A Guide for Growing Indoor House Plants

Indoor plants add color, texture and heat to the home. They allow year-round use of gardening and can even improve quality of air. Many houseplants are easy to grow, but they must be given appropriate care in order to thrive. Since your plants were probably started in a greenhouse - grown under ideal conditions - moving them to your home takes a bit of adjustment on their own part.

Good plant care starts with the selection of a place that can give you the ideal environment for its growth. Important too is to provide the right amount water and lightweight, and maintain the appropriate levels of humidity and temperature, in order to ensure the healthy development of plants.

Watering System

Bottom watering is usually best for pot plants, discouraging disease, and maintaining your potting mix evenly moist. A self-watering pot having a water reservoir in the bottom works well, and, indeed, is the best method to grow African Violets, which don’t like to be handled or splashed. A saucer beneath your pot also works well for bottom watering, for you personally simply pour water in to the saucer and let capillary action pull water up into the pot through drainage holes. You are able to optimize bottom watering by putting a wick of felt or water-conducting cord towards the bottom of your pot when planting, and letting the finish extend down into the saucer to assist move water up in to the potting mix. If you water from overhead, a watering pot having a long, small spout is good for controlling in which the water goes, and keeping it off the leaves of your plant.

Good Drainage
This is the other part of proper watering. Yes, a container might have too much water! There are probably more plants killed with more than watering than from any other cause. Several plants (Juncus, some of the carnivorous plants,anything that likes boggy conditions) do enjoy having a little standing water in their roots, though most plants’ roots rot such situations. Other plants enjoy being extremely dry and pot bound, such as Orchids and Clivia. For most plants, however, the perfect is an evenly moist, but well-drained soil! Evenly moist generally means that you water when the top inch from the medium is dry to touch. If a plant likes to be dry between waterings, let almost the whole pot dry out before watering, if you should never let it go bone dry.

Good Air Circulation
Do not crowd your house plants close together, but leave just a little space between them. They need lots of gentle air circulation to lessen the risk of disease and to help them get lots of carbon dioxide, which they need for photosynthesis. Be sure the air movement is gentle; a chilly draft can stress your plants and cause them to lose leaves. Be careful of opening a window near your home plants in the cold of winter, and also of placing them within the direct line of air out of your air conditioner in summer. An air humidifier will also generate some air flow, while providing moisture that house plants need.

Humidity

Most plants like humidity between 30% to 50%. The watering system of pebbles inside a tray filled with water (see 2 above) helps provide good humidity. You may also have a humidifier in the room with your pot plants, and if you set your plants in a group (but not touching), this will also help to keep humidity up in their vicinity.

Plenty of Nutrients
The plant has no way of getting nutrients except in the growing medium in its pot, so you will have to feed your indoor plants with plant food. As long as the plant is blooming or perhaps in active growth, you can feed once a month with full-strength fertilizer (carefully stick to the label on whatever fertilizer you select). However, you will have more even results should you feed every two weeks having a 1/2 strength solution, or each week with a 1/4 strength solution. Most fertilizers have salts, and when you see a whitish buildup around the rim of the pot or on top of the potting mix, you should flush the soil by helping cover their water for at least half an hour, or better, yet, discard the soil in the pot and start over. Of course, you can avoid this concern by using a natural fertilizer like Algoflash for Houseplants, with a 100% natually occurring mineral base.

Creative Landscaping Ideas for a Patio

If your patio is rarely used, you're ready to consider a few creative landscaping ideas which will integrate your patio with the remainder of your yard and make it an area where you enjoy spending time. Landscaping doesn't only involve adding a few plants; rather, it is a comprehensive plan that examines the style of your patio, from building materials towards the enclosures that define the space.

Potted Plant Clusters
In small backyards, the patio may take up much of the space, leaving little room for any garden. Instead, use plants to add some green along with a touch of color to the landscape. One potted plant alone doesn't make a lot of an impact, and neither do pots scattered around your patio. Instead, cluster plants together for a more dramatic effect. Vary the sizes from the pots to get the right proportions, along with the types of plants to achieve texture. Try several groupings of plants around your patio to really make it feel more garden-like.

Patio Edging
Often, the advantage of the patio is neglected. This transition from the paved surface to the grass on your lawn offers opportunities for creative landscaping. Plant a border of low, flowering plants to lightly define the patio area. Should you crave privacy, choose larger plants or small trees; other available choices include bamboo or wild grasses. A different way to define your patio would be to install raised planters. Choose vines which will cascade over the edge, developing a semi-private enclosure for the space.

