Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Building Wind Power Generators For Your Home

By David Sullivan

Traditional energy sources are on their way out. Fossil fuel costs are shooting up because we are running low on them, so we need to prepare for the future. We need to change the way we think about how we get our energy and how much we are using to change our lifestyles into sustainable lifestyles.

And many have already begun doing so. New engineering ideas are allowing us to produce sustainable energy at less and less cost.

Using the right set of plans even homeowners who don't know anything about construction or electricity can build their own alternative energy sources right in their backyards, such as wind power generators.



Homebuilt wind turbines can make as much power to reduce the average household's power bill by 60-70%. The right advice can show you how many people make their wind power generators for as little as $200 US.

They can be built with basic tools and parts from a local hardware store. You can estimate the amount of power a generator creates using the following formula:

Power(Watts) = (Wind Speed)^3 * (Blade Diameter)^2 * 0.00478

The speed of the wind makes the most difference because its value is cubed, then the blade diameter because its value is squared. Example calculation using a decent wind speed of 10mph and an 8 ft blade diameter:

W = (10*10*10) * (8*8) * 0.00478 = 305 watts/hour - x 24 hours and you can calculate 7.3 kWh generated per day by a wind power generator.

If you have an average home, you probably use about 12-20 kWh of power every day. Even if you don't have great wind speed in your area, an initial investment of about $200 to build a wind turbine is small compared to the savings you will get in free electricity for your house. Wind power generators are very good investments, indeed.

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December Garden Calendar

By Thomas Fryd

In Northern United States and Canada

In many parts of the North it is not necessary, nor even desirable, to place Winter covering over plants until the latter part of December. Most surely don't do this until the ground has frozen permanently to a depth of a few inches. Have on hand the materials you will need as coverings. Branches of discarded Christmas trees serve well for this work. They are particularly useful for covering low evergreen perennials. You may be able to obtain unsold trees from dealers immediately after the holiday.

You may prune Grapes now, unless you live in an extremely cold area. This is a good time, too, to attend to renovation pruning of old neglected and overgrown deciduous shrubs. This task can be continued, whenever the weather makes the work possible, until Spring. When Poinsettias are in full bloom drop the night temperature of the greenhouse to 55 degrees to harden them off and keep them in good condition for Christmas. Make sure that Christmas gift plants used in the house are kept well watered and are not subjected to drafts nor placed near radiators or other sources of dry heat.

In the South

Now is the time to plant Roses in the lower South, also deciduous fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs and vines. Evergreens may also be planted. Indeed, this is the best month to plant Camellias. Be sure to keep newly-planted evergreens well watered if rains do not supply needed moisture. Attend to dormant spraying of Flowering Almond, Plums and Cherries as well as other items that need this treatment.

Keep lawns of Rye Grass mowed fairly closely. This is especially important if the Rye Grass was oversewn on top of a permanent grass such as Bermuda Grass. Lift Chrysanthemums needed for stock and plant them in sandy soil in a coldframe located in a well-drained location. Chrysanthemums left outdoors often die in Winter.

Plant Tulips. In the warmer parts of the South it is essential that the bulbs be refrigerated for several weeks before planting. If you have not precooled your own, buy only those that have been subjected to this treatment by the dealer.

Hardwood cuttings of deciduous shrubs, such as Privet, Forsythia, Crape Myrtle, Currants, Weigelia and Flowering Almond may be made now and planted in a sheltered border to root. In the warmer parts of the South annuals may be sown now.

On the West Coast

As soon as fruit trees have dropped their leaves you may prune them. This a good time too to prune overgrown deciduous shrubs and to prune those kinds that flower in Summer. Regular pruning of early Spring-blooming shrubs should be done immediately after flowering.

Make and set out hardwood cuttings of shrubs and care for bromeliads. Plant deciduous trees, bromeliad plants and shrubs. In most areas evergreens also can now be planted. Transplant Roses this month or next. Plant only when the soil is in a reasonably dry and crumbly condition, not when it is wet and sticky. Dormant spraying may receive attention as soon as the leaves have fallen from fruit trees and other kinds that need this attention.

In mild sections set out plants of Canterbury Bells, Columbines, Carnations, Foxgloves, Forget-me-nots, Snapdragons, Stocks, Cinerarias and Primulas.

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Basic Info On Real Estate Flipping

By Jaso Myers

Flipping real estate means, owning real estate properties and reselling them keeping]realizing a profit within a period of one year. Many investors can be found in the real estate market that flip properties and tout about their big earnings within a very short period of time.

Moreover many media and books are full of features that describe how to efficiently flip real estate underlining that anybody can embark on real estate flipping trade if they know the rules of the game.

Nevertheless, it is not an easy game. Before you join the property market, the novice investors should refer to gurus in the trade to know traps or there will be disasters at the very getting of the trade.

Hard proofs are good enough to indicate that real estate flipping is not for those who are novices to the market. To buy worthy lands and sell them within a very short span of time is not a piece of cake but a rigorous undertaking with many connections that must be mastered really well.

However if you are skilled, this is the field that earns good profit in the sphere of real estate investing. Nevertheless, there are various accounts of experts with idle lands, which are unprofitable for a long period of time.

A large network of informed realtors with lucrative lands is essential if you are to be successful in flipping real estate. That is where many scramble from the very outset. The association with the right people and legal experts are also necessary if you want to be in the trade.

Finally, it is not an arena where you are not to perform your best. If you possess talent, creativity and the right kind of networks, flipping real estate can be a rewarding career for you financially.

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The Proven Ability Of Peonies To Sleep Through Severe Winters

By Thomas Fryd

September finally arrives after a normal hot, dry August when we did not care much whether school kept or not. But now September is as welcome as April in the spring.

Showers, cool nights, shorter days and reviving nature get under the gardener's skin. Digging, dividing, planting, weeding - all become less of a drudgery and more of a pleasure. With a hitch in our belts and new faith in our hearts we plan and work for those things which we know are so vital to the success of next year's gardens.

Peonies are America's favorite perennial flowers. They were the cherished "pineys" in our grandmothers' gardens and have marched along for many years with increasing popularity. Scientifically, they are called "Paeonia" in honor of the mythical Dr. Paeon, who according to legend, used their roots to heal the wounds of Pluto.

The popularity of the peony is well justified because of its stellar qualities. Its extreme hardy character is proven by its ability to sleep through severe winters with temperatures as low as 50 degrees below zero, and then awaken in the spring uninjured.

Dependability is also one of the peony's major characteristics and also the chicken gizzard plant. Unfailing bloom year after year is certainly a great asset to any flower. Just like my chicken gizzard plant. Records show that some specimen plants more than 150 years old have not failed a single year to flower during that period. Excessively cold, rainy, spring seasons, of course, are not favorable for the production of fine blooms. Sometimes the buds far advanced by unseasonably warm early spring weather are damaged by late freezes.

By making a careful selection of varieties, the bloom period can be extended for about six weeks and longer if singles and tree peonies are included. The colors range from white through various shades of pink to deep red. There are also yellows marked with shades of red and some pure sulfur yellows. The flower types vary from dainty, single ones to those which are fully double. Most of the varieties have sturdy stems and make good cut flowers. The peony could justly be named the "Memorial Flower" since it is the principal flower used for the decoration of graves on Memorial Day. Many persons grow peonies principally for this purpose and numerous large commercial growers ship thousands of the flowers for Memorial Day use.

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The Main Four Special Qualities of an Amish Community

By Connor Sullivan

Other than the Pole barns and barn doors they build, Amish communities live very different lives than most of the general population of America. They live a much more simple existence as compared to mainstream USA where Ipods, computers and fast food restaurants are used everyday. The main four differences that separate the Amish from a lot of individuals are their choice of dress, form of transportation, lack of technology and their use of alternative forms of energy sources. These four factors are not just small traits that make them different. They are defining ways of life that allows the Amish population to live and thrive in a society where basics, family and farming are the focus.

