If you have been looking at your yard or garden lately and your lawn looks like straw, the plants in your garden are with a closer look mainly weeds and the structure you thought you had in your garden is disappeared completely you know you need to start doing something. And if you look at your budget and find out that you do not have much money to spare at the moment you also know you need some free landscape plans to start realizing your dreams.

Where to look for free landscape plans

To determine what needs to be done you you need to find out what the problem areas are in your yard or garden, if the lawn is really like straw you need to determine what is causing it. Most of the time it is caused by a lack of watering, but it can also be the case that you have been mowing the grass too much. Mowing the lawn should not be done more than once per week, it should only been mowed when it becomes taller than tree inches. When you come to the conclusion that watering is the problem you can solve this by watering it more often, there are (more expensive) solutions but looking at the budget we are looking at free landscape plans and then this is the best solution.

Lets start for the next free landscape plans with your plants, why do you have so many weeds and where have the plants gone? Did you not weed enough? Most of the time the problem is the climate you are living in. If you live in a climate that is rather humid your weeds will grow much more than in a dry climate. But there is an up side your plants should do the same with proper care. Good free landscape plans to get rid of the weeds and spare your precious plants are to take some lemon juice and spay it only on the leaves of the weeds. The lemon has acidic juices and this will help kill the weeds at a natural and free manner.

If you would have a lot of money you would probably hire someone who can give you ideas for your yard and who would make landscape plans for you but these people never come for free so we do not have that luxury. But that is no problem at all there are free landscape plans available right there in your own neighborhood. Start making walks at different times of the day in your neighborhood and make notes of the things you see that you like and the plans that grow good in your neighbors lawns and gardens. You can also ask them about their gardens, most of them will be proud to tell you what they have done. And they may have some seeds or plants you can use.

Other free plans are available at your local garden center most of them have free pamphlets that can give you lots of ideas that you can turn in to plans and it will also give you a good idea of how much some landscaping jobs generally cost.

Last but certainly not least you can find complete landscape plans online, there are many websites that will give you all the information you need, for example if you want to know about garden design, gardening supplies or Garden Fountains you can read all about it on Gardeners Info Point. com

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Landscape Plans is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Community gardens have the potential to improve the lives of people everywhere crossing all boundaries of age, race, gender and nationality. These group effort gardens are making a positive difference one plant at a time.

Just Add Water and Watch it Grow

Have you ever helped a neighbor with a garden? Planted up a small container for an elderly relative? Shared fresh herbs for cooking with someone intimidated by gardening? Fixed up planters of annuals in your town square? Spent a day working with a school group sowing quick-growing vegetable seeds? Joined your coworkers as corporate volunteers weeding, raking, and mulching in a public space? Perhaps you have helped install a wall water fountain or concrete fountain. Then you are already a community gardener, part of a great social movement that has the power to transform neighborhoods, unite people who are different in many ways, and invest in the future of our children.

If this sounds sweeping, it is. Those of us who garden instinctively know why we are out there digging in the dirt, installing water wall fountains but perhaps the bigger picture has stayed in the background. For the community gardeners, the movement is an investment in the future of where they live and in the futures of the children growing up under often difficult circumstances. Through Master Gardener, university extension, and 4-H programs, suburban gardeners come into town and share, their passion with city folks.

And much more is going on here. Many inner-city youths have never left their neighborhoods, and so barriers break down as people from different walks of life work at a common task. Civic pride comes into play as gardens grow and become more beautiful--there is much value in the intense and tangible feeling of pride that a garden brings. Most important is growing healthy food and addressing public health issues such as diabetes and obesity. Increased physical activity and access to fresh vegetables are proven to have a positive effect on health, especially in our modern society, where food travels an average of 1,300 miles from field to table. The gardens may also be serene places to sit since many have flowers, benches and cast stone fountains.

Community Assets Can be Pulled Together to Help a Garden Flourish

You will find many ways to participate in this movement, and they can be as simple as donating money or offering to fund resources, or volunteering time to senior garden programs to help with hard work such as turning soil and spreading mulch. Hook up with a group of gardeners, whether it's once a week or once a month, and you will get to know and help people that are coaxing vacant lots to life. Very few activities have a nurturing and healing quality that work on our souls and hearts the way gardening does.

