The first thing that greets you as you step into a Japanese garden is the calmness and serenity of the place. The Japanese gardens reflect men’s efforts at harmonizing the beauty and force of the nature in an effortless fashion. With the essential presence of water body, thin streams, short bridges or artificial hillocks created with gravels and rocks; in the final shape the Japanese gardens become resonant with the mellow notes of spirituality and tranquility.
You can find three basic styles when it comes to Japanese gardens:
Hill and Pond (Chisen-Kaiyu-skiki)
Flat Garden (Hiraniwa)
Tea Gardens (Rojiniwa)
The basic rules are more or less same, while the particular features are incorporated in lieu with the specific type of the garden.
In the Japanese gardens you will come to find a rare bonding with nature. Despite the use of many artificial structural elements like bridges or water bodies or artificially created hills, Japanese gardens are created to reflect the nature in her most unadulterated form. Thus “harmonious asymmetry” becomes the rule for Japanese gardeners and simplicity becomes the inspiration behind their work. If you are going to recreate the Japanese magic in your garden, then follow the thumb rules described below.
The illusion of time and space
To the eyes accustomed to European style of gardening, where the perfectly manicured plants vie for your attention in every possible nook and corners of the garden, Japanese gardens may seem to offer an illusion of emptiness at a first glance. There are so many things, yet the garden looks so vast and spacious—this trick of space management is the first lesson with regard to the Japanese style of gardening.
Selection of plants
The Japanese gardens try to reflect the permanence of nature. That is why it is the evergreen trees that become the dominating feature of Japanese gardens. The plants in the Japanese gardens represent the seasonal cycles. Because of this selection, the Japanese gardens are not discarded during the winters. The essence of the four seasons can nowhere be better felt than in the changing appearance of Japanese garden through the year.
Bringing the balance
In an ode to nature, the Japanese gardens strive to represent the nature in a miniscule, but in its closest form. As for example, in a Japanese garden, you can not accommodate a pond that is a perfect square in shape. Because nature never produced s such a geometrical wonders. Similarly, in your pursuit of imitating nature, you have also to incorporate the spirit of balance. As for example to create a mountain in your small garden, you can make use of the small rocks, but not the huge ones.
Fencing
Creating the right enclosure has great symbolic value. The fencing is created with the aim of locking up the serenity inside the garden uninterrupted by the goings on in the outside world. Sometimes, small windows are created on the solid walls to lure the passer by with the beauty that lies inside the garden enclosure.
Ornamentation with the lanterns
No Japanese garden is ever complete with stone lanterns in variety of designs and styles. There are three main varieties of lanterns that are used in the Japanese gardens: the Kasuga style lantern, the Oribe style lanterns and the Yukimi or Snow-Viewing lantern.
In short, Japanese gardens are the reflection of natural balance between change and constancy. A little introduction to Zen philosophy can prepare you for the better perception about the Japanese style of gardening.
Just imagine your pasta and pizza without the finishing touch of oregano or the delicious mince dumplings without the pinch of sage! The outcome is sure to be bland and boring. This is what the herbs do for you’re your culinary skills - they uplift the taste and flavor of any dish. In addition to that they make the dish look colorful and inviting. Thus the defining character of any dish is the work of appropriate herbs. While you can buy them in the local grocery stores, it is always better to home grow them in your backyard; the addition of garden fresh herbs will definitely make your cooking and dining experience even more enjoyable.
Plant type
Before getting started in the task of herb gardening, you must learn about the different types of herbs. The herbal plants are of three types:
Annual—the herbs like basil, chamomile, dill, chives, lavender, lemon, mint, oregano rosemary, sage, tarragon or thyme are planted each spring and live for only one season.
Perennial—the herbs like catnip, balm, lovage, marjoram or thyme live for many years. Although they shake off the leaves during winter, their roots remain alive and in the turn of spring they bloom into new foliage.
Biennial—The plant like Parsley grow for two years. The first season is for growing foliage, next the seeds are formed. After that they die at the end of the second season.
Choice of the location
For herb gardening the question as to where to plant is very critical. Not all the herbs have same light or temperature requirement. While most of the herbs need exposure to the sunlight for at least 6 hours per day, the herbs likes chives, cilantro, dill, and mint are grown in the shade.