All Amish men, women and children dress in a way that has been consistent for generation after generation. This dress consists of the colors black and white only. All women wear dresses or skirts, long sleeve white blouses and coverings over their hair. Modesty and coverage of skin are a must. They are not able to wear make-up or accessories that would differentiate them. The males wear pants, white shirts and hats. These clothes have been consistent for many years, with no concern for fashion trends, weather variations and adaptations for comfort. This dress makes them a community where no one person is singled out based on the clothes they wear.

In most of the world cars, trucks, SUVs, trains and planes are the chosen forms of transportation on a daily basis and for travel. In an Amish society, the people get around with the use of horse and buggy. This is one of the most obvious distinctions that separates them from other communities. By using the buggies they have to allow for more time to get to places, consider the amount of people and things they transport and be patient with all of the other forms of transportation they encounter along the way. While most people would see this as a burden, the Amish population is accustomed to traveling in this fashion. The way they approach getting from here to there, is a direct reflection on the way they live their entire life - patient, slower-paced and simple.

A third big distinction between the Amish population and mainstream America is their lack of use in modern technology. This means they do not use television, computers, cell phones and ipods. They do read the paper and listen to the radio. However, they still are educated in institutions whose focus is not on the next improvement or upgrade available for computer systems. Amish people maintain life as basic, straightforward and simple. They are taught very much the same education, but without all the bells and whistles of new technology. Also, socially Amish folks communicate with each other the same way they have been for many, many years. They don't use or needcell phone or pagers to have constant access to one another. They prioritize face-to-face interactions and family time over anything modern technology can give them.

Lastly, they choose to function in an eco-friendly environment where wind and water wheels provide power. This allows them to live off the earth in a way that has been the same in their lives forever. While there are many other differences that set the Amish apart, this earth-loving way of living may be their greatest strength and helps them to continue to thrive.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Live Oak Trees Improve Home Values

By Jimmy Gray

With today's ever-changing economy, many families are choosing to stay at home with their family rather of taking expensive vacations. Wisely, they are spending more money on their home, to enhance their living surroundings and create more benefits for their investment. The new word is "staycations". Families are fashioning improvements to their home and landscape gardening in order to maximise their staycation enjoyment.

According to a 1998 University of Florida study, landscape gardening plays a large role in the resale of property. The account states that homes with mature trees and added landscaping color sold quicker. A report by The Associated Landscape gardening Contractors of America states, that a beautifully landscaped yard with mature trees will generate a Hundred to two hundred percent return on investment. In the South, when people think of mature trees they commonly think of cascading Live Oak trees, dripping with moss, in parks and lining city streets.

If you are a homeowner in the southern United States considering adding mature trees to heighten your property, you?re likely thinking about live oaks. Now you must consider which size of live oak; how to distinguish high calibre live oaks; and where to make your purchase and how to care for the trees you choose.

Southern Pride Tree Farm situated in Bell Florida, specializes in large high caliber Live Oaks. Since 1990 Southern Pride has worked with homeowners, landscapers, developers and cities to recognise and select high calibre trees. Their website emphasizes the importance of proper transportation and gives first-class advice about planting and care.

All Southern Pride trees are field grown which establish in the landscape quicker compared to container grown trees: Southern Pride Tree Farm does not rush the development of their trees; root pruning allows for strong, solid root systems and curing or hardening off means that the trees are dug in winter months while dormant and show new root growth before sending to a customer. Above the ground, proper pruning of trees during the early growing stages is a priority to remove weak branches so the mature branches as the tree grows are the strongest branches of the tree. These are a few significant considerations when choosing where you will buy your Live Oak trees.

Southern Pride Tree Farm grows three varieties of Live Oak trees, each with very distinct characteristics: The Highrise live oak tree is the perfect alternative when space is limited; The Cathedral live Oak is more of a dense shade tree and frequently utilized for privacy; and, The Standard live oak is perfect for the natural southern landscape with tall or sprawling landscape garden designs.

Unique for a wholesale tree nursery, Southern Pride also sells to individuals. For years Southern Pride Tree Farm has offered the same wholesale pricing to homeowners that landscapers, developers and cities receive when buying trees and greater discounts for bigger quantities. Whether you are a homeowner looking for one focal tree or multiple trees to line your property, Southern Pride Tree Farm will hand pick your tree, or trees, send you pictures prior to purchasing, and make arrangements for shipping. In addition, they always provide installation and care instructions.

The oldest known southern live Oak tree in the United States is in a park outside of Charleston South Carolina and estimated to be over 1,400 years old.

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Tips For The Northern Gardeners

By Keith Markensen

During September, narcissus and many of the small flowering bulbs, such as snowdrop, crocus, grape hyacinth, and so on, should be planted. If you plan to naturalize daffodils, plant the bulbs in drifts. Make the holes at least 5 inches deep with a grub hoe or spade; then place a bulb in each hole, replace the soil and sod, and tamp it down with your feet.

Small bulbs are more easily planted if a light crowbar is used to make the holes. First make all the holes, or all the holes in one section, 6 to 9 inches deep. Have on hand some finely screened good soil to which bonemeal has been added"a 5-inch potful to each bushel of soil. Partly fill the holes with this soil and then tamp it down with a stick until the hole is 3 or 4 inches deep. Place a bulb in each hole and then cover with more screened soil and pack it down.

For lilies to be planted in the garden, make the holes 6 to 8 inches deep and put in a handful of sand. The bulb should rest on this sand. There are many lilies suited to fall planting. To name a few: regale, henryi, tigrinum, hansoni, auratum, speciosum rubrum, speciosum album and, of course, the favorite candidum or Madonna lily. If lilies arrive too late for fall planting, I pot them up and plunge them in a coldframe for planting the following spring.

Tree Moving

All evergreens and all deciduous trees and shrubs, with the exception of magnolias, can be moved now. The magnolias move best in the spring while in flower.

Begin tree moving by digging a trench around the tree or shrub, the distance from the trench to the tree being governed by the size of the tree and the amount of fibrous root to be considered. Dig the trench to the bottom of the root system, which will be anywhere from 12 to 18 inches down; then dig underneath to cut away as many tap roots as possible.

By using a garden fork the ball can be reduced in size without injuring the outer roots. Next the ball should be bound in burlap to protect it while in the process of moving. Most deciduous trees up to 4 inches in caliper can be moved without a ball, but with as many roots as possible. When moved without a ball it pays to cut the tree top back at least one-third to one-half.

When planting, with or without a ball, be sure to use plenty of water to puddle the soil around the roots, and water frequently and generously until frost takes over. Tall trees require staking after being moved, as a rule with wire and three stakes. Old pieces of hose on the wire where it goes around the tree will prevent injury. After putting the wires on the tree, drive in the stakes to tighten the wires. If the tree is small, a stake driven in alongside and tied, not too tightly, to the tree with soft string will do the trick. Too tight a tie will cut the tree.

If the new location does not provide good soil it is well to move in some good soil for around the roots. It will help give the tree a good start.

Preparations against frost. In late September frost is quite a problem. Better get all the tender pot and tub plants moved in to a frostproof building. The hydrangea plants, however, ripen better if they have a light frost before being stored: To make certain of having early flowering chrysanthemums cover them with burlap. In some favored places, near salt water or within the limits of a large city, it is possible to flower chysanthemums without protection, but if your garden lies in a valley that is a frost pocket, as mine does, covering must be quite thorough.

Lawns. When the grass in the new lawn is 3 to 4 inches high, go over it with a light mower, ordinary lawn sprinkler systems or even underground lawn sprinkler systems, and cut it back to about 1-1/2 inches. If it is not cut it mats and starts to rot.

