So you've decided to build your very own backyard water garden. You are in the process of actively planning out your design, and you're visualizing the end-result. But have you paused to consider what kind of pond construction you will be using? Do you know what kind of pond constructions exist? The majority of garden ponds utilize one of two types of constructions: a preformed shell, or a pond liner.

Traditionally, preformed ponds are large shells, which are extremely burdensome and difficult to transport. Fo
example, a typical preformed pond kit would come in a box that is 60" x 48" x 24", which is too large for many car trunk sizes. Liner kits, on the other hand, present many difficulties for the beginner pond gardener. Since every liner pond shape is different, pond gardeners must customize their own pond and ensure that it is level, and that it does not have excessive wrinkling.

Recently, Algreen Products Inc. has helped leverage both these problems by introducing a flexible preformed pond. The folding preformed/liner hybrid is created with a proprietary blend of materials, which allows it to hold a customized shape. Yet it is easily transportable, since a typical folding kit comes in a box one-sixth the size of a regular preformed kit.

The only problem with the folding pond shell was that it was a dark solid black color. Black is a color that does not occur naturally in a pond environment, nor is it very easy to disguise. No matter how much landscaping you apply around the black shell, it is still extremely difficult to hide the fact that you are using a preformed pond.

New for 2006, Algreen is proud to announce the development of a granite flexible rock pond kit! This new folding pond shell has all the benefits of its black preformed predecessor, but both the pond and the streamlet look like rock.

Algreen advertises that its folding pond includes 3 built-in plant shelves, is weather-resistant, and is able to withstand extreme temperatures from 0 F to 105 F. Each pond shell features textured ridges, which are strategically placed to allow beneficial bacteria to form growth colonies, which significantly reduces algae-buildup in the pool.

Currently, there are two sizes of granite pond shells available from GardenSuperMart (GardenSM.com): a 144 gallon shell, and a 72 gallon shell. Both pond kits come complete with:

- The granite flexible pond shell

- A flexible streamlet

- An energy-efficient, heavy-duty Super Flo pump (500 or 306 gph, for the 144 gallon and 72 gallon shells respectively)

- A telescopic riser and diverter for the Super Flo pump

- Four fountain heads

- Two 6" silk water lilies

- Tubing and clamps.

At the time of this article, GardenSM.com has the lowest pricing for these granite pond kits. GardenSM.com has the 144 gallon granite kit priced at $166.14 USD, and the 72 gallon granite kit priced at $126.14. As part of their Grand Opening Special, GardenSuperMart is also including a FREE solar-powered frog light with the purchase of every folding pond kit.

This article can be viewed in its entirity (with pictures) at http://www.gardensupermart.com/tips/granite.asp. Further information about the granite flexible pond kits can be obtained at http://www.gardensupermart.com/buypond/pics/granite_preformed.html.

About the Author Gerry Fung is a Sales and Marketing representative for Northbridge Products Inc.

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Fun, no or low-cost ideas to dress up any room

-Debbie Contardi, crazybdesign.com

Bored with your current digs? Here are few ways to spruce and spice up your living quarters without spending a bunch of dollars!

1. Vintage Bling

Dust off these fabulous pieces and
don't keep them in the bottom of your jewel box! When you're not wearing that fabulous broach you found at your favorite vintage store use it to add bling to a room ... pin it to a pillow, use it to tie back a curtain or add it to a lamp shade.

2. Have Glue Gun ... will Decorate

Heat up that glue gun and have some fun. Add cloth flowers, buttons or interesting fabrics to plain-Jane surfaces. Adding a little jewel fringe around the bottom of hanging lights over the kitchen island instantly turns the kitchen workspace into an elegant and magical place!

3. Body Shop fixes

Got rusty old chairs in the garage? Chipped wicker furniture? They may seem like they've seen better days, but a quick visit to the body shop (yes, auto-body shop) can turn tired old into shiny new. Check out the vibrant colors of these vintage motel chairs - all done at the local body shop! This fabulous vintage refrigerator was rescued and painted a pale cotton candy pink - how yummy!

