green living

Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a huge leap towards making your life greener and healthier. It is a great money saver because you get fresh produce at nearly half the cost you would otherwise have to pay to buy from your local market. If you are using organic farming methods, it will help in preserving the soil nutrients while cutting down on the use of toxic pesticides and chemicals.

It is possible to grow almost all varieties of fruits and vegetables in your garden without taking too much of time off from your other routine activities. All it requires is a working knowledge of which soil works best for a set variety of plants. The climatic conditions prevalent in your place and the rainfall are also factors that need to be taken into account when you plan to grow your own fruits and vegetables.

The amount of space that you will be able to spare for your food garden is another important aspect. The more space you are able to use, the more varieties of plants can be produced. Garden planters can be used to create food garden within a limited space in your backyard. It also helps restrict the growth of invasive plants and enables you to move your plants from indoors to out whenever you feel the need to do so.

Pots and planters can be used to lend a touch of style and elegance to your planting area. They are available in a variety of shapes and sized and can blend effortlessly with other elements in your garden. They are highly functional and extremely good for improving the looks of your garden without having to spend too much. Planters with self watering options are available at affordable rates. Planters are available in a variety of material. It is important to decide on the one that’s right for your garden.

Teak planter are a good option to consider for growing vegetables and fruits in your garden space. Apart from lending style and space to your garden, they are easy to handle. They have a slatted base to allow drainage. If you don’t know where to find them, look online to get access to a wide variety of excellent planters in various colours and designs.

A 4 Tier greenhouse is the best way to propagate seeds and grow plants. It is the perfect option to consider if you have space constraints but still wish to grow your own fruits and vegetables. 

Finding it difficult to grow exotic plants naturally in your garden? Well, the next best option available is to fake it. There are many garden owners faced with the same predicament but have found fakes to be the ideal solution for overcoming the problem.

Topiary balls can be an attractive option to consider when it comes to decorating your garden. Artificial topiaries can make attractive decorative items at parties. You can make your own topiary with materials that are easily available. It is easy to make and will live much longer than a topiary made from a living plant.

There are many fake topiary plants to choose from including outdoor and indoor topiaries. It is an ancient form of art which can be easily replicated in your home or even as a commercial venture because the demand for these plants is large. Artificial topiaries are used in various decorative arrangements for garden parties for welcoming guests and to lend more colour and foliage.

Artificial topiary is in great demand especially the silk topiaries. They provide a great decoration option and can fit into multiple designs and landscapes. You can choose among the bay leaf topiary, ivy topiary and of course the silk topiary which requires virtually zero maintenance. They are available in the latest designing trends.

Artificial topiary plants can also be used in home and office interiors to eliminate that drab, monotonous look and infuse an element of greenery and freshness. It is the ideal way to make use of the greenery without having to undergo the trouble of maintaining these plants. The artificial plants feature soft natural looks and bring the warmth and pleasant look of the outdoors into your homes. Decorating with topiary plants is one of the easiest ways to spruce up the look of your drawing room or conference hall.

There are many people who love greenery but don’t really mind using fakes as long as they look completely natural. Beautiful blooms that look as good as, if not better than, originals are available nowadays and at prices that are wholly affordable. Ivy topiaries that are tall and have thin stems with wispy tops can dramatically alter the looks of your place. They are not like your usual stiff and stuffy artificial, they look naturally green and lively.

The only difference between real and artificial topiary is only the smell factor. They don’t smell like fresh herbs but there is no denying the fact they look so very real and more importantly they will last for years to come.

As the summer starts to fade away and we move swiftly into the fall season we start getting less daylight we also start getting cooler evenings. Yet the fall weather we are still keen on spending as much time outdoors as possible we tend to stay closer to the comfort of our homes. Even in the the UK it is possible to enjoy the cooler nights on a fall evening by sitting out side on your deck or patio area. A key point to remember during this time is to be able to keep enjoying your gardens you should begin to  put your potted plants and flowers close to your patio are and bring the lighting closer. Sitting outside during the fall season is quite popular so if you have solar garden lights bring them closer into your patio or sitting area this way you will be able to benefit from outdoor lighting. 

If throughout the summer you invested in a birdbath for your garden then the fall season is a perfect time for you to embrace the sight and sounds of your feathered friends enjoying their new bird baths as the birds are preparing for the winter season. Enhance your water falls or water fountains  in your garden by simply adding a solar spotlight under it to bring the feature to life at night. You will be surprised how relaxing it can be sitting in your garden during the fall season. We all know that the temperatures will drop during the fall season so if you are planning on sitting outdoor then it may be wise to invest in a small patio heater or garden firepit to keep you toasty while you sit back and relax. Many of the patio heaters that are on sale are now eco-friendly and are available as ether gas or electric.

A quick note, towards the end of fall and when winter does draw closer be sure to remove any motorised parts from your bird baths or water falls so as not to damage them by any frost or below freezing weather if you are not using a heating system in them. A full guide on how to prepare your water features for the winter season will be posted close to the time. In the mean time, sit back and enjoy the rest of the summer in your gardens and take pleasure from all the hard work that you have put in over the season. 

Gardeners have a fair old amount of elements to consider when it comes to planting their vegetables. After a long hard and certainly cold winter, where you have had plenty of time to think about what you are wanting to plant this spring, now is the time to start putting those prized plans into action.

As we all know, the climate here in the UK is certainly not the same as the south of France. It would be nice, but unfortunately it isn’t.  So we have to take into considerable consideration the variable UK climate when it comes to the right time to start preparing your garden for the planting season.

There are many types of Greenhouse Heaters, Planters and other Greenhouse Accessories you can buy to improve the growing conditions for your plants, fruit and vegetables. However they can all be very susceptible to fluctuating temperatures, humidity and lighting conditions so it’s important that you are prepared for this and that you have the necessary garden accessories incorporated into your greenhouse setup and design.

When choosing a greenhouse it is very important to choose one that matches the overall design of you garden as well as the general year round climate. For example you wouldn’t want to choose a flat roofed greenhouse if you expect a lot of snowfall throughout several months of the year. It would be much more realistic and certainly more beneficial to you to use one of the more popular, slopped roofed greenhouses where the snow and heavy rain can easily slide off eliminating any unnecessary damage.

