Log Cabins For the Garden Are Here to Stay

Log cabins set in the middle of a green open space under an open, blue sky - looks like the very picture of beauty, doesn't it? Picture postcard perfect beauty. Log cabins have a certain rustic charm about them, which is an undeniable fact, and they've been around for a long time. They have the simplest of structures and can be found all over the world, both in rural and urban areas wherever wood has been readily available. It is believed that log cabins began to be constructed initially in the northern part of Europe, around 3500 BC. Later on, the construction of such cabins began in the USA, Germany, Russia and Scandinavia. A number of the log cabins constructed years ago still stand in some parts of the world.

The styles in which log cabins have been constructed vary from one part of the world to another. Two common styles of log cabins, classified on the basis of the style of their roofs, are the purlin style and the gable style. In the middle of the 18th century, elaborate log cabins began to be constructed, known as the Adirondack style of cabins. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, a number of log cabins began to be constructed as a part of the United States Park Service, most of which were built as per the Adirondack style.

The construction of a log cabin is rather simple, as it is usually built with logs horizontally piled one on top of one another. Logs used for building a cabin can not be picked on a random basis. They need to be selected carefully as logs with only a few knots are preferred, as such logs can be smoothed easily with a bit of whittling. This ensures that the gaps between the logs are as small as possible. In days gone by the gaps were filled in with grass and sticks, known as 'chinking', or with mud, known as 'daubing'.

Major decisions to be taken when constructing a log cabin are - the cabin size, number of storeys, the type of roof, and the type of doors and windows. Years ago the availability of logs as well as that of labour were two of the most important factors affecting the size of the cabin. For instance, if logs were not readily available in the vicinity of the site, the size of the cabin would have to be restricted. Similarly, if labour - human or animal - was not available near the site, again the cabin size would have to be restricted.

In today's times however, the construction of log cabins has been made extremely simple by the availability of ready-to-erect log cabin kits. Such cabins have the same look and feel as traditional log cabins, but are cheaper and easier to construct. You do not have to look for the various materials for construction and collect them from different places, as they are readily available in a single kit. Moreover, when log cabin kits are being used, there is no need for cranes and other heavy equipment. Due to their advantages, log cabin kits are widely preferred by people all over the world.

Initially, log cabins were built by travelers to stay en route. They were not meant to be permanent dwellings. With the passage of time, they began to be used as residences, as well as outbuildings for various purposes such as storage of garden equipment and raising animals. Some people use log cabins as an extension of their home: as a gym; an office; as a playroom; or as a place for rest and relaxation.

In conclusion, log cabins have been around for a long time because they have always been versatile and remain an asset for any homeowner.

Growing Tomatoes - How to Avoid Common Problems

Flower Set and Blossom Drop

One of the most exciting moments in tomato growing is when flowers begin to fade and the first little pea-like fruits appear. Each day they grow a little bigger until they reach their mature size when they start to change colour and become ripe tomatoes. They look almost too good to eat!

However, temperatures and humidity have to be right for flowers to set fruit. If flowers fail to set, blossom drop is the result and those pretty little blooms wither and break off at the knuckle. To avoid blossom drop, mist and tap plants daily to help release pollen. If the weather is particularly hot and dry, also water around the base of plants to increase humidity.

Watering and Blossom End Rot

Watering can be a tricky business when it comes to tomatoes especially if they are grown in containers. However, correct watering can help avoid blossom end rot, which is caused by a lack of calcium when the fruits are swelling and leaves a dark leathery patch on the underside of the tomatoes.

The first aim should be to keep the entire root area moist by giving them a thorough watering once a week (especially when the fruits are swelling) and water moderately in between. The reason is that roots are only able to feed and absorb nutrients (including calcium) from areas of soil that are moist. If half of the soil that your plant is growing in is dry, calcium uptake may also be reduced by half.

Increase Aeration and Disease Control

One way to keep tomato plants healthy, especially when grown in a confined space such as a greenhouse or where they may be planted close together, is to increase aeration. This may be done by removing old, lower leaves below the first truss to improve air circulation.

Deleafing

Opinion about deleafing varies considerably. Some gardeners will leave most leaves on their plants which helps shield tomatoes from direct sunlight. Too much direct sunlight and heat can cause sun scald, greenback and blotchy ripening. Some growers, especially those who grow in greenhouses, remove all leaves below the truss that is producing ripe fruit. This enables plants resourses to be directed into the fruit rather than having to support lots of leaves. Plants grown in greenhouses do not usually have their fruit in direct sunlight for long periods, so avoid the problems of sun scald etc.

Watering and Disease

When watering, avoid splashing soil up onto the lowest leaves which may transfer soil infections into a plant through the leaves. Splashing water up onto growing fruit may also create ghost spot which is caused by grey mould soil spores and displays small transparent water-like rings.

It's also a good idea to pull off suckers, side shoots and leaf branches by hand rather than cut them because the blades of knives and scissors can spread disease from one plant to another.