Harvesting potatoes. All potatoes should be dug this month for storage. After digging, lay them out in a dry, dark, airy place for two or three days to dry them out, and to allow the skins to harden. After this put them; in the storage bin. It should be about 40 degrees. Do not expose them to much light at any time or they will turn green and will not be edible.

Gladiolus. Lift the gladiolus corms when the tops turn yellow, and allow the tops to ripen before cutting them off. An airy shed it best for this job. When the tops are dry, cut off the stem but leave on the sheath that is over the bulb. Store the bulbs in a cool airy cellar and during the winter give them a thorough dusting with an insecticide to kill any hibernating thrips.

Winter cover crop. As each section of the garden becomes vacant, dig it over and sow a crop of winter rye. Rye puts life into the soil. It has a strong fibrous root system that binds light soil and breaks down heavy soil, and it is an excellent soil conditioner.

If rye is not to be sown, then clean out the old crops, dig over the section and leave it in as rough a condition as possible so that the winter frost and snow can penetrate and help condition the soil.

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A Guide to the Modern Kitchen

By Jane Davies

Modern kitchens are more than a place in which to cook and work. Today's busy homeowners require that the contemporary kitchen be a place to work efficiently and at the same time be comfortable and welcoming when the family gets together or when entertaining guests. More emphasis is being placed on the use of energy-efficient appliances, easy to use work spaces and quickly cleaned surfaces.

Modern kitchens have evolved into convenient, more spacious areas with space-saving, energy-efficient appliances, larger counter areas and unparalleled storage spaces. More functional than before, modern kitchens combine form and style. Modern kitchens have become more than just cooking areas. In many homes, the kitchen is the central place where the family meets to eat and catch up with each other's lives. Kitchens used to be kept out of sight, but today's kitchen is often a showplace and the location chosen when entertaining guests.

There is a kitchen style to meet any taste and budget. Turning a drab kitchen into a tastefully decorated one is easy with all of the styling alternatives available today. With an array of choices in cabinets and shelving finish options for every taste and budget, as well as a wide assortment of window treatment style options, wall coverings, wall hangings and matching kitchen linens, all manufactured with beauty, functionality and durability in mind, any kitchen can be turned into a showplace.

As technologies grew, so did the development of familiar appliances. Contemporary appliances are more energy efficient, compact and easier to clean than their forerunners. A wood-burning cook stove was used during pioneer times. Wood-burning stoves were massive. Later, cook stoves were developed that ran on coal or kerosene.

A modern kitchen is no longer just a place to cook. Decorating the kitchen so that it is a pleasure to work, eat and entertain in is nearly as important as functionality. Contemporary appliances are being manufactured that blend in with the surrounding cabinets and counters. Dishwashers and refrigerators can be hidden behind decorative fronts. There is a multitude of kitchen decorating options available including window treatments, wall coverings, kitchen linens and wall hangings.

Modern kitchen appliances no longer resemble their predecessors. Early stoves were heavy, large and fueled by wood. Coal and kerosene cook stoves were next developed and, as the nation's infrastructures grew, the first electric and gas stoves were advanced. Today's ovens and stoves are more compact and use less energy than earlier versions. There are also more recent technologies such as convection and microwave ovens that decrease cooking times, thereby using less power.

Busy lifestyles demand that modern kitchens contain newer technological advancements, easier to maintain elements and more functionality than traditional kitchens were able to offer. By taking advantage of state-of-the-art appliances, modern kitchen design, up-to-date cabinetry and storage options, a modern kitchen can become a haven - perfect for cooking, working together and socializing. Today's kitchen allows homeowners to do more and use less energy while lowering power bills. Modern kitchens have become the most popular room in many homes.

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Tips and Tricks for Arranging Flowers

By Amy Nutt

Flowers are one type of plant that is loved by almost all people. They make wonderful home decor as well eye-catching adornments to the outside of the home. To make flowers even more pleasing to the eye, many people choose to arrange them in beautiful and unique ways. Arranging flowers is not a difficult task to learn. All that you need is a little imagination and creativity.

The following is a list of tips and tricks to arranging flowers:

1. When arranging flowers choose the colors that you find appealing. Colors that display joyfulness and vibrancy include bright colors such as red, yellow, and blue. If you are looking for an arrangement that reflects a season such as Fall, use orange, brown and a dark deep red.

2. There are different types of flowers you can work with. You can use fresh flowers, dry flowers or artificial flowers. For the type of flower you choose, you will need floral foam. Green water-retaining foam is used for fresh flowers and flora. Brown foam is used for dried or artificial flowers. For fresh flowers, soak the foam in warm water with plant food. For dry and artificial flowers, you do not soak the foam. You just have to add glue to the foam to make sure they stick to the container that they are placed in.

3. Once you have placed the foam in the container and it is secure, place short pieces of bushy greenery along the base to cover the sponge. For dry flowers, you can use floral tape to cover the foam and lay heavy flowers along the base. For traditional arrangements, always cut your floral foam about 1" higher than the rim of the container. This will allow plants to be arranged naturally.

4. When arranging, use the largest and heaviest flowers along the base. Arrange one flower at a time. Shorten the stems as necessary. Arrange them like a pyramid or ball shape. Make sure the shape is smooth and edges even. The flowers should face outwards and at an appropriate angle. Use a knife to slant and shape the stems. A sharp edge knife is needed to make a sharp smooth cut that will permit water to enter the flower stems. Do not bunch the flowers. Fill in extra holes with some long greens. Make sure the greens don't clump together. Smaller blooms can be grouped to make a unique appearance. Group flowers freely by arranging them close to each other.

5. It is important to remember that some flowers dry up before others, so if you want the arrangement to last a long time, pick flowers that last long. Some flowers that last a long time are carnations and roses. The fresh flowers should be watered every few days, Flowers such as Babys Breath make the entire display more stylish and striking. If some of the flowers die earlier then the others you can remove and replace them with some other fresh flowers. Scented flowers can be overwhelming in small confined areas. The dried and artificial flower arrangement should last.

6. Other additions that make the flower arrangement look elegant include corn, fruits, berries, and much more.

Arranging flowers is a fun and creative way to add life and vibrancy to a home.

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Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Help Sell Your House

By Jess Arthur

You have to do as much as possible in today's economy to make your house attractive to buyers and get it sold. There are more sellers than buyers in the market now, and, since this trend is likely to continue for a while, buyers can get away with being demanding and finicky.

You should not skimp on the backyard thinking it will have no affect on how your house sells. Your yard should be very well cared for at the very least in order for it to be looked upon favorable. How well you have cared for, will reflect to prospective buyers how well you cared for the home itself. Therefore every part of the house should look equally great.

However, sometimes people overly decorate their yard with highly personal touches. You might love your backyard's Japanese garden, but its appeal may limit your chances of selling the home. Your buyer would also need to appreciate that type of landscaping and have the time and skill to care for it. If your home is great but has a yard intricately decorated to suit your individual taste, whoever buys your house must have the same taste, or at least not hate it.

You don't need to spend a ton of money in order to make your yard into the kind of yard that anyone would be very happy with. All a good yard requires is a nice setup that is comparable to those around you. Your yard should look as good as any other yard in the neighborhood.

Your yard should have the look of a very cared lawn that anyone would be happy to walk on with out shoes. Some owners have trouble selling their house because they haven't cared for their lawn the way they should. You can't imagine how much of a benefit having a green well cared for lawn that is well taken care of can be when you are trying to sell your home. The point is everyone looks at the lawn as a part of the house, and if the lawn isn't well cared for, buyers will feel the the house is not as well cared for.

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Monday, September 28, 2009

Tips On Buying Greenhouse Windows

By Bill Rowe

The desired success of your greenhouse may very well be dependent upon the windows you choose to purchase for your greenhouse. The management of your greenhouse energy can heavily rely on the greenhouse windows. Maintaining your greenhouse and the plants inside it are a lot of work so remember that if you selected unsuited material that is not properly constructed, your work may be for nothing.

