You know one when you see it. The English garden design is all about curved beds, winding paths, riotous color. The gardener’s hand is light. There-but just barely. It lets nature do its own thing. You might even say that the English garden design is controlled chaos.

The history of English garden design began with the revolt against the constraints of formal landscape design and classic landscape design. These two forms, with their appreciation of balance, symmetry and geometry, sit on the opposing end of the spectrum from English garden design. Where formal gardens find beauty in linearity, English gardens use undulating lines. Where formal gardens seek right angles, English gardens use few, if any, angles. The words of the English poet Alexander Pope (1688-1744)-the “amiable simplicity of unadorned nature”-describe this style.

Impressionist painters were key influencers in the continuing development of the English garden design. Claude Monet (1840-1926) claimed that painting and gardening were his only two interests in life. When he first moved to Giverny, where he would build his famous water gardens, his first concern was to arrange the garden in a rampant, naturalistic explosion of color.

The residential English garden design has since become hugely popular in the United States. Houston’s semi-tropical climate is well suited for vine-covered pergolas, sunny rose gardens, dazzling azalea beds and bursts of seasonal color-all plant materials that fit well within the English garden’s concept of abundance.

A Quick Study of English Gardens

The English garden design is the essence of an informal garden. The different colors and textures of the plant materials-the profuse wildness-draw the viewer in, creating a feast for the mind’s eye. However, while it has elements of a naturalistic garden, it is not considered of this style. Instead, flowering plants are arranged in a seemingly haphazard arrangement that merely recalls a natural landscape.

The general characteristics of an English garden design fall along these lines:

? Plants are chosen out of personal preference or connection. It is common to find cuttings from the gardens of family and friends.

? Regional plants have prominence because they enhance the naturalistic feel.

? Plants, especially flowering ones, are grouped into smaller clumps-not drifts. The desired effect is for the garden to appear somewhat random, but not messy.

? Many different kinds of plants are used-annuals, bulbs, herbs, perennials, shrubs and vines.

? Scent is very important in an English garden design. Hence, the prevalence of roses and herbs.

? Often the garden is enclosed by a picket fence or hedge to help bring some additional order.

? Strong mix of colors.

Colors of an English Garden: Evoking the Emotions

English garden design uses plants to reach the viewer emotionally rather than intellectually. Primarily, it is done with color.

Different colors affect people differently, but generally each color has its own psychological appeal. Green is the most restful color. Pale greens and yellow-greens are perfect for an English garden design because they feel lighter, brighter and more informal. White creates a sense of space in a garden. Red calls attention to itself or what it surrounds, making it perfect for planting near focal points. Apricot, salmon and peach tints are friendly and welcoming.

Space and Elements of the English Garden Design

The arrangement of elements within the English garden space is very important. Whereas the modern garden design uses a philosophy of “less is more”, the English garden simply says “more.”

Some elements to consider for an English garden:

Gates. The garden entryway can become an important element of an English garden design. Plants can soften the garden gate, making it even more inviting.

Hardscapes. Hardscapes are non-plant material features of landscape design. Popular residential hardscape structures made of wood that work well in an English garden design include arbors, pergolas and gazebos. In an English garden, walkways meander through the landscape while providing easy access to your home and other structures. Perhaps a retaining wall, a short wall used to hold the soil in place, is needed as part of a proper landscape drainage system. If so, good landscape designers and landscape architects will construct it so that it fits the design.

Material choices. Just as flagstone and travertine work well in a Mediterranean garden design, brick and gravel complement an English garden design.

The Ever After of an English Garden

While English gardens are lower in maintenance than a formal landscape design, a landscape maintenance program is still required. Especially it will involve the systematic feeding of flowers, bushes and trees. Since trees are a vital part of the English garden, make sure proper tree preservation methods are used during installation. “A temporary irrigation system and hand-digging to minimize damage to trees and their root systems are a very important part of tree preservation,” explains Jeff Halper with Exterior Worlds. For the longer term, a permanent irrigation system is also a plus for the entire landscape since it will increase the ease of the required regular watering.

Step by step pictures of how to design and build an outdoor living space or garden.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Garden design defined- Many people wonder what garden design exactly entails. Well, its actually a very straight forward concept consisting out of an artful process which in turn comprises of design, creation and planning precise layout of not only garden plants but also as the landscape areas self. The owner of the garden or a professional such as a landscaper can undertake a garden design project, depending on the expertise required. Even if you decide on a professional, it’s important to remember that his or her level of experience and expertise will vary from individual to individual.