4. Cha-Cha-Chandeliers!

Chandeliers can be hands-down the best accessory for any room! The twinkle and sparkle of a chandelier adds enchantment and whimsy. Chandeliers in bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms - go to town chandelier lovers! PS - the chandelier doesn't necessarily have to work. If it looks beautiful and makes you happy use it and enjoy!

5. A Little Something Extra

Tiny touches can make a world of difference. A few hints:

- Add a tea set to an ottoman
- Add a serving tray to the end of a bed
- Drape a throw blanket across the sofa, chase or chair

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Freaky Mold

It's black, sometimes green or gray, icky, slimy, fuzzy, and freaky. Mold! What's to like about that? Whether mold is growing on your bread or inside your home's walls, it is likely to turn your stomach. In addition, some types of mold can make you sick. To make matters worse, mold spores are virtually everywhere! These microscopic spores are like tiny floating seeds quietly floating around in search of a nice place to sprout. Freaky, isn't it?

Before you freak out when you see a s
ot or colony of mold, understand that your housekeeping skills aren't to blame. Mold can grow anywhere it finds a suitable environment including the tidiest of homes and even hospitals! While keeping your home clean is important, if you want to control or prevent mold, the key is to make sure that mold can't find a suitable environment.

What does mold consider to be the perfect place to set up a colony? Any place moist. That's right, water attracts mold. Once the mold spores find a nice moist environment, it's only a matter of time before mold grows and reproduces, digesting the underlying material along the way.

Because mold consumes the surface on which it lives, cleaning isn't always effective. For example, modest mold growth on a tile shower enclosure can usually be cleaned. However, mold growing on wallpaper is physically consuming the paper, adhesive, and drywall beneath. Controlling mold early, before it damages the materials, is important in keeping costs and adverse health effects to a minimum.

Since mold spores are everywhere and all they need is a bit of moisture, controlling moisture in the home is the key to controlling freaky mold. Go through your home, room by room, and look for water sources. Pay attention to: areas around doors and windows, faucets, air conditioners, water pans (such as under the refrigerator), water heaters, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and other areas where water may collect. Mold can even grow on wet laundry, so don't leave your wet clothes in the washer or leave wet towels in a heap.

Spotting water and minor overflows in the main living areas of your home is usually pretty easy. It's the lesser traveled areas that are often quickly overcome with mold. For example, when was the last time you looked under your hot water heater? Chances are the water heater is tucked away in a closet, in the garage, or down in the basement. A slow leak can quickly lead to a significant source of moisture. Left unchecked, it's not long before you have a major, freaky, mold problem!

Another way to control indoor moisture is to use exhaust fans. For example, when taking a shower, the exhaust fan vents the steam outdoors, reducing the moisture in the bathroom dramatically. Likewise, cooking also generates a great deal of moisture including boiling water and washing dishes.

Mold is yucky stuff and it's best to prevent it. Simple steps such as running exhaust vents and controlling indoor moisture make a big difference in the battle against mold.

By Frank Greco

AirCare Environmental Services Inc.

1-866-246-6789

<A HREF="http://www.aircare-services.com">Air duct cleaning</A>

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Enjoying your hot tub is easier when you have the privacy to go with it. A hot tub gazebo will ensure you get the privacy you deserve, while getting the most out of your relaxing time.

Choosing a hot tub gazebo offers many benefits for the homeowner who enjoys relaxing in an outdoor hot tub. First and foremost, the gazebo offers privacy and seclusion to the hot tub, allowing it to be set apart as its own feature in your backyard.

The gazebo may have a door, privacy tinted screen windows, or it may simply be a simple
cover with a roof protecting the user from the direct effects of sunlight. There are a number of different sizes available, ranging from medium to large that can set the hot tub apart and enclose it in its own room. These large gazebos, give plenty of additional space and the homeowner can set up a television set, chairs, or even a mini bar for extra convenience, comfort, and enjoyment.

