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Garden Angel Statues - Friends to All
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Greg_Juchau]Greg Juchau

What is gardening? In this author’s opinion it is the art of aiding nature in the creation of life. So what better way to make a proud showing of nature than with statues of angels, strategically placed in your garden. Angel statues to protect what you have aided mother nature in creating. Your garden angel statues showing the love that have for all of God’s creations.

If you are person who truly enjoys the outdoors and having a garden that is of your true creation; then why not display it proud with many added touches of your own, by putting angel statues to be protectors of your growing fruits, vegetables, and colorful flowers.

It is a given that if one is proud of their garden then they must be equally proud of their lawn, having the desire to make it of their own creation as well. Maybe making the transition from lawn and garden, a solid one, with a pathway into the garden, placing an angel statue on each side, showing the way into your humble garden.

Angel statues can be a comfort to all creatures, big and small; especially the feathers friends of flight, who would delight in taking a rest and a cool drink from a fountain being held by an angel, a flying friend that is recognized and trusted. Then there are the furry friends: squirrels, who we all enjoy watching run about the garden, collecting prizes to store in their winter cache. Why not give them a treat in the garden, by placing a statue of an angel in the corner by the fence, filled with what we all know to be the squirrels favorites.

What a delight it is to invite friends and neighbors over for a barbecue, all the time letting them marvel in your creative ability, watching all the activity that have been invited into your garden, seeing all of the creatures of nature at home amongst the angel statues. Resting, eating, drinking, and of course scurrying around, playing and getting ready for the winter ahead. All feeling at ease from the peaceful atmosphere that only garden angel statues can create.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Juchau http://EzineArticles.com/?Garden-Angel-Statues—Friends-to-All&id=2501926

What is gardening? In this author’s opinion it is the art of aiding nature in the creation of life.

What Do You Want in a Water Garden?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Hanlon]Cheryl Hanlon

Deciding on what type of garden you want in your yard is important. This is going to be a decision that you plan out and put a lot of effort into as well. There are dozens of things to think about and figure out so that the pond looks great and you feel good about it when it is all done.

Considering the different types of filtration systems is important as well. You want to make sure that the pond is relaxing if nothing else. To do this, your pond must look good and also smell great too. You need to be sure that the pond is clean with the right filtration system so that you are keeping your investment safe.

What shape are you choosing for the water garden? Is it going to be long, short, large, winding, deep, or shallow? These are all things that are going to mean a lot to the design of the water garden that you are creating. It takes a lot of planning out on paper so that you are seeing the entire look of everything before you begin the digging.

There are many people that want their water garden to be more than just a pond. They will add in some smaller ponds to the water garden so that they create the look of a waterfall. This is a great way to make your pond unique and stylish as well. Getting prepared for your water garden will make the difference when it comes time to getting ready for the pond.

If you have a larger sized pond area, you might need to have more than one type of filtration system. You might have to check out the different filtration systems that are on the market today. Many times, you will find that they are costly and this might not be in your budget. Make sure that your pond is set up like it should be and that you can take care of the maintenance and all the costs that go along with the creation that you have designed.

Be sure that you are set up with the right type of electricity too. You want to have your pond set up near some type of electrical outlet so that you do not have to create more work for yourself. There are ways to make sure that you are prepared before you start the digging process for the pond. Getting our pond to have everything that you want means you have to really plan out this process and not forget to plan for anything.

Once your water garden is set up, you can then being putting in the fish and the plants. After all, what is a water garden without plants and fish? This is going to add to the beauty of the garden and all you to sit and spend hours looking at the life growing inside your pond.