Education- Most garden designers have been trained in both design and horticulture, with advanced know-how and experience on plants and their use. A Landscape Architect can also be considered part of a professional garden designer team, with formal training in the form of a degree, which includes state licensing.

Will only a pro succeed? -Its not only pro’s that succeed in garden design. Amateur gardeners also have the to potential to gain immense levels of experience, expertise and know-how from working in their own gardens. Wanna-be designers can also get necessary knowledge from either part-time or full-time study in the form of a University or College Degree in Gardening. Gardening or garden design organisations or clubs are also a very popular choice for individuals who want to learn more about gardening. These clubs include The Gardeners of America, National Garden Club or American Horticultural Society.

Increased interest in garden design- The popularity of garden design has boomed substantially in resent years specifically during the last century, not only as a mere hobby for gardening fanatics, but also as an addition to professional garden designers’ portfolio’s.

Basic principles of design- It doesn’t matter whether you are a garden designer by profession or an amateur trying your hand at something new, the basic principles of design will always remain the same if you want to ensure design effectiveness, resulting in a garden meeting the needs, goals and desires of the owner or user of the garden.

Elements of design- Essential garden design elements include, solid landscape layout such as paths, walls, water features, seating and decking; plant layout, with proper consideration to every plants individual requirements, the season, lifespan, habit in terms of growth including size and speed and lastly the combi of other plants and landscape characteristics.

Regular maintenance considerations- Regular maintenance considerations are also very important, this includes the time and costs spent to ensure the garden is properly maintained. This will have a direct impact on your plant choices, as special consideration needs to be taking in terms of plant growth speed, seeding, whether plants are annual, bi-annual or perennial, bloom-time and actual bloom duration, and numerous other factors.

Other considerations of importance- Of all the design considerations garden use is definitely regarded as the most important, desired style follows very close behind, and lastly the way the garden is intended to blend with your home or surrounding areas. Unfortunately, mentioned considerations are subject to two problems, namely budget and time limitations. Budget limitations are beaten chop-chop by a simple, basic garden design style with few and quick growing plants, inexpensive materials for landscaping and seeding instead sodding. Apart from this, garden owners can decide to design their gardens’ over an extended period, in sections, with primary focus on each individual section instead of manage all at once.

Learn ideas for designing your vegetable garden in this free online video guide to vegetable gardening. Expert: Scott Reil Contact: www.safelawns.org Bio: Scott Reil is an accredited nurseryman and longtime horticulturalist with over two decades of experience in the field. Scott is now working for www.safelawns.org. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Everyone enjoys fresh garden vegetables when they grow them themselves or purchase them at a farmers market. Even if you do not have a backyard, you can enjoy planting vegetable gardens by using your indoor space. You have to make a few decisions before you begin concerning space, containers, and of course, the appropriate vegetables.

The first thing you’re going to have to decide on its whether you have enough light, and the available containers to take advantage of that light. This is a decision before you can choose what type of vegetables. Your planting. Because some vegetables are going to need more light than others, and some may not grow indoors as well.

Fruit bearing plants need more light than vegetables type plants such as Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, and even miniature cabbage.

Once you decide on the amount of light you have it’s time to determine how much space you going to use for your indoor garden. In other words, you need to make sure that you have room for containers that are big enough to allow the plants to grow to their full potential. You may find that root crops are good choices, those such as onions, radishes, and even carrots do very well indoors. And of course, most people found that many herbs can be grown affectively indoors year-round. There are also miniature varieties of different vegetables that you can grow indoors that do not take up as much space as the full-size ones, including peppers, eggplant, and miniature tomatoes.

Now that you’ve decided the type of vegetable garden you’re going to plant, you’re going to have to find the best spot to place your containers. You’ll need a minimum of five hours of light for your indoor garden, but don’t forget, you can actually set up artificial lighting. You’ll also think about traffic flow throughout your house. Vegetable plants bruise easily make sure they’re in low traffic areas, that they don’t get bruised by kids playing, pets, or briefcases and packages.

Of course, indoor gardens need special care. Plants grow best through high humidity and constant temperatures. And this means you may have to water your plants more frequently, as well as moderate the temperature in your home on a regular basis

Now that you have chosen the type of plants you’re going to grow, decided on the spot to grow them in, it’s time to think about soil. You’ll have some choices as far as what type of soil you bring into your home to grow your vegetable gardens. You can choose the ground that is outside and add fertilizer as well as drainage, you can purchase potting soil, or you can actually purchase organic potting soil that has all of the fertilizers you may need.