With the overwhelming popularity of the organic food market in today’s health crazed society across the country and the increase in cost to buy an organic carrot compared to a non-organic carrot more and more people are turning to “grow your own” products.  If you have the space to grow your own fruits and vegetables then why not invest a little to save a lot. If you enjoy eating organically grown vegetables with your Sunday dinner however are not much of a fan for paying the through the roof prices that the supermarket chains are slapping on them then now might be a good time to consider growing your own. Your Sunday dinner will taste even better knowing that you have put the hard work in to grow the food which is on your plate.  Incredibly several statistics have shown that the average price is roughly 35%-45% higher on Organic products across the UK.  When you look at in those terms, it seems silly not grow your own and save some of that hard earned money on the weekly shop.

If you are considering growing your then there are many choices of planters that will suit the needs from the beginner gardener to the up most experienced. Growing your own vegetables can be both fun and rewarding. Get your children involved in the process; we all know how kids love to be in the garden helping mum and dad which all in all is helping them maintain a good healthy and balanced diet, and you never know having your kids help grow their vegetables may make them want to eat them.

Spring has finally arrived! We are only in the first week of spring however the sun is out, the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. As we are all sat here thinking about what we want to do to our gardens this year, it may be a good idea to spare a thought for solar power .

 Over the next several months, the days are going to be getting longer and longer, meaning there will be more daylight for a greater period of time. What does this mean to you? Well, if you are using the power of the sun to power your water features or even your garden lighting you will be benefiting from free energy. Okay, so if you are now sat there thinking, "how on earth do I get free energy? Nothing is free these days!" Well in simple terms the use of a solar powered water feature like the Solar Powered Stainless Steel Ball or a set of our Smart Solar Post Lights will sit in the daylight all day charging (gathering energy). Your garden water feature will run all day, at no cost to you. It will then run through the night by using the energy that it has stored during the day.  Whereas your solar powered lights will turn on when the sun goes down. No need for light timers, no need to flick any switches. As soon as the sun goes down your lights will come on. Simple. They use the energy that they have stored from the hours of light throughout the day.

With cost of electricity on the rise and a desire to have a well-lit beautiful looking garden full of various water features and garden ornaments more and more people have turned to solar power over the last year or so. With the popularity of solar power increasing weekly, people aren't stopping at powering just their gardens and are now looking into powering their entire home. Why not? the benefits of solar power are brilliant, I mean who doesn't want to save money? 

Solar powered features not only save you money on electricity bills, however they are very simple to install as they require no cables! All you need to do are two things, place your new feature in an area where there is daylight and sit back and enjoy the benefits of solar power.

If you are looking to enhance the look and general appearance of your outdoor decking area. The addition of Solar Outdoor Decking Lights can bring your drab, winter worn deck back to life. If you are looking for a sophisticated and professional look then solar decking lights would be a simple way to lighten up your deck or patio area at night.

Our most popular set of decking is the round solar stainless steel deck lights. With various shapes and colours available there really are options everyone.

The benefits of installing deck lights is that they are solar, meaning that no wiring is needed! Through the day, your solar deck lights are charged by direct day light once the sun goes down the lights will then use the generated solar power to illuminate your pathway, patio or decking area. Not only are solar lights GREEN, they will also help reduce your electrical expenses as they require no electricity, amazing.

A small amount of planning needs to be put in place prior to installing the deck lights. It is a good idea to place the lights in an area where you know you get a good amount of day light. For them to charge, they need light so it would not be recommended to place them in a known dark area throughout the day. Even though the lights will charge in a partially shaded area, they will shine brighter at night if they have received good contact with direct daylight throughout the day. Installation and maintenance efforts will also be significantly reduced as they require no wiring.

The addition of solar deck lights can really bring your garden to life, get creative and imaginative, highlight special areas of your garden, water features, pathways, driveways or just general illumination of your decking and patio areas.

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Creating a wetland area in your garden is a brilliant solution to dealing with waterlogged soil. Instead of abandoning these boggy areas of your garden, plant a wetland are and enjoy the many beautifully coloured birds and butterflies that it attracts. Many plants thrive in wetland conditions, including grasses, hostas, marsh marigolds, petunias, irises and lillies. It is advisable to use a diverse selection of plants in order to attract the widest variety of wildlife to your wetland garden. So long as the plants have similar flooding needs they may be planted together in a wetland area.

If you desire a wetland garden but have no naturally boggy areas, you can create such a garden by digging a wide, sloping, shallow hole and lining it with a pond liner, alternatively use a preformed pond. Punch holes in the plastic to prevent stagnation, and then refill with the dirt removed when you dug the hole. Saturate the dirt with water and maintain saturation by using soaking hoses. You may then plant your wetland garden as you wish, using plants with similar flooding requirements.

It is also possible to maintain a wetland garden without constant flooding if you select plants such as cardinal flower, bulrushes, jewelweed, as these plants require alternating wet and dry periods to thrive. In summary, a wetland area is a simple and lovely addition to any garden.

UK Water features offer a range of pond pumps, liners and accessories

A self-contained water feature is a simple way to add peace, tranquillity, and interest to your garden or patio. These recirculating water features set up in minutes, require little ongoing maintenance and incur low operating expenses. It is possible to purchase a self-contained water feature that operates on solar power exclusively. Many of these solar water features are sold with battery backup for use on overcast days. Maintenance of a self-contained water feature consists of using algae and limescale cleaners as needed. Both of these items are commercially available at reasonable cost.

Water features are a lovely addition to any garden or patio. Self-contained water features offer the same effect as more labour-intensive landscaped water features. The simplicity of self-contained water features makes them an excellent choice for busy individuals who wish to have an area of tranquillity within their garden. Additionally, self-contained water features are simple to set up and to take down. This makes them ideal for those who rent their dwelling, as self-contained water features are easily portable. In the event of freezing weather, it is simple to drain and cover a self-contained water feature to protect it from damage.

In summary, the simplicity of self-contained water features cannot be overstated. They are quick and easy to set up and to take down and simple to maintain, making them an ideal addition to any garden or patio.