Building Community With Community Gardens

1. A community garden yields many benefits to a neighborhood.

2. While an abandoned lot suggests that nobody cares, a garden creates hope through beauty.

3. Connection to nature inspires and soothes even those just passing by.

4. Bees, birds, and butterflies attracted to a garden are great companions, help with pollination and bug control, and remind us that we still share our world with wildlife.

5. Cultural gardening traditions are practiced and shared.

6. Pride in the neighborhood increases.

7. Seasonal food production improves well-being, fosters healthy eating habits, and creates awareness of how food is produced and why that matters.

8. Informal teaching engages active minds.

9. Social gathering spots increase neighborhood harmony.

10. Rainwater harvesting leads to environmental awareness.

11. Gardening connects urban dwellers to their rural roots.

How to Start a Community Garden

Here's a checklist:

• Identify space that could be donated for a garden. Look at churchyards, school or library lots, housing organizations, or abandoned property.

• Identify resources to help you get started, such as neighborhood institutions.

• Enlist local politicians or organizations to help secure the land for long-term usage at a nominal fee and assist with insurance and other technicalities.

• Create a core group of at least a dozen volunteers to raise funds, work on design, organize volunteers, and establish rules and regulations.

• Organize meetings to identify the people and resources needed. Reach out to those with special skills that might not be directly related to gardening, such as grant and flyer writing, light construction, site searching, and planning.

• Determine what the community wants out of the space: quiet contemplation, a place for children to play, plots to raise food in?

• Establish a core group to maintain the land.

• Appeal to local Master Gardener programs for volunteer assistance.

• Reach out to your local university Cooperative Extension for help securing supplies and resolving bureaucratic issues, such as cleaning up toxins.

Develop a fund-raising strategy that starts with the group and reaches out to local individuals and businesses. This kind of support highlights the importance of the garden to the neighborhood and includes something lovely with a cast stone water feature.

Learn more about wall water fountains for your next gardening project at http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Wall+Fountains.

For more ideas regarding cast stone fountains for your community garden project check out http://www.garden-fountains.com/Search.bok?category=Garden+Fountains.

For cast stone water feature ideas visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=61.

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Community Gardens is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Garden fountains are accessories to water ponds - be they small or large. The sound of flowing water, be it rippling or cascading are so relaxing that they add up to the peacefulness and tranquility of outdoors.

There are so many fountains to choose from. You can go for the dramatic fountains that are made out of cast stone. You can save space by going for wall fountains. There are so many finishing to select. There is the garden wall fountains that are appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use. There are sandstone finishes that add classy appeal.

Other factors we suggest you consider before deciding on the ideal fountain for you is your living space situation. Is your garden big enough to accommodate the outdoor fountains made out of copper, stone, and fiberglass? These fountains are normally so large that those who have big gardens consider these to be the center of their exterior.

Another factor that determines the kind of water garden fountain you purchase is if you have pets. If the fountain you get is on ground level, then your pet may think that it is a bathtub, or better yet for him, a swimming pool. Sometimes, they will even drink from it.

For others, water fountains, from the looks of it, may be daunting. You do not have to go to the mall yourself and check how much they are. Obviously, these are expensive. You have a water garden and you are already satisfied with a water feature that is appropriate for the landscape. A small water fountain can do the trick. It is not only cheap, it is also low-maintenance. As long as you hear the ripping of the water, your nerves will be relaxed. Why need a big fountain, right?

So you decided to build your own water garden fountain. Here are the steps:

1. Consult an electrician who could install the ground fault circuit interrupter near the man-made pond. The cord length depends on how far the fountain is from the pond. Ideally, the landscaping for the garden fountain is inches close to the patio so that while you are relaxing on the patio, you are soothed with the sounds coming from your fountain.

2. Remove the weeds that are surrounding the are you chose to put your water fountain. Double check whether the ground is level. Then that is when you dig the hole. This is where you will put the pond liner. In order for you to get the accurate dimensions of the hole, trace the preformed pond lining plastic and trace around the area.

3. Make sure that your hole is deep enough to accommodate the water garden fountain that you have in mind. Use sand to fill between the gaps. Sand can be used at the bottom because it is malleable and will let you have an easier time adjusting the height of the pond for your water garden fountain.

4. Before instilling the water garden fountain, check whether the ground is level, front and back, right and left.

5. Now you're ready to put your water garden fountain. If your main concentration on having a fountain is the decoration, then you should build a fountain that is cheap enough for you to go about the total costs. Make sure that you will be able to save more having done the job yourself than buying one and having technicians to install It for you in the first place.

