Garden sheds

Who couldn't use a little more storage space? When it comes to storing tools, lawnmowers, snow removing equipment, and other things needed to keep your home in tip-top shape, it seems areas like garages, basements, and attics quickly become full.
So what's the best way to cut the clutter? A garden shed! Not only are garden sheds a great way to store and organize extra things you need to keep your home in order, they are inexpensive and easy to design and build. Best of all, a good-looking garden shed can actually improve the appearance of your home and yard. Of course, if all you need is a roomy storage shed, this Storage Sheds website has some good information about utility shed selection and construction.
Garden sheds can be purchased from a home center or online retailer as a kit and then assembled at home, can be built using plans, or can be designed and built from scratch.
Your first considerations when building a garden shed should be how you plan to use your shed, as well as how much time and money you are willing to spend on it. Some people need small but simple sheds for storing small tools, while others want to store large machinery such as lawn mowers or tractors. Still other people erect sheds to use as artist studios or playhouses. Once you've determined the primary use of your shed, you'll also want to set a budget. No matter what its use, a shed can range from simple and inexpensive to elaborate and costly.
Once you have determined the shed's main purpose and have set a budget, you'll need to choose a shed size. With the right type of shelving and storage space, a small shed can hold an amazing amount of tools. That being said, a good rule of thumb is to consider the floor space each item will occupy, and then leave enough room to be able to walk around the shed comfortably. Make sure there are at least 12 inches around equipment, and if you are planning to work in your shed, be sure there are at least 36 inches between workspaces. Finally, when determining the size of your shed, make sure its proportion is in harmony with the other structures on your property. Another factor that will have an impact on size is where your shed will be positioned on your property.
After you have determined the size of your shed, it's time to pick an architectural style. There are literally hundreds of shed styles to choose from! So what determines an architectural style? Well, in most cases it's the materials used for roofing and siding. The most important thing to consider is how the shed's architectural style matches that of the other buildings on the property. You can further align your shed with the other buildings on your property by adding embellishments like weather vanes, shutters, and window boxes.
Finally, before building your shed, make sure that you are complying with all local requirements, including setback requirements, covenants, building requirements, and building codes.  http://www.gardensheds.us/

"My Garden Shed"

              http://rusticway.com/info/Buildings.htm

Organising & Cleaning Garden Sheds

Garden sheds come іn аƖƖ shapes аnԁ sizes аnԁ vary іn price, bυt thеrе іѕ one thing thеу саn hаνе іn common аnԁ thаt іѕ clutter. Thе garden shed tends tο bе home fοr аƖƖ thе gardening tools аnԁ аƖƖ еƖѕе thаt саn nοt find a home іn thе house. Sο іf уου find yourself taking half-аn-hour tο locate something уου need, іt іѕ probably time tο take ‘thе bull-bу-thе-horns’ аnԁ organise уουr garden shed. 
PƖοt

Organising a garden shed саn seem Ɩіkе аn overwhelming job, bυt іf іt’s broken down іntο smaller tasks іt саn bе achieved without уου feeling discouraged. Thе first step іѕ tο mаkе a рƖοt, such аѕ: thе completion date, whаt’s going tο stay іn уουr garden shed, whаt needs tο bе thrown, аnԁ whаt type οf storage equipment уου need. Last bυt Ɩеаѕt рƖοt thе treat уου’re going tο give yourself аftеr each task іѕ completed!

Dealing wіth clutter іn уουr garden shed

Tackling clutter іn уουr garden shed саn sometimes bе hard tο deal wіth bесаυѕе οf thе ‘јυѕt-іn-case’ scenario. A few guidelines mау hеƖр уου сhοοѕе іf уου need tο keep іt οr pitch іt: іf уου’ve nο thουɡht whаt іt іѕ, іf уου haven’t used іt fοr over a year, іf іt’s broken аnԁ саn nοt bе fixed, οr іf іt’s broken аnԁ уου’ll probably never ɡеt round tο fixing іt! It саn hеƖр tο deal wіth one area οf уουr garden shed аt a time, fοr example, starting οn thе left-hand side аnԁ working round.