Learn how to grow vegetables and herbs in a raised bed garden with this Home Depot video. The video covers all aspects of raised bed gardening from measuring your soils pH level to harvesting your vegetables and herbs. For more information, visit www.homedepot.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Growing herbs is rapidly gaining favor with gardeners today. Both the experienced and beginners are discovering the rewards of growing fresh herbs.  They are joining an age old pursuit of seeking to enjoy the delightful products offered by herbs.  This pursuit has touched all societies and ages.  These how to plant herb garden tips will help the beginning herb gardener get off to a good start on the path to fresh herb enjoyment.

Herbs are easy to grow and starting out they don’t necessarily have to be grown in their own garden.  They can be planted in an existing flower bed or garden as long as it drains well and it will receive plenty of sunshine.  They can also be grown in pots that can be placed either indoors or outside.  If culinary herbs are being cultivated it is a good idea to plant them near the kitchen so they will be immediately available for cooking.

An enjoyable challenge to the beginning herb gardener is picking which herbs to raise.  In addition to culinary herbs other types include medicinal, aromatic, ornamental, beverage, pesticidal and industrial.  It is recommended for the beginner to start with familiar culinary herbs and expand with other type herbs as the confidence and experience levels grow.  

Here are a few suggestions with comments for the new gardener’s considersation.

SWEET MARJORAM – This is a good plant for growing in pots because it only grows to twelve inches and needs only six inches of space.  In warmer areas it can be a perennial but in cooler climes with frequent frosts it is an annual.  Its reward is the delicate flavor it adds to soups, salads, fish and lamb.

THYME – This herb is used to flavor poultry dressing and soups.  It grows to twelve inches and needs eight inches of space. It is a hardy perennial that becomes a shrub that produces leaves for flavoring.  It also needs rich soil.

SUMMER SAVORY – Excellent when used to create mouth-watering fish specialties and to flavor soups and beans.  This is a delicate little annual that germinates in only seven to ten days and grows up to twelve inched and requires five inches of space.   

BORAGE – This plant’s leaves are a great addition to a tossed salad with its subtle flavor.  It does not like to be moved so it should be planted directly in the garden where it will reach a height of two feet and need twelve inches of space.  It is an annual.

LAVENDER – Here is an aromatic that a new herb gardener might like to try.  It is a hardy perennial with gray leaves and spikes of fragrant lavender flowers.  The leaves can be dried by hanging them in a cool dry space like and attic or garage.  The pleasant scented dried leaves can be used for a variety of purposes including freshening up a linen closet.

Armed with this information you are now ready to start your adventure in herb gardening so go for the gusto.

This is a small (90 gal.) pond in my flower garden. It was built for the turtle who outgrew her indoor tank. Rosebud the turtle is a Texas Red Eared Slider. She shares the space with four comet goldfish. No, the turtle dosen’t try to eat the fish. I feed them a commercialy prepared food daily.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Selecting the Right Water Feature for Your Garden

When contemplating a water feature for your garden it is
important to reflect on the style of your landscaping and draw
from this to select the right style of water feature to suit the
surroundings. The wrong choice could result in your water
feature looking out of place. Consider a contemporary minimalist
garden with a Whisky Barrel Kit as the water feature!

Below we have prepared a list of common garden styles and some
suggestions for incorporating water features into these gardens.
This list is by no means exhaustive. Also, take into account
that many gardens are a fusion of two or three garden styles.

Contemporary Garden

This style of garden is usually characterised by attention to
detail such as the use of a single specimen plant. Simplicity,
form and the clever use of light and space are fundamental to
this style. Colours are used minimally to produce dramatic
effects.

Suitable Water Features Stainless Steel Features Water Walls
Clad (with Contemporary materials) Canals and Rills (made from
Contemporary materials) Reflection Pools Architectural Granite
Features (Aquifer Columns or spheres)

Cottage Garden

Arguably the most enduring of all garden styles, this garden is
characterised by mass planting of colourful flowers and herbs in
well designed garden beds. Although the plant design is
carefully structured it is designed to look natural and
free-flowing. This style often incorporates places of interest
to visit such as bench seats, arbours, and gazebos.

Suitable Water Features Bird Baths Wishing Wells Natural Ponds
Statuary Features Formal Ponds Fountains

Formal Garden

A formal look in a landscape is typically achieved by placing
plants to conform strictly to a geometric design theme. This
style relies on the use of symmetry to draw the eye to focal
points such as water features or sculpture. The use of hedging
plants and topiaries is essential to achieve the formal look.