6. This can be done sans plumbing, as a matter of fact. You can just drill holes in the bottom of your 'statue' and then another one on the top. With a knife, you can make the holes bigger so it would allow the plastic tubing to pass through easily.

7. Discharge the adapter of your pump by half an inch. This is where the water pushes out. Now that the plastic tubing has been fed through your statue, you can bring it over the man-made pond.

8. Fill the pond with water by putting the pump into the water, Let the tubing be submerge but at the same time, make sure that it remains hanging by the bottom of the statue. Double check that it is the right fit above the pump's adaptor.

9. Plug the pump into the outlet and watch the jet of water shoot out of the statue. You will enjoy it more because your very own hands are responsible for this project.

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Water Garden is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Choose a Garden Ornament That Fits Your Needs

Author: Sandra Notnagle

Garden accents are often the key to making a garden its most pleasurable. Types of garden accents are numerous! From garden stakes to fountains and wind chimes, garden ornaments can transform a dull garden into a backyard haven. Choosing the right garden decor will certainly increase the time you and your visitors will want to spend enjoying your outdoor landscape!

One option is garden stakes. Garden stakes can add that little charm to any garden. Garden stakes come in all sizes, shapes and themes. Garden stakes are far beyond the conventional vegetable marker. You can find stakes made of all sorts of things. Garden stakes can be whimsical or stylistic. These stakes can add color, interest and style to any area of the garden you place them!

Other ornaments add limitless decoration to a garden. You might chose to use a colorful bouncy metal butterfly to spruce up a dull herb garden, or maybe a favorite football team rain gauge or thermometer for the sports fan in the family. Garden statues can be used to reflect the owners style, faith, values and interests. Another option is garden spinners. These can be purely decoration, such as rainbows or patriotic colors or they can be used to keep pesky critters away from your plants. On a patio or deck, these garden ornaments can give a plain potted plant a little pizazz.

Attracting the birds to your garden can be easy if you give them what they need. Adding bird feeders and birdhouses will do the job. Hang them at different levels for will attract all kinds of birds. Providing them with a birdbath or some fresh water source is also important. Buying plenty of food and keeping the feeders full will ensure your feathered friends will keep coming back. You should feed them year round as they will depend on you, especially during the winter months when food sources becomes scarce.

Garden fountains are a sure way to please most anyone. They can be anything from a small table top fountain to an elaborate, three tier fountain with overflowing water trickling down the sides. Wall fountains make a grand appearance to any backyard if you have a fence or wall to place them on. Any of these garden fountains will provide an inviting, soothing sound and give beauty to any garden haven.

To find colorful garden stakes, unique birdhouses or garden fountains for your garden, visit www.mygardenornaments.com 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/choose-a-garden-ornament-that-fits-your-needs-2871125.html

About the Author

Hello, my name is Sandy. As a 61 year old grandmother of 5, I enjoy nothing more than spending a beautiful day with my family outdoors! My husband and I have recently purchased an 1800's log home nestled on 20 acres of Civil War battlefield. It is here that I was inspired to pass along my years of knowledge and skill in the area of garden ornamentation.  My passion for gardening has developed over decades and I am excited to now share this craft with others! Please visit http://mygardenornaments.com to learn more about garden ornamentation!

Garden Ornament is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Garden Fountains: Choosing the Right Material and Type of Outdoor Fountain

Author: Amber Liddell

Hopefully my first garden fountain article, "Garden Décor Revamped with a Garden Fountain" got you thinking of the benefits a fountain can bring to your gardens and landscaping. We also discussed thinking about the placement and material of your outdoor fountain before you actually purchase. I want to go into more detail in this article regarding the various materials commonly used in garden fountains as well as some advantages and disadvantages of each. 

Outdoor water fountains, commonly called garden fountains, come in many shapes, sizes and materials. You will see rock waterfalls commonly used amongst landscaping that resemble actual rocks with water cascading down. You will find tiered fountains in which water flows from tier to tier or bowl to bowl, very common in the middle of a yard or courtyard. May be you are trying to go green any chance you can? Solar fountains may be the perfect fit for you, although, a smaller water fountain, there are many styles, colors and solar birdbaths to choose. No need for cords, just put the solar panel in a location where you get a lot of sun and enjoy! With so many options, you are sure to find the perfect look for your deck or garden area so let’s consider the material options.