Styles and finishes are plentiful and will ultimately set the decorating theme for your hot tub gazebo. Cedar is a popular material used since it has natural insect repelling qualities. You can also choose to have your gazebo stained and finished in a number of beautiful wood colors.

Mahogany, Oak, and Pine colors bring depth and splendor to your outdoor hot tub. You will find that decorating your gazebo is easy and trouble free. Hanging pictures, wind chimes, and using flowers and vines are all great accessories to decorate your gazebo with.

If you are a craftsman, then you may be interested in building your own gazebo. There are many woodworking plans available and you can purchase a set of plans, for fewer than twenty dollars. You can also find many plans on the Internet or in woodworking books.

The library is a great way to locate various plans and instructions as well. By building your own gazebo, you will have full control over the finished product and will find that this is a cost effective method of building your gazebo as well. You will be responsible for purchasing the materials and will have to commit your time to the completion of the project. If you have teenaged sons or other family members who will lend a hand, you may find that you can complete the gazebo in a weekend.

Price ranges vary when purchasing gazebos. Some of the factors to take into consideration are the size of the gazebo, whether you want screened in windows, a door, and what type of roofing you would like the gazebo to have. You can find gazebos for a price range of $2,000-$6,000.

About the Author Get the bathroom you deserve - get helpful tips on walkin bath tub, handicap bath tub and bath tub refinishing only at BathTubTherapy.

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To hear the word concrete you may not think that it would be something to want in your yard but in fact, concrete landscaping has come along way in the last 10 years or so. Now concrete landscaping is all the rage and it is very pretty too.

To hear the word concrete you may not think that it would be something to want in your yard but in fact, concrete landscaping has come along way in the last 10 years or so. Now concrete landscaping is all the rage and it is very pretty too. You can use concrete landscaping for many differ
nt parts of your yard. Most people use concrete landscaping ideas and designs for the walkways and paths that wind through their gardens. This is more for those with larger yards but even if your yard is small it could do with some concrete landscaping. You could put down a lively patio that you and your friends could it at to have drinks or tea. There is nothing more fun than a little party out on the patio on a nice day.Stone walls are another form of concrete landscaping that has really caught on like wildfire. Walls are what will frame the whole home. They are the gorgeous and steely frame to the glorious painting that is your front and back yard. There are many other reasons to have concrete landscaping such as walls as well. These walls are perfect for keeping your pet in the yard. If you have a dog that is prone to run away then look into this kind of concrete landscaping. These walls are also very good for keeping intruders out. The harder your home is to get into the less likely burglars will be to bother trying. So look into this type of concrete landscaping today and talk to a professional about it.You can also use concrete landscaping to keep your soil in place. If there is a part of your yard that is prone to slipping then you can build a retention wall expressly for this purpose. The best thing about concrete landscaping is that while it can be functional you can make it look as if it is just there for looks. There is so much that you can do with concrete landscaping because concrete is so easy to work with. You can use concrete landscaping bricks or you can use whole solid slabs. You can even get custom made concrete landscaping stones that are in unique and creative shapes and patters. Take some time and see what all is out there in terms of concrete landscaping, you might just be surprised.
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Today, mobility challenged individuals can considerably overcome their physical challenges through the various accessibility products available in the industry. Stairlifts promote independence in your home, and inspire a lot of self confidence and increased sense of determination in the minds of physically challenged individuals.

Available in a Variety of Models

When choosing a stair lift for your home, it is important to select the appropriate model that exactly matches your mobil
ty needs. It must be extremely dependable and durable. With the improvement in technology, stairlifts are available in different models and patterns. Stairlifts that are suitable for both curved and straight stairways are available in the industry. Apart from the regular seated model of stairlifts, perching models are also available which will help you access the floors in a standing position. This product is especially designed to assist individuals with knee problems.