Suitable Water Features Stone Fountains Bird Baths Reflection
Pools Spilling Urns / Pots Fountain Sprayers Geometric Ponds

Tuscan Garden

The rustic Italian garden seems to assimilate very well into the
Australian landscape. Aged, muted colors intrinsic to Italian
gardens are echoed in our landscape. A focus on Al Fresco dining
and entertaining is essential to this style. Planting is often
semi-formal – formal and includes topiaries and hedges.

Suitable Water Features Spilling Urns Wall Fountains Stone
Fountains Classical Statuary Tiled/Stone Water Walls Wall
Spitters

Japanese Garden

The Japanese garden has its emphasis in simplicity, control and
thoughtful design. This garden must incorporate the careful use
water as a focal point. Well placed, gracefully formed plants
such as bamboos, grasses and flowering shrubs provide balance
which is essential to this style. These gardens also use stone
and sand to imitate the natural landscape. The Japanese garden
is the ultimate meditation and relaxation. Suitable Water
Features Deer Scarer (Shi Shi Odoshi) Japanese Spill Basin
(Tsukabi) Large Containers with Fish and Water Lilies Rock
Geysers Fish Ponds Natural Ponds with Rock Waterfalls and
Cascades

Xeriscape Garden

Xeriscape is a term derived from the Greek word ‘xeros’ meaning
dry and from the word landscape, to form a new term for water
conserving gardens. This style is increasing in popularity due
to our dry climate. This garden often features both native and
exotic species and is landscaped to minimise water use and to
channel water to plants that have a higher requirement.
Xeriscaping often draws from Cottage and Contemporary styles.

Suitable Water Features Dry Creek Bed Mill Stone Features
(re-circulating) Rock Geyser (re-circulating) Granite Features
Natural Ponds (to provide an oasis for wildlife)

Tropical Gardens

The tropical garden is one for the plant lovers, these gardens
are gaining in popularity due to the range of plant species now
available to Australian gardeners. Tropical plants, densely
planted, look their best in summer when we typically use our
gardens. Characterised by the use of bold, lush and colourful
foliage with spectacular flowers. This style provides a cooling
oasis in the warmer months.

Suitable Water Features Natural Ponds Waterfalls Creeks /
Streams Reflection Ponds Spilling Pots/Urns Contemporary
Statuary Water Walls

Australian Native Garden

This style of garden draws on the unique characteristics of
Australian materials and the natural colours of Australia. Often
rustic in style, the use of timber, stone and corrugated iron
can be incorporated into the Australian garden. Modern
Australian native plantings are often designed similar to a
traditional cottage garden with the focus on the colour palette.

Suitable Water Features Whisky/Wine Barrels Wishing Wells Mill
Stone Features Cobbled Creeks Natural Ponds Concrete
Sinks/Troughs Rock Geysers

The protective playground surface is often the most overlooked element of home playground safety. While roughly 80% of public playgrounds have some form of shock-absorbing protective surfacing under playground equipment, only 9% of home backyard playgrounds do, according to a 2001 playground injury study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). The study found that, of the approximately 50,000 injuries per year associated with home backyard playground equipment, 69% of the injuries were a result of falls to a non-protective surface below the equipment.

Perhaps the most familiar backyard playground surface options are grass and dirt, but neither surface adequately protects children against serious injury due to falls, even falls that occur from 30 inches or less above the ground. Fractures of the arms and hands, and cuts and bruises of the head and face are the most commonly reported injuries that result from a child falling from playground equipment to a non-protective playground surface such as grass or dirt, as reported by the CPSC.

The good news is that a number of protective playground surfaces are available that meet the requirements for proper playground safety. As you might expect, playground surface options range in cost from affordable to expensive, and each option has its own list advantages and disadvantages. Considering the positive and negative characteristics of each type of playground surface material, as presented in this article, should provide you with enough information to choose the best playground surface option for your backyard playground.

The first and most vital piece of information to know before selecting a material to use for your protective playground surface is the critical height of the playground equipment.  Critical height refers to the “maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur.” The critical height of your playground equipment equals the height (in feet) of the uppermost portion of your backyard playground equipment that is accessible to children. The protective playground surface you decide on for your backyard playground should be installed with a depth that is appropriate for your equipment’s critical height.