Cheryl is a freelance pond and water garden writer. Living in the rural area of Pennsylvania, Cheryl puts her greenhouse to use discovering more about greenhouses and plants all the time. Make your pond a center of your home, landscape, and fun in life. You can find more articles by Cheryl at http://www.pondsupply.com Find all types of articles from Cheryl about greenhouses, ponds, and flowers all on this site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Hanlon http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Do-You-Want-in-a-Water-Garden?&id=2597052

The shape can be exciting too.  You can use any shape that you want for your water garden.  The only thing that you have to make sure of is that you have enough room for your water garden.  You have to make sure that your garden has character.  Being unique and different is something that will make you feels good each time you sit by it and watch the water falls that you have placed thoughtfully.What Do You Want in a Water Garden?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Hanlon]Cheryl Hanlon

Deciding on what type of garden you want in your yard is important. This is going to be a decision that you plan out and put a lot of effort into as well. There are dozens of things to think about and figure out so that the pond looks great and you feel good about it when it is all done.

Considering the different types of filtration systems is important as well. You want to make sure that the pond is relaxing if nothing else. To do this, your pond must look good and also smell great too. You need to be sure that the pond is clean with the right filtration system so that you are keeping your investment safe.

What shape are you choosing for the water garden? Is it going to be long, short, large, winding, deep, or shallow? These are all things that are going to mean a lot to the design of the water garden that you are creating. It takes a lot of planning out on paper so that you are seeing the entire look of everything before you begin the digging.

There are many people that want their water garden to be more than just a pond. They will add in some smaller ponds to the water garden so that they create the look of a waterfall. This is a great way to make your pond unique and stylish as well. Getting prepared for your water garden will make the difference when it comes time to getting ready for the pond.

If you have a larger sized pond area, you might need to have more than one type of filtration system. You might have to check out the different filtration systems that are on the market today. Many times, you will find that they are costly and this might not be in your budget. Make sure that your pond is set up like it should be and that you can take care of the maintenance and all the costs that go along with the creation that you have designed.

Be sure that you are set up with the right type of electricity too. You want to have your pond set up near some type of electrical outlet so that you do not have to create more work for yourself. There are ways to make sure that you are prepared before you start the digging process for the pond. Getting our pond to have everything that you want means you have to really plan out this process and not forget to plan for anything.

Once your water garden is set up, you can then being putting in the fish and the plants. After all, what is a water garden without plants and fish? This is going to add to the beauty of the garden and all you to sit and spend hours looking at the life growing inside your pond.

Cheryl is a freelance pond and water garden writer. Living in the rural area of Pennsylvania, Cheryl puts her greenhouse to use discovering more about greenhouses and plants all the time. Make your pond a center of your home, landscape, and fun in life. You can find more articles by Cheryl at http://www.pondsupply.com Find all types of articles from Cheryl about greenhouses, ponds, and flowers all on this site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Hanlon http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Do-You-Want-in-a-Water-Garden?&id=2597052

Save Water in Your Garden
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Timothy_S._Davis]Timothy S. Davis

One of the most important tips to saving water in your garden is to choose the right plants. Consider the rainfall in your area at the present and the predictions for the future as well. You want plants that can do well with the amount of rainfall that you are to expect in your geographical location.

Consider Drip Irrigation

One option you have to help you save water while still watering your garden is drip irrigation. This technique is a big contributor to water conservation. With drip irrigation, valved pipes drip the water right where it needs to go. Since the delivery is targeted, you don’t use as much water. When your irrigation is complete you can simply turn the valves off. It’s fairly cost effective, durable, and a great way to water your garden without over watering.

Timers for Irrigation

Having irrigation timers can also help you to save water while making sure that you garden gets a good watering. Use the timer to run your irrigation system for half the time you normally do. Then about a half hour later run it again. This helps you to avoid runoff, which wastes water.

The Best Time to Water

It is important that you water at the right time of day to make the best use of the water for your garden. It is usually best to water your garden around sunset or about sunrise. This way you don’t have to worry about water evaporation which makes watering less effective for your garden.

Ensure Your Equipment isn’t Leaking

You should ensure that your equipment is working properly with no leaks. Leaking equipment can use a lot of water that merely gets wasted instead of actually using it on the garden. Check the hose, your connections, and sprinkler heads to make sure they are in good working order.

Using Mulch

Mulching your plants can help you to reduce your garden watering. With mulch the soil is able to retain the water instead of allowing the sun to evaporate the water in the soil. You can actually reduce the water you need for your garden by 50% if you use mulch. It also will help to keep pests away and will help keep weeds at bay as well.

