When home gardening grabs one’s attention it’s easy to get all excited about it and go at it way to hard. This is great if you can keep up that enthusiasm long enough to get your home garden started.

The unfortunate thing about starting a home garden, for beginners, is that it can quickly become overwhelming and the fun goes right out of the idea of having your own home garden in your backyard.

Start Gardening With A Small Garden Plot

Jenny and I started our first home garden in containers as we didn’t have a yard to call our own yet. It was a great way to have a few flowers around the house and even a few strawberries and tomatoes.

The longer we were container gardening the more we longed for a regular vegetable garden and a place of our own so we could plant flowers where ever we like. It was a few more years before that was going to happen so it was container garden a while longer. Although at one place we lived we were allowed a little garden blog next to the front steps. This is where Jenny was able to plant her Petunias.

Home Gardening Tips For Beginners

If you are limited to container gardening it’s fun to purchase some good looking containers so your container gardening looks great. We buy containers in a variety of sizes depending on what we want to grow.

Even though today we have a full in-ground vegetable garden and a few raised bed gardens we still use containers to fill in empty spaces around the yard plus it’s nice to have a herb container garden close to the kitchen.

We find it so great having fresh herbs all year long. Herbs are pretty easy to grow in containers. Even as beginner home gardeners we were able to have a herb garden indoors and outdoors.

Get A Garden Trellis For Your Container Plants

Home gardening beginners can grow a variety of vegetables and flowers. We mostly grow vegetable in containers these days. We have also found that by using a garden trellis we can grow tomatoes and other vine crops such as cucumber and squash. The trellis helps make a more vertical garden, rather than having them sprawl across the lawn or driveway.

Container Garden Beginner Tip: We found that using a trellis with some of our tomato plants helped to keep the pots from blowing over on those windy days. We put the trellis into the ground a bit instead of trying to stick poles in the pots like we did at the beginning.

A Container Garden In Your Driveway

One of our early container gardens was at the head of our driveway, where they would get a lot of direct sunlight. The only problem was just how hot the driveway got during the day. Fortunately I read a little trick online that helps us solve this problem.

When containers or pots heat up it’s not good for the roots and can actually kill them. Plus the water evaporates so fast they constantly need attention. We did learn that if you take your container garden and raise it above the driveway air could circulate under the containers and pots.

Just by lifting the container, even a two inches made a huge difference and our little home garden grew healthy and strong.

So, home gardening beginners can have an awesome gardening experience if it’s taken one step at a time. Jenny and I have been growing as home gardener for 7 years now and it only gets more interesting.

I also have a fishing New Brunswick blog and if I had to spend too much time in our home garden I wouldn’t be able to have new fishing experiences to share with my readers.

When I first decided to try building a vertical garden, I was wildly enthusiastic. I loved the ingenuity, creativity, and space-saving nature of this funky idea. But as I started, I immediately ran into some hurdles. The process itself is relatively simple: construct a frame out of two-by-fours in the shape and size of your desired home garden, fill with dirt, and cover with a screen on one side and a full back on the other. However, there are a few little tidbits I didn’t find in my instructions that may help someone who is starting a vertical garden project for the first time. Below are the problems I ran into, and how to fix them:

Choosing Wisely

Walking into the nursery, I had no idea which flowers to choose. Many were lovely, but were they hardy? Could they handle life at a 90-degree angle? Ultimately, I found that it was best to use a screwdriver to widen the holes in the screen for big bulbs. I could make a deeper hole and have more striking flowers. Certain flowers definitely work better than others; because of drainage you don’t want to use a very thirsty bulb. You’ll want to consider the hours of sun in your preferred mounting spot too. Some of my favourites were pansies, miniature roses, and daisies.

Packing It In

My first few attempts left me with a mostly empty frame and a huge mound of dirt on my patio. The solution that worked for me was using a bag of pre-fertilized potting soil (who wants to go back in there once the thing is up?) and packing it tightly with the help of leftover wood scraps. Once the screen was attached to the frame, I laid it screen-side down and added the dirt in layers. Then, with a discarded piece of the backing in hand, I pressed it down firmly into the garden. I even stood on it sometimes. The more tightly packed the dirt, the more secure the vertical garden.