Green Wall
A particularly creative landscaping idea for patios would be to install a "green" wall. It provides a lush backdrop if you don't take up valuable ground space. Developing a green wall can be as simple as planting fast-growing ivy and training it to climb a surface; or have a more architectural approach by stacking concrete blocks or bricks inside a staggered pattern to accommodate small plants. A true vertical living wall is composed of modular panels that contain soil and also the plants' root structures.

Creative Paving
Consider creative paving choices to liven up your patio space. Basic poured concrete could be a little boring, but you can paint your concrete patio or add an acid finish for any splash of color and texture. Brick and stone patios look natural and warm and could be laid in many beautiful patterns, while gridded slate tiles produce a modern effect. Other creative paving options include terracotta and mosaic tiles.

Water fountain
Make your patio a soothing retreat by using a water feature. Attract birds having a simple birdbath, or install a small pond full of gold fish and water plants. For any more complex design, position stones to produce a cascading waterfall. Choose plants for example lotuses and water lilies, which thrive in ponds. To produce a zen-like atmosphere in your patio area, buy a rolling sphere water fountain.

Outdoor Fireplace or Kitchen
Add a cozy outdoor fireplace to your patio design or go ahead and take design a step further by using a complete outdoor kitchen. Built-in fireplaces could be well integrated into your patio by utilizing material similar to the paving. Extend the advantage of the fireplace to create built-in seating so that you can relax and enjoy its warmth.

Best Ideas for Dining Room Lighting

Dining room lighting should be soft and warm, making mealtime pleasant and welcoming for family and guests. Harsh, bright lights are better suited to a cafeteria than a comfortable home dining space. Suit your fixture to your home's design and add sources of ambient light to supply an alluring glow. Don't forget dimmers, which let you adjust lighting to the meal, it could be a romantic dinner for two or perhaps a family dinner for 12.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers provide a classic look for dining room, hanging low within the table as both a design element along with a light source. If your home has older charm, consider an old-fashioned chandelier with crystal or glass droplets. Brass chandeliers are usually considered outdated. More modern chandeliers are often made of metal with various finishes, for example antique bronze, brushed nickel or black. For those who have an older brass chandelier, you are able to paint it to give it a brand new look. Many metallic paints can be found in spray cans, making the task easy and quick.

Choose a chandelier that masks the sunshine bulbs so they do not shine directly to the table. Bare bulbs produce a harsh light and can even shine in diners' faces. Choose a chandelier with shades that face the ceiling and never the table; if your chandelier is glass or crystal, ensure the bulbs will be pointed toward the ceiling or their light will be diffused.

Sconces and Candles
Sconces give a soft glow to your walls and therefore are a beautiful way to bring ambient light to your dining room. They are available in many different styles to fit your decor. The flickering light of candles is yet another welcome addition. Choose unscented candles so nothing competes using the enticing smell of your food. In households without young children, candles make a lovely centerpiece for that dining table; otherwise, they can occupy an area on a buffet or shelf within the room.

Lamps
Using lamps on the buffet or other piece of furniture within the dining room provides another chance of dining room lighting that is also a design element. It is important for the scale of the lamps to complement the scale of the furniture they occupy. Lamps which are too tall or way too short will look awkward. If your furnishings are spare and streamlined, a more sophisticated lamp will look out of place; if it's delicate and elegant, a chunky lamp won't do. Make use of a critical eye to decide if the lamp you've chosen is appropriate. Convey a lamp on each end from the serving piece for a classic, symmetrical look.

Rope Lighting
In case your room has a tray ceiling or else you have art niches or any other display areas in your dining area, rope lighting is a subtle and fascinating way to dress up those areas. Rope lighting is flexible enough to go around an arch and could be cut to fit the space.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Suit Your Needs and Lifestyle

Backyard landscaping can be as complex or simple as the people living in the home. Before starting a landscaping task for your backyard, you need to have a concept of how you will be using the backyard. Are you entertaining? Do you have kids that are looking to play? Another thing to consider is when much time you are willing to spend looking after the attractive backyard landscaping. How you landscape your backyard can produce a big difference in the value of your house.