UK Water features are a leading water features offering a large range of solar, self contained, indoor and fountain products

It does not matter if you are working with a stretch of ground around your country home or a small area within your walled off garden area, the choices you make on how your garden appears should only matter to you and nobody else.

If you like the idea of having a little bit of green space to relax in on the weekends but you are also practical and know that you do not have a great deal of time or money to spend you should consider using materials that are durable and require low maintenance. This can be achieved by using stepping stones or a paved walkway. By creating a permanent path, such as with gravel, within your garden you remove a portion of ground that requires extensive maintenance and at the same time implies sophistication in the execution. Another option is simple decking which can be added around even the lowest profile areas of a home.

A flagstone walkway, pebbles or even short paved path can lead you away from your home and pull you into the private space you are seeking. Items such as these are not only low maintenance but also low profile. There is nothing to be knocked over and broken by your neighbour’s dog. There is nothing that requires watering or can fall victim to pest of all types.

UK Water Features - For a range of water features, aggregates and garden buildings.

Solar water features are a great way to conserve both financial as well as ecological resources. Due to improvements in design, modern solar water features are designed to operate in climates that have historically been off-limits to solar power. Solar panels can collect power even on cloudy days, thus saving the owner the cost of powering the water feature. By allowing the pump to run continuously at no cost to the owner, solar water features prevent stagnation. This, in turn, helps to reduce algae buildup. This reduction in algae buildup also creates cost savings in the form of decreased expenditure on commercial algae cleaning products.

With the advent of solar water features that possess removable solar panels, it is even possible to locate a solar water feature in a garden that does not ever receive direct sunlight. Simply place the solar water feature on a level spot in the garden, fill with water, and then locate the solar panel in an area that receives adequate direct sunlight. The power is then fed back to the solar water feature, allowing the owner to design the garden to their specifications while still harnessing the energy of the sun for power.

In summary, solar water features grant owners cost savings on both power and cleaning products. This cost savings makes solar water features an ideal addition to any garden.

UK water features offer a large range of water features, click to view our shop for more on our product range.

For those who have a home garden and would like to attract different types of wildlife, a great way to do this is with a pre-formed pond. Water is essential for every different forms of life, and it will help your garden get the water it needs and grow. There are many different beautiful flowers and plants that will grow around ponds throughout the different seasons in the year. Also, many different animals in the natural habitat will come to use the pond, and this can provide for enjoyable viewing and entertainment.

Many animals will gather at water to drink, and animals like fox, rabbits, and even squirrels will come to drink from a garden pond. Not only will the pond attract larger animals that need to hydrate, but it will also attract smaller species that live in water, such as minnows, frogs, and birds. Birds will swim in ponds and you can place seed out get as many species as possible, and many different traveling birds like ducks will come and go. The size of your pond will determine the different animals that you will have visiting.

Using a pre-formed pond to attract various kinds of wildlife to your garden is very easy to do, you just want to make sure that you have the space in your garden, and the time to enjoy it.

UKwaterfeatures.com is the leading supplier of garden products, buildings, pond supplies and aggregates in the UK.

If you are trying to create a serene and tranquil area in your garden but are short on time, a self contained water feature is the ideal choice. Creating a peaceful spot by locating a self contained water feature in your garden takes only minutes. Gone are the days when you needed an engineering degree and an endless supply of free time to create a water feature in your garden. Simply choose your desired location, level the ground, place the water feature on the spot and fill with water. The beauty of these self contained water features is that require little maintenance once they have been set up. Simply treat your water feature for algae and limescale as needed using commercially available products.

If you do not have a garden, you can place a self contained water feature on your patio or even inside of your home. Self contained water features come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes including statues, above ground ponds, and free standing waterfalls. Solar powered self contained water features are easy to obtain and provide for a water feature that not only sets up in minutes but that costs nothing to operate. Such water features often possess battery backup for those bleak days when solar power is not practical.

In summary, a self contained water feature sets up in minutes, costs nothing to run if it is solar powered, and requires little ongoing maintenance. It is a quick and simple way to create a lovely spot in your garden.

For a massive range of water features in the UK, then visit our shop pages!

Adding paved areas to your garden area will enhance its appearance and reduce maintenance. The paved area will not need to be weeded and watered, just swept as needed. If the paved area installation is well done, you will not need to repair or replace it for twenty or thirty years.

The size of your garden and how you want to use it will guide your decisions. Do you want a paved path meandering through the garden, a paved patio area for entertaining or perhaps, you would like to pave the whole area, very low maintenance, and add large container gardens for color.

Once you have decided on the use, you will find paving materials and aggregates in many different colours and shapes available in concrete, cobbles, brick and natural stone. Concrete is the least expensive choice; stone the best choice for a natural look.

Material chosen; plan your design. A small garden with a pond or fountain as a focal point, small areas devoted to greenery and flowers and a patio covering the rest of the space, with perhaps a garden table and chairs and some pots filled with seasonal flowers placed about, would be lovely.

A large garden could be divided into different areas; an entertaining area, children play area, lawn and flower gardens and a kitchen garden, all with a unifying theme, are a few suggestions.

People have put bird baths in their yard to attract birds for a century. A small pond in a garden or a back yard can attract other forms of wildlife. Some people decide to put up pre formed ponds to keep fish, but it is not necessary to put fish in a pond to attract water life.

Putting a water feature in a back yard takes a little work. The process starts with a shovel and digging a hole. A garden supply store can supply the necessary lining. A water feature, unlike a pool, does not need to be dug deep into the ground. The process of filling a water feature can take a while. When the pond fills, the next step of the process is putting in plants and occasionally necessary microbes to make the pond as natural as possible.

A pond in a backyard does not attract the larger types of wildlife. Squirrels, birds, and frogs will come on their own. The owner of the pond must keep away from the water feature in order to watch wildlife come to the pond. Wild animals do not like to come too close to people. The pond may also attract stray dogs and cats. The pond owner cannot stop the pond from attracting local domesticated animals. A fenced in yard may prevent some dogs and cats from using the new feature in your garden.

UK Water Features are the leading supplier of garden products, aggregrates, garden buildings and much more.