Mounting the Garden

Nothing would be more heartbreaking than finishing your garden just to have it come crashing down. Don’t skimp on mounting supplies, or research. If you’re using a brick wall, get masonry screws and drill bits. If you’ve decided to make a smaller garden and hang it indoors as art (trés chic!), invest in a stud finder and strong brackets. The associate at my hardware store suggested mounting nails that actually spread apart and secure themselves in the wall.

Vertical gardens are a spreading trend, and for good reason. They’re a great conversation starter, and for the professional look, not too much work. Even a novice gardener/woodworker can handle this project, as I’ve proven by tackling it with a very not-green thumb. The most important thing is to make it your own and have fun with it. If you’re unsure of your gardening skills, or pressed for time, try a fern or Korean box. Non-flowering climbing plants are a little more forgiving in terms of watering and pruning. Good luck!

About the author: Maire loves to write and walk her Scottish Terrier, Pete.

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Clean your pool and spa regularly

(NC)—For those fortunate enough to have a pool in their backyard, regular maintenance can be a hassle. But people using a swimming pool or spa can get sick if the water isn’t properly sanitized. Good cleaning reduces the number of microorganisms (like bacteria and viruses) to safe levels and prevents algae growth. Even inflatable and kiddie pools need to be kept clean.

Health Canada regulates the pool and spa products used to control microorganisms and algae – and from the website, you can download the guide called “Your Swimming Pool and Spa”. Go to www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pmra for tips on handling and storing pool and spa chemicals. You can also request a copy by calling the Health Canada’s Pest Management Information Service at 1-800-267-6315.

www.newscanada.com

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The trend today in homes and gardens is simplicity. Many homeowners are downsizing to smaller spaces, which use less energy and require less maintenance.

If you have a small yard, the following tips can help you make the most of it. Transform even a tiny yard into a peaceful backyard oasis with a little careful planning.

1. Rethink The Lawn

Unless you have pets or kids who need some play space, consider ditching the lawn or removing some of it. Americans spend over $ 700 million annually on lawn pesticides and herbicides, according to the Safer Pest Control Project. These chemicals harm birds and wildlife, pollute ground water and are even known to cause cancer.

In the South, high humidity, heat and insects make growing a healthy lawn challenging. Instead, fill your yard with native plants, low-maintenance perennials and herbs suited to your climate and growing conditions.

2. Use Mulches Thoughtfully

Mulches are a wonderful garden resource, but it’s important to choose the right one for the job. Arborist mulch, which is a by-product of commercial landscaping operations, has a natural look and works well for perennial beds, under trees or in casual garden paths.

Wood mulches reduce weed growth, conserve moisture and regulate soil temperatures. Gravel mulches are appropriate for paths and unplanted areas, but they’re not suitable for planted areas. Gravel mulches become very hot during the summer, burning tender plants and trees. Gravel mulches also compact the soil so oxygen can’t reach plant roots. Many gardeners use landscaping fabric underneath garden mulch, but keep in mind that the fabric eventually breaks down and requires replacement.

3. Improve Your Garden Soil

Most soils, especially those in urban areas or new subdivisions, are lacking in nutrients and microorganisms. While you’re preparing your garden space, dig at least 4 to 5 inches of compost into the soil. Your plants will look and perform better for years to come. If you plan to grow vegetables and live in an urban area, have the soil tested. Many urban soils are contaminated with lead or other heavy metals that can leach into vegetables.

4. Define Garden Areas

Think of your garden space as an extension of your home and break it into rooms. You’ll probably want a hardscape space near your house for lounging or dining al fresco. Include room for patio furnishings, such as a cast aluminum patio set. Tuck a garden bench in a corner for peaceful contemplation and save space for a play area. If you like to cook, place a few pots of herbs within arms’ reach of the back door to provide fresh flavour to meals.

5. Choose a Garden Theme

When planning a small garden space, make sure the garden’s theme reflects your home. For example, a modern home looks terrific paired with a minimalist or Japanese-style garden, while a simple clapboard cottage begs for a care-free profusion of flowers.

6. Select Plants With Care

The single most important step in developing a home or backyard garden is choosing plants carefully. Consider your climate and the amount of sunlight your garden receives and choose plants that will thrive there with little care from you.