Before you start thinking of ideas for your backyard landscape, choose how you plan on using the yard. For those who have young kids you probably will want grass to allow them to play. You also need to be careful of safety. A pond or perhaps a fire pit can be extremely dangerous for any young child. If you plan on entertaining, you'll need lots of room for people to sit down and socialize. If you like to garden, section off a bit of your yard to show off your green thumb.

Kid Friendly Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Backyard landscaping for children can be simple. A large grass area will give you a place for tag, football games and tea parties. A pleasant idea is to frame the yard with concrete curbing and fill the exterior with rock. You can have the concrete dyed to complement whatever color you choose. The curbing may also be angled so it is easier to mow. Forget about pushing the lawn mower as much as the wall, just mow as much as the curbing and be done.

In case your children have grass allergies, artificial grass may be the answer. This synthetic grass feels and looks like the real thing. No more mowing or watering as well as your yard will always look good.

Backyard Landscaping Suggestions for Entertaining

The backyard, if landscaped right, is definitely an extension of your living space. If you value to BBQ then a built-in barbeque is a must. Your backyard barbeque could be basic, with just a grill or is often as complex as a whole outdoor kitchen. Basic options include adding a sink, refrigerator and stovetop. The sky and your pocket may be the limit for other add-ons like a wine chiller, a smoker along with a vent.

Another backyard landscaping idea would be to add a fire pit. Imagine your friends and relatives all seated around the fire sipping wine and achieving a good time. Having kids does not mean you can't have a fire pit, however, you need to make it safe. You will find lids that can be purchased which cover up the fire pit when not in use to help keep from prying little fingers. A stone bench as well as other seating is a good idea to add a final touch to your backyard landscape.

Backyard Landscaping Suggestions for Small Yards

If you have a little backyard, don't despair. You'll have a nicely landscaped yard by using a few simple ideas. Think vertical. Plants could be hung in pots around the walls to provide you with extra space. Simple is the best for small yards. Dwarf trees provide the small backyard owner a choice of adding trees to the landscape, without overpowering the yard.

Backyard Landscaping Suggestions for Gardeners

Backyard landscaping for that gardener can mean a small portion of ground set aside just for them. Frame your garden area with a small white picket fence to assist hide the garden when there is nothing growing. If you have a small yard, or even the yard has already been landscaped and also you don't want to tear it out, container gardening may well be a good idea. By using containers a gardener can grow what they need, where they want and the smartest thing is they don't have to worry about weeds.

Additional Suggestions for Backyard Landscaping

Statues are an attractive backyard landscaping option. They may be whimsical like a garden gnome, to Zen as with an Asian tea house. Remember scent when you think of your backyard landscaping. Night blooming Jasmine is an excellent way to add a calming scent for your yard. Roses are also try this.

Backyard landscaping should reflect those who plan on using it. What you want to complete in your yard should be the first thing you consider when deciding on landscaping. Jot down your ideas. You might not be able to turn your backyard to your dream overnight. But by recording your ideas, you can create a wish list that may help you get there eventually.

Beautiful Edible Landscaping Plants

Edible landscaping is a very convenient and quite rewarding indisputable fact that will serve you a dual purpose. You'll be able to transform your landscape with some beautiful wild edible plants that will give you a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables you could pluck out and use when they are ripe and ready. Furthermore, your landscape will appear attractive using the various green plants punctuated with colorful edible wild berries from time to time.

Flowers

Flowers are commonly employed for food and dessert decoration. Edible flowers easily utilized in landscaping include chrysanthemum, clovers, daisies, dandelions, daylilies, hibiscus, pansies, roses, sunflowers, violet and zucchini blossoms. Make use of the petals, stems and other parts of these flowers in drinks, salads, soups, teas along with other culinary creations.

Trees

Newer fruit tree styles, including dwarf versions of larger trees, are recent uses in landscaping. Common trees for landscaping include apple, apricot, cherry, jujube, mulberry, olive, peach, pear and plum trees. Other edible trees used today in landscaping include cactus, bamboo and palms.

Shrubs

Many trees present in dwarf or shrub versions are low growing and ideal for landscaping purposes. Edible shrubs are blueberry, cherry, currant, elderberry, fig, gooseberry, honeysuckle and pomegranate. Each of these shrubs bear fruit or flowers which are eaten raw or utilized in desserts, soups, salads or any other dishes.