You will commonly see garden style fountains in three materials, fiberglass, stone/granite, and ceramic. Of course there are others ranging from copper to slate to stainless steel, in this article we will compare the fiberglass vs. the cast stone options as they seem to be the most commonly seen and get the most questions.  

Fiberglass outdoor fountains are very common and come in many different styles. You can find lightweight outdoor fountains that look like rocks, tiered styles with 1 to 6 levels, Japanese styles and various other unique designs, all constructed of fiberglass materials. These fountains typically have a “stone-like” finish to make them look like real, natural stone fountains. The largest advantage of a fiberglass outdoor fountain is the weight. Being a fiberglass material, your garden fountain will be kept at a manageable weight, thus making it easier to maneuver, move and clean. Many of the fiberglass tiered fountains although they can be tall, have a spin lock system so the pieces can come apart for easy storage in cold months and easy cleaning. Another advantage of the fiberglass garden fountains is that they are lighter to ship thus keeping the cost down. One disadvantage of the fiberglass material is that they could fade or chip over time from the sun and elements. However, to offset this, the fading or chipped piece can be fixed by refinishing your fountain with a water proof spray finish.  One other point that can be a disadvantage to some is that most lightweight garden fountains are mass produced over seas and are boxed and ready to ship. However, once again, to offset this, it keeps the cost down and allows you to get a water fountain that is produced and ready to ship fast. 

Now, let’s discuss stone outdoor fountains. Typically, stone or granite garden fountains are actually cast stone as opposed to solid concrete or granite to keep the weight down. The largest advantage of a cast stone garden fountain is their beauty and strength! Although heavy, they are very stunning and come in many different shapes and sizes. You can get a tiered fountain at almost any height, a smaller unique shaped fountain or a style that is meant to sit flush up against a wall, such as a wall of your home or deck. Another advantage of a cast stone fountain is that you can usually choose your color. The color is done as a stain or actually infused into the stone so it is very permanent so you shouldn’t have to worry about fading or chipping. The obvious disadvantage of cast stone in a garden water feature is the weight. They are heavy so typically you will want to pick a more permanent place for it in your yard. They can be moved, but it will take some time and energy to do so. Cast stone fountains are tougher to clean simply because they typically have to be cleaned where they sit rather than taken apart and cleaned thoroughly. Don’t let this turn you away however as there are many safe fountain care products that will keep your outdoor fountain looking great for many years! 

No matter what style or material garden fountain you choose, remember that if you live in a cold climate where you get freezing weather, you need to be aware of the winter care such as draining and covering your fountain before a deep freeze. There are fountain covers that work great or you can just cover it with blankets and a tarp. 

Find all types of garden fountains at Serenityhealth.com. You will find garden fountains in many different materials as well as fountains by size and material. Start thinking spring today and get ready to enjoy the relaxing, mesmerizing sounds of an outdoor fountain while you beautify your gardens and outdoor living spaces.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/garden-fountains-choosing-the-right-material-and-type-of-outdoor-fountain-728763.html

About the Author

Amber Liddell is resource for the website Serenityhealth.com, your one stop shop for any type of water fountains and water fountain information. You will find many outdoor fountains for your garden, wall fountains, tabletop fountains and even custom fountains. Visit Serenityhealth.com or call to talk to one of our water fountain experts.

Garden Fountains is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Winterizing Your Outdoor Fountains and Garden Statuary

Author: Amber Liddell

Fall is here which means winter is right around the corner.  For those of us that live in one of these wonderful states that has four distinct seasons and winters get COLD, below freezing, getting ready for winter is a little more work.  We live for our beautiful summers when we can enjoy outdoor water fountains on our deck and in our gardens, spend time gardening, even getting new, fun garden statues that we can enjoy every day.  But, before the deep freeze there are a few important things you must do if you have outdoor fountains or garden statuary.

Cast stone, fiberglass and ceramic are typical materials used in outdoor decor as they are durable materials and lightweight enough to handle without too much trouble.  These materials are made to withstand the elements but if it gets wet, freezes and thaws it can crack.  Below is a "how to" guide to keeping your garden fountains and statuary crack free and beautiful this winter so when spring comes you can start enjoying!