French hydrangeas, for example, thrive in a shady Southern location, but are not hardy north of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6. Agaves and other succulents are an ideal choice for Southern gardeners because they love heat, tolerate drought and require almost no maintenance.

Many herbs, including rosemary and basil, grow almost year-round in warm climates. Consider, also, the mature size of any plant you select, especially if you have a small space. That arborvitae may look charming when it stands only 2 feet high, but it will eventually grow 30 feet high, crowding a small garden. Plant dwarf trees and compact varieties of shrubs and perennials in your small garden.

7. Use Pots And Planters

Pots and planters offer flexibility for the small gardener, we call it container gardening. Tuck herbs and colourful annuals in planters and scatter them around a patio. If you have a hankering for vegetables, but lack the room, try growing them in pots. Plant compact varieties of tomatoes or train cucumbers, beans, and small zucchini on trellises for vertical growing. You can grow almost any vegetable in a pot, providing you give it enough room, moisture and sunlight.

8. Add Accessories

A few simple accessories are all you need to bring your outdoor space to life. Think sculptural elements, chimes, water features or furniture like a weather ready slate top fire pit. Keep the look clean and unified. Accessories should complement your garden look, never overpower or distract from it.

Small yards can seem challenging to deal with at first, but you’ll soon grow to love the intimate cosiness of your small garden. Best of all, the time you spend working in a small garden is minimal, so you can spend more time enjoying it!

Author Bio:

Karen Ho Fatt, an interior designer and nature loves spending time in her home garden at every opportunity. Karen maintains a site at, www.familyfirepit.com with more tips and advice on creating garden rooms.

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Vanity sanity

(NC)—It’s the room where you start and end your day, so it should be one of the most enjoyable…but admit it, most of the time, your bathroom is not the relaxing retreat you hoped it would be. Whether it’s overrun with towels and toiletries—or is tough to keep clean with smudged mirrors and faucets—today’s bathrooms are in need of some serious updates and organization. Luckily, a few simple tips and tricks can bring style and sanity to your bathroom vanity in no time.

Furniture Fix

Furniture pieces can add style, colour, warmth, and most importantly, a place to store your bathroom necessities out of sight. Even if your bathroom is small, you may still be able to find room for a small shelf or chest. Large bathrooms have the luxury of added storage space offered by a stylish cupboard, shelving unit or armoire.

Fancy Faucets

If you haven’t updated your bathroom fixtures in a while, take a look at some of the excitement in this area. For example, the new Boardwalk bath collection from Moen can take your faucets from drab to fab with their glamorous vintage looks. Moen designers tell us that the Boardwalk centreset and widespread faucets are certified to meet WaterSense criteria, reducing water usage by up to 32 percent. The company says the best part is the new Spot Resist finish that does just what it says—resists fingerprints and water spots. Now you can add style and sanity to the bath since you won’t waste time cleaning.

Organize Odds and Ends

Have your bathroom drawers become a catch-all for hotel samples and unused cosmetics? Then it’s time to sort, purge and organize. Once you’ve decided what you cannot live without, find a spot for everything. Try gathering your bathroom cleaning supplies and store them together in a handled tote under your sink or in an upper cupboard.

Store Items in Style

Don’t have much wall space? Freeing the floor can be simple. Store your items in style by installing racks, towel bars and robe hooks to hang extra towels, clothes or bathrobes. The back of the door is an often overlooked area to install these essentials.

For an updated bathroom, minus the mess, these quick tips will help you keep your sanity and organize your vanity. More information is available online at www.moen.ca.

www.newscanada.com

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What have you remodeled lately?

(NC)—As the economy continues to shift, so does the taste of consumers. But, how are Canadians reacting? Are we more cautious in making new purchases or remodeling endeavors; and how does that affect our spending habits?

Kitchen upgrades still appear to be a top priority for homeowners, says Moen, the number one faucet brand in North America. But with the state of the economy, the company was also curious about homeowner choices and future plans when it comes to remodeling. Interested in both why and how Canadians are spending their hard-earned dollars, the recently conducted online survey queried 1,200 homeowners (age 25 and older) across the country about their remodeling activities throughout the past year and their intent to remodel within the next six months.