As a busy person, you will find a self contained water feature to be an ideal choice for your garden or patio. Sold in many shapes and sizes, these water features set up in minutes. Self contained water features allow busy people to add an interesting and peaceful area to a garden or patio while necessitating minimal expenditure of time and effort. Above ground ponds are a particularly useful self contained water feature. Requiring no more than a level spot to sit on, these ponds set up in minutes but provide instant peace and tranquility to any garden.

As self contained water features are recirculating, they are quite simple to clean and maintain. Occasional use of an algae stopper is necessary to prevent the water in your water feature from turning an unpleasant shade of green. If hard water is an issue in your area, you will need to occasionally employ a limescale cleanser to prevent buildup in your water feature. If you expect freezing temperatures, it is best to drain your self contained water feature and take it indoors if at all possible. If this is not possible, you can purchase a cover for your water feature to protect it from the freezing temperatures.

In summary, if you are a busy person, purchasing a self contained water feature will allow you to add a tranquil area to your garden without forcing you to spend countless hours installing and maintaining this valuable addition to your landscaping. A self contained water feature is truly the ideal choice for busy people.

There are few events more exciting for a gardener than the Chelsea Flower Show. Where else can you go to one place and see thousands of beautiful, perfectly maintained flowers and plants? It is impossible for any gardener to go to the Chelsea Flower Show and not walk away feeling more inspired and ready to improve perk up their personal garden.

For those not familiar, the Chelsea Flower Show, officially The Great Spring Show is a yearly event held over the course of 5 days held by the Royal Horticulture Society and located in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London. The Chelsea Flower show is a sight to see with vibrant coloured flowers, stunning landscaping and lovely planting. It attracts over 150.000 visitors that come to soak up inspiration and take home ideas for their own garden.

The 2010 winner of the Best Courtyard Garden was ‘Music On The Moors’ exhibited by the Two Moors Festival and was the perfect balance between nature and landscaping.  There was a fantastic water feature representing a trickling stream that was flowing over a beautiful piece of Dartmoor granite into a pool. Christina Williams, who designed the garden, described how the sound of the water was a metaphor for music and features heavily in the mood of her garden. The serene and tranquil ambience created in this courtyard garden must have worked for the judges to receive the gold award. 

Using clever mirrors and reflections from contemporary designed water features can make your garden look bigger as well as enchanting. Mirrors are used in many modern buildings such as supermarkets, apartments, and gardens all over the world to make them look better, contemporary and also larger.

In the modern UK housing market space is at a premium and many gardens and outside spaces are smaller and compact. People find that if these spaces feel too cramped they are unable to enjoy the space to the full.  In such cases adding a contemporary chrome or stainless steel water feature will take up space but actually makes the garden feel larger.  It will give the mind a sensory focus, the light reflected by the water as well as the materials used in the feature and the sounds of the water bubbling or trickling will instantly relax a busy or stressed mind.

When enhancing the space of a garden you need to make sure that mirrors reflect the most attractive aspects of your outside space. This will help make mirrors bounce back the natural light that helps illuminate the features of your garden.

Mirrors are even used to balance out walls that aren't level or to create a fake window. This same concept can help take an unattractive fence and make it into something truly breathtaking. Gardens are unique to the individual and are often an expression of their owners.

With cold temperatures and the snow of winter, are you looking ahead to spring and planning your garden? If so here are a few great tips on how to make it beautiful and be the envy of your neighbours. Gardens need to look great and provide serenity to those who enjoy the outdoors when it is warm. This is where adding a water feature to your gardens come in handy.

A water garden surrounded by landscaping timbers and flowers gives off a feeling of being somewhere exotic if landscaped the right way. Gardeners can replicate waterfalls by building up their land so that the water cascades like a real waterfall. Add a few different colour water lights underneath and surrounding the bottom of the pond where the water flows down to is a great idea. Have a patio area set up nearby and you can have cookout at night or just sit out under the stars and enjoy friends and family.

Along with your waterfall garden, you should plant lots of water flowers and plants to accent the look you are trying to achieve with your garden. Place a few outdoor candles along side of the pond and light them at night to add extra glow and give your garden the feeling of being on holiday all year round.

There are many ways to decorate your garden in the spring, but none is better than having a water garden to adore through the warmer months.

UKWaterFeatures.com offer ideas on garden design and landscaping and sell the UK's largest range of water featues and garden products

If your garden needs a little something extra to spice up its appearance, consider the possibilities of a cheap and really beautiful water feature. For just a little money you could add a peaceful and calming water feature to your garden and exponentially enhance its appearance.

One really common and easy way to do this is by incorporating an old wooden barrel or a retired garden pot. Most gardeners have access to some decent sized gardening pots and could easily use one of these. If you’re interested in a something a little larger and maybe more unique, try to get your hands on an old wooden barrel; most wineries sell these or you can look online to see where a cheap one might be in your area, click here for a range of oak water features.

Recycling an old wooden barrel or garden pot to make a water feature is easier than you think. The first thing you'll need to make sure of is that your barrel or pot is water tight. A wooden barrel will need to be lined with plastic or sealed at each of its seams with epoxy or melted wax, and most pots will only need their drainage hole plugged. Find a nice pump and faucet and attach them accordingly to your barrel or pot. After filling the container with water, plug in your pump and enjoy the heightened ambiance of your transformed garden.

UK Water Features are specialists in water features, fountains and garden furniture

A fountain or outdoor water feature can add aesthetic value to your home and offer a sense of peace and serenity. It can also be relatively inexpensive or a bit of an investment. Either way, you want to make sure that you care for it properly. This means taking the necessary steps to protect your water feature during extreme weather - typically the winter season.

As water freezes, it expands which can cause many types of material to crack. In areas with constant extremely low temperatures, you should remove all the water from your fountain and any small holding areas. Make sure that after it is drained, you turn on the pump and run it for a minute or two to ensure there is no water left standing in the lines.

For water features that don't include fish or live plants, you can use chemicals containing bleach, or a solution such as Algae Stopper to prevent algae from growing year round. During the winter, smaller fountains can be brought indoors, or disassembled and stored in garden shed for the winter. Larger fountains that have been drained should be filled with some type of material to absorb moisture. Old blankets, cloth sacks, or towels work well. Simple netting or a cover made from other materials can be placed over your fountain or pond to help keep debris out that might settle, clogging the pump and any filters. With a few simple preventative measures, your water feature can be kept in top shape and ready for enjoyment in the Spring.