Be sure that you do not leave any gaps between the window frames. If the windows have gaps, they can release warm or cold air. You may end up with dead plants or crops if cold or freezing air comes in. Windows should be fitted carefully for this reason. Surely, this goes against the purpose of us building the greenhouse!

Choices In Selecting Greenhouse Windows

Most of the time, the greenhouse kit you bought should include greenhouse windows. You should make sure that the kit also includes support structures for your greenhouse.

If you are looking for a larger structure, or one that can perhaps handle a heavier load or adverse conditions, then you may be receiving your windows from a greenhouse manufacturer. It is best to speak directly with a representative from the manufacturer, and whenever possible go to the company's location and inspect the various models so that you select one that is suitable for your needs.

For the ultimate do it yourselfer, or someone who wants to save a bit more, you can also choose to go out and find your windows. This allows for greater customization and freedom to adhere to your own design. You can purchase new from a supplier, or strike out on your own and look for recycled windows from salvage yards.

The method you choose should have proper fit. It is not a good idea to presume that your purchased kit or prefabricated model will be perfect. It is important for you to take the time to inspect your windows and frames to be sure that they stand up to your expectations.

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Review Of Sanyo HEC SR1000K Massage Chair Recliner

By Amee Baum

Sanyo has a full range of massage chairs in their product line. We are going to take an in depth view of the entry level model for Sanyo. The model SR 1000K is the subject of this product review. Our reviews are systematic and we judge any massage chair is five critical areas. We give a point rating of up to twenty points per area for a total possible score of 100. This is the SR-1000K massage chair recliner by Sanyo.

Warranty Coverage & Customer Service: We start with the warranty coverage because this is your long term protection. Massage chairs are complex machines and obtaining sufficient warranty coverage is always advised. Sanyo covers the SR-1000K recliner with the following warranty: You get 3 years coverage for the roller mechanism, 1 year labor coverage, 1 year parts coverage and 1 year in home service coverage. This is a great warranty for an entry level massage chair. Sanyo also has moved to a national call center which has also improved customer service. We rate the warranty coverage and customer service a 19.

Comfort & Ergonomics: The science of ergonomics is the study of things can be designed to fit the human body. In other words, we have natural ranges of motion and buttons, controls, etc. need to be within those ranges. The buttons on the remote are a decent size for most fingers. The main power is located on the side of the chair which is ergonomic but you still have to remember. The leg rest has a foot extension that needs to be flipped by your feet. Sanyo could work these things out a little better in our opinion. We give it a 17 overall.

Ease of Use: The advance of electronics is just simply amazing. However with this amazing advance come other challenges. All the new features that are in massage chairs must be learned and the user must figure out how to use them all. This is where the design becomes of paramount importance. The remote for the SR1000 seems to have more steps than needed to obtain the massage you want. We give this massage chair a 16 for this category.

Key Features: There are 2 electronic features integrated into the SR-1000 that just stand out in this chair. There is a physical shape sensor and a stiffness detector. The physical shape sensor detects how your body is positioned in the chair. If you move, then it changes the massage to better target your new position. The stiffness detector is actually based on lie detector technology. It monitors your pulse and sweatiness. We don't know if it knows you are lying! Anyway, somehow it knows where this nervousness originates from and it goes after those areas. The SR1000 earns an 18 for these electronic device features.

Massage Therapy: This is the most important category, since this is what a massage chair is all about. The SR 1000K comes with the following manual massage techniques: massage, tapping, combination, stretch 1 and stretch 2. The massages can be used in combination with the stretch 1 and stretch 2 functions. There are 2 automatic programs which are Relax and Recovery. First you choose the massage and then you can select the region of the body to target. You can select neck/shoulder, upper body, or waist. The SR1000K also comes with a calf and foot massager. The leg rest can be used directly for the calves. You must flip the foot massager out to use the foot massager. The leg rest allows you to target the following regions: calves, back of the knees, soles of the feet and the Achilles tendon/heal. The leg rest roller mechanism provides effective massage to the calves and the back of the knees. We rate the massage therapy of the SR-1000 a 17.

The SR-1000 massage chair by Sanyo earns an 87 out of 100 points in our review. The warranty coverage is very good for an entry level model. The massage therapy is done pretty well and is effective. We would like to have seen more automatic programs to enhance the variety of massage treatments. The advanced electronic features are novel, but may have caused some tradeoff in the massages that were designed in to meet the price point. This is a good chair and if you are looking for something in this range, then it is worth considering.

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Decorate Your Bedroom for the Four Seasons

By Jonathan G. Billingsworth

Making good design decisions is vital in the bedroom. A simple way to achieve a feeling of fluidity is by adding seasonal colors to your bedding sets. Weather impacts our mood and balance. For this reason, designing your room around the changing seasons will add balance and peace to your life.

Seasonal bedding styles are available at many linen stores. Most bedding departments segment fabrics, patterns and colors for specific seasons - so shopping for seasonal themes is easy. Purchase your winter bedding when it's summer and vice versa to find good deals.

If you can't afford to add new sheets to your bedding four times a year, consider transitioning your wall mounts, artwork and picture frames every season instead. Your wall decorations can be easily replaced with minimal demand for storage space. Switching your wall decor with the seasons will make a simple yet noticeable transition.

Autumn is a season of change. Most associate the changing color of tree leaves with this time of year. Popular colors during these months include darker reds, burnt oranges, and the pale yellows of the falling leaves. Leaf designs are another popular motif for bedding that relates to the autumn season.

Bedding in the winter serves one purpose - to insulate. Linens that retain a softness and warmth are important as many bulky bedding sets provide lots of warmth, but little comfort. Fleeced throw pillows, an extra flannel sheet and down comforters are all bedding additions that will achieve warmth and comfort. For color, look to blue, plum or burgundy. Neutral shades are also frequently employed in winter linen.

Green and yellow are ideal for spring. Bright colors work well with the vivacious atmosphere this season. It is more important to choose your color pairings carefully than it is to have 'proper' spring colors. Colors that evoke a fresh feeling are ideal for these months. Dark colors should be used sparingly for spring linens, particularly if designing around heavier fabrics.

Spring is such a flexible season for colors, a simple tip for designers on a budget is merging winter linens with a few key springtime additions. Consider a winter bedding set colored in a lush plum. The addition of yellow pillow shams will complement your darker sheets while producing a nice seasonal transition into the warmer spring weather.

Summer linens should keep you cool. Use materials like cotton or satin. These will keep you from overheating. Muted whites are a popular summer hue for bedding.

To give your white summer sheets pizazz, shop for linens with ornate textures. Summer evokes a romantic quality that you can achieve in your bedding with pastel pinks or red highlights. Shades of these colors used carefully will add charm and appeal to your sheet covers. For summer, stay simple. Lighter colors are almost always employed during this season because bolder colors in the summer months make bedrooms feel confined and muggy.

When it comes to bed sheet color and design, the possibilities are endless. The seasons provide an easy and fluid transitional motif to follow. Create your linen styles with the seasons in mind, and your room will look fresh all year round.

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The Importance Of Magnetic Energy Generator

By Jozel Max

The magnetic properties are utilized by the magnetic power generator to provide free electrical power to the household. This is essentially achieved by utilizing the strength of the magnets on the inside of generator. The major advantage for such an energy source is its permanent type, provides clean output, and environment friendly nature. This sort of energy to power the household energy requirements is almost free of cost using this power generator.

The way or method that is used to generate a consistent current throughout the day is based on the concept of attraction and repulsion related properties of magnets. This generator has high efficiency features that provide efficiency at almost 500% as determined by experts. The energy generated by this power source can be utilized throughout the household without using any cables or electrical appliances. To be sure of the generator system running in a sound way, certain diagnostic tests should be performed on a frequent basis.