The following information details the critical height (in feet) for each of the loose-fill surface materials described in this article “when tested in an uncompressed state at depths of 6, 9, and 12 inches. The [information] also shows the critical height when a 9 inch depth of each material was tested in a compressed state.”  For instance, if the critical height of your backyard playground equipment is 8 feet, then your best choices for protective loose-fill surface materials, according to the information below, would be 9 inches of compressed or uncompressed wood chips, 9 inches of uncompressed shredded bark mulch, 12 inches of uncompressed play sand, 12 inches of uncompressed pea gravel, or 6 inches of uncompressed recycled rubber mulch.

WOOD CHIPS*
Six inch depth, uncompressed = 7 feet
Nine inch depth, uncompressed = 10 feet
Twelve inch depth, uncompressed = 11 feet
Nine inch depth, compressed = 10 feet

*This product may also be referred to as Wood Mulch, but the term Wood Chips more accurately describes the product.

SHREDDED BARK MULCH
Six inch depth, uncompressed = 6 feet
Nine inch depth, uncompressed = 10 feet
Twelve inch depth, uncompressed = 11 feet
Nine inch depth, compressed = 7 feet

ENGINEERED WOOD FIBERS**
Six inch depth, uncompressed = 6 feet
Nine inch depth, uncompressed = 7 feet
Twelve inch depth, uncompressed = >12 feet
Nine inch depth, compressed = 6 feet

**This may also be referred to as Uniform Wood Chips, but, in the playground industry, the product is more commonly known as Engineered Wood Fibers.

FINE SAND
Six inch depth, uncompressed = 5 feet
Nine inch depth, uncompressed = 5 feet
Twelve inch depth, uncompressed = 9 feet
Nine inch depth, compressed = 5 feet

COURSE SAND
Six inch depth, uncompressed = 5 feet
Nine inch depth, uncompressed = 5 feet
Twelve inch depth, uncompressed = 6 feet
Nine inch depth, compressed = 4 feet

FINE GRAVEL
Six inch depth, uncompressed = 6 feet
Nine inch depth, uncompressed = 7 feet
Twelve inch depth, uncompressed = 10 feet
Nine inch depth, compressed = >6 feet

MEDIUM GRAVEL
Six inch depth, uncompressed = 5 feet
Nine inch depth, uncompressed = 5 feet
Twelve inch depth, uncompressed = 6 feet
Nine inch depth, compressed = 5 feet

SHREDDED TIRES***
Six inch depth, uncompressed = 10-12 feet
Nine inch depth, uncompressed = N/A
Twelve inch depth, uncompressed = N/A
Nine inch depth, compressed = N/A

***This data is from tests conducted by independent testing laboratories on a 6 inch depth of uncompressed shredded tire samples produced by four manufacturers.  The test results reported critical heights which varied from 10 feet to greater than 12 feet.  It is recommended that persons seeking to install shredded tires as a protective surface request test data from the supplier showing the critical heights of the material when it was tested in accordance with ASTM F1292.

Alternatives to loose-fill surface materials are rubber playground tiles, rubber mats, and poured-in-place playground surfaces. These surfaces are available from a number of manufacturers who may use a variety of shock-absorbing materials. The manufacturers should be able to provide you with test data that shows the critical height for the protective surfaces they offer.

Being aware of some of the advantages and disadvantages of loose-fill surface materials will help you in narrowing the choices to meet your particular situation.  In general, loose-fill playground surface materials like wood chips, shredded bark mulch, pea gravel, play sand, and recycled rubber mulch are most often chosen for backyard playgrounds because they are reasonably priced and easy to find at a local garden center or home improvement warehouse. Recycled rubber mulch can also be found in a variety of colors and sizes through internet suppliers.

LOOSE-FILL MATERIALS – GENERAL GUIDELINES

A retaining barrier of some kind is required to prevent the surface materials from becoming displaced because of active play or weather conditions. Additionally, loose-fill materials should never be installed on top of hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Likewise, good drainage beneath the protective surface is highly recommended.

Overall Advantages:

The initial price of installing a loose-fill playground surface under your backyard playground equipment is generally low because the materials are easy to find and are relatively inexpensive.

Overall Disadvantages:

Over a period of time, loose-fill materials can become compressed, resulting in a decreased ability to protect. Recommended depths can be compromised when active play or windy conditions displace the loose-fill materials. Debris such as broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects which can cause injury can become buried in loose-fill materials. Ongoing maintenance is essential to maintain proper depth and to remove debris. Maintenance can include raking, sifting, grading, and leveling. Periodic renewal or replacement of loose-fill materials is necessary, which can be time consuming and costly. The exception to this is recycled rubber mulches – see below for further information.