Right now is an excellent time for planning the garden for a new season. While the days are shorter and the weather is cold and wintry, those who love to garden can be doing some dreaming about next year, and getting ideas for items they wish to add. Perhaps a lovely water feature could be chosen and some further landscaping to make the outdoor space more inviting, but it is important to think ahead and plan for spring.

Garden water features vary in design style and function. There could be a small fountain or a pond, but should it be naturalistic or art deco? For the private residence or business, a bit of water gurgling and overflowing into a small pool is so refreshing on those warm spring and summer days. A few well chosen rocks or a rock wall retaining the pool might be desired.

Of course, it is wise to take time when planning a water feature because there are several things to consider like how much space in the yard should be devoted, or just how the pond should lie. Maybe a narrow, disappearing stream would be better than a contained pool. The drainage could be an issue. There are professionals available for advice. Still, fountains and ponds can be inexpensive and yet fabulous additions to gardens.

Every Christmas I go all out on decorations for inside my home. I have the biggest tree and the best stockings. However, this year I realised that in my Christmas frenzy I have neglected my garden.

This is why I have decided that my outdoor space deserves the very best outside Christmas lights decorations. I started deciding on the colour scheme of red and white. I bought bunches of red and white twinkling lights and wrapped my porch and gutters with them. I then found some beautiful Moravian Stars in white and hung those from the tree that overlooked my nativity scene.

I also bought a light up reindeer light display, light up bear and a light up topiary of Santa's sleigh. I also bought some red and white light up stakes that line the walk way up to my house. They are in a ball shape and really let off a lovely light at night. My final purchase was this beautiful 5 foot tall light up snowman. He is a silver colour and has a red scarf and a red trimmed hat to fit in with my theme. He comes wrapped in silver lights and sits in the middle of my topiary scene.

Garden furniture can be quite expensive, and it would be a waste to see it ruined by the cold winter months. Taking precautions and following the care instructions are key steps to keeping your furniture looking new. If you have a garage or shed, it would be best to store your garden furniture there for the winter months. If this is not possible, consider purchasing a protective canvas made of waterproof material to keep the worst of the weather off.

Many pieces of furniture come with detailed care instructions. If you follow these carefully, they will help keep your furniture looking new even through the worst of winters. If you want low maintenance furniture, choose powder cast aluminium pieces as they are water and temperature resistant; simply store the fabric materials such as umbrellas or cushions. Wood, on the other hand, takes a bit more work to keep in better shape, such as scrubbing or oiling.

With the right measures, your garden furniture will weather the winter well. Move what you can indoors; provide waterproof covers or temporary shelters for what must stay outdoors. Heed the instructions that come with the pieces carefully to prolong the life of the furniture. Above all, remember that this furniture, like any furnishing, is an investment -- taking care of it simply makes sense.

With the coming of cold weather, we all wonder what Mother Nature has in store for us come spring. There are several things we can do to keep the plants we cared for over the past year to come up healthy as warm weather approaches.

First, start by raking up the leaves around your plants and pulling out the weeds, as this will give you a head start as your plants pop through the dirt come spring. Dig up tender bulbs and store them over the winter.

Get rid of dead plants and trim perennials leaving about a one inch stem above ground to prevent rot and to keep away insects. Add a two inch layer of mulch to keep roots warm and to protect them from sudden temperature changes allowing water to flow, keeping the roots hydrated and prevent tissue damage. Cover plants and shrubs with a cloth fabric to prevent damage from an overnight frost. Do not use plastic, as it restricts air flow. Remove covering during the day to give them needed sunlight and fresh air. If some of your plantings are in small containers, bring them indoors storing them in a basement or garage for the duration of the winter. Larger container plants could be dug up and re-potted, then put back in the warmer weather.

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Rock salt is a great way to thaw ice. It is very beneficial to use on roads in the wintertime. Many roads become very hard to travel in the wintertime making it hard for people to get to where they need to go. Rock salt helps to make roads easier to travel so that people can make it to work during wintertime.

Roads and paths become very slick in the wintertime and rock salt is beneficial in making it so that people will not fall down and get hurt. This helps to save on potential danger especially for at risk people, such as the elderly. Using rock salt is wise for business owners as well as it can help to make the entrance to the office premises both accessible and danger free for its employees.

Rock salt can also be used in areas where ice might build up in the garden. Sometimes ice builds up next to the house and sprinkling rock salt on it will melt the top layer of the ice so that it can be chipped away and removed.

Rock salt has many uses and will melt ice in the wintertime. Buy bulk rock salt bags at UK Water Features

Your garden has been beautiful and bountiful all summer, and the last vegetables are now being placed on your table or into your freezer. To recreate or add to this splendour, the time has come to prepare your garden for the winter. As you collect the last of your harvest, pull all vegetation from your garden. This can be added to your compost pile, but make sure that it does not contain any seeds. Collect the leaves as they fall, to also add to your compost pile.

 After the vegetation is pulled, I like to lightly till the soil. This allows me to break up any roots and reduces to new growth of weeds in the spring. Till in organic compost, to create a richer soil. Cover the area with an additional layer of compost. Clean all of your gardening tools. After cleaning them, wipe a light coat of oil on them to preserve them and to prevent rust. Clean all your pots and other containers with warm sudsy water. Rinse and dry them well before storing them. Clean any type of fountain or water feature that you may have. Drain and store it according to its directions. Make sure that your garden hoses are drained and detached from the outdoor spigots. You don't want to have to replace either the hose or the spigot in the spring due to it freezing and bursting. Get comfortable, pull out the seed catalogues, and get ready for spring.

An outdoor display of Christmas lights can be bold with large light bulbs or discreet with tiny light bulbs. Some people still use their medium size light bulbs to some advantage. What is particularly attractive is a single colour display of either clear or blue coloured bulbs. Red bulbs are rather garish and few people go in for a single red colour bulb display for Christmas. Hiring a professional Christmas garden light decorator is much easier lately, than in previous years. One can avoid the sometimes hazardous task of stringing outdoor lights for Christmas by using one of these home decorating services.

