step is to select the spot. While there may be only one sunny window available, if there is a choice, select the most convenient window that has adequate sunlight and space for the plants. For best results, a south-facing window is needed.
Next, chose which types of herbs to grow. Consider what recipes are favoured and grow herbs to enhance these dishes. Basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme are popular favourites. Although herbs can be grown from seed, this takes time. To speed the process, consider buying small plants at the nursery. Read the rest of this entry »
Reducing Paper Waste at Home
February 15th, 2010
- Image via Wikipedia
Most paper comes from trees, a valuable resource that should not be wasted. Unfortunately, a lot of paper does go to waste. Consider the amount of newspapers, magazines, bags and boxes that are thrown away each day. There are several ways, however, that the average person can reduce paper waste right at home. Just follow these simple tips:
Opt for Non-Paper Alternatives
Use napkins made of cloth and real plates daily for meals and snacks. Purchase several sets of melamine dinnerware for use at casual parties and picnics. Use paper towels only when absolutely necessary for hygienic reasons and consider using a cloth hankie rather than paper tissue. Forego luxury toilet paper in favour of brands made from recycled fibres. Buy or make several reusable cloth shopping bags and have one handy at all times. Read the rest of this entry »