Herbs

Using herbs for aesthetic landscaping and groundcover is another part of the edible landscaping trend. Herbs which are easily used in landscaping scenery include thyme, garlic chives, chocolate mint, lavender, rosemary, sweet bay laurel lemongrass, sage, violet spearmint, basil.

Rhubarb

The huge leaves and red stems of rhubarb plants create a bold statement in a flowerbed combined with other perennials or as a stand-alone specimen plant. The hardy perennial matures to 3 feet high and 5 feet across when fully mature. Set the guarana plant in a sunny location, with partial shade in heat of your day to protect the leaves from sunburn. Harvest rhubarb in early summer by cutting the largest stems off at walk out and stripping away the leaves. Fresh rhubarb pies and rhubarb sauce to drizzle over desserts would be the reward of nurturing this edible landscaping plant.

How to Make Most of Small Bathroom

There is anything heating, good and also seriously moving about specific types of historic homes or vintage configurations and also this bathroom is one great example of something which has a mystique about it despite (or simply because) of its age and also roughness.

If you've got a small bathroom then finding ideas on how to maximise every cm of space might become a bit of a mission.


It's important to remember that in a small bathroom, giving the impression of space is just as important as using it.

Take as an example this fantastic bathroom set by Burlington Bathrooms (a traditional bathroom manufacturer).

While this image might have been completely set up to provide a wonderful brochure style effect, it has a number of important lessons for us to follow when designing a small bathroom.

1. Lift as much as you can off the floor:
How often do you look at the ceiling in a bathroom compared to the floor? Hardly ever! That's why having as much floor space on show is important, as it gives the most noticeable impression of space in a room.

2. Use a short projection bathroom suite:
Everyone thinks to use a small basin, but it's not often that they use a short projection WC (with concealed cistern) despite it being the biggest item in the room.

3. Use small tiles:
These fantastic subway tiles are actually 7.5cm x 15cm compared to the normal 10cm x 20cm ones on the market. Smaller tiles give the effect of more space.

4. Never over power your floor:
Your floor is more important than you think. Can you imagine if the wallpaper in this image ran all the way to the floor? It wouldn't work! If you want to create intrigue but not overwhelm your small bathroom design then break up the features of your room with a neutral colour.

Of course, there is also one big thing that makes this room work so well that you might not be able to replicate. The doors.

The wonderful dual doors in this small bathroom open completely, allowing the whole room to be on display and as such offer a panoramic view of the room that means it could never feel small!

While this image is dressed to kill, complete with traditional phone, historic photographs and a flash of red, it's certainly still possible to replicate a similar style in your small bathroom.

If you're looking for small bathroom ideas, why not learn how to use bathroom lighting to make your room appear much bigger, or try these fantastic recessed shelves?

Master Bedroom Interior Design Ideas

The design off a bedroom depends on a few major factors. The first one is who will be occupying the room. For instance, the bedroom design for an adult will be absolutely different from the design of a kid’s bedroom. Similarly, the size of the bedroom also mattes. The design that will suit a master bedroom will not be right for a small spaced bedroom. Therefore, in this article we will be talking about a few basic bedroom design ideas.

The master bedroom is the largest one among all the other bedrooms in your house. Hence, you can get a lot of scope to experiment with the design of the bedroom. You should select a design for this bedroom in a way that it reflects the personality of its occupants. The color ot the bedroom walls should have a calm and serene effect on your mind and senses. Therefore, blue , green and lavender are the most popular choice of colours. However, if you want a more youthful touch to your bedroom, then opt for some warmer colours like misty peach , buttery yellow , delicate pink , light shades of plaster and so on . if you are looking for a sober lively atmosphere in your bedroom , then opt for neutral colours like light shades of brown.

The furniture of a master bedroom include a double bed , wardrobe ,dressing table , side tables and a writing table. If there is a terrace attached to the room , then you can keep some formal seating arrangements over there as well. The finish and shades of the furniture should compliment well with the colours of the walls as they cover a part of the wall space.

Lighting of the room should involve proper use of both the artificial light as well as natural daylight. For artificial lights use spot lights and decorative lamps to make the room bright. Bedroom wall can be decorated with paintings or artwork of a beautiful wall hangings or posters. You can give a personalized touch to the room by hanging a collage of family photographs enclosed in a decorative frame. Use of natural elements like houseplants inside the bedroom can make you feel closer to nature. Plants that bear flowers once in a month is the ideal is the ideal choice for this purpose as they will bring about a change in the look of the room after every few days.