The technique used to generate current throughout the day is based on the principle of attraction and repulsion related properties of magnets. This generator has high efficiency features that provide efficiency close to 500% as calculated by experts. The energy generated by this power source can be distributed into the household without using any cables or electrical appliances. To ensure that the generator system is running in perfect order certain diagnostic tests should be performed on periodic basis.

The magnetic energy generator produces more energy than these renewable sources based generators and comes at a very cheap price, thereby providing a big cost advantage. For those wanting a drastic cut in their electricity bills and helping the environment these magnetic power generators are the ultimate choice for their needs.

The generator is cost effective, cheap and provides more power as compared to other generators. It helps in a big way to lower the electricity bills of your household and provide better environmental friendly characteristics. That helps us contribute a little towards protecting the environment.

The important advantage of these magnetic bearings is that they provide the capacity of faster power generation and are very cost-effective while in use. The magnetic bearings are extremely light and help bring down the weight of the generator, thereby making it easy to handle. The design for these magnetic energy generators does not require a gearbox, because the generator can operate at the driver speed. This makes maintenance of the generator very simple.

Distributed power applications use this kind of magnetic-bearing technology in their compressors and produce more electrical energy per horsepower as compared to the conventional generators.

The main areas of operation for these magnetic energy generators are operations with demand of power supply that has the problem of controlling or scheduling, operations where potential sources of energy have not been used, used to provide power to remote, off-grid locations and helps provide power for rescue or reconstruction operations at disaster sites.

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Being Green Can Cause Winter Injury

By Thomas Fryd

Winter injury in herbaceous and woody perennials may be caused by a number of things. One factor is that many of the plants go into winter in a "green" or immature condition. This is caused when plants receive too much moisture during the late part of the season. If it is due to too much rainfall, not much can be done about it, but if artificial watering is practiced, it should be reduced at this season. Hence it is good advice not to overwater perennials too much at this time of the year, so that maturity is encouraged.

This applies as well to deciduous shrubs and trees, and evergreens. The drier period during the fall starts certain chemical changes in the plant so that they are better prepared to stand cold weather when winter sets in. This does not mean that the plants should go into the winter in a very dry condition. At about the time light frosts occur, a thorough watering of all perennial plants will help to put them in better condition for winter survival.

Fall is a good planting season for many herbaceous perennials and a must for the planting of spring flowering bulbs. In the West area, fall planting is questionable for a great number of our deciduous shrubs and trees. If fall planting is done, it should be started as soon as the plants show signs of dormancy. Unless the job is urgent, the average gardener will find it best to wait until spring to do most of his tree and shrub planting. Survival is likely to be much better. Successful fall planting depends on a long fall season, so that plants may establish a good root system before winter sets in.

A number of perennials can be divided and transplanted at this time of the year. Peonies, Oriental poppies, bleeding heart, asparagus and rhubarb are such plants that will benefit from fall transplanting aside from corn plant, especially if the clumps have become crowded, overgrown or weed-ridden. Normally, they do not need frequent dividing unless such conditions exist like in corn plant care.

Although irises are best transplanted around midsummer, this job can be done in the fall. Shasta daisies may also be divided and reset at this time of year.

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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Understanding The Value of Private Capital in Real Estate Investing

By Jason Myers

When you are engaged in real estate investing you know that the way money is handled for reinvesting is essential to succeed. Nevertheless, there is a limitation to your financial capability of investing unlike when you have unlimited monetary resources at your own disposal.

Within this backdrop, many investors are baffled in the smooth flow of their businesses. But it is very important to know that there are private monetary resources willing to help your real estate investment ventures a success if you launch effective methods to gain them.

For example, a good deal of people are usually speculating prospects to invest their money to bring in higher profits than the interests they acquire from banks. Unlike banks that have limits of lending, these private money holders have unlimited resources when they are networked into one unit for your advantage on an honest and profitable platform.

Within the current economic down turn people are tired of anticipating on stock markets to improve to get what they really deserve for their investment. They are the persons who do not have much knowledge in real estate investing unless they are motivated by those with sharp exposure in the real estate trade. When they are driven you will be confident with unlimited capital to invest for the benefit of both your and the private lenders, alike.

Nevertheless, they do not come voluntarily to invest with your trade unless you advance your business in such a way to convince them. You should find and inspire them to be partners with your business and the key aspect here is building trust and confidence.

People want shelters. But in an economic downturn, instead of purchasing one for good, they like the idea of renting apartments. This is one of the areas of concern you can impress upon for private lenders to extract their investments into the real estate market. When they realize this fact, your worry about the limitation of capital ends here.

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Power 4 Home Review

By Sean Walker

I think it's safe to assume that you don't enjoy having to pay astronomical electric bills anymore than the next person, and who can blame you? In fact, that's exactly why there are now so many people looking for ways to produce their own electricity, and to do it in such a way so as not to damage the environment.

Power 4 Home claims to have everything you need to start saving money while helping out the good of the environment.

Apart from the fact that members will learn exactly how to build their own high powered, energy efficient solar power panels, this program also claims that the majority of people stand to benefit in many ways.

Rather than dishing out thousands of dollars to the utilities company each year, one can instead build your own energy efficient solar panels and according to Power 4 Home, you should be able to do so for less than $200.

When you've been through all the trouble of making your own solar power panels, the last thing you need is to install them incorrectly. As such, Power 4 Home provides members with a highly detailed set of instructions in order to ensure that you don't encounter any problems when it comes to the installation. In fact, they also make it very clear that you will get the maximum amount of power from system as is possible, providing you follow their instructions.

The whole point of putting up solar panels is to save money. Therefore, you do not want to be investing hundreds of dollars into your system frequently to maintain the efficiency of them.

Something worth noting is the fact that the Power 4 Home program promises to teach members three essential techniques for minimizing maintenance costs. Additionally, members will also be taught how best to protect a solar power system from severe weather.

Surely nobody can deny it that renewable energy as a whole, is no less than enthralling. While it may still be a relatively new idea, there are scores of people getting swept up in the current wave of enthusiasm.

Power 4 Home will even show you how you can use your home energy system to reduce or completely eliminate the need of natural gas.

Because of the obvious importance regarding the building of the solar power system, Power 4 Home leaves nothing to chance in that members are given step by step instructions via video.

It does not have to be a complicated puzzle you need to figure out. You can have your very own solar power system built in no time so you can save thousands on your electrical bill.

Why not take the plunge and join the millions of others who are making phenomenal savings on their monthly electric bills, while at the same time helping to conserve the environment. All in all, the Power 4 Home program has many benefits to offer all homeowners.

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5 Important Features For Massage Chair Recliners

By Brett Fenton

Are you looking around for a massage chair? Then you will want to see the 5 most important features in the massage chairs of today. There is a tremendous variety of features, options and choices with these massage recliners. You want to investigate what will benefit you the most. Your choice of chairs and features is a long term investment. Check out these 5 features.

Finger Press Massage: The pressing massage is usually available in most massage chairs. The finger press is a straight up and down rolling massage on your back. This is great to adjust your cervical discs. The rollers press up and down your spine for great relief. Make sure that you can adjust the width of the rollers. Most have 3 width adjustments and some as many as 5. Varying the width enables you to hit a wider area more accurately.

Heat Therapy: Heat has great healing abilities when applied in the right situations. Many of the top robotic recliners have integrated heating elements into their chairs. Some chairs have the capability to heat only one area while others can heat multiple areas. If you can get the heating with individual area controls, this way you can apply heat to just the area(s) you really want. Heat is very relaxing and helps reduce swelling and increase blood flow.

Auto Programs: Most massage chairs come with automatic programs. Just press a button and the massage chair takes over and delivers the massage. The auto programs follow pre-set programs as designed by the manufacturers. The auto programs are set to control the various massage techniques, locations, massage systems and durations. All auto programs are not created equal. You want to make sure that the auto programs will perform massage therapies that you want. If you have lower back pain, then you want to make sure the program can adequately cover that area.