WOOD CHIPS AND SHREDDED BARK MULCH

Advantages:

Wood chips and shredded bark mulch are not as abrasive as play sand. Animals are not as likely to contaminate wood chips and shredded bark mulch.
Wood chips and shredded bark mulch are appealing to the eye.

Disadvantages:

The protective ability of wood chips and shredded bark mulch is reduced in rainy, humid, and freezing weather conditions. Over a period of time, wood chips and shredded bark mulch will become pulverized, compacted, and will decompose. Wood chips and shredded bark mulch can invite fungus and mold to grow when moist or wet. Insects are drawn to wood chips and shredded bark mulch.

PEA GRAVEL

Advantages:

Pea gravel will not become ground down and decompose. Mold and fungus growth is not generally an issue. Animals and insects not as attracted to pea gravel.

Disadvantages:

Pea gravel can be a challenge to walk on. The protective ability of pea gravel is reduced in rainy, humid, and freezing weather conditions. Pea gravel can be a falling hazard if displaced from the playground area to a nearby hard surface (sidewalk, decking, or patio, for example).

PLAY SAND

Advantages:

Play sand will not pulverize and decompose. Mold and fungus growth is not generally an issue.

Disadvantages:

Play sand can be difficult to walk on. The protective ability of play sand is reduced in rainy and humid weather conditions. Animals are attracted to sand unless it can be covered when not in use. Play sand affixes easily to shoes, clothing, and skin. Play sand can be abrasive to floor surfaces if tracked inside.

RECYCLED RUBBER MULCH

Advantages:

Recycled rubber mulch does not generally need to be replaced or renewed each year. Many manufacturers claim that rubber mulch can last approximately 50 years without requiring replacement. Check with recycled rubber mulch suppliers for any guarantees or warrantees that may be available. Rubber mulch tends to be cleaner and less likely than other loose-fill materials to produce dirty clothing, hands, and shoes during active play. Does not cause scrapes, scratches, or splinters from falls. Animals and insects are not attracted to rubber mulch. Mold and fungus growth is not a concern.

Disadvantages:

Recycled rubber mulch may need to be raked periodically to maintain proper depths in high traffic areas. Colors on recycled rubber mulch may fade over a period of time.

OTHER PROTECTIVE PLAYGROUND SURFACE OPTIONS

Rubber tiles, rubber mats, and poured-in-place surfaces are initially more expensive surface options than loose-fill materials, but they often need very little upkeep over time. To determine whether one of these options would be more cost effective than a loose-fill material, consider how many children might potentially use your backyard playground equipment and for how many years. Larger families, for example, may prefer to pay more at first for a surface that will be easier and much less expensive to maintain over many years of active use.

Advantages:

No means of containment is usually required. Surfaces are wheelchair accessible and easy to walk on. Displacement of materials is not an issue, so the protective ability of these surfaces stays consistent even in high traffic areas. Surfaces require very little maintenance over time and are easy to clean. Debris such as broken glass and other sharp objects which can cause injury are not easily concealed by these surfaces. Animals and insects are not attracted to the surface materials. Mold and fungus growth is not a concern.

Disadvantages:

The area under the surface usually requires special preparation. Contact the manufacturer or supplier for details. Surfaces may require professional installation. Rubber tiles may curl and become tripping hazards if not installed properly. Some surfaces may be damaged by frost.

In closing, no protective playground surface of any type or depth can prevent all injuries. Nonetheless, installing a protective playground surface as the foundation for your backyard playground equipment is essential for improving playground safety. The right playground surface for your needs is up to you, but whatever choice you make will be a significant step toward protecting the children in your life from serious injuries due to falls to the surface.

Sources:

CPSC Document #323. “Home Playground Safety Tips.”
CPSC Document #324 “Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook.” 2005.
CPSC Document #1005. “Playground Surfacing Materials.”
CPSC Report. “Home Playground Equipment-Related Deaths and Injuries.” July 2001.
CPSC Report. “Special Study: Injuries and Deaths Associated with Children’s
Playground Equipment.” April 2001.