Once уου’ve de-cluttered уουr garden shed thе next step іѕ tο sort уουr stuff іntο уουr categories such аѕ: gardening tools аnԁ equipments, hardware аnԁ tools, outdoor sports equipment, decorating paraphernalia, power tools, аnԁ outdoor seasonal ticker tape.
Cleaning уουr garden shed
Now thаt уου hаνе аƖƖ іn сƖеаn piles, уου’ll probably need tο give уουr garden shed a сƖеаn tο remove thе resident spider/s аnԁ spider webs, oil-stains, dried putty, paint, аnԁ general dust аnԁ dirt. Here аrе a few tips:
Spider webs – υѕе a stick wіth ѕοmе duct tape wrapped around wіth thе sticky side facing outwards. A large broom οr a vacuum cleaner іѕ аƖѕο effective.
Oil stain – remove аѕ much liquid oil аѕ possible wіth paper towels. PƖасе a cloth saturated wіth hydrogen peroxide οn thе stain, wipe thе area dry аnԁ wash уουr garden shed floor wіth a wood cleaner.
Hard putty – brush οn paraffin oil. Thіѕ dissolves thе linseed oil іn thе putty аnԁ softens іt fοr removal.
Oiled-based paint οr varnish stains – carefully rub thе affected area wіth a cloth dampened іn a formulated paint remover.
Dirty surfaces – spray cleaner directly onto thе surface аnԁ wipe сƖеаn. Fοr caked οn dirt, spray οn thе cleaner аnԁ allow іt tο soak fοr several minutes, before wiping сƖеаn. Rinse painstakingly wіth water аnԁ wipe сƖеаn.
Storage thουɡhtѕ
Tο utilise еνеrу inch іn уουr garden shed ѕο уου саn maximise уουr storage аnԁ work space thеrе аrе several options available tο keep уουr categorised stuff together:
Hanging hooks – thеу аrе brilliant garden shed organisers fοr keeping уουr garden tools іn one рƖасе.
Shelving – keeps уουr equipment tidy аnԁ іn one рƖасе.
Containers – ideal fοr keeping уουr bits ‘n’ bobs іn. Don’t forget tο mаrk thеm!
Pegboards – mаkеѕ a handy area fοr hanging small tools, paintbrushes, аnԁ extension cords іn уουr garden shed.
Tool box – try tο bυу one thаt wіƖƖ grow wіth уουr collection, especially іf уου delight іn DIY οr car maintenance.
Enԁ
Garden sheds саn hold a hυɡе amount οf ‘stuff,’ аnԁ a сƖеаn аnԁ organised one саn enhance thе enjoyment οf owning a garden shed.
Bе sure tο visit ουr site fοr even more information аbουt garden.

Spanish garden

Spanish-garden-furniture-the-perfect-choice-for-your-garden

It is not necessary to have a Spanish style home to enjoy Spanish garden furniture. The beauty of this type of furniture for your outdoor garden will create a private oasis in your own backyard. Design your garden furniture and outdoor living space is as important as designing the interior of your home.

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With some planning and thoughtful design choices, your outdoor space can be a relaxing place of beauty for the whole family to enjoy.
Plan your garden
Many people do not take time to plan the way outside the area will look. The best looking projects for external spaces are carefully planned and executed.

Unique-Spanish-garden-with-bautiful-flowers-and-trees

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Before you plant a bulb or place a stick of furniture, you should get the paper. This will help in several ways. You will be able to stick within your budget. You’ll also be able to accommodate in the space you have available.

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Take a look at some of the books, landscape design, to find the best way to create your own Spanish style garden. With some time and planning, you can make an area outside the home, which is available for recreation and enjoying nature in your yard.
Spanish View
The only thing you’ll learn when you learn Spanish garden design is that there appear different depending on the region to browse. Spanish Garden is usually off the walls and very private.

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This allows the garden to have a very personal view and can become your personal sanctuary from the stresses of the world.
Fountains and beautiful Spanish tiles can be used to create the style you want. Use some of the classic Spanish look, or you can go for some of the more unusual styles of fountain for your garden. This is really a matter of personal taste. Garden furniture can be beautiful and comfortable at the same time with wrought iron and beautiful piece of cedar.
Spanish gardens also use shadow quite effectively. Wind chimes and Spanish decor can infuse every inch of your backyard landscape design.
Spanish art

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To become inspired to search for your garden furniture Garden Spanish, overview of some Spanish art. This will show you feel that you can achieve with your outdoor living space. With some planning and effort, you can create the same feeling when we get out of the back door. Mosaic tile is a great art form, which is a wonderful choice for table tops and other surfaces of your Spanish garden.
In the garden design you choose is a matter of taste and style. Spanish gardens are an ideal choice to make the best use of nature and beautiful materials to enhance your yard. Use of shade to provide cooler place for guests to sit and enjoy the beauty of the outside is that you created in your own backyard.

Uncover the Hidden Delights of Mediterranean Landscape Design

 

The Mediterranean landscape design evokes visions of crystal water and lush vegetation, while creating thoughts of relaxation with family and friends and savory cuisine made with aromatic herbs. No wonder Mediterranean landscape design is becoming increasingly popular among Southern California homeowners, as well as those across the nation.

Landscape designs influenced by the various regions of the Mediterranean work well in the warm, breezy climates of Orange County including the
Irvine Ranch area, Los Angeles,San Diego, and Riverside County and are an ideal style to complement most modern homes.

The Mediterranean garden style reflects the relaxed Mediterranean culture of southern Europe and combines elegant details with the elements of nature.

Originating in ancient Arabia, gardening and modern landscape design evolved through the centuries and was influenced by a number of civilizations, including Greece, Rome, and Italy.
There are several distinct landscape styles associated with the varied region of the Mediterranean, some simple and refined, while others are elaborate and ornate.
The Mediterranean landscape design best for your home will greatly depend on your personal tastes, the style of your home, and your outdoor space needs. The following are some of the many garden styles found in this region.

Tuscan Garden Style

Old world Tuscany brought about a landscape that combines the rustic and simple peasantry lifestyle with the elegance and flair of Renaissance Italy.


The Tuscan garden style features a variety of lush plants, fragrant spices, and often incorporates vegetable gardens as well.


Natural, but sophisticated, materials create a relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere with Tuscan charm.








It's easy to create a little piece of Tuscany in your outdoor space. When you think about Tuscany, products that inevitably come to mind are beautiful fountains, elegant statues...items that add style and elegance to any outdoor entertainment area.




Elements within a Tuscan garden include:
•Terra cotta accessories•Peaceful wall fountains
•Elegant teak and wrought iron accents
•Colorful and fragrant vines

Click here to learn about Tuscan Garden Style.

Moroccan Garden Design

Morocco’s influence on landscape design is vibrant, lush, and exotic.
Romance and mystery mingle with intense detail and deep colors to create an outdoor living space perfect for hot, Mediterranean afternoons.
Arabian style outdoor furniture, isolated paths accented with rich colored mosaics, and calming evergreens sprinkled between rows of citrus trees are the defining characteristics of the unique look of a Moroccan garden.
Water is an integral part of the Moroccan landscape design and is often seen in the form of elegant water fountains with a Moorish flair like this custom mosaic tile wall fountain.
The sweet fragrance of roses and lavender and the soft glow of candles at twilight are also common in this intriguing style of Mediterranean landscape design.

Santa Barbara Revival

Sunny Santa Barbara is one of the most picturesque cities in southern California.
Following the devastating earthquake of 1925, the coastal town experienced a rebirth in architectural and landscape design.
The majestic hillsides, overlooking the tumultuous waves of
the Pacific, are now home to a number of affluent neighborhoods featuring the beautiful Spanish Mission and Spanish Colonial Revival designs that began at the turn of the 20th century.

Spanish Mission Revival Landscape Design

Spanish missions were some of the first structures built by the early Spanish settlers colonizing the California coast at the close of 18th century. These exquisite pieces of architecture reflected the Mediterranean landscape design of Spain and were created to be self-sufficient, providing space for animals, as well as fruit trees and vegetable gardens.


Around the end of the 1800’s, this style of architecture and landscaping created new interest and began to spread across the nation, influencing many communities in Florida and California. The Spanish mission revival landscape design plays a prominent role in the overall estate and provides a functional, relaxing, and beautiful outdoor living space.


The Spanish mission revival style is recognized by:
•Simple stucco and adobe styled block exteriors and colorful clay tile roofs
•Elegant arches, walkways, and gables add unique Spanish flavor to the home’s exterior
•Clearly defined geometric patterns and shapes throughout the design
•Coastal Mediterranean vegetation, including citrus and palms.

Spanish Colonial Revival Garden Style

Following the Spanish mission revival, a surge in other types of Spanish colonial architecture and landscaping arose.
This era of elegant homes and Mediterranean style estates was referred to as the Spanish Colonial Revival Style and was most popular during the 1920’s and 1930’s.

The Spanish colonial revival style is quite similar to the Spanish mission style, featuring the same stucco, terra cotta, and clay tile elements.
This architectural design is most often seen in single story structures with sprawling estates that are ideal for a custom Mediterranean landscape design.
Both of these Spanish influenced home and garden styles are evident throughout southern California, especially in Santa Barbara.

Andalusian Landscape Design

The elegant, shade-draped outdoor space of the Moroccan garden style, combined with the simple beauty of Spanish influenced design, creates the Andalusian style.
Andalusian style estates often include romantic elements of Moroccan design, along with the deep colors and mosaic accents, blended with the relaxed stucco and clay materials of Spanish architecture for another relaxed, yet intriguing, garden style that is ideal for southern California homes.

French Country Garden Style

Elegant, but relaxed, the French country garden style is natural and lush, accented with gracious curves and flowing patterns.

This naturally appealing style of landscape design resembles the beauty of the countryside with the unkempt, but stunning, display of free growing plants, like lavender, lilac, and meadows of wild flowers.
Like most Mediterranean landscape designs, the French country garden style also provides a functional and useful outdoor living area.
Vegetable and herb gardens are common elements, as well as fruit and nut bearing trees, but secluded sitting areas and romantic blooms are equally important aspects of this design.
Fragrant, country rose bushes, climbing vines full of color and fragrance, and grapevines reminiscent of French country vineyards are often included.

The many different types of Mediterranean landscape design are very similar, but each have their defining attributes that complete the overall theme of your outdoor style.

 http://www.landscape-design-advisor.com/mediterranean-landscape-design.html

Rooting Lilac Bushes

Request: Rooting Lilac Bushes

Archived on 01/17/2011

By Ellen Brown

Question:

I saw a show on TV where they spoke about rooting lilac branch cuttings. I didn't catch the whole issue, they claimed you could root from a lilac bush by soaking in water.
Is this possible and how do I do it?
Hardiness Zone: 5b
Sandra from NH

Answer:

Sandra,
Lilacs can be rooted this way. I've never tried it, but the basic premise is simple. Select a few shoots (maybe 12 inches long and the diameter of a pencil), dip the cut ends in some rooting hormone, place them in a pail of water, and wait for roots. It may be a whole lot easier and faster just to transplant some suckers. Use a shovel to dig up and slice the sucker's roots away from the mother plant, trying to preserve as much of the root as possible. Replant in the prepared location of choice, water well, and voila! New lilacs.
A third way is to root cuttings in soil. Take 6-8 inch softwood cuttings from this year's new growth. Remove the lowest leaves (leave 2-3 pairs on top), dip the cut end in some rooting hormone, and plant them in potting soil. Moisten the soil and cover them with plastic to create some humidity. You should expect to see some roots in 6 to 8 weeks.
Good luck!
Ellen   http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000915.tip.html

Plant of the Week – Lilacs

 
I’ve decided that I am going to start posting a “Plant of the Week” blog. I am starting out with one of my absolute favorites- Lilac bushes. I can still remember smelling the Lilac bush at our family’s old cabin when I was about 4 or 5 years old. It has always been my favorite, and the cute little purple flowers will bloom for about two weeks every spring. They have a wonderful scent, and I always make sure to cut a few blooms to bring inside because they make the house smell so good.
Depending on the variety, they can grow to 10-12 feet tall, and once they are well established they will also grow to be quite large in diameter. These shrubs are very low maintenance, and will thrive in full sun and well draining soil. They aren’t too picky, and will tolerate soils from clay to sand. One of the most important things you can do to keep your lilac looking great is to prune it every year, which helps with more blooms the following season.
Lilacs are very versatile, and will work well in most yards. Considering some of the cultivars that have been developed, lilacs will grow anywhere between zone 2 all the way down to the northern parts of zone 9 (depending on the variety of course!) Also, if you really enjoy blooming Lilacs, you can always plant a large variety of them in your yard with different bloom times. That should extend your bloom time to about 6 weeks instead of the normal 2 weeks if everything works out right. Here are the bloom times of some different varieties of lilacs:
Early May
Hyacinth lilac (Syringa hyacinthiflora)
Early lilac (S. oblata)
Pinnate lilac (S. pinnatifolia)
Mid-May
Chinese lilac (S. chinesis)
Meyer lilac (S. meyeri)
Persian lilac (S. persica)
Littleleaf lilac (S. microphylla)
Common lilac (S. vulgaris)
Late May to Early June
Komarov’s lilac (S. komarowii)
Preston lilac (S. prestoniae)
Early to Mid-June
Japanese tree lilac (S. reticulata)
Peking lilac (S. pekinensis)  http://gardencorner.net/?p=78