Water Garden Tranquility

If you have a spacious backyard you have probably spend considerable time debating what you should do with it. For some families it becomes a play space, essentially filled with climbing equipment, a sandbox and toys. For other families they want to utilize the space by creating an oasis and a refuge from the daily stresses of life.

Water garden can be the key to that retreat. If you have the space and the inclination you can create a water garden in your back yard that will become a focal point. A water garden can be either large or small and can even include a fish or two. It has been a known fact the water and especially running water have a soothing affect, from the ancient roman fountains to the indoor Zen pools and waterfalls, people have always liked to relax by water, not a surprising fact when you remember that humans are made, in part, by water.

Finding the water garden of your dreams may prove to be a serious task, with many different things to consider, you will have to put in some time for research if you want to get the most for your money. Many garden centers have displays of water gardens for their customers to see. If you see one there that you like you can inquire if they have the water garden plans for that particular design, try and build it yourself, or get the plans and find a professional to do it for you.

If you don't have access to a specialized garden center consider visiting your local home improvement store. In the spring and summer months most have an area that focuses on gardens and accessories. They will generally have several different water garden plans for you to look at and choose from. The internet is also a good place to look for information about water gardens and what you need for them.

Once you've perused the water garden plans and chosen the one for you it's time to gather together the supplies and get to work. It may seem like a daunting task at first glance but in reality with the proper equipment, some patience and some helping hands you can build your own water garden that you and your family will enjoy for many years.

If you are especially creative why not bypass the traditional water garden plans and design one of your own. Make it a reflection of your own personal taste and style. You can incorporate some of the ideas from water gardens you've already seen along with the vision you have. It will become a one of a kind masterpiece.

Water gardens are a wonderful thing, pleasing to eyes and calming the soul this can be your place to relax and forget about the troubles of the world, good luck finding and building your own water garden and I wish you and your family many happy and calm moment by your new attraction - the water garden.

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How to Build an Outdoor Garden Water Fountain

Successful Raised Bed Gardening

gardening is still a favorite hobby for families and singles alike, but smaller lots or no lots at all have peaked the interest in raised bed gardening. This popular gardening method makes it possible to grow fresh vegetables and fruits in small areas just a few square feet. As the awareness to eat locally grows, locavores are spreading the word; growing on a small scale in a raised bed puts delicious, fresh food on the table.

Soil extended above ground level warms up faster in the spring, allowing earlier seeding opportunities. Many gardeners are faced with challenging soil conditions. Heavy clay or light sandy soils present growing conditions that frustrate even the most experienced gardener. Raised bed gardening allows the grower to mix a recipe of the best ingredients for optimum growth. Top soil, compost, peat moss and nutrients permit healthy plants to grow in denser plantings that reduce weed infestation.

While some gardeners just mound up the soil in rows, most growers use some type of framework to contain the soil. Raised bed gardening has become so popular that many gardening suppliers sell kits all ready to snap together. Railroad ties, landscape timbers, rock, cement blocks or bricks are also useful in constructing a raised bed. Do not use lumber treated with CCA, a chemical used in the preservation of wood. Do not lay down a plastic material before building the bed as this will prevent drainage and cause plant loss due to waterlogged soils.

The size of the raised bed depends on the gardener but keeping the bed just four feet wide permits an easy reach from both sides. A six to eight inch depth of the bed is recommended because most of the main feeder roots are at this depth. Locate the raised bed in full sun if at all possible, if not, at least a half day of sunlight is necessary for good plant growth. A water source should be located nearby because raised beds dry out sooner than conventional gardening.

One of the biggest plusses of raised bed gardening is the option of choosing a soil mix for growing a successful garden. Choose a good quality top soil ammended with compost or peat moss or some other organic matter. The planting mix should drain well and be easy to work with. It is best to loosen the soil below the raised bed to a depth of six inches, mixing the amended soil in the top two inches. Install the framework and fill the bed. It is helpful to get a soil test to determine fertility before the seeds or transplants are planted.

Many rules of ordinary gardening don't apply to raised bed gardening. No need to think in long single file rows with wide spacing between rows. In fact , forget the rows. Plant intensively, in blocks, grouping the early vegetables together. When that harvest is complete, pull the plants and continue the season with green beans and squash. A trellis can be installed to grow vining crops up instead of sprawling out and taking up so much room. Straw mulch, leaves or grass clippings can be used to conserve moisture and keep the soil cool.

Raised bed gardening is a great way for today's busy gardener to keep fresh food coming to the table from the first cutting of lettuce in the spring to the last tomato of the season. A lot of good nutrition, exercise and reward awaits the gardener tending the abundant harvests enjoyed from raised bed gardening.

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