Vancouver's Flowers of the Four Seasons

If you have been to Vancouver or have even lived here for a while, you might have noticed that each season brings about a colorful bloom of flowers. In fact, Vancouver is home to many different flowering plants and trees that thrive in its ideal climate and location.

Vancouver sits in hardiness zone 7. What that means is, some of the flowers known to grow well in the southern United States will also survive here. Each season Vancouver showcases a different set of plants or flowers although many varieties will bloom from spring through to fall.

When Spring comes, these flowers are in bloom:

· Lily

· Azalea-these are in my garden and grow very well.

· Iris

· Tulip

· Daffodil

These are Vancouver's Summer blooms:

· Hydrangea

· Peony

· Roses-I focused on the yellows and reds to compliment by yellow Sunflowers.

· Sunflowers-try all sizes. I prefer the dwarf flowers.

· Gladiolus

Then the following flowers can be seen around Vancouver in the fall:

· Poppy

· Chrysanthemum

· Snapdragon

· Geranium

· Asters

· Iris-My irises actually bloom twice. Once in the spring and gain in the fall.

While the Winter months are typically not known for flowers, these can be seen in late winter:

· Wintergreen (red leaves)

· Crocus-I planted these amongst my front lawn for a wonderful burst of color through the snow.

· Helebores

· Evergreen Bamboo (does not flower in winter)

Vancouver indeed showcases a variety of lovely flowers, trees and shrubs year round. A quick walk through the city's main streets, in a park or through your local neighborhood will provide a myriad of blooms for you to enjoy.

Vegetable Gardening - Which Type Will Suit You?

Every gardener has his own set way of growing things, this is what makes him suitable for certain gardening styles. If you know this yourself and your gardening style, then you will adapt the growing of your organic garden to your abilities. This will be a big help for the yield of your vegetables. Doing this will pretty much give you an edge over other gardening enthusiasts. But the Question is, just what are these different gardening types? This article will cover some of the types that you may consider suit you.

Residential Gardening

You will find that this type of gardening is the most common of all the gardening techniques. If you have just started or are a beginner may not be ready or inclined to produce vegetables for commercial reasons yet, Thus, residential gardening will be just right for you. The main objective of residential gardening is to try and sustain a family of two with a regular supply of vegetables.

Residential gardening requires very little space. It can also be done in window boxes on balconies and on many other small areas that are available to you, that is as long as they have enough of a light source. Growing this way is easy for you to monitor, also it is easy to maintain as well, which means you can keep on top of any nasty little pests. The best thing about residential gardening is that way it ushers the gardening wannabe with ease from having no prior planting experience to expanding to the various other gardening styles

Specialized Gardening

Specialized gardening is normally for non residential areas that are often marketed as parks, botanical gardens, amusement parks and other tourist attractions fall under this category. Normally a staff is required to maintain these places, this is due to there size, also administrative skills will be required on top of gardening expertise.

Indoor Gardening

Indoor gardening comes under the huge scope of residential gardening. The types that come in this category are conservatories, greenhouses and academic institutions. Buildings with heating and air conditioning may used to grow certain types of plants. If you are the type of gardener who really loves cultivating plants in and out of season, then indoor gardening is for you

Water Gardening

If you want a garden that requires only minimal supervision, then water gardening will be for you. This can normally be quit a bit of a challenge for most gardeners, this is because it moves away from the traditional gardening techniques that most people are used to. But this style appeals to many because of the aesthetic look it brings to there garden.

So there you have a few different styles to help give you an idea on what may suit you, there are many more for you to choose from yet. Just do a quick search on the internet and choose the garden style to suit you.

Teak Garden Furniture

On a mid summers day when the sun is shining and the smell of fresh cut grass is in the air there is nothing better than being in the garden, whether you are relaxing sitting back basking in the warm rays of the sun or having a barbecue lunch with friends. What ever you decide to do having a well kept lawn and boarders finished off with a nice patio or decked area make a nice seating area for you to put your quality oak, mahogany or Teak Garden Furniture will create the right luxurious garden space for you to enjoy.

There are many choices when choosing garden furniture from plastic, metal and wood. For garden furniture that will last for years wood has to be the most desirable material as it in not only resistant to the worst whether conditions it also with stands the test of time when it comes to design.

With a wide range of hardwoods to choose from Teak Garden Furniture is the most durable and needs very little maintenance. Due to the natural oil in teak it's durable and can stay outdoors all year round. With it's golden brown colour if left untreated will mature to a silvery grey colour but if you prefer it's original colour you can treat it once a year with teak oil.

With the demand and price rapidly increasing in recent years it is now important to be careful when buying Teak Garden Furniture as there are dealers who use inferior wood products and pass them off as high quality teak. Although Teak is a quality material the craftsmanship also makes a huge difference to the durability and look of your furniture.

If you have made the decision to purchase Teak furniture for your garden you should choose quality well built furniture which should then last you for many years.

How to get your Teak Garden Furniture to last a lifetime;

• Don't sacrifice Quality for price when purchasing your furniture
• Treat once a year with Teak oil
• Take in during the winter months, although this is not necessary it will help to sustain the quality

Many specialised dealers now sell their products using online stores as well as having showrooms as this allows them to offer a wide range or high quality products through-out the county.

When investing in teak furniture don't sacrifice quality for price, spending a little more will get you beautifully designed and built furniture that will last you lifetime. Teak Garden Furniture with its beautiful colour and unique will make your garden a haven for relaxing and enjoying your outdoor living space.

Lawn Troubleshooting - How to Make a Greener Lawn

Introduction

If you are looking for lawn troubleshooting advice then I hope that this article will be of assistance to you. Within it you will find help on how to make a greener lawn which will make your neighbours envious of you. If you already have a lawn which could do with a little lawn restoration too then sit back and read through this article and you will soon know how to grow a green lawn.

Starting a Lawn - Choose Carefully

There are a number of basics that you should stick to which will help you on your way to creating a greener lawn. Always remember that there are lots of different types of grass seed and if you are growing your lawn from scratch that you must choose wisely. Choose the right type dependent on your requirements. Follow the following guidance for your lawn troubleshooting and you will soon know how to grow a green lawn.

Watering Your Lawn

One of the first steps to knowing how to make a greener lawn is knowing the right way to water your lawn. The first thing I would advise is that you do not over water your lawn. This is a mistake that many people make.

Plants require more frequent watering than does a lawn. The watering that you give your lawn should be less frequent but much heavier. This way it will allow the water to soak down into the soil helping to create strong roots for your new green lawn.

Adding Nutrients

A Great tip for adding nutrients to your lawn and one that is natural and organis is to simply leave your grass clippings on the lawn. Take off the grass collection box that you would normally attach to your lawnmower. The nutrients from the cut grass will pass to the new lawn helping to make a green lawn before you know it.

I would also suggest the use of a slow release nitrogen fertilizer to add goodness to your new green lawn. Many people who search for lawn troubleshooting advice often find that they apply fertilizer in the summer months only. This is when the fertilizer and the sun can damage the grass. Therefore, apply fertilizer all year but especially in the early to mid spring time.

Aerating

An often overlooked but important step in knowing how to make a greener lawn is aerating your lawn. Aerating the lawn is simply adding holes to it which will allow the nutrients and water to travel to the soil and deep to the roots. A garden fork is an excellent tool to use for this job if you do not wish to purchase an aerator.

Scarifying

Lawn troubleshooting , as I'm sure you can see from the above is often just simple steps that when combined solve problems and create a great green lawn. Scarifying is such a step that when combined with the rest will give you a greener lawn that is easy to maintain. Scarifying is basically raking the lawn to get rid of the debris. Do this once or twice a month during the summer months.

Cutting The Grass

An important part of knowing how to get a greener lawn is cutting your grass properly. Always make sure that your mower blades are sharp otherwise you might be tearing the lawn. Also, do not cut the grass when it is wet. This will cause the grass to tear as well.

Cut your grass at a height of 2-3 inches. This helps to promote deeper roots and therefore a more hardy grass in times of drought. Shorter grass is much weaker.

Benefits and Joys of House Plants in Your Home Or Office

When you walk into a house that is filled with plants, you immediately feel at home. There is just something about having houseplants around that makes the atmosphere more calm and relaxing.

We were not made to live in a cave, we were meant to live among nature and other living things. We were meant to cultivate and enjoy the vegetation that is on this earth. This is the reason that so many people love parks, national forests, and buy and build homes with huge windows that look onto the serene scenes of nature.

Whenever a real estate agent wants to give advice to people selling their home, besides the obvious clean up of the place, they always tell the sellers to add some houseplants.

Whether it´s because they are living things, or because it reminds us of the outside, plants brighten up the home. A few plants in each room seem to make a house more livable, more inviting, and feel more like a home is suppose to be.

Let us not forget the wonderful health benefits that plants have. Plants spend the day converting the carbon dioxide that we and all of the other pets in the household exhale into breathable air. By doing this, they turn that gas into those beautiful green leaves and exquisite flowers that not only brighten the home, but also give you a reason to stop and smell as all the psychologists say you must do from time to time. This continuous conversion cleanses and purifies the air of the noxious fumes that accumulate in the air and cause it to become stale and rotten.

Often, just one plant in a small room can change the atmosphere from uninviting, to a family room. The more plants you accumulate, the more interested in them you will become. The more interested, the more you will want to play, and nurse your fledgling interior designers.

Before you know it, you´ll start to look forward to the relaxing time you spend with your plants pruning, potting and re-potting, watering, and even singing to them. This hobby of plant cultivation and care is not merely a way of taking up time, but an ability to bring forth and continue life throughout your house very much as you do your pets or children. Plants have such a numerous amount of benefits; it´s a wonder that more people do not invite them into their home.

Keeping your houseplants healthy does take some time and effort, but in the end it is well worth it. It can be a lot of fun to experiment with different types of plants, but you should always pay attention to the particular needs of any plants you decide to keep in your home or office. Some plants require more watering than others, different temperature ranges, different lighting, and different soil types. With a little bit of research you can choose the plants best suited for you and ensure your success as an indoor gardener.