If you hire a home decorator to string your Christmas light displays, he will probably have suggestions for you. If you plan on stringing your outdoor Christmas lights yourself, the usual pattern of outlining your home's roof and extending the decorative bulbs to your front bushes, maybe including a focal tree in your decoration is still attractive and relatively simple to do. What you should do is to make sure that your lights are coupled properly since you will want to use a single outdoor electrical outlet to plug them in when you are done stringing your outdoor lights. And always use designated outdoor electrical bulbs when planning your outdoor lights for Christmas.

Adding a special touch like a Santa Claus with sled and rein deer is a very Christmas scene that does not require much labour and will look good during the whole Christmas season.

It may be hard to find a definitive guide for Garden Winter care. This is due to the fact that gardens are as unique as the people who create them. There are many different types of gardens, but applicable to all of them are some pretty good steps for making sure your garden is maintained throughout the winter.

If you have an indoor garden then winter preparations is not as important of a thing to worry about. This is especially the case if your garden is climate controlled. If this is the case your only real concern is to make sure everything stays at optimal temperature through the cold winter months.

If you're like most people and have a garden that is outside then you will encounter a few problems with the cold winter months. The main concern of an outdoor garden is the possibility of freezing. If you happen to get a frost or snow your garden may be done for.

If possible you should move plants of yours inside, which may require transplanting them into temporary vessels. But, if this is not possible there are other alternatives. One thing you might consider is a heater in your garden if at all possible. If by chance you're in an area that doesn't often get frost you may be able to get by with covering your plants with a sheet or blanket throughout the harsh, cold times.

If you've gone to all the trouble of maintaining a garden then it should be just as important for you to ensure its longevity. A primary way to make sure your garden is here for a long time to come is by taking the appropriate steps toward winter care for your garden.

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September doesn't have to mean that time spent in the garden is over. Hardy plants can continue to grow and look beautiful even during fall months; so go ahead and make some great changes to that place in your home that sometimes gets little attention.

If you do spend a lot of time in your garden during the spring and summer months then now is the right time to put some finishing touches on some of the things that help you to make that time spent even more pleasurable, and don't forget that the predicted hot September can create wonderful memories in the garden.

Outdoor furniture is one of the best investments that anyone can make to prepare this outdoor space for comfort and beauty. When planning for the purchase of that outdoor furniture, make sure that you choose for durability. Since you are going to be putting your hard earned money into this furniture you will want it to last awhile.

Outdoor furniture and tables can be used year round or can be purchased to fold and put away once the weather no longer calls you outdoors. If you have chosen to put your furniture away for the winter you will have to take it out once the warmth of spring beckons you outside again so be sure to store it for easy access and to keep it clean.

Add a touch of class to your garden with Stainless steel water features. These features are becoming more and more popular these days both in the United States and in the UK. Stainless steel is very versatile which is great for reflecting water movement along the surface. These features look fantastic in either a modern or in a basic classic garden. Stainless steel is a very durable material. It is also very easy to maintain. There are very basic forms such as geometric shapes. Examples of these shapes are spheres. There are also many other abstract forms to choose from. No matter what your preference may be elegant or bold most people would agree that stainless steel water features are very unique and eye catching. Stainless steel features look good in any type of setting when combined with plants and trees and are very attractive at night.

When deciding on a water feature for your garden it is important to know the style of your landscaping. It is a good idea to select your water feature to fit your surroundings. Your water feature may look out of place if you make the wrong choice. Your outdoor design is what determines what water features you would like to use. Fountains and other water features also come in natural stone and copper which is very much in style these days. It is important that you choose water features that complement your design, and the style of your home.

Garden lighting is quickly becoming one of the more prominent home improvement products sold today. These lights are simple to place and come in many different designs and styles.

To take advantage of the greatest use of garden lighting the placement of the lights are one of the top crucial factors in the decision. These lights can be placed for security purposes or for their aesthetic purposes. Some garden lights are so easy to install that the owner can move and place them several times.

Lighting developed for outdoor use will help with safety in the garden to not only illuminate pathways but offer security by illuminating darkened corners in the garden. These lights do not need to be high powered ones to do the job efficiently. Solar light strings and even single light lanterns are beautiful in design and offer the same security as the higher priced ones. LED lights are a favourite in groups of individuals who enjoy saving the planet as well as saving of money. These lights only require the sun to power them. This means that the only investment into this type of garden light will be the initial purchase. These garden lights are pleasing to the eye as well as perform their job just as well as other types of lighting do.

We all look forward to those summer holidays; a chance to feel the warm sun on our face and the gentle breeze in our hair; just the chance to get away from the everyday grind of life. However, most of us get bored to tears after a few days of just vegetating around the house. Taking a trip would be to nerve wracking, as well as expensive, but you want to do something. Well how about a bit of gardening?

There are many tasks that one can undertake on a summer holiday in the garden that is both rewarding and easy to do. Want to do your part to help the environment and have that luscious green garden without adding those pesky grow formulas and pesticides? Try your hand at composting. It is simple to do, does not take much room or effort and can pay off greatly. Not only will you reduce your wastes to be tossed in the rubbish, you get a cheap high quality fertilizer.

You can also try landscaping. Turn that plain garden into a summer and fall explosion of colour. Have a walkway to you house, line it with small hedges, or be adventurous and plant flowers and plants that bloom brightly coloured and fragrant plants. Maybe some window planters for herbs, there is nothing like the small or taste of fresh herbs in your meal, or to just add to the aroma of the room. Maybe even install a water feature and listen to the tranquility of running water as you sit outside.

For your summer holidays, gardening can be a rewarding experience. You get the challenge of making living things grow, and the activity and exercise to challenge the mind, body and refresh the spirit.

The heat of summer is on its way and the sun is powering your solar fountain in your garden. How do you care for a solar fountain? Does it require any maintenance? Do you have a care guide to looking after a solar fountain or you completely on your own with its care?

When caring for a solar fountain remember to check the solar battery that the sun charges. Sometimes the solar battery inside a solar fountain can have a loose connection and the battery will not store the suns energy which in turn will make your solar fountain run sluggish or even stop working. Make sure you clear away any leaf debris from the solar charging area so the battery can keep charging during the day so it runs at night also.