“While the economy is improving, consumers are still feeling the impact of the recession,” said Jack Suvak, senior director of research and insights at Moen. “Recent studies conducted by Boston Consulting Group and Bensimon Byrne reveal that one-third of Canadians feel financial insecurity, and only six in 10 consumers believe the economy is growing, a very sharp decrease from just three months ago. With this new information, we wanted to uncover how consumers are now prioritizing their home remodeling projects.”

Shifting Mindsets and Spending Power

When it comes to purchasing decisions in the Canadian home, most consumers have experienced a “spend shift,” and are carefully considering spending and weighing needs versus wants. Although 27 percent of homeowners are more optimistic about their future financial improvement, 57 percent of respondents still feel their current financial situation remained unchanged when compared to a year ago, and 27 percent actually feel it’s worse.

“Budgets for entertainment, clothes and dining have already been cut or monitored closely in most households, and 42 percent of consumers plan to reduce non-essential spending throughout 2012,” Suvak said. “It seems even though the recession’s over, there’s still a strong ‘buckle down’ mentality across the country, especially with Gen-Xers (33—45 years old).”

Home Remodeling Priorities

Finding and spending the time and money to complete home remodeling projects may be difficult; but according to the survey, we are still doing both. However, increasing financial stress has caused the number of projects completed to decrease slightly from March 2010. But the reasonswhy homeowners are remodeling remain the same, compared to one year ago; 85 percent remodel to make their homes fit their lifestyles and 77 percent remodel to increase the value of the property.

“Regardless of their motivations, we’re seeing homeowners take a more planned approach to remodeling by refreshing rooms and undertaking small projects, but still achieving impactful results in terms of both style and functionality,” Suvak explained. “Canadians have embraced this ‘Remodel-Lite’ methodology. They’re spending their hard-earned dollars on items used in their daily lives and are making strategic updates.”

More than half of homeowners completed interior painting (54 percent) or gardening/landscaping projects (61 percent) in the last 12 months. Bathroom and kitchen remodeling activity also remained significant, at 25 and 17 percent, respectively with homeowners bringing the “remodel-lite” mindset to both these rooms:

• Top kitchen remodel projects completed included: installing a new faucet (62 percent), painting (60 percent) and new lighting (55 percent).

• In the bath they’re tackling similar projects, like painting (69 percent), installing a new faucet (68 percent), sink (56 percent) and lighting (53 percent).

Future Plans

The future remodeling sentiment of Canadians for major home improvement projects is higher overall when compared to one year ago; however, homeowners plan to invest less money on projects that improve property value and curb appeal.

“The global economic uncertainty might be influencing homeowners’ remodeling budgets,” Suvak points out.

According to the survey, 14 percent of homeowners plan to complete a kitchen remodel soon, with new countertops (62 percent), painting (49 percent) and installing a new faucet (39 percent) on their prominent project to-do list.

The outlook for bathroom projects is also positive, with more than 18 percent planning to remodel within the next six months. Projects topping that list include painting (78 percent), installing a new faucet (62 percent) and adding new lighting (52 percent).

“Canadian homeowners are cautious, yet optimistic, about spending and about their future financial improvement,” Suvak continued. “And our survey confirmed that we still see home remodeling as a key investment strategy. Homeowners are also looking for trusted brands that will increase their projects’ impact on their homes, with long-lasting value and durability. At Moen, we strive to be the brand consumers rely on by developing a wide range of products to fit the needs and lifestyles of all generations.”

More information is available online at www.moen.ca.

www.newscanada.com

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Home Vegetable Garden Moncton

As you stand on the porch, surveying the “lower 40”– actually, if you’re a home vegetable gardener, you probably don’t have a “lower 40” and should be glad of it. Agriculture is a hard life, requiring farm equipment, hired labour, chemicals, and probably a government subsidy, just to keep it all going.

We Only Have A Small Vegetable Garden

But, even with a small garden plot, you can get the unparalleled taste of home grown veggies, without ever experiencing the aggravation of full-out farming.

Grow fruit and veggies that works best in your soil and climate. Don’t bother with land intensive plants like corn, leave that to the farmers. However, in many places you can grow ice box melons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, and other truck farm fruits.