These are just a few things that you can try to minimize the water you use in your garden. This way you keep the garden eco friendly by conserving water.

Timothy S. Davis invites you to get clean and go green today! For the many ways you can clean up your act and improve the environment, please visit http://www.doitngreenenergy.com Reduce your carbon footprint now. Sign up for the FREE 5 day e-course on the Energy Efficient Home by visiting http://www.doitngreenenergy.com See you on the green side.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_S._Davis http://EzineArticles.com/?Save-Water-in-Your-Garden&id=2557890

Having a garden can be a wonderful way to enjoy the greenery, the vegetables it produces, and it can help the environment as well.  The only problem is that many gardens consume quite a bit of water, which is not a good thing.  It’s great to have your own garden, but it is a good idea to work on reducing your watering footprint when you water your garden.  Here is a look at a few tips that can help you to save water while still watering and keeping up a nice garden

Cedar Outdoor Furniture Makes Your Secret Garden Into a Stupendous Garden
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tonya_Kerniva]Tonya Kerniva

Almost anyone you ask can tell you about the popularity of cedar outdoor furniture, right up there with teak, poly resin and aluminum. Cedar makes for great tables, benches and chairs because of its natural weather-resistant properties, its long-lasting durability, and its beautiful coloration. But if you only have cedar accenting the inside of your home and maybe your patio, then you’re missing out. Gardens are a less commonly thought of, but perfect place to add to your collection. Spruce up your lawn, flower beds and winding paths with a touch of gorgeous cedar.

Pergolas and Gazebos
These first structures actually work on both patios, decks and in gardens and can vary tremendously in size to fit your needs. Two impressive examples of cedar outdoor furniture, the pergola and gazebo are both large structures, typically with four support posts, along with an overhead cover to provide a moderate to considerable amount of shade. A pergola is more open, typically square-shaped, and the cross-hatch roofing structure allows for climbing plants. Gazebos can be more varied in design and in addition to being rectangular, a good many are round-shaped as well. The overhead section is generally some variation on a dome or turret ceiling. For the roof section, a gazebo can either be as open as a pergola, or have a more tightly thatched or slatted cover for better rain and sun blockage. Today, most residential gazebos are made of wood, but they were not always relegated to cedar outdoor furniture.
In the past, gazebos were elaborate structures often made from stone and marble.

Arbors and Trellises
Sort of like smaller, modified pergolas are the trellis and arbor. Both of these structures have a lattice fence work that extends up along the side. This lattice design is specifically made to support the growth of creepers, such as ivy and some variety of flowers. This makes them more than ideal for a garden, not to mention romantic and naturally beautifying. To clarify the difference between the two, a trellis is more basic than an arbor. It consists only of a freestanding wall, while an arbor makes a complete arched entryway shape. This archway is a perfect backdrop for weddings and professional photos. For an added measure of seating for your cedar outdoor furniture, many models of arbors also come with attached benches, so you can sit beneath your plants, which alternately provide some natural shade.

Obelisk
An obelisk is comparable to an arbor or a trellis in its function, but it looks significantly different. While it is also intended to hold up climbing plants, it can also extend to tall plants which require some extra support, like using a stake. The other difference is its shape. The obelisk is one of the most recognizable, oldest shapes used in architecture, especially prevalent in religious constructions of the ancient Egyptians. Luckily, today’s obelisks are made from wood, and aren’t tremendously heavy affairs made out of marble and covered with hieroglyphics! These obelisks are shaped like tall, slim pyramids. Unlike the lattice work characteristic of trellises and arbors, obelisks feature a minimal number of crossbeams upon which creepers can adhere.