With a care guide you can follow simple instructions from most yard solar decorations. Remember to have your solar fountains where it can get at least six to eight hours of sunlight so it work through the night also on the reserve solar battery. Checking the hose connections is a wise idea to make sure that nothing has clogged the water from flowing through the circulation pump.

Solar powered water fountains can be a visually pleasing, cost effective, environmentally friendly addition to any garden enthusiast's yard and offer many advantages over fountains powered by electricity.

Solar powered fountains are just as effective as their electricity-powered counterparts when it comes to creating a relaxing outdoor atmosphere and attracting butterflies and songbirds to your yard, but at a much lower cost and they are much kinder to the environment.

These fountains operate on solar cells that convert the energy of sunlight into electricity, therefore you may run your fountain as long as you like without having to worry about the impact on your electric bill. Another environmentally friendly aspect of these fountains is that they come equipped with self-contained water feature that does not need to be connected to a water supply, which means the water just needs to topped off every now and again.

From a practical standpoint; forget about the incovenience of tangled electrical wires and finding an electrical outlet to plug in a solar powered fountains and they can be used year-round, as long as temperatures stay above freezing(when deep winter hits it may be advisable for you to move your fountain indoors as a precaution).

Most homeowners agree that there is never enough space to keep their belongings. They also agree that clutter detracts from the value of the property. That’s why garden storage sheds are so popular. They serve as a valuable space to store the lawnmower and other gardening equipment and furniture as well as belongings that just won’t fit in the home or garage.

No matter what type of garden building you choose as an addition to the garden space, to add value to the property it must blend into the garden design as well as being functional.

When planning the storage shed, don't limit the function with a boring design. The addition of windows and shelves will allow the storage shed to be used as a potting shed for the gardener, a playhouse for children, and a larger garden storage shed can even be converted to a workspace for a writer or artist.

The garden storage shed will enhance the value of the property and the design of the garden if it is painted to complement the home. A quaint garden bench and some potted flowers in the shade of the storage shed will add an inviting, peaceful, relaxing outdoor area to the garden.

Add functionality, beauty and value to your outdoor space with a garden building. From a garden shed to an additional summer bedroom, garden buildings can a bit of luxury to your property.

Depending on the materials used and the design of the structure, a starter garden building can be planned for almost any budget. A handy home owner can turn the construction of the building into a do it yourself project. Garden building kits are available to make the process easier if time is a concern. An ambitious project can be outsourced to a contractor.

Choose the type of garden building that best serves your lifestyle now while remembering that circumstances change with time. A garden building intended to serve as a playhouse for the children can serve as a storage area; a gardeners shed or even a studio in the future.

A larger storage shed, built with quality windows and entry ways can be converted to a summer guest house with the addition of partitions or even a loft. The addition of a porch or deck will add an entertainment area to your outdoor space.

A garden building can be used to add privacy to your outdoor spa, block the view of an unattractive neighbouring property or just serve as a shaded area to relax in.

Hydrotherapy has been used to improve health for centuries, and recent studies have added support to the benefits of the use of water to heal.

Hydrotherapy in the form of mineral baths, cool and warm water soaks, and using buoyancy to help in exercise for weight loss or strengthening exercise is now an accepted method to improve overall physical and emotional health. More recently, water movement in baths and spas has been used to alleviate pain and reduce stress to help the body heal itself.

A garden pool can serve not only to cool you off and shed stress, as a family gathering spot it can enhance the well being of the entire family. Exercise benefits of pool activities are achieved effortlessly because they are fun. A soak in cool waters of the garden swimming pool can also relieve muscle injury.

The warm water of a hot tub can increase blood circulation, bring temporary relief of arthritis pain, and even help relieve the symptoms of a cold or asthma by opening breathing passageways.

Hot or cold, still water or pulsating warm water, most people find immersion an easy way to relax. Reduction of stress is one of the most important health benefits for today's lifestyle.

Everyone knows that listening to a fountain can be soothing at the end of a stressful day. But there are true health benefits to be found in bubbling water. Hydrotherapy in its purest form, a fountain relieves stress by gently engaging the brain so that negative thoughts drift away. A fountain can even help those who suffer from insomnia by distracting their minds so that they can fall asleep more easily.

Fountains also add moisture to the air, which can be especially beneficial when they are used indoors. Unlike noisy humidifiers, fountains give off a natural, soothing sound that relaxes the senses as it eases water into the air. Moist air is good for the skin as well as the lungs, making a person look and feel youthful and relaxed.

Fountains also help purify indoor air because the negative ions in moving water attract dust. This will help people who suffer from dust allergies. Negative ions are also thought to energize the human body. Our homes are filled with devices that give off draining positive ions. Enriching the air with negative ions from running water will encourage the body to increase serotonin, proven to ease stress and depression.

So put up a water fountain today and being to enjoy better health right away.

Garden lighting fixtures can be used to illuminate areas for the comfort and convenience of visitors and to compliment plants and water features.

Lighting fixtures along paths and shining on areas of pedestrian traffic need to be placed in a way that illuminates the area but should not be overly bright. They should be installed in a configuration that does not shine directly into the eyes but still gives appropriate lighting.

Many garden lights are controlled by a timer or solar cell that turns them on and off automatically, eliminating the need for switches and special wiring. Less frequented areas are a good location for motion sensor lights that can be set to turn on when approached. They are designed to ignore animals and can be adjusted to stay lighted for various periods of duration.

Solar powered lights, which depend on the sun recharging them each day, need to be in an area where they can gather full sunlight into their solar cells. Other areas can be illuminated with low voltage or standard voltage lighting.

Gas lights are available for garden lighting, but care must be taken to have the lines that feed them properly installed. They should be placed in such a way that they will not interfere with future cultivation. The same caution should be observed when installing wiring for electrical lighting.

Lighting fixtures should be installed in such a way that they do not draw attention to themselves during daylight hours. Placing them behind rocks or statuary and tucking them in behind plants serves well as long as they are kept properly trimmed to avoid overgrowth.

At night, they should compliment the plants they illuminate and should be of proper wattage so they are not too bright in relation to other lights in the garden.