The safety features included in the various models include:

Swivel seat
Foot rest obstruction sensors
Hidden gears
Swing away arms
Hand held button controls

In addition, stairlifts can be operated by making use of AC as well as DC power. The DC model is far more costly than the AC model as it is integrated with battery back-ups. Many of the models are designed with folding options, so that they can be kept folded when not in use. This facility enables other users also to access the stairway.

Choose Quality Products

When you decide to buy a stairlift system for your home, it is important to have an in-depth knowledge about the various models, the technologies included, the period of warranty and the price range so that you can acquire the best product in the industry. Always take care to purchase from authorized dealers and manufacturers who offer consistent services. The leading manufacturers of stairlifts designed for home usage include Bruno Independent Living Aids, ThyssenKrupp Access and Savaria Concord.

By installing stairlifts it is possible to eliminate the accessibility restrictions imposed on disabled individuals and develop a feeling of self-sufficiency in them. Stairlifts promote independence in your home, and add value to your residence.

About the Author:

Stairlifts promote independence in your home. At DAY Elevator & Lift, we offer high quality home stair lifts, residential stair lifts, stair chair lifts, wheelchair lifts and more.

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A garden gift basket is the perfect gift for a friend or relative who is an avid gardener. With a little imagination you can make up a basket that will live up to their expertise or garden theme.

If you have a friend or relative that is an avid gardener, there is no more thoughtful gift than a garden gift basket for a holiday, birthday or anniversary present.  At first, you may seem overwhelmed when shopping in your garden center or on the internet.  There are a few things to consider when trying to find just the right "
flavor" for your garden gift basket to give to the people who love to play in the dirt, so t speak.

First you must determine how much you want to spend for the garden gift basket.  After you have the dollar amount, walk through the aisles of the garden center to see what items are available.  Of course, you could also do an internet search to see what the most popular tools and gadgets are selling.  You will be surprised at the range of goods that are available from the inexpensive to the extravagant.  Keep in mind that you will want to get quality products that will last so your friend or relative will have years of enjoyment.

If your gardener is a novice you may want to start with the basics, a pruner, a watering can, gardening gloves, or special nozzles for the hose.  There are many garden centers that have gift baskets already made up.  It could include some gardening tools and seeds revolving around a specific theme like, vegetables or roses or herbs.  If you choose to go with the herb theme and want to do it on your own, include some tasty herb seed packets, some small, pretty pots and a journal where notes can be kept.

If you have a gardener with a well used garden rake and tool belt, you can pretty much surmise that they have all of the state-of-the-art tools and have been collecting gardening equipment for years.  Here, a simple but thoughtful gift would be a work apron that has be monogrammed or personalized with a funny garden saying. A well seasoned gardener will appreciate the thought you have put into the gift.

To really get the best gift for your gardener you should know the level of their expertise and if they have a theme.  For example there are gardeners that only grow roses while there are others that specialize in herb gardening, knowing this will help you pick out the perfect gift. For instance a scarecrow would look dumb in a rose garden whereas a hummingbird feeder is way out of place in a vegetable patch.  And be careful with the "cutesy" garden decorations, some people love garden gnomes or stone gargoyles whereas someone with an award winning exotic tropical garden wouldn't think of having one.

If after you have gone through all these options, level of expertise and if they have a theme or not and you still don't know what to buy, the answer is simple.  Purchase them a gift certificate from your local garden center.  Every gardener needs supplies through the year and your gift will help to offset the expense of their garden.

If after considering the gardener's experience level and theme of their garden you remain stumped, a gardening gift certificate allowing them to select their own gift is a surefire way to please and inspire them as their garden grows through the years.

With a little inspiration you can find the perfect gift basket for your avid gardener.  Don't forget to put a pretty bow on the basket!  Here is a natural pesticide that you may want to print on a card and include in the gift basket:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

Every gardener likes to keep the garden as chemical free as they can. Happy Gardening!