Soil type
Make sure of the soil requirement of a particular herb before planting one. In general an extra rich and over fertilized soil is not suitable for planting good quality herbs. Over fertilization kills the flavor of the herb by reducing the essential oil content of the herbs. The herbs do better in the moderately rich soil. In addition to that, your herb garden must have excellent drainage quality, so that soil does not contain extra water. Growing herbs in raised beds or containers is also a good idea.
Daily care of your herb garden
Just like with vegetables, other herbs require about an inch of water per week. However, those planted in containers tend to dry out more quickly and hence need more frequent watering. To get a better grip, with the soil keep garden beds weeded.
One interesting thing about herb plants is: they have inherent power to resist pests and disease attacks. This is due the aromatic natural oil, they are bestowed with; the aroma repel pests and insects naturally. Still, herbs are susceptible to the attack of insects like aphids, and diseases such as powdery mildew.
Keep these information in mind when you are going to start your herb garden for the first time; your care for your herb garden will result into great pleasure everyday all through the year.
No matter where you live in the world most cultures like to use herbs in their cooking to provide the flavours and aroma that we have all come to love. With the enormous spread in popularity of Gourmet Cooking shows on television we are encouraged to expand our culinary tastes to include dishes from all over the world . As most professional chefs prefer to use fresh herbs in their cooking why should we not follow in their steps and grow our own basic herb garden at home.
It is quite easy to put in a basic herb garden to grow the ones used the most. Most of the common herbs used as spices in cooking can be successfully grown in average soil but some do request rich soil, such as oregano.
Additionally, some herbs in a basic herb garden such as parsley are biennial in nature. This means the first year they are grown they will not be useful for seasoning. It is during the second year that the crop can be used. Ideally, with parsley, , plant a new crop of seeds one year after planting your first parsley plants so that in a couple of years they will overlap, providing u sable seasoning every year.
Most of the herbs grown in a basic herb garden such as, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil are tolerant of direct sun, but will require a minimum amount of water to survive. You can harvest leaves, sprigs and twigs from any of your herbs as they are growing giving fresh organic herbs for your kitchen.
However, some plants like thyme is a very forgiving plant and if it dries out will likely come back when an appropriate amount of water is given. Since some have different soil requirements and can grow under slightly different conditions, having them separated by variety can help get them started and keep them growing throughout their life.
Plant Herbs Close To Where They Will Be Used
In most cases it is easier on the grower to plant the basic herb garden close to the kitchen for easy harvesting of the fresh crop. Remember, the entire growth does not have to be cut and used at once. With the right care, the spices will continue to grow and be usable during the entire season. Drying or freezing the extra cuttings at the end of the season can possibly supply the spice throughout the winter, often lasting until the next crop produces the following year.
If you are little short on space why not consider companion growing? When planting a basic herb garden that would take more room than available, certain herbs can be planted among other plants, especially tomatoes. Parsley can play well with other plants specifically tomatoes, asparagus and among roses. Broccoli and cauliflower also welcome rosemary in their midst. Basil also likes to grow alongside tomatoes too.
The only problem with planting herbs among other plants is that they can be mistaken and trampled on inadvertently when weeding, pruning and maintaining the other plants in your mixed garden bed. A basic herb garden is a valuable addition to your kitchen supplies and really wont take to much of your valuable time to look after.
The use of candles for light and heat is known to have existed in ancient times. The remains of candles have been found in the caves of France. It is believed that cavemen used them while painting and etching on the walls. It is believed those candles where made out of animal fat. The Egyptians used candles as well by dripping beeswax onto leave stems. Solids, gas, liquids, and plasma are the basic elements which involves the burning process of a candle.
Today candle wax making is a fun hobby or craft. For some, it is a very profitable business venture. Candle making provides you with the ability to create wonderful designs and crafts out of your candles. There is no limit to the shapes, sizes, and colors you can make your candles in. A candle is a device to provide light or fragrance. Candles have become very popular for the wonderful aromas more than for their ability to produce light. Some candles give off a popular smell such as vanilla or jasmine. Many others have the aroma of cinnamon or chocolate.
The body of a candle is generally made of paraffin wax. Beeswax is another substance that it can be made from. Paraffin wax is a natural wax that comes from plants. This wax can be purchased from Petroleum Refinery or the Specialty Wax Processor. Beeswax is also considered a natural wax, and is taken from honeybees. This is the substance the bees use to construct their honeycombs. The wick is centered in the candle before the wax dries. The wick is made of cotton fibers that have been braided together. The wick is powerful, yet very thin. Sometimes candle makers will use a wick that is wider than normal to increase the size of the flame.