Planters
Another way you can directly integrate your garden and your cedar wood furniture is through some useful cedar planters. Planter boxes are extremely versatile and can go in just about any type of garden setup, including the very small, the urban and rooftop garden. Or, if you have no garden space to speak of, there are window boxes available that attach easily to sills. Cedar planters are typically rectangular or square-shaped in design and can be very small or very big. As far as what to plant, let your inspiration guide. Planters can hold almost anything a normal garden can, including leafy foliage, flowers, vegetables and fresh herbs. They can be moved around to find the sun or shade as needed and arranged in aesthetic patterns. Though relatively inexpensive, a lot of people also choose to build their own planters, because when it comes to cedar wood furniture, this is one of the easiest DIY projects. Plus, that way you also have control of the exact specifications, and all at a slightly lower cost. The main thing to remember is that although you need to make sure that the box can hold a good amount of soil, there must also be a basic drainage system in place so that there is no standing water. The simplest way of doing this is by drilling some holes in the bottom to allow water to pass through.

Tonya Kerniva is an experienced research and free lance writing professional. She writes actively about [http://www.northcedar.com/]Cedar Outdoor Furniture and [http://www.northcedar.com/]Cedar Outdoor Furniture in the USA.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tonya_Kerniva http://EzineArticles.com/?Cedar-Outdoor-Furniture-Makes-Your-Secret-Garden-Into-a-Stupendous-Garden&id=2577751

Almost anyone you ask can tell you about the popularity of cedar outdoor furniture, right up there with teak, poly resin and aluminum. Cedar makes for great tables, benches and chairs because of its natural weather-resistant properties, its long-lasting durability, and its beautiful coloration. But if you only have cedar accenting the inside of your home and maybe your patio, then you’re missing out. Gardens are a less commonly thought of, but perfect place to add to your collection. Spruce up your lawn, flower beds and winding paths with a touch of gorgeous cedar.

Spicing Up the Everyday Summer Garden Salad
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tammy_Embrich]Tammy Embrich

Summer is the perfect time to have fun and get creative with salads, as they supply good nutrients without the extra-full feeling and calories. And who wants to feel stuffed on a hot summer day? Summer and salads just go well together. They also DON’T heat up your kitchen while preparing.

Garden salads are excellent appetizers before eating a full meal. It’s also beneficial if you are trying to lose a few pounds. If you fill up on a light salad before a meal, you are likely to consume less calories. Makes sense right?

I know what you’re thinking! “Garden salads are boring.” Well…maybe so, if you let them be. But, guess what? They don’t have to be!

There are so many things you can do to a salad to spice things up with both color and taste. Start with your basic fresh crisp greens. Iceberg and especially romaine lettuce provide lots of good nutrients. Then zip things up by adding a bit of color with some red lettuce, red tomatoes, and red bell peppers. You can even toss some red onions in to sweeten the taste.

Adding some veggies can significantly add a wide variety of color, taste, and texture which will instantly add a bit of zest to your typical mundane garden salad. Why not try some fresh steamed broccoli, or some asparagus? Maybe some cauliflower or fresh okra? Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! The idea is to make the salad more appetizing and appealing to your liking.

You can also make your garden salad into a hearty chef salad by adding grilled chicken, beef, or ham. Then toss a hard boiled egg into the mix. Meat and eggs both will also benefit you by adding some of your daily intake of protein. Protein gives you lots of energy. Bean sprouts and nuts also offer extra variety and protein.

Fruits also comes in many distinct colors and tastes. Chopping and tossing in some of your favorite fresh fruit makes for a delicious homemade salad. Try some mouth-watering strawberries, fresh peaches, or maybe even some apples and raisins. I’m getting hungry just thinking about these salad combinations. Main point here is…you don’t have to settle for the everyday boring salad.

Below is a simple salad combination recipe

Chicken Apple Garden Salad

Ingredients

1 head iceberg lettuce
2 baked skinless chicken breasts, chopped
2 small red apples, thinly sliced
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup red bell peppers, chopped
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
8 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
salad dressing of your choice

Directions

Clean and chop up lettuce. Bake chicken breasts in covered baking dish @300 degrees F for 45 minutes. Cut up into chunks.

Combine ingredients. Mix well and top with salad dressing of your choice.