Trees and large plants create a pleasurable appearance when their limbs and branches are illuminated with up lights, but caution should be taken so that the area is not over illuminated.

In areas where other gardens are in close proximity, care should be taken so lights do not invade neighbors' windows or interfere with other garden lighting.

Choose lighting that highlights the favoured areas of the garden, and select subdued lighting for areas of less interest or importance. A transposition from light to dark is a good design feature as long as proper lighting for walking safely is preserved. Small lights that illuminate the earth or stones along a path serve this purpose well.

Water features offer an excellent area for lighting to be creatively placed. Underwater lighting is available in many variations and is especially attractive in a small pond with fish swimming about. Care should be taken to use lighting that is properly installed and is specifically designed to be placed underwater.

Waterfalls and fountains totally change in appearance when lighting is added to their areas of the garden.
Both natural light and lights of various colours can make water features the focus of attention or an attractive background for plants.

Choosing Lighting For Your Garden can be an enjoyable experience and can be done over a period of time stretching out the cost and allowing designing as the seasons change.

Most people love their patios or decks. When it's warm outside, it's great. When it's cold, it's not so great, especially if you're trying to have a party or get together. That's what outdoor patio heaters are made for. In chillier parts of the United Kingdom, swimming pool and patio parties are more of a seasonal thing. But with a good heater, you can enjoy your patio late into the year. For those of us who are conscious of the impact we all have on the environment, you can now purchase eco friendly patio heaters. They emit no co2 or other harmful emissions, they are designed to last up to five thousand hours, and they are based on a carbon fibre heating system.

Some of the cool things about these heaters are the extra gadgets that you can get with them. Some come with built in TV screens or high powered lights. Cold is no longer going to be a problem at your next gathering of family or friends. Remote controls make them easy to turn on and off, and of course, if you set them with your houses electrical timer, you can focus on your party without worrying about remembering to turn them on when things start to cool off or get dark. All of these things make an outdoor patio heater a worthy addition to your property, whether you like to grill out or just chill by the pool. UK water features sell high quality eco friendly patio heaters online.

Summer is almost upon us, and that means time for BBQs and get togethers with friends and family. Getting your property ready to host the party of the century is easy with some simple touch lights to put along your paths and driveway, a decent charcoal or gas powered barbecue pit, and an outdoor heater for those cool summer nights when the party just won't stop. Gas is the cleanest way to cook and control the flame, and is relatively inexpensive. Forget about hibachis; they're too small. To host a kicking party, you want a mammoth grill that can handle steaks, burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, and veggies, too.

For more professional lighting, look into having some spotlights installed in your garden and around the bushes and driveways of your property. These will keep the party going late without disturbing the neighbours.

If you have a pool or Jacuzzi, you may want to install lights in the vicinity of that as well, if you haven't already. When it gets cold, your guests can go for the hot tub or stand by the heater. Heaters come in a variety of prices, so you won't kill your budget. If you deck out your place with lights, you'll probably want some energy efficient light bulbs to keep your electricity bill low this summer. Having fun can be cheap and exciting with some cool summer gear like I've just mentioned. Happy shopping, and happy summer!

Everyone loves an outdoor party in the Summer. However, there is nothing that can be more of a disappointment than a party that has to be cut short because it gets dark. Just because the night falls, does not mean that the party should have to end there. A party should last as long as the people are still having a good time. A great way to avoid something like this from happening is to accessorise your garden with lights for an outdoor party. These garden lights will allow you to party all night if that is what you wish to do. they are a very stylish way to provide your guests with the light that they need to keep the party going for a long as they want to.

There are many fun and creative ways that you can add lights to your outdoor garden or patio. If you are looking for a temporary lighting system, for example, Chinese lanterns are a great thing for you to consider. These paper style lanterns add a soft glow and a great deal of style and fun to any outdoor occasion. They come in a wide array of shape and colors and are very inexpensive to acquire. This is just one of the fun ways that you can spread a bit of light on your outdoor party. There are many other ways that are great as well. By doing a small bit of research you will find that there are many wonderful ways that will available to you.

You know that every garden is enhanced with the addition of water features. Many people love the idea of adding a waterfall or fountain to bring tranquility to their little garden/entertaining area. The cost is usually their biggest deterrent in deciding if they should or should not add a water feature.

If you want to save money on electrical costs this is one very good reason why you should invest in solar fountains for your garden. Besides saving the cost of electricity the addition of solar powered water features will be environmentally friendly too.

It would be a huge mistake to think we are speaking in terms of pennies when it comes to saving electrical charges if you were to add an electric pond pump or feature to your garden. If you use only one small electric pond pump everyday/all day, you could be adding several pounds to your electric costs per month. Then if you add just one, simple little water feature to that, adds the same amount again to your monthly electric charges.

Solar water features, after the initial cost to install, will save you money over the many months to come. That is because these solar devices have solar panels installed that draw from solar energy. It won’t cost you anything to have beautiful and stress-relieving water features in your garden.

Just making this small difference in choosing solar over electric can go a long way toward an environmentally friendly gesture. This is one small way you can make a difference in your bills and for the earth.

Imagine you have friends or family over enjoying a sunny, warm day when, before you know it, the time gets away from you, and you are watching the sun sink slowly below the horizon. That is usually when the party winds down, and your guests begin to leave not wanting to catch a chill in the night air.

But a chilly evening doesn’t have to spell the end of your lovely time together, not when you have a patio heater ready to fire up at a minute’s notice. Patio heaters come in a variety of styles using various mediums for heat. The gas patio heaters offer a clean and efficient way to heat an area that will warm up to 15 of your guests at one time, leaving no one out of the fun.

For a more rustic addition to your garden, you may want to consider a ceramic or metal Chiminea patio heater or a firebowl which allows you to safely burn wood as a source of heat. Imagine the smell of seasoned wood as you sit around a blazing fire telling stories and sharing a few more laughs before you finally call it a night.

If it’s just heat you’re interested in, a parasol patio heater or an electric stand patio heater may be more to your liking. Whatever style you choose, adding a patio heater to your outdoor space or garden will definitely add another dimension to the way you entertain outdoors during the cool evening hours.