Schenectady Central Park Highlighting The Rose Garden and The Play Ground This is in Mid June 2009 Video By David Tanner Schenectadyvideos

Every child just loves to play in the playgrounds. Playgrounds are considered very important for children because they not only provide best opportunities for unlimited fun but in addition they also help in proper growth of the children. Playgrounds play a very major role in the social and physical development of a child. Physical development has its own importance but in today’s competitive world we cannot overlook the role of social interaction in the overall development of child.

It is important for your child to become social right from the beginning so that he or she should not face any sort of unanticipated troubles later on. If you are confining him or her within the compound of your house then it will not going to do right for your child. It is crucial that your child possess the habit of going to playground so that he or she can easily understand his or her role in the external world.

There are distinct reasons which make this play equipment offering company outstanding in the market. These reasons are briefly mentioned below:

Durability: all the equipments offered by this company are highly durable in nature. This is one of the qualities which most of the other companies fail to provide. It doesn’t matter which type of playground equipment you are going for. You will not require going for any kind of complaint or maintenance for a long period of time. Affordable price: not high profit making but customer service is the prime motto of this company. AAA State of Play is a company which believes in offering play equipment at the most reasonable price prevailing in the market. So that large number of people can avail direct benefit out of it. Full assistance: there is no wavering when it comes to assistance providing. Staff is fully trained to understand the needs of customers in a precise fashion. Right from first post hole to safety surfacing the experts of this company will be there to serve you.

There are many online as well as offline stores available from where you can buy playground products for your children. However as these playground products are meant for your child, it is very important that they must be safe from all aspects and so must be purchased from a genuine store only. A playground is nothing without play equipment. Playing equipment has its own importance in schools, public gardens, daycare, and church facilities where maximum number of children interacts with each other. The out door play area will be more attractive if you will use Koochieplay’s distinctive, beautifully made outdoor play equipments which is enjoyed by children up and down the country in school playgrounds, nurseries, parks and holiday attractions. Children’s outdoor play equipment from Koochieplay. Koochieplay offer a comprehensive range of children’s outdoor play equipment and garden play equipment for all ages. KOOCHIE PLAY SYSTEMS is amongst the fastest emerging playground equipment manufacturer that provides quality outdoor playground equipment. The dream [after all everything begins with a dream] we have, is not about making or selling playground systems like no one else does, nor was it to offer a product what everyone wanted, but to become a playground equipment supplier that offers TOTAL SOLUTIONS which would first of all include CHILD SAFETY [an aspect that has been completely ignored till date in the Indian market],MEETING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS in terms Of quality, aesthetics, product life, design, planning & execution.KOOCHIE has right from the beginning, redefined the rules of the game and achieved a successful balance between SAFETY, RELIABILITY, QUALITY, ASTHETICS, DESIGN and EXCELLENCE Our commercial play equipment includes school playground equipment, wooden climbing frames, shelters, Pavilions, tables, safety surfacing, playhouses, sandboxes and trim trails.

To know more details please go through our website http://www.koochieplay.com/

All the information you need to know on how to plant Container Gardens. This article will show you how to plant successful and healthy Container Gardens.

When you are ready to mix ingredients, be sure the soil is damp and workable. To determine this, take a handful, squeeze it and allow it to drop. If water comes out, it is too wet; if it breaks apart, it is too dry. But if the lump of soil retains its shape or cracks just a little when it is dropped, it is in good condition to work.

Be certain gardening containers are clean when you start. Soak used or new clay pots overnight so they will not draw moisture from soil after planting. This is a very important step when you are beginning your plants life. If the pot draws off the moisture the new plant will be deprived.

Though redwood, cedar, and cypress s may be left natural, they may also be stained or painted. First clean the surfaces then apply one or two coats of stain or paint. Let dry completely before planting.

Consider the shape of each, its color, and texture in relation to the color of flowers and foliage and the present as well as ultimate size of each plant. Don’t choose material that is too small, and if you want a group of plants for a large, select one tall specimen for the center to give height and scale.

Keep in mind the form of plants, particularly the evergreens which stand out boldly in winter. Rounded types, as clipped yews or globe arborvitae, look well in angulars. Hollies or yews, sheared into squares or pyramids, look better in circular tubs. This contrast of the curving with the straight always gives interest to the garden and those guests that visit.

The first step in potting a container garden is to place sufficient drainage material in the bottom of each so that water can pass through freely, but not so much as to interfere with the roots. An inch or two of flower pot pieces (rounded sides up), or chips of brick or flagstone, pebbles, gravel, small stones, or cinders can be used. The larger the, the larger the pieces should be. Some gardeners spread a piece of coarse burlap and a layer of sand over large drainage pieces. A layer of Vermiculite or sphagnum moss over the drainage material is also fine to keep soil from clogging holes. If the holes clog the roots will drown.