Plan Your Vegetable Garden

Start off with a diagram of your garden plot. Account for as many variables in the diagram as possible. The space, the fencing needed to keep out critters, the irrigation, how many and how much of each type of veggie, reduce it all to paper. Figure in your terrain, and access to sunlight as important factors.

For example, due to the rockiness of the area, or the way it’s situated in the backyard, you might be better off thinking about two 5×5 plots, instead of one 10×10. If there’s a boulder back there, you might be better off trying to work around it, rather than face the expense and labour in removing it.

We Include A Vegetable Container Garden

I like to figure some part of my veggie plot is going to be in containers. Take tomatoes, everybody wants them, they are part of the salad duet of lettuce and tomatoes, they’re versatile for sandwiches, and some folks eat them alone.

But they may need more sun than the garden plot part of your property receives, and they might need to start in containers anyway to keep them going. So what’s going to be in containers should be part of your diagram, too.

Figure out what you want and how much of it you can devote to your home vegetable garden plot. Half a row of carrots or a whole row? Will all the plants in my veggie plot handle water the same? Because what I really want to do is lay the garden hose in one end of the plot and have it water everything equally.

Melons and zucchini throw runners to bear fruit, and these take up a little extra space. You also don’t want these runners to wrap themselves around more delicate plants and strangle them. Maybe a separate area would be better for them if available?

Consider Using Trees As Shade

Fruit or root plants–tomatoes, and peppers, for example, thrive in full sun. But there are plenty of leafy plants including broccoli, beans, and cauliflower, that do well with a few hours of sun, and mostly shade. So, if you already have trees in the yard that will form a natural shade canopy, and still let in the required amount of sun rays, consider planting those by the tree.

But don’t expect your veggies to grow in total shade.

As with the containers, think outside the plot. Can I make use of the porch for an herb garden that grows in a box or two?

Taking the time to diagram the garden before planting, and to figure out which parts of the yard or porch are best for which purpose, will save time and money compared to trial and error methods.

Once you have a diagram, you can refine it, or take it with you to the local nursery where the experts can help provide the seeds, tools and other equipment best suited to your veggie garden.

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Five renovations to make an even bigger splash with your backyard pool

(ARA) – If you added a pool to your home in the past few years, or moved into a house with an existing pool, you may wonder what more you can do to enhance the value and enjoyment your pool brings to your home and family. You may even think there’s not much you can do beyond keeping it clean and well maintained.

“Pools are a great investment, and the vast majority of owners say their pool is a great place to entertain,” says Bill Weber, president and CEO of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). “Fortunately, some simple upgrades and renovations can help pool owners enjoy their investment even more.”

APSP points to five renovations that can offer homeowners the most satisfaction and value for their investment. The Association suggests homeowners consult with and hire an APSP-certified professional for the best possible results from any of these renovations:

1. Resurfacing – If your in-ground pool is made from concrete, time and use can cause the surface to deteriorate and become rough or even cracked. Resurfacing can restore the beauty and comfort of the pool and extend its functional life. Choose options that provide durability, and consider multiple manufacturers’ products to ensure the best selection. For pools with a vinyl interior, a host of new patterns, available for replacement liners, can transform the appearance of the pool overnight. Fiberglass pool owners also have several resurfacing options. Consult with an APSP-certified professional to determine the best product to make your fiberglass pool look like new.

2. New tile – Just as a kitchen backsplash can transform the overall look of the room, tile can set the tone for how your pool looks. Pool tile options are vast, and changing the tile is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make; it will give you the biggest bang for your buck in terms of appearance.

3. Change the look of the pool deck – The current design trend is to extend the look of interior flooring out into the pool area to create the effect of an outdoor family room. Deck choices range from man-made and natural materials to staining existing concrete. Know that old concrete does not necessarily need to be removed. Often you can fix unsightly cracks and dated concrete decks with a thick overlay and new finish.

4. Add a water feature – Installing a waterfall or fountain is a great way to bring the sound and beauty of moving water to your outdoor environment. Water features also create a strong focal point for the pool. A dramatic spillover or sheer water feature can be dynamic additions to an ordinary pool.

5. Lighting – While safety is a primary function of lights, today’s pool lighting also adds touches of beauty and pizzazz. Standard incandescent and halogen pool lights are functional staples, and fiber optic lighting can add striking color to a nighttime poolscape. Fiber optics are especially great around pools and landscaping because there’s no electrical current to worry about. Long-lasting LED replacement lights can typically be installed with little or no modification to the existing pool. The colored LED lights can create an entirely new mood around your pool while providing energy savings at the same time.

“Of course, there are many more renovations and improvements to consider,” Weber says. “Digital controls make operating pool equipment easier than ever, allowing you to control lighting, heating and cleaning with the touch of the button. And upgrades like adding a salt chlorinator system, solar cover and heater can improve the functionality and efficiency of a pool.”

Keep in mind, you don’t have to do everything at once. Pool renovations can be done over several seasons, allowing you to make the improvements and fund your investment at a pace that works for you. Of course, to ensure you get the most for your money, you’ll want to hire an experienced pool contractor. You can find an APSP certified building or service professional through the organization’s website, www.apsp.org. APSP-certified professionals are required to demonstrate proven knowledge of design, construction and service, follow a strict code of ethics, and must engage in continuing education to maintain their certification.

“Most renovations are quite affordable, and can dramatically change the look of your backyard,” Weber says. “It’s important to ensure your project is performed by a certified professional who can help you turn your vision into reality safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.”

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Upgraded decking materials offer enduring quality and beauty

(ARA) – Tackling your home improvement list this summer likely includes doing some work on your outdoor spaces. If replacing or updating a deck is your focus, it’s wise to look into new products that help ensure your efforts will be enjoyed for many seasons to come.

Eighty-three percent of Americans say low-maintenance qualities are important when considering outdoor home improvement projects, according to a Trex Company survey. Durable, hassle-free composite decks are more popular than ever among time-challenged homeowners because of their low-maintenance qualities. You might not know, however, that composite materials have evolved significantly since their introduction almost two decades ago.

“The newest generation of composite decking offers a superior combination of beauty and performance due to significant advances made in fade and stain resistance,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex, the inventor and leading brand of the composite decking category. “Today’s composites look ‘like new’ for much longer – making them the perfect upgrade for both wood deck owners and homeowners who love their existing composite decks.”

Following are four key attributes to look for when purchasing composite decking:

* Superior durability – Spilled food, dropped grill tools and wet planter pots are no match for newer composites like the high-performance Trex Transcend collection. Transcend offers an unprecedented combination of fade, stain and mold resistance thanks to its exclusive protective shell and high-traffic formulation. Regardless of harsh weather conditions or daily wear and tear, Transcend also will not rot, warp or scratch.

* Realistic colors and textures – With high-definition wood grain patterns and rich, saturated colors inspired by the outdoors, today’s composites look more natural than ever before and boast a vibrancy that remains unchanged for years. Color options range from deep earth tones to warm umbers, spicy reds and pristine greys – while some boards offer the distinct streaked look of tropical hardwoods and others provide an appearance with less color variation. When combined with a modular composite railing system that provides similar high performance and long-lasting beauty, composite decking offers endless mix-and-match options for incredible design flexibility to suit the style of any home.

* Ultra-low maintenance – The newest composites retain their beauty for decades with minimal upkeep, meaning you’ll spend more time enjoying – rather than maintaining – your deck this summer and for years to come. In fact, you never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting – just do a simple soap and water cleaning twice a year. Since spills, splashes and other mishaps are inevitable, it’s extremely important to select a composite that guarantees no-fade color – so that your decking remains looking the same for decades as it did on the day it was installed.

* Strong warranties – Lengthy warranties on next generation composites guarantee enduring good looks and offer additional peace-of-mind. In fact, Trex Transcend decking is backed by a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, which is unprecedented in the industry and adds another layer of protection to Transcend’s standard 25-year warranty – resulting in the ultimate assurance of lasting beauty.

“Today’s composite decking is proof that sometimes the best can get even better,” says Zambanini. “It combines unprecedented performance and aesthetics – taking the outdoor living experience to a whole new level for homeowners.”

For more information about the latest innovations in outdoor living products – and for other ideas on how to spruce up your outdoor space with deck lighting, furniture, pergolas and more – visit trex.com.

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