Footrest Extension: This is a rather simple feature, but since massage chairs originated in Japan, they have always been small for the American market. To accommodate taller users (i.e. the average American), a footrest extension is critical. Most foot rest extensions allow the foot rest to go out an extra 3 to 4 inches. This doesn?t seem like a lot, but it is the difference between fitting in the massage chair and not. If you are five foot ten or over, you definitely want to investigate this further.

Wireless Sub Remote: It is amazing how many massage chairs are coming out with 2 remote controls. However, most 2nd remotes or sub remotes are tethered by a wire to the chair. The idea of a remote control is well to use it remotely--not tied to the chair. There is finally a wireless sub remote available. You can sit all the way back in the chair and operate most every function. This is important, because you do not want to have to get up to make adjustments to the massage. Sit back, relax and just click on the wireless sub remote.

We feel these are the 5 most important features to really check out when you are looking at a massage chair. The massage chair is an important investment in your health and well being. Make sure you get the features that you will use over the long run. Take your time and find out what massage therapies are right for you. Consult with your health care provide. Then check out some massage chairs and see what you really like. This will ensure you get the most out of your massage chair recliner.

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Swimming Pool Landscaping Tips

By Marie Swilley

Swimming Pool Landscaping for either a residential or commercial application for a pool should be carefully designed and constructed in order to be visually appealing and add property value to your home or business. You and your guests should have an enjoyable experience while using the swimming pool.

Although many successful landscape applications for swimming pools are provided by professional landscapers and other designers, a homeowner or business owner can do this with a little research, time, and effort. You can produce your own beautiful landscape.

Landscaping applications for swimming pool landscaping will typically emphasize specific plant types. It is important to focus on trees, shrubs, and grasses that are habitable to a specific location.

Plants and trees that can survive in a specific location should be selected for sustainability purposes. Successful landscape applications will do very well due to the plants ability to grow and live in a specific area. This is typically based upon climate, rainfall amount, sunlight, and soil parameters. Since the designer cannot control some of these elements, it is important to select plant material that will successfully grow given these elements of the application.

Plant selection helpers, both available by hard copy and online, can help the landscaper select appropriate material to use for the project.

Successful landscape applications include a variety of trees, bushes, and ornamental grasses. They should be native or adaptable to the location. During plant selection, you should choose items that are visually pleasing, and can also be useful. Typical plant functions not only include visual beauty, but also direct pedestrian traffic and have privacy purposes. Certain plants can be chosen to perform these useful functions.

Other types of additions for your swimming pool landscaping project include privacy fencing, patios, and lounging furniture. While these items should be considered and can add value to your landscape design, the main focus of any design should always be on your plant material.

Usually, multiple designs are considered to provide different planning ideas. Once a final design is chosen, you can begin implementing construction and installation. This can be done either by professional landscaping contractors, or by the homeowner or commercial property owner.

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Cut Like A Pro With Stihl Chainsaws

By George Ross

Among the names looked up to in chainsaw technology is the Stihl chainsaw. It is one of the leaders in the field of large wood cutting machinery. Stihl personifies old world craftsmanship and state of the art sawing technology.

The company follows a very rigid set of selling policy. The chainsaws are only sold at places where service can be performed according to factory specifications. Trained specialists in Stihl elite technology can and will assist you and will even provide demonstrations as to proper usage and operation.

Aside from cutting large wood, they are also a big help in outdoor decorating. Chainsaw carving is a rising outdoor fad these days. The craft is slowly gathering up enthusiasts and has been perfected by quite a number of artists. You can hallow out a large tree trunk to be used as a landscape item without a problem with a Stihl chainsaw.

The Stihl company was founded in 1926 in Stuttgart, Germany by Andreas Stihl. It was built to develop electric operated saws. It wasn't long before they were able to develop the electric bucksaw. The company was also the pioneer in building gasoline powered chainsaws.

To name a few of the many advantages in using a Stihl chainsaw are innovative features like a smooth clean design minus any rough edges that might snag clothing. A chain catcher is also added to lessen the chance of injury in the unlikely event that a chain should break or derail. An anti vibration feature is also supplemented to reduce fatigue for the user.

The machine's electronic ignition makes starting much faster and easier. Bumper spikes are also mounted to provide better control while cutting. To reduce accidental injury, a front hand guard is also provided.

Prices of Stihl chainsaws vary depending on the size and feature. The bigger the need the kind of work entails, prices may rise with it as well. They are very reasonably priced though, making them one of the biggest selling products in the market.

When out looking for a tool to do the job right, it is best to rely on a name that symbolizes technology and reliability. It wouldn't hurt to go for a name that has been proven to be a provider of excellent service for many decades like the Stihl Chainsaw.

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Saturday, September 26, 2009

Buying Blinds in Essex

By Peter Turner

When choosing blinds in Essex you want to consider a few basic things. You're going to need the blinds for only 1, or a few of the following 4 reasons -

1 To be able to stop light coming into a room 2 To stop heat 3 TO be private 4 To make a room look good

Lets start with perhaps the most flexible of blinds, the Vertical Blind. These are perhaps the most common type of blind in Essex. Close the louvres and they make a "wall" of fabric. Open them and you can see through the gaps. Rotate the louvres at an angle and you can stop people seeing in or out from one direction, but still let your desired amount of light in.

Not only versatile but also very economical, the vertical has seen a change in fortune from being seen as blind strictly for the office to ruling the domestic market. There are several good offers around but do be careful as levels of quality also vary.

Next the Venetian style blind. People choose this kind of blind in Essex for privacy. This blind goes horizontally across the window. With these styles of blinds you can tilt the slats to stop people looking up or down, but still let light in. One of the best ways to clean them however, is with a feather duster.

Wood venetians are more expensive but very popular at the minute as prices have dropped dramatically due to the new "cut downs". These are available in 3 different slat sizes and are ready made. When you place your order they take the nearest size up and cut the width, and adjust the height for you.

Check that the wood comes from a sustainable source and don't be tempted to buy ready made wooden venetians from one of the blind shops in Essex as these are often inferior quality that will warp.

Next we have the roller blind. Again very popular, especially in kitchens for some reason. There isn't much control of privacy unless you want to pull the blind completely down, which also blocks the light. With verticals and venetians you can angle the slats for privacy whilst still letting in some light.

Again, you can't actually control the light, but for fashion they are extraordinarily good, as there are more colours, patterns and shapes you can use. Put them all together and there are thousands of combinations to make your rollers look as you want them for your Essex home.

The most common place to govern the heat is a conservatory, and pleated blinds come into there own in this instance. These blinds are essentially rollers but with a fold each 25mm or so. Special backings are available to reflect more of the hear back from your conservatory, and protect you from the Essex sun.

To stop the blinds sagging wires run through the middle of them. You may have filo wires to help keep the blinds shape too, or each blind may come in its own frame that fits into your roof panel.

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Facts About LCD TVs

By Tom Smith

Is your old TV bulky and tired? In the search for a new television, begin with LCD TVs. From compact, fifteen-inch models to big screens measuring 100 inches or more, these slim, flat-screen TVs come in many different sizes. There is an LCD TV out there that will fit any space or budget. Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sharp, and Sony are the major brand names but by no means are they the only ones that carry quality LCD TVs.

In recent years, LCD TVs have become very desirable. LCD is another name for liquid crystal display. There is, however, nothing watery about these televisions. The technology uses the rotation of twisted crystals to create images; and the fluid motion of the crystals is reflected in the name. It makes the name a bit confusing so most people just use the short version - LCD TV.