Above the drainage, spread a layer of soil, the amount depending on the size of the root ball of the plant. Place the plant in position so that the surface of the soil will be an inch (more for big plants) below the rim of the pot. This space is needed to hold water.

Fill soil in around the roots, firming gently with your fingers or a piece of wood so as to eliminate air pockets. Do not make the soil too tight for fine feeding roots must be able to penetrate it with ease.

Finally, water plants well, let them drain. If water passes through the pot very rapidly, press soil again to firm it, that means there are air pockets. If the soil holds water too long, loosen it a little.

Place the plants in a sheltered spot out of sun and wind for the first week or so while they make new root growth and adjust to new conditions.

When your permanent trees, shrubs or perennials grow too large for their pots, shift them to bigger ones. Water them the night before so the soil will be moist for transplanting and won’t cause you to tug hard to get them out. Dry soil tends to break apart, except on root-bound specimens.

Planting large specimens purchased in temporary s is a more involved process. If they are in baskets or boxes, these can be broken or torn apart, but be careful not to disturb the roots. Tins must be opened with tin cutters. To remove plants, put the cut s on their sides and pry steadily at the ball of soil gently in order not to break it. The less root damage the better the odds that the plant will be healthy.

All plants benefit from a mulch spread evenly over the surface of the soil. This will keep the soil cool and moist while keeping the weeds under control. Use peat moss, sand, gravel, stones, pebbles, buckwheat hulls, or Vermiculite. One of these will also give an attractive appearance but since the mulch conceals the soil, it is more difficult to determine when to water. Test by poking a finger through the material to touch the soil.

In the case of planters, again make certain drainage facilities are good. Usually there are holes at the base or sides. For best results, every four square feet should have a two-inch drainage outlet to keep those roots healthy.

Planters require day-by-day care to keep plants at their best. This means pruning, staking, spraying, feeding, and more particularly watering. Often planters are located under overhanging roofs or broad eaves. Wherever they are, do not depend on rain, but apply the hose as often as needed, which is usually daily and sometimes more often.

Garden ideas and themes are incomplete without a waterscape. Water gardens can be created both indoors and outdoors. Indoor water gardens can be maintained more easily than the outdoor one.

One may wish to create this type of garden for water plants and to breed fish. One may also wish to create a water garden only to hear the pleasant sound of the water fall. It is necessary to decide the reason and theme for your garden as the size of the garden depends on this. A small pond limits the number of fishes or the plants one would like to accommodate.

On the basis of the fishes or the plants the waterscape can be loosely categorized into two types:
* Koi pond
* Water garden

The koi pond is made only for the koi fishes. They are a kind of gold fish. Koi fishes are the Japanese versions of goldfish. The koi pond is different from a normal water garden. It limits the plant life inside the waterscape as Koi fish eats some plants. A koi pond needs to be large in size as the fish grows very fast. Experts would recommend a koi pond of not less than 1000 gallons in volume. The depth of the pond should also be at least 3-4 feet deep.

The water garden on the other hand contains both fishes and aquatic plants. For the moderate climates, water garden needs least 2 feet of depth. For the colder climes, a depth of at least 12″ to 16″ of water below the freeze zone is required.

The first step to create a water garden is to select the location. The waterscape is truly enjoyable if installed near the home. One can also shrink the pond into a pot and an aquarium can be formed. If one plans to build a larger waterscape then the pond should be positioned in a way to avoid pond overflow during rains. The pond should also be open enough to attract the wildlife including birds and butterflies.

Make sure that the water body is not too close to the trees so that the fertilizers, chemicals, and organic debris like falling leaves and garbage dont fall into the pond. The pond should get 4 to 6 hours of direct sun light if it has water lilies and proper shading planned for fish. The regular use of pump to renew the water makes the fish and the plants healthier. The pumps help to keep the filter, fountain, or waterfall running. Water garden can be given the desired shape with proper usage of the available space and planned digging.

The selection of plants is equally important as the fishes for the water garden. The popular choices of aqua plants for the water garden include:

* Floaters (to prevent water algae)
* Oxygenating grasses (to maintain the PH balance)
* Bog plants
* Deep-water plants (prevents algae and keep the water cool)

Fountains make water gardens more beguiling. The process of installation is very simple and the sound of water makes a peaceful diversion.