Safety is a very important part of candle making. The temperature of the hot wax can result in severe burns. There is also the risk of fire. Make sure your candle making area is set up properly and that you have a fire extinguisher in the area. Clean up spills quickly as they will become very slick, leading to falls if you walk across them.
To make candle sconces making fun instead of frustrating, start will making simple candles. This is a great opportunity for you to discover what works well with your set up and gives you the chance to make necessary changes. Concentrate on safety measures and using the proper temperatures when melting the wax. You will also want to experiment with your cooling process. The process will become second nature to you once you have mastered the process. This is the right time to start experimenting with dyes, scents, and shapes for your candles.
If you learn from your mistakes, then the candle making process will become an easy task. Those who are impatient and take multitasking to an extreme will most likely not enjoy the art of candle making. However, it is very enjoyable by those who have plenty of time to take with the process and who enjoy creating things. Candle making supplies aren’t expensive so use the best you can. This will also help ensure your candles form well and burn properly.
I have been growing tomatoes in patio containers and pots this year with some success. My garden plot has always produced a good crop year on year. I have always had success with tomatoes grown on the ground. But growing my tomatoes in containers is anew departure for me.
The comparison between the pot grown tomato and those in the ground.
I grew 2 varieties this year moneymaker and an Italian cherry tomato variety. I’m sure what variety they are - everything seems to grow easily enough to me. I germinated them indoors in march and grew them on under glass in the warm. There were far to many plants for me alone so I gave away the surplus. Once the risk of frost had gone I set them out in the garder and in my containers and within a month I was picking tomatoes. My tomato plant still have plenty of tomatoes on them, it has been a good year. The plants grown in containers have had similar results but I have noticed 2 differences.
Firstly the moneymaker tomatoes were slightly smaller than the ones grown on my plot.
Secondly there were not quite as many cherry tomatoes in the containers.
Other than that the results were very similar. The taste is uniformly excellent and the texture and colour very appetising. For the container grown tomatoes
I did treat them differently and with a bit more care.
Make sure you put tomato plants in a really big pot.
I like the root systems to have plenty of room and not become pot bound. You also need a big container to have enough depth for the support canes. I used standard clay flower pots as I like the look of them but just use any large containers you have.
Water your tomatoes even if it rains.
We have had a dreadful summer in the UK this year and it has rained constantly. I had to check the pot grown plants more regularly as they did appear to be wilting on some days. The plants grown in the ground do not need this. The reason for this is that the leaves of the tomato plants deflect much of the water away from the pot. Not all the water gets through to the plant roots. So I made sure to check them often.
Be ruthless with pinching out side shoots on the tomato plants.
I only pinch out once or twice a season when growing tomatoes in the ground because they seem to do fine. I have learned this through trial and error. The standard moneymaker tomatoes that were grown on containers needed weekly pinching out to make sure the fruit was good and big. I never bother pinching out cherry tomatoes. They do not need such close attention and still give plenty of fruit.
Remove excess foliage once you have the tomato fruits.
I have always done this to tomatoes and do not know where I picked this tip up. Eventually your tomato plant will have all the tomatoes growing on them and you can then remove any leaves that stop direct contact with the sun. Some people pick their tomatoes when green and ripen them under glass but I like them to ripen on the vine. Taking the leaves away will let the tomatoes grow a bit larger.
If you have missed this tomato season then I encourage you to plan ahead for your tomato growing in 2009. Try growing tomatoes in containers this year instead of just in the ground. You will love the sense of acheivement from finding a sunny spot and growing these tomatoes.
Most of us have seen or enjoyed the beauty of a backyard pond at one time or another. A pond can be a stunning landscape features that makes a backyard seem welcoming and exotic, relaxing and calm. Backyard ponds are a wonderful addition to any home and can provide enjoyment for your family and friends. However, did you know that a backyard pond can also benefit local wildlife?
Depending on where you live, there are many species of fauna that could benefit from your pond. Birds and butterflies, fish and frogs, turtles, bugs and snails will all gain from access to your pond. The wildlife that is attracted to your pond will add to the pleasure that it brings to you and your family.
Humans Love Ponds Too
If you expand the term “local wildlife” to include your family and friends, you’ll see that there are many benefits to creating a pond in your garden. There are proven health benefits associated with practicing relaxation techniques, and spending time by a backyard pond is certainly a relaxing endeavor. If you feel yourself becoming stressed, walking around your backyard pond and listening to the trickle of water may be just the thing you need to turn your bad day into a good one.