There are a few things you should consider when comparing LCD TVs. Contrast or Black Level is a measure of the blackest black compared to the whitest white. A good LCD TVs contrast level will be at least 3,000:1, but the contrast will range widely, so be sure to ask or check the box before you buy! The individual ratios of different TVs are a common point of comparison for shoppers looking to get the best picture for their money. The Philips 56" 1080p quotes a contrast ratio of 80,000:1, but anything 10,000:1 or higher can be considered excellent.

Another key component of an LCD picture is the response rate of the pixels. If you have seen blurring, ghosting, or streaking on an LCD TV, it may have been the result of a lower response rate. A response time is determined by calculating how rapidly a crystal can twist and change the reflected image. Because the industry does not regulate the measurement of response time, claims by different brands can be difficult to compare. Sharps Aquos line of LCD TVs, however are accurately measured at 6 milliseconds. This characteristic should definitely impact your search as blurring or streaking can take away from your beautiful picture!

Refresh rates can be tricky to find. They are often displayed as 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, or 6000Hz. 600Hz is only available on the newest models and is recommended mostly for sports or similar fast moving programming. 200 Hz is quite common on the name brands and is a marked improvement upon the 50Hz speed.

Also, LCD TVs are the best for alternative video input. They have great screen resolution at either 720p HD ready, or 1080p, which is full HD. Especially for computer displays, LCD Televisions have a large advantage over Plasma and display perfect images that might appear jagged on a Plasma screen.

Though Plasma TVs are a good alternative, LCD TVs offer a wider range of sizes and prices, which makes them very accessible. In addition to being a mere three inches thick, they have an average life span of 60,000 viewing hours, so they make a great long-term investment.

Whether you need an office television to stream in the news all day or a new TV set for the living room, the advantages of LCD TVs speak for themselves. Finding the right LCD Television will enhance your viewing experience and bring you and yours together for unlimited amounts of fun!

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Planning Planting Clean-up Mulching On October

By Kent Higgins

Of course the gardener cannot just sit and watch fall color come and go. This is a month for action - harvesting, planning, planting, clean-up, mulching and watering. Jobs done this fall will make spring tasks small. So, while the weather is pleasant for outdoor work, put on the garden harness and get busy.

Fall color of shrubs and trees is Nature's cue for us to begin fall planting, since they have begun to close their factories and will soon be practically dormant. No need to delay planting until all the leaves have fallen. In fact, careful, early October planting of trees and shrubs in full leaf is usually very satisfactory. Handle the plants as quickly as possible and keep well watered after planting. Warm soil with plenty of moisture makes a favorable condition for the production of new roots before winter sets in. Plants which have thus become well established in the fall are certainly ahead of those which are planted the following spring. Now is a good time to select those with bright, attractive fall colors.

If you are contemplating planting a mandevilla vine plant or shrubbery border this fall, examine the soil first. If it is a heavy clay that has been excavated for the basement and then packed down by the grading caterpillar, perhaps the planting of mandevilla vine plant should be postponed until spring. Spade the bed now and leave it in a rough condition in order that Jack Frost can do his highly specialized job of breaking up this heavy clay soil during the winter months. In fact Old Jack is just about the only one who can prepare these brick-like soils for shrubbery planting. Add some rotted manure in the spring, level the bed and plant the shrubs.

Many hardy perennial flowers can still be successfully transplanted - but the sooner the, better in order that they may be able to make a few new roots, become settled in their new homes, and can better withstand destructive heaving action resulting from the combined forces of Jack Frost and Old Sol. Small seedlings or rooted cuttings are usually best wintered over in a coldframe and transplanted in the spring. Peonies, irises, hollyhocks, oriental poppies, balloon flowers, phlox, bleeding hearts and madonna lilies top the list for fall transplanting.

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How To Care For Shrubs And Hedges

By Marshall Clewis

Shrubs

Flowering shrubs are roughly of two types, those which should be pruned in the spring and those which should be pruned after blooming.

Shrubs like Mock orange, Tartarian Honeysuckle and Van Houttei Spirea bloom in the spring and they should not be pruned until after blooming.

Later flowering shrubs such as Hydrangea should be spring pruned to shape up the plant and encourage new growth on which the bloom will appear.

Dead and injured wood should be first cut out and the amount of trimming decided on afterwards.

Old growth can be cut out at ground level and then new growth headed back to provide a rounded compact appearance.

Shrubs such as Azalea, Deutzia, Smoke Bush and Weigelia should only be very lightly pruned, if at all.

Bush clover, Buddleia, Spirea, Anthony Waterer or Spirea billardi and summer flowering Hydrangeas should be cut right back to the ground in the fall to prevent winter kill.

As with other plants, shrubs should be fertilized, and treated for insects and disease control regularly. Green Cross Shrub and Evergreen Dust is a handy, ready to use control for most common pests.

Hedges:

When new hedge plants are set out, they should be headed back quite severely in order to promote "Bushing Out" at the base. The sides of individual plants touching each other should also be cut back to promote interlocking growth.

Another point to bear in mind from the beginning is that the sides of the hedge should be wider at the bottom than at the top, so that the lower foliage can obtain adequate sunlight. This is especially important with evergreen hedges in order to prevent holes or gaps in the lower part of the hedge later on.

Where informal hedges are being grown, one clipping in early spring is often sufficient except with fast growing hedges such as Chinese elm.

With formal hedges, the first trimming should be done in late spring or early

summer, this being to shape the hedge up. This should be followed by a second

trimming about one month later, or when there is 1-2 inches of new growth showing.

It might be noted that summer clipping tends to check growth and may weaken plants whereas dormant pruning favors wood production.

Practice summer trimming only on healthy, vigorously growing hedges.

Evergreens tend to start spring growth a little later than deciduous plants and so should not be trimmed as early. Cedar hedges may be trimmed in September after growth has ceased thus they require but one clipping per year.

When trimming hedges, clippers should be sharp so that young shoots are cut cleanly and not bruised. Cutting the sides first allows top clippings to fall clearly to the ground.

An annual spring dose of fertilizer together with underground sprinklers will aid greatly in maintaining a healthy, vigorous hedge. As hedge plants tend to compete with each other for moisture it is important that the hedge be well watered and putting underground sprinklers, during dry periods. Evergreen hedges should never be allowed to go into the winter season with the soil in a dry condition otherwise severe windburn and winter-kill may result.

Privet Hedges:

Hedges of privet are often killed back to ground level by the winter in many parts of Canada but they usually re-grow in a satisfactory manner if the dead wood is removed. Some varieties of privet are very sensitive to some insecticides, so, check with your local nursery or garden center before applying any chemical. If used on the sensitive varieties, the leaves may be severely injured and drop off the plants.

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Helpful Tips In Real Estate Investing

By Jason Myers

If you have not firmed up a scheme on what you are going to do with your acquired properties, you will not make significant strides in real estate investing. This plan must contain your ideas to improve the properties, the cost therein, the time envisaged,as well as if the procedure is miscarried, what are the alternatives and appropriate means to minimize the damage. You should have at least one scheme in this regard to get benefit from the business if things go wrong.

Further, your borrowing should be reasonable when investing in the real estate market. Excluding the transactions that are supported by sound plans and adequate monetary security, others are not necessary to engage on excessive borrowing.

Another aspect that requires proper attention in real estate investing is to be aware of the on going trend in the local market. The schemes applicable to one market are mostly not going to apply in other regions as they will differ from each other's economical status, judiciary, and environmental as well as from other various aspects. As such, the investors should examine demographic statistics to know present and future needs in real estate markets as they predict population expansions, growth rate, employments and income levels. In addition, these analyses will show the type of infrastructure modernization in future markets.

Knowing actual conditions of purchasing or selling properties is another vital point. That takes into account tangible items such as construction levels, and other related necessities and intangible items like surveys, laws and rules relative to the venture.

When taking into consideration actual expenses, income is also a must. Each item should be recorded to compute for the real figures after subtracting debts to arrive at the actual income from the business. If an investor is careless in these aspects by not recording expenditures, and borrowing excessively, due to negligence, at the end s/he will be at a loss.