Copyright ฉ Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

About the Author

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.GardeningLandscapingTips.com"> Gardening Landscaping Tips    http://www.GardeningOutside.com"> Gardening Outside and http://www.GardeningHerb.com"> Herb Gardening

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Flower gardening is becoming more and more popular every day.  Flowers can brighten everyone's day, they smell nice, and are a great hobby.  Flower gardening is simple, inexpensive, and loads of fun.  Flower gardening can be done for yard decoration, simply as a hobby, or even professionally.

There are some decisions that have to be made before even flower gardening can be started.  You must decide if you want annuals that live for one season and must be replanted every year, or perennials that survive the winter and re
urn again in the summer.  When buying and planting, pay attention to what kind of flowers thrive in your climate as well ass the sun requirements.When flower gardening, you must decide what type of look you want before planting.  For instance, mixing different heights, colors, and varieties of flowers together in a "wild-plant style" will give your garden a meadow look and can be very charming.  If short flowers are planted in the front of your garden and work up to the tallest flowers in the back you will have a "stepping stone style".You can order seeds for flower gardening from catalogues or buy them from a nursery.  Most people will go to the nursery and buy actual flowers and then transplant them.  After you have prepared your garden area and bought flowers, it is a good idea to lay the flowers out in the bed to make sure you like the arrangement and that they will be spaced properly.One of the easiest processes in flower gardening is the planting/ if you have seeds just sprinkle them around in the flower bed.  For planting transplants dig a hole just bigger than the flower, pull the container off, and set the flower in the hole right side up.  Cover it with the loose soil and press down firmly, then water.      Maintaining a flower garden is even easier than planting one.  Although they might make it on their own, a bag of fertilizer applied in the early spring is a good idea.  Pinch back any blooms after they start to fade and keep them good and watered.  To save yourself work during the next season of flower gardening, rid your garden of all debris and spread out organic nutrients like peat moss or compost.  Don't forget to turn over the soil to properly mix in the fertilizer and rake smooth when finished.  If you have perennials planted be careful not to disturb their roots in this process.      Flower gardening is as easy as 1, 2, and 3: simply decide what to plant; plant it, and water, water, water!  Flower gardening is undoubtedly gaining in popularity and gives anyone excellent reason to spend some outdoors and test out their green thumb.
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No matter if you are a professional or amateur in the field of landscaping, a landscaping trailer is an important component that will help you accomplish your landscaping project. There are many types of landscaping trailers available and they will range in price, so anyone, no matter the budget, will be able to find one.

Where To Look For A Landscaping Trailer

Landscaping trailers can be purchased from many retailers, though one of the more popular stores is Big Tex Trailers. They offer a huge selection of landscaping
railers. This company produces trailers from three different areas throughout the US and is in fact one of the top utility trailer companies in the United States. No matter the use of your trailer they will have just the one you are looking for.

There are many types of landscaping trailers to choose from, but some of the more popular models are the Single Axle All-Around utility Trailer, Tandem Axle Landscape Trailer, Single Axle Landscape Trailer, Single Axle All-Around Trailer, Single Axle Vanguard Trailer, and the Vanguard Trailer. These are just some of the most popular landscaping trailers, but there are also many other types of basic trailers in the market to choose from.

Connecticut trailers is a privately owned and operated company that provides landscaping trailers, found at Bolton, Connecticut. This company first opened its doors in 1991. They offer direct shipping or you can visit any of their manufacturing plants to pick up your trailer. Their plants are spread throughout the United States and as one of the fastest growing trailer companies you will be able to find the trailer you desire.

Connecticut trailers have a wide selection and specialize in quality trailers. Their trailers span all price points. They also place high importance on customer service and are all around an excellent company. Even if you do not purchase a trailer from them you should investigate them to make sure you are getting the best deal on your trailer. This is an excellent company and should be a benchmark when researching other landscaping trailer companies or products.

As with any large purchase you should conduct research to make sure you are receiving the most for your money. The Internet is a great tool and allows you to have the information you need at your fingertips quickly. You will easily be able to sort through the many options and varieties of landscaping trailers to find the perfect product for your needs.

About the Author:

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about landscaping trailer , please visit backyard landscaping idea.

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