Backyard ponds can enrich your life. They can be mean many things to different members of the family: a way of exploring nature, a quiet area for reflection and relaxation, a place to educate children about their environment or a unique landscaping feature.
Pond Pets
Backyard ponds can even provide an environment for special pets. Koi make interesting pets that will adapt to life in a back yard pond. Koi are a member of the carp family and can grow up to three feet long. They have been known to live from 30 to 50 years, so keeping koi is not exactly a short-term or casual hobby.
However, if you make a commitment to care for long-living fish like koi, they will reward you by adding to the tranquility of your pond. Watching your fish swim and explore their pond is a magical exerience.
Designing Your Garden Pond
Due to the popularity of backyard ponds, you will find pond kits in nearly any garden center or superstore and you’ll find easy instructions to build a backyard pond here. If you would prefer to have a professional handle the installation, many landscaping firms should be able to help and by grabbing a copy of “How To Build Your Own Garden Pond” you’ll be well equipped to discuss your pond requirements.
The art of cultivating bonsai trees is a Japanese tradition stretching back hundreds of years. Literally translating to “tray planting,” growing a bonsai tree involves actively working to shape a tree into a dwarfed, artistic version of itself. A bonsai tree is not a special dwarf or hybrid species of a common tree; they’re genetically identical to their taller brothers and sisters. It’s the careful cultivation and shaping techniques that keeps these trees small. However, the trees are not sick or damaged. In fact, with the proper care, the bonsai version of a tree can exceed the life expectancy of the same tree if it were grown in the wild.
Grown from seeds or cuttings, Bonsai trees normally grow in height from two inches to three feet. They are kept miniture through pruning both branches and roots. They’re also repotted periodically, and new growth is frequently pinched off.
Cultivating bonsai trees is actually as much about art as it is about horticulture. Bonsai trees are not only kept miniture, they are also formed into pleasing shapes. They often follow a number of different growth patterns, from simple triangles to waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots. The shapes are normally a product of both the pruning of the tree and by the wrapping the branches and trunk with wire, pushing the tree into its desired shape. The pots themselves are part of the art as well, chosen to compliment the shape and color of the tree itself. Mosses and rocks are often added to the base for aesthetic appeal.
Cultivating a bonsai tree is more complicated than maintaining most houseplants. Since the bonsai has has a smaller root system than most plants, it needs fertilizer and water more frequently than the majority of garden-variety houseplants. Pruining is also essential occasionally, since without pruning the bonsai tree would grow into just a normal large tree. Also, if wire is used to help mold and form the tree, it is important to take care that the wire doesn’t dig into the bark of the tree, scarring the branches permanently. Depending on the type of bonsai tree and your climate, you may be able to keep some bonsai trees outside year round, while others will need to be kept inside for at least part of the year. Since moisture in the soil, leaves, and branches of the bonsai is important, they need to be misted occasionally to remain healthy.
Posted on Dec 08, 2008 under Uncategorized | No Comment
A knitting bag is as essential as a needle for knitting. These bags make your project portable and easy to carry. It is important to have a good knitting bag which caters to your basic knitting needs. These bags have special compartments for your needles, yarns, and so on.
While choosing a knitting bag, always keep in mind the type of project you undertake. If you are a individual who makes sweaters, Afghans etc, then you will need a bigger bag than the person preparing socks, and other small items. While choosing a bag always keep in mind, that is bag is for carrying knitting material from place to place, so the stronger your bag the more objects you can carry.
If you are looking for a knitting bag that as well serves the purpose of a purse, then try purchasing knitting bags which come in leather, or suede. There is a large variety of knitting bags todays market. Some of the bags are fancy with embellishments while the others are plain but smart. Hence you can as well choose a knitting bag that meets your mood or is a treat for the eye.
When choosing your knitting bag, you should invariably keep a track of the latest fashion and what will be your requirements. While shopping for one, it is always better to buy a bag which has hard sides as it is easy to carry and more durable.
Instead of zip fasteners always select bags which have a snap, so that your knitting does not get stuck in between the zippers. You should always look for bags that have a pocket or 2 for keeping accessories in. If you are buying large bags then always opt for the bags which have purse length handles, which makes it easy to carry it on your shoulders.
If you are purchasing a small bag to carry knitting materials for smaller projects. Then you want to consider one that has soft sides, this is so that you can fit extra material in it, without harming it. A drawstring or a short strap will make it easier to wrap the bag around your wrist while carrying. If you carry bigger bags then it is possible that some of your smaller items may get misplaced.