Listed below are just a few foods that you can add to salads to spice things up a notch or two

bacon
hard boiled eggs
celery
cheddar cheese
goat cheese
grilled chicken
beef
ham
tuna
pasta
raisins
nuts
mango
yogurt
sour cream
fruits
dried fruits
sprinkle parmesan cheese
pineapple chunks
bean sprouts
kidney beans
green beans
steamed broccoli
steamed cauliflower
grapes
apples
small animal crackers
croutons
any colorful veggies or fruits

I bet you can come up with some more. Get creative with your greens! Experiment with your taste buds. You can also get creative with various types of dressings to top off your masterpiece. There are no rules here, get your creative juices flowing and see how many variations of salads you can come up with. Try them out with your family and friends at all those summer backyard barbecues you will be having.

Article Written By Tammy Embrich

You can find more articles and recipe tips at [http://www.cookin-at-home.com]Free Recipes–Cooking At Home

Tammy also offers free work at home job leads, work at home articles, home business tips and more. Find out more by visiting [http://www.real-wah-jobs.com/forum/]Work At Home Forums.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tammy_Embrich http://EzineArticles.com/?Spicing-Up-the-Everyday-Summer-Garden-Salad&id=2376304

Summer is the perfect time to have fun and get creative with salads, as they supply good nutrients without the extra-full feeling and calories. And who wants to feel stuffed on a hot summer day? Summer and salads just go well together. They also DON’T heat up your kitchen while preparing.   Garden salads are excellent appetizers before eating a full meal. It’s also beneficial if you are trying to lose a few pounds. If you fill up on a light salad before a meal, you are likely to consume less calories. Makes sense right?   I know what you’re thinking! “Garden salads are boring.” Well…maybe so, if you let them be. But, guess what? They don’t have to be!

Planning a Shade Garden
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Katie_Stuhler]Katie Stuhler

Sun-loving gardens produce some of summer’s flashiest blooms. But even if you’re not blessed with a sun-drenched yard, you can still put your green thumb to good use by growing and maintaining a stunning shade garden. My mother has a small shade garden nestled near a tree-covered section of her yard, and it’s one the most tranquil parts of the landscape; perfect for cozying up with a book on a warm summer day.

Think a shade garden would be a fitting addition to your landscape? Though you’re better off waiting until fall when the temperature cools, it’s a good idea to plan now. Keep these considerations in mind as you plan.

Types of shade.
Not all shade is equal, according to a handy guide from the University of Illinois Extension. Dappled shade means patches of sunlight hit plants through the leaves in surrounding trees. Plants in medium shade zones receive approximately 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Dense shade is deep, and any plants planted in this area receive zero direct sunlight (which is why very few plants thrive in this kind of shade). Moral of the story? Before bringing plants or seeds home, check their growing requirements to see what type of shade they require.

Do a site analysis.
If you’re planting your garden in a spot surrounded by large, mature trees, search for a section of dirt that’s root-free. This way, you’ll avoid damaging the trees, and your trees and shade plants can more peacefully coexist without competing for moisture and nutrients.

Prep your soil.
It’s a good idea to perform a soil test to see what kind of soil you’re working with. In general, shady areas have less air circulation than sunny gardens. And if you’re dealing with a lot of tree roots, the soil may be heavily compacted. Encourage good air circulation by amending the soil with organic material. And conserve precious moisture with mulch.

Pick the best plants.
Remember how I mentioned that sunny gardens produced showy blooms? Even though shade plants aren’t as colorful or flashy as sun-loving varieties, you can still score some pretty sweet color. Classic foxglove comes in charming hues such as purple, pink, white, and yellow. Low-growing coral bells feature leaves in colors ranging from purple-metallic to lime green. And my personal favorite, hydrangeas, feature large clusters of blooms in pink, white, blue, and more. [http://www.thehomeknowitall.com/the_home_knowitall/2009/07/made-in-the-shade.html]The Home Know-It-All : Your One-Stop Shop for Home Design, Improvement, and Repair

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Stuhler http://EzineArticles.com/?Planning-a-Shade-Garden&id=2555698

Think a shade garden would be a fitting addition to your landscape? Though you’re better off waiting until fall when the temperature cools, it’s a good idea to plan now. Keep these considerations in mind as you plan.