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Friday, September 25, 2009

Pointers In Real Estate Buying

By Jaso Myers

It pays to observe some rules of thumb when acquiring a property. The location becomes the most important factor.

Make sure you like the community. Check if there are educational institutions and also verify whether the market, the local pool and gym are nearby your property. If your property is at a prime location, expect the appraised value to double in the future.

Equally important is hinged on the square footage of the house. Another component to consider must be the size of the lot. It is more advantageous if the dwellings on properties nearby home properties are alike in size. If they are much smaller, this factor might diminish your resale value in the future.

The prospective property must be inspected. This is an important element to look at when buying real estate property. This will help in appraising the price and value of the property. When checking you might come to know that some minor repairs must be undertaken. Look for presence of termites that might become a problem later. A professional inspector might be able to render better assistance in uncovering any potential issues. It is critical to examine the structure, the plumbing and electrical wiring and the fixtures.

The price consideration is an important factor. The buyer needs to be notified if the bidding is done on the full price or only restricted to the down payment. If the property has building structure or house structure, the property must have complied with the standards of the local building code. You can call your local government to counter check if the property in anyway has violated this code. You can verify online for this jurisdiction. Also look for for encumbrances and liens on the property. The title must be clear, and if it is questionable, what are the reliefs on the property? Title insurance is important in ensuring that the buyer is acquiring a legitimate title.

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Proper Landscape Planning Divides The Space

By Marshall Clewis

The average homeowner today buys his house from a building contractor. The house is already placed on a rectangular lot and the contractor usually does the rough grading of the lot and perhaps sods the front.

If a few details can be considered before the house is begun, it will help to create a more pleasant property. The most important are the shape of the lot, the direction that the house faces on it, the grade relationship between the house and the street, and the location of trees, if any.

Choosing the Lot

A corner lot may be considered a position of importance, yet it leaves most of the property exposed to one street or the other with little opportunity for privacy. There is also more lawn to cut, for the benefit of the neighbors. The same applies to a lot that is wide in the front and narrower in the back. From a garden point of view, it is better to have a lot that is narrow in front and wider or irregular in shape in the rear.

Dividing the Property

Before buying garden materials like selective weed killers or starting to construct your garden, try to think out your needs and plan carefully. The smaller the property, the greater the need for careful planning and starting it by getting rid of weeds.

What Do You Want?

First, you must think of the things you want to do on your property and then arrange the space accordingly. If the family likes gardening there must be ample space for flowers, even at the expense of lawn. If outdoor games are popular, then open space will predominate. But if your preference is for reading or tea, paved areas for chairs and tables will take the place of lawn, and shrubs will replace flower borders as they require less attention. Do you want a kitchen garden, space to hang clothes, or a play area for the children? Decide how you can best use all of your property to make family life more complete.

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Can You Afford A Whole House Water System?

By Derek Reeve

Trying to get cleaner water these days can be somewhat hard and or confusing to do because there are so many different brands and systems out there. Most people just want to get one that will keep their water clean and won't cost much to do.

If you are unaware of the new thing out on the market, there is a company that says by using Japanese rocks they can contain antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. By using these stones, they claim that they will "imbue" your water supply with health-giving qualities.

While some minerals do have antibacterial and anti fungal properties, there is no scientific data to suggest that the Japanese stones contain those minerals. In addition, the dissolved minerals that are naturally found in freshwater have been absorbed over the course of many years.

With that said if they actually did work it would be a great way to get your water clean. The problem that lies here as does with other methods of water treatment is that the methods are ineffective against the various contaminants that are out there and this specific system costs about $6,000.

You see in today's world, most people worry about, or try and do everything they can to make sure that they are getting what they pay for. The best thing to do is a cost analysis and figure out everything that you will need to pay in order to get cleaner water. You will have to factor in the cost of installation, the cost of operation, and the cost of maintenance. There are other expenses that can pop up and surprise many homeowners.

Most of the systems that are out there to put in your homes require back-flushing, and will create a significant amount of wastewater. All that has to be factored in the cost and quality analysis that you do to make sure you are getting what you need. New different parasites come out every year that is so microscopic that a whole new system has to be created. So finding something that will stop everything can be somewhat hard but there are ones out there that can.

You must remember they all require substantial amounts of electricity to operate, do you really want a larger utility bill? Maintenance, now this is something everyone forgets about, but even on the best machines parts wear, parts break. An efficient system is one that is maintained on a regular basis.

If you are like a high percentage of the homes in the U.S. then you probably do not have a water treatment system and are out there buying bottled water weekly. However, some of the most sophisticated and efficient systems that are out there today are very affordable costing very little to purchase, and can be installed by a certified plumber in less then an hour.

The goods news is you can actually buy a water treatment system from the manufacture for around one thousand dollars. You will be glad to hear they do not come with fantastic claims about the quality of the water.

They dont add anything. They selectively filter. If there are naturally occurring minerals in your supply, they will still be present. If there are contaminants in your supply, they will be removed. It is contaminant removal that imbues healthfulness.

The first thing that you must do is figure out exactly what is in your water so that you can make sure that you do not need additional filtration in your system.

One of the main things that you will want to avoid is the traces of chemicals that are in publicly treated supplies. The problem is that reverse osmosis is ineffective against chemicals. If you want the best method you need to make sure that you get a granular carbon for chemical removal

Remember that rare Japanese stones are unnecessary, as is reverse osmosis and you should be able to find affordable, effective whole house water treatment equipment. You are making the right choice for your familys present and future health. You'll drink more water, just because it tastes better.

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Considerations Before Purchasing A Home Air Purifier

By Mark Suarez

If you are a pet owner or have a smoker in the home, then the air in your home probably is not as healthy as its potential. An air purifier helps the air inside your home to reach its full potential. This is why you should consider buying an air purifier.

Air purifiers are electronic machines used to clean the air. They work by trapping and in some cases eliminating harmful particles and bacteria in the air. Anyone can potentially benefit by owning an air filter, regardless of whether you have pets or smokers in the home.

Often, most Americans purchase things on a whim. All it takes is the decision to buy something and then they have it. If you are like most others, think of the disadvantages that come with doing this, even though you have instantly what you want. Doing research before you buy will help you to avoid buying things that are poor in quality and not worth the money.

Online, you always have access to information on what air purifiers rank the best in quality. Many sites also give potential buyers access to information from other buyers who have made comments as well as other ratings and reviews. It would not hurt to ask someone who owns an air purifier that you know. Of course, when you want to know about a particular air purifier, it is best to ask those who own the same one.

The size of the air purifier is also important as well. The size of the machine is not as important as the size of the room initially designed for. Cheaper air purifiers, usually are only effective in smaller rooms,, around 250 to 350 square feet. Often, you will have to spend more money on a larger air purifier for a room that is bigger.

Always take into consideration how much the air purifier costs. Many make mistakes when it comes to this. Some have the misconception that the purchase price is the only thing they need to consider. There are filter less air purifiers, however most require filters. The ones that do have filters will usually need a filter changing every few months or as long as every couple of years. The cost of replacement parts should weigh heavily in your decision on which to buy. In some cases, you will find lower priced air purifiers as costing too much in the end.

It is always a good idea to only consider air purifiers that come with warranties. Some will have a manufacturer warranty that usually lasts for a year. When you spend $400.00 or more, you should really consider an extended warranty. Often you will have to pay for the warranty when you buy it at a retail store, however you will find it worth the buy. When you are buying things that are expensive, it is always a good idea to protect that investment, so that you dont end up losing out.

Air purifiers can be an expensive purchase. The above tips are only a few of many to help with your decision. Always make sure to do your research on all types of air purifiers prior to making a decision. Knowing everything about the one you are thinking about buying will help you to spend your money in the right way.

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