It is not necessary to buy a knitting bag, if you are enthusiasts enough then you can produce one for yourself. You can knit a bag or make it out of fabric, in any case there are a lot of patterns to choose from. You can use any type of fabric or material to make a bag that pleases you and carries your load.
As you are aware of your needs, you know how to keep yourself organized. Thus you can go for a tote bag which is simple and without interior pockets. A bag containing a series of pouches and slots is also a advisable option to store small needles and supplies in an orderly manner.
A knitting bag not only makes you mobile, but provides an opportunity to show case your talents. Whenever you sit your garden and people ask you about your knitting talents, you can easily teach them a stitch or two by carrying an extra needles and yarns in your knitting bag.
For as much as I like most bugs, they undoubtedly have a way of ruining a garden in a very timely fashion. As a child, I would run from the garden to the woods, transplanting as many garden bugs as possible before my mother came out to send them to their final resting cloud in the sky. I always thought it was rather unfair to kill garden bugs. After all, they were just bugs who were hungry and had landed in the garden to eat. How are garden bugs supposed to tell the difference between the regular plants and the garden?
As an adult, however I now understand the vast amount of money that can go into a garden, and I understand that garden bugs have a critical mass population and wiping out a few hundred isn’t something that is going to send my soul to hell, so down with the garden bugs.
Fortunately there are some very effective methods of dealing with garden bugs that are inexpensive, non-toxic, and safe for everyone except the garden bug. Depending on the particular garden bug you find yourself plagued with you may very well be able to get rid of your pesky garden bugs without ever having to chemically treat your garden.
I know that slugs are not a garden “bug” per se, except that they are in your garden and they definitely bug you as they slowly destroy all you plants. Personally, I like slugs and do make the effort to remove them before killing them. However, once I am outnumbered, my only option is to send them off to a happy garden bug heaven.
Slugs are very attracted to beer. When killing garden bugs with beer, quality actually does matter. They seem to prefer the Corona or Killian’s type of beer, bug for a garden bug, they certainly like to swing it back. Tupperware containers that are no more than an inch high with about ¾ of an inch of beer on the bottom placed strategically around the garden will attract this sweet and loveable garden “bug” where he will merrily drink himself into a drunken stupor and fall fast into a permanent sleep. It is my belief that if we have to kill the garden bugs, we should do so with as much kindness and thoughtfulness as humanly possible.
Japanese Beetles, the garden bug that loves to murder the rose bushes, quietly rest in perpetual silence in a small jar of olive oil. These garden bugs are simple to scoop into a small jar where they will ultimately fall into a peaceful permanent sleep.
Of course, there are specific plants that will help minimize garden bugs in your garden. Planting Basil next to your ground cover for instance helps deter tiny gnats once the basil reaches maturity. The list is endless. Next time your garden bugs are snacking heavily, check out the vast array of alternative methods of deterring and destroying garden bugs without causing significant harm to plants, pets, children, or other helpful small creatures.
Every spring, people dust off their trowels and take out the gloves, getting ready for another gardening season. They often convince themselves that that this year it will be different. You will have beautiful flowers, an awesome display of colors and the whole neighborhood will pause in your front lawn to admire
your handiwork.
Does it have to be an illusion? No way.
The reality is, you can start planning and preparing your garden at any time and expect to have a beautiful garden to enjoy all year long. It just takes a little planning and prep work and you’ll have the garden of your dreams.
One important step that some people tend to forget is that you have to plan the “perfect garden” for you and your family. Take the time to measure-out the space you have set up as your garden area and give it a second and third look. Evaluate the soil and even test it to see if you may need to add some organic fertilizer or nutrients.
Some other questions might be: Does the space you chose get enough sunlight? How is the irrigation?
It doesn’t matter whether your area has the best of all of this, just make sure it is what you need for your particular garden planning. Some plants need little water, not a lot of sunlight and tough soil. You just need to be aware of this, as you will want pick plants that are suitable to your environment.
Talk with people at your local greenhouse about setting up a garden you like. They can offer suggestions as to how to structure your garden and to put out your plants so you get to enjoy. You’ll certainly want to be able to take care of them easily. Obviously, some plants are more maintenance free than others.
It only takes a little bit of prep work and a little expert help and you’ll be on your way to having the sort of garden you always wanted. With a little planning, you’ll be ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor all year long.