If size permits simply drain your fountain and bring it to your garage or shed.  With tiered fountains you can sometimes disassemble them to store them.  With large outdoor fountains or heavy cast stone fountains this is not always possible so you will want to take other steps to winterize your fountain.

1. Before the freezing weather comes drain all water out of your fountain.  This is the most important thing you can do.
2. Remove the fountain pump if possible and store it indoors.  This is a great time clean your pump thoroughly so debris, algae and dirt don't sit in and on the pump all winter.
3. It is recommended that you purchase a fountain cover for your garden statues or fountains.  This will keep moisture out.  Outdoor fountain covers are waterproofed and UV stabilized and have a drawstring at the bottom for ultimate protection.  They also come in many sizes so you shouldn't have a problem finding one that will fit the size of your fountain or statues.
4. If you don't plan to cover your outdoor fountain you must put some type of blankets, towels or other absorbant material in the basin of your fountain and the tiers.  Water must not get in the fountain and freeze as it will cause the fountain to crack. 

Hopefully these tips help you prepare for winter.  A fountain cover will last you years and may be the best investment you can make to keep your garden fountains and statuary beautiful for many years.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/winterizing-your-outdoor-fountains-and-garden-statuary-605911.html

About the Author

Amber Liddell is resource for the website Serenityhealth.com, your one stop shop for any type of water fountains and water fountain information. You will find many outdoor fountains for your garden, wall fountains, tabletop fountains and even custom fountains. Visit Serenityhealth.com or call to talk to one of our water fountain experts.

Garden Statuary is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Getting Your Outdoor Water Fountain Ready For Winter

Author: Chris Gill

Winter’s coming, so it’s time for you to decide what to do with your outdoor water fountain. Water Fountain Place’s fountain experts routinely get requests on how to winterize or store garden fountains. Many fountains come with specific instructions about care and handling, so make sure to follow them. Otherwise, take a look at the following guidelines:

Get it Done Before the Frost

No matter how much you love the idea of running an outdoor fountain all year round the truth is that unless you live in an area where the temperature never drops below freezing you must shut your fountain down before the temperature dips below freezing. Even if there isn’t a full freeze, a few ice crystals can damage your fountain’s basin, ornamentation and pump. Pouring antifreeze in your fountain is not only not going to help, but will make your fountain a toxic, neighborhood danger. Don’t do it!

Get it Indoors If Possible

If your garden fountain is light enough to move inside, do it. Disassemble your fountain according to its directions, empty it out and store it in an area that maintains moderate above freezing temperatures to prevent cracking. If your fountain is too heavy to move, remove the fountain pump, empty, clean and dry it, and cover it with a form-fitting fountain cover. A tarp may blow off or create condensation. Disconnect and store electrical cords away from any snow, ice or moisture. If you can’t move your fountain, try to place it somewhere out of the way of snowdrifts, high winds areas that melt into stagnant pools.

Get Your Fountain Dry – But Keep Your Fountain Pump Wet

The key to keeping your outdoor fountain healthy through the winter is to keep it dry. Wipe it off and fill the basin with absorbent rags to prevent moisture from building up. If you do this while storing it somewhere where the temperature stays steady your fountain will last a long time. But while your fountain needs to stay dry, your fountain pump should stay submerged as much as possible to keep rubber elements from drying out. Clean your pump of any accumulated debris and put it in a bucket of water. Store this bucket in a location that never drops below freezing.

Can Your Fountain Work Indoors?

Many smaller outdoor fountains are actually dual use. You can plug them in indoors as well to enjoy their relaxing effects all year round. Check your fountain, but generally speaking, flat-bottomed or stub-footed water fountains that use household electricity, maintain regular water circulation and don’t emit a heavy mist can be installed indoors. Place your fountain on a waterproof surface such as Plexiglas, slightly raised from the floor, and allow for several inches to a foot of clearance on all sides. Make sure you no children or pets will drink from the fountain (or in the case of pets, use a nontoxic additive, but don’t let it become their regular water bowls!) and you can keep it running at room temperature through the winter. Indoor fountain maintenance is a simple process of keeping your fountain clean and maintaining water levels.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/getting-your-outdoor-water-fountain-ready-for-winter-1372273.html

About the Author

Water Fountain Place sells indoor water fountains, tabletop fountains, outdoor fountains and custom fountains.

Outdoor Garden Ornaments is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape