If you’re an avid gardener, it’s likely a potting table is on your wish list. If you’re a beginning gardener, you may wonder, “What’s a potting table?”.  Your potting table is a simple work bench, allowing you the space to arrange your pots, mix your soil, store supplies and plant your seeds or plants.

A potting table is the gardener’s dream come true. When you’re planning next year’s garden, you need a space to make those dreams come true. During the rainy months, there’s not much you can do to till the ground or set up beds. This table gives you a space to plan for tomorrow, or at least for spring. A potting table serves you well in mid-season, starting seeds and potting up your next generation of plants. The potting table is a nourishing refuge for plants to come.  For indoor gardeners, a potting table in the garage or basement helps save a mess in the house and makes a handy place for storing potting soil, fertilizers, spray bottles and the like.

All that’s required for a potting table is a space about four feet long and two feet wide. You can purchase one or it can be a DIY project if you’re handy with tools. It’s not a difficult project. Your potting table can be as simple or elaborate as you please.  Plans for building these tables abound on the net, from simple workbench style tables to potting tables with all the bells and whistles.

Some have a shelf below for storing pots, bags of soil, fertilizers, rooting mediums and the like. The lower shelf is handy because it keeps these supplies off the ground and away from insects, who may otherwise take up residence in your supplies.  Table designs may also include a shelf above, handy for gardeners who do a lot of potting. This allows the upper shelf to be used for bottles, boxes and jars of fertilizers, rooting mediums and other such gardeners’ “condiments”, leaving the lower shelf for soil bags and pots.

Yet another available feature is a strip of wood across the upper shelf which is equipped with hooks from which tools, like hand held spades, pruners and bulb planters may be hung.  The surface of the table may also be used as an “incubating” table for spring seedlings. Just put a heating pad, especially designed for seedlings available at the nursery, on the table and set your seedling trays on top. You can set the temperature that’s right for the particular plants you’re growing.

Whether you buy or make your own potting table, this gardener’s tool will keep you organized with many a happy plant to boot! For those of you with gardening friends, this type of table makes a terrific gift at any time of year.

If you have a home that looks amazingly unique on the inside, but horribly plain on the outside, you know what frustration really is. You’re desperately wanting to give the outside of your lovely home a beautiful and welcoming feel, but have no idea of how to go about it.  You probably haven’t considered metal window boxes as a suitable option. It’s really never too late to do something different, so starting with your windows is a great step.

Everyone loves flowers, but if you’re living somewhere that doesn’t give you the option of having a beautiful garden.  You can try to spice the outside appearance up with metal window boxes. These mounted flower gardens are very diverse and you can find them in almost any color you could ever think of. From pale whites to luscious blues, the color themes are endless when it comes to metal window boxes.

Aside from the amazing colors you can find, they also vary in design. In general, there are three main styles of metal window boxes available on the market today. The first is the French wrought iron window boxes. These are classically stunning and can add a great aesthetic touch to your window frame as well as your home. The second style is the lattice wrought iron metal window boxes. These are more modern, but can add a very homey feel as well. Finally, the solid planter metal window boxes are very attractive. While these are rather simple in design, they are great for adding an elegant splash to a modern styled home.

In general, they are great for your outer home décor, no matter your budget. Depending on the type of metal and brand you choose, these simple but beautiful flower paradises can be inexpensive or pricey. No matter what type of metal window boxes, it’s nice to know that you don’t have to be rich in order to have an appealing home. They are widely available in home improvement stores as well as online..

Another great benefit they provide is easy maintenance. If you’re a person who’s got a busy schedule, you don’t have time to waste on something that’s going to eat up a lot of your time cleaning and caring for. With metal window boxes, there really isn’t that much involved. Aside from the occasional wiping down, these eye pleasing blessings practically take care of themselves.  The last, but obviously not the least, benefit is how weather resistant they truly are. You’ll never have to worry about rot, warping, or cracking. Above all, this makes metal window boxes a must have.

I have always loved plants, but they have never loved me. Some people have a green thumb, but I am just the opposite. My very touch can kill most plants. The only ones that I’m good with are ones that require almost no care. Cacti have always survived my withering touch and succulence do alright as well. Nonetheless, I despaired of ever having my own garden until one of my friends suggested a solution, a cactus garden.

I had never heard of cactus gardening, but my friend assured me that it was quite common. Although not very many people have a cactus garden around here, where she comes from they all over the place. Cactus gardens are extremely popular in the bay area around San Francisco. Between the sunlight and the moderate rain, anything will grow there, including cacti. I am pretty impulsive and as soon as I decided on cactus gardening, I was ready to go out and make some purchases. But my friends stopped me. She told me that I should go to a botanical cactus garden before I decided what I wanted.

There was more to growing cacti than I had realized before. There are many different kinds of cactus and each of them requires slightly different conditions. When I first heard about cactus gardening, I thought that I would have to renounce traditional gardening values. I figured that I would not be able to see any flowers – just plain, green cacti. To my surprise many cacti flower regularly. Cactus gardening is actually every bit as dynamic as any other form of gardening. The cacti grow, bloom and hibernate, at least to some degree. Although the cacti never whither for the season and drop their spikes, they do have slow periods where they are resting, like other perennial flowering plants.

I started cactus growing yesterday. My friend told me that before I started the cactus garden, I needed to make sure all of my cacti had matured to some degree in their pots. Now I have several pots to tend to each day and everything is going excellently well. Soon I’ll have a flawlessly working cactus garden, the only one on the block. I know that some of the neighbors will resent it, they resent anything that looks different on this black. Other ones will probably think it is pretty cool. Personally, I always love a new look. Thank God for cactus gardening!

My sister and her husband recently built a home in the country. They bought 20 acres of land. The building project went smoothly. Their drive way is quite long, so this creates a large area of grass to mow. The first couple of years they were content to plant a few trees in the yard as well as adding shrubs around the home. This year my sister wanted to add to the landscaping.

She asked me to help her come up with some design ideas and to make a trip to the local nursery. When I arrived at her home she was measuring different areas of the yard space and trying to decide what she wanted to add to her plans. She wanted to place large barrels of flowers at intervals along the long driveway. She said that the barrels would need to be removed each fall so that they would not be damaged during snow removal in the winter. She also wanted to add some pots of flowers amongst the shrubs by the house to add color.

We went to a local nursery and looked at the whiskey barrels to line the driveway. The barrels are very heavy and the clerk told us that once they are filled with dirt they are almost impossible to move. The clerk suggested using bushel baskets instead. There are bushel baskets that are lined with plastic to keep the dirt in place and also to keep the wood from rotting. The clerk showed us the bushel baskets that they had in stock. I told my sister that she would be able to purchase bushel baskets much cheaper through a farm dealer.

We went to a dealer that supplies local vegetable farmers. We were able to purchase several bushel baskets in various sizes. The baskets were half the cost of those at the nursery and were made out of higher quality materials. We lined the baskets ourselves using landscaping plastic that my sister had left over from other projects. We filled the bushel baskets with dirt and planted an assortment of colorful annuals. Around the house we tipped the baskets on their sides to create the effect of flowers spilling out of the baskets. The color added greatly to the look of the landscaping. The bushel baskets are much lighter weight to move and they stack for compact storage during the winter months.

We were able to add to the beauty of their yard at a very minimal cost. Next year she will only have to invest in new plants. By using annuals they can create a different look each spring and summer through the plants they choose.

In order to grow plants in a successful manner a temperature that is right for the plants must be maintained throughout the life of them. Specific plants require different temperatures. There are three main types of greenhouse heaters to choose from that can maintain temperatures, especially during winter months.

The best source of artificial heat for the plants and the least harmful to people and the environment can be found through the use of greenhouse heaters that are fueled by electricity. Electric heaters can be the most efficient way of maintaining temperatures that are specific for the plants temperature needs. The heat given to the plants through these is controlled by a thermostat. By using a thermostat it, makes sure that heat is not wasted even if the temperature outside the greenhouse changes.

Using the electric types of greenhouse heaters, fumes are not produced which can be harmful to the plants grown and the environment as well. Therefore by using this type of heaters there is no need for ventilation of the greenhouse. The use of fans for electric greenhouse heaters spreads the heat around the greenhouse. One thing that must be followed is do not use an eclectic extension from a source such as a home or another outbuilding.

Gas heaters are another type you may consider. They are not as productive as electric heaters and there is the production of fumes, in the form of combustion that is released into the atmosphere. A couple of ways in which gas greenhouse heaters differ than electric ones are that the thermostat control is less precise and ventilation is needed in the greenhouse. Also because gas is used it must be monitored and put in a safe place.

A third type to consider which is much less popular than the others is a paraffin heater. One drawback of these greenhouse heaters is the constant maintenance that comes with trimming the wick and the need to refill them constantly. Ventilation is needed in paraffin heaters as they produce fumes and release water vapors into the greenhouse. One main advantage of paraffin greenhouse heaters is that frost damage to the plants is reduced for greenhouses that are smaller. They can also be used as backups to other types of greenhouse heaters. It can also help if the electricity is off or the gas is shut off for whatever reason. This can be important cause damage to the plants can result in the loss of them without heat.

If you are unsure about which type is right for you consider talking to a professional at a gardening store. They have all the knowledge that you will need to make an informed decision that will keep your greenhouse in bloom.

Many people take gardening very seriously. Though I am not one of those people, I do have a genuine appreciation for a beautifully landscaped yard. One of the most attractive designs I have seen in today’s gardening designs is the waterfall feature that many avid gardeners add to their landscapes.

Part of what makes the waterfall feature so appealing is the tranquil sounds that emanate from the scene. I have the urge to lie back and close my eyes and just listen to the soft sounds of the water as it cascades through the fountain. It is one of the most relaxing sounds on earth and I could spend a whole afternoon unwinding to the natural music. I am even thinking about making a recording of the sound to play when I need to relax.

The beautiful sounds that are produced by the water appeals to one’s senses, but the sense of sight is necessary for the entire scene to be truly appreciated. The waterfall feature can create a magnificent scene for anyone’s garden. The movement of the water creates a visual flow that extends the beauty of the plants and flowers gracing the garden. A waterfall feature pulls everything together, immersing the viewer in magical sights and sounds.

Some may choose to install a pond in their garden, but this does not have the same effect as the waterfall feature. The stagnant water in the pond clouds quickly and the scene becomes entangled with insects and algae. Even though insects and algae are natural, they are not always welcome in gardens, especially if some of the visitors tend to get bitten frequently.

This is not to suggest that ponds should be banned from all gardens. Simply adding a waterfall feature to a pond will keep the water from becoming stagnant and it will keep the unwanted visitors like insects and algae from congregating there. The waterfall feature helps to keep the pond clear by filtering the water through pumps which can be turned on and off.

One word of caution when it comes to water gardens, make sure to keep small children a safe distance away from the attractive scene. My sister’s magnificent waterfall feature in her backyard is a magnet for a toddler. My niece and my daughter are drawn to the cascading water and the beautiful flowers surrounding the garden.

Adding a nice fence around the garden is a good idea for parents who have small children. This added detail is one that will increase the garden’s beauty while giving parents the peace of mind in knowing that everyone can enjoy the waterfall feature from a safe distance.

Most homeowners want a beautiful yard but few homeowners have the time or energy to put into maintaining their landscapes. Hiring a professional landscaper may not be the most reasonable approach for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on outdoor projects and some of us simply do not have a green thumb. The secret to a beautiful yet low maintenance yard may lie in finding the right groundcover.

Groundcover consists of plants that grow very close to the ground. They cover the area like grass but the do not require cutting like grass does. These plant need very little or no maintenance. They also compete with weeds for light and water and they usually win. Groundcover also improves the soil by serving as mulch.

There are many different kinds of groundcover from which to choose. Some of the plants are flowering and provide an attractive assortment of colors for your yard. Some of the groundcover is edible. Strawberries are a good example of a fruit bearing plant that grows low to the ground. Spices like oregano and thyme can work but only in certain areas.

Most of the low growing plants are perennials. This means that they will come up year after year without replanting and many of these perennials are evergreen so your yard has rich color all year long. There are excellent annuals to pick from as well but they need to be replanted each year.

This is not to suggest that perennials require no work. The first year requires weeding, mulching and planting. Once that is finished there is little maintenance for the plants. Also, you have to create a barrier for the groundcover to keep it from getting out of control. Using brick borders or wood edging will do the trick.

Before running out to your local lawn and garden center, take the wildlife in your area into consideration. Finding your newly planted groundcover eaten away by deer can be very discouraging. It is important to find groundcover that deer won’t eat if you live in an area with a high deer population. Some plants are deer deterrents.

The other thing to consider is whether your landscape is sunny or shady. Usually the same plants that deter deer also tolerant of shade and can grow very well with little sunlight. The aromas sent by these plants have the opposite effect on us as they do on the deer. We are quite attracted to their aroma.

There are more kinds of air freshener than you might realize. An air freshener is not just a little pine shaped stick of smelly wood which you hang up in your car.  Like all things, it has evolved to give you more options than ever before. If you want an air freshener for your office, you might get one of the automatic dispenser types. These plug into the wall and are filled with scented oil. They usually have either a heating element that heats the scented oil and causes it to float off into the air or else they have a mister that slowly sprays it out.

One of the most classic types of air freshener is the potpourri. This is a decorative bundle of different scented herbs and pieces of wood and bark, which you can put in your house to give it a warm, refreshing smell. And they look so great, earthy and crafty, that you’ll want to have one of these air fresheners in every room just to make your house smell and look lovely.

There is always the spray air freshener and this is the first one most people think of when they hear the term. These are to get rid of a bad smell, you just spray a generous dose of this aerosol air freshener into the room with the smell and it goes right away.  So many people keep these sprays in their bathrooms, as you might imagine!

Another popular kind of air freshener is the scented candle, which provides a warm glow as well as a pretty light when lit. It has scented oil embedded inside, which always gives a slight pleasant smell. When you burn it, the heat makes the scent waft into the air. These come in all kinds of fruity flavors – pumpkin, strawberry, blueberry, vanilla and the list goes on and on.

Similar to these, you can get an air freshener lamp. Basically, this is a small candle with a little glass or metal cup above it. You just put in the scented oil of your choice into the cup and light the candle, causing it to waft into the room. This has the advantage that you can use basically any kind of scented oil you chose, whatever fits your mood. Unfortunately, it has a live flame which can be dangerous if you have children around, but also can have a pleasant decorative effect.

You say you have to get a for someone who has everything, needs nothing, and has eclectic tastes?  You note you can’t spend a lot of money, but you want the gift to speak to the love and respect you have for the person?  Here’s a great gift idea for boys, girls, men and women - edible bouquets.  Granted, the idea is not new, but I got the idea some 30 years back from my grandmother, who every Halloween would buy a bag of Tootsie Pops® and a huge pumpkin.  She would push the pops into and all over the surface of the pumpkin, making a jack-o-lantern with candy “hair”.  And so edible bouquets are ideal for special people, such as the following most deserving ones.

Say the man you respect and want to honor has three businesses and has everything.  If he, like my friend years back, had just quit smoking and has become hooked on lollipops, after he became a non-smoker.  Little Dum Dums®, those lollipops that have a gentle but perky flavor.  Say that the recipient of the edible bouquets also loves freshly cut flowers.  Here’s what you do:

1.  Go to a department store and find a gorgeous glass vase for a few dollars.  I found one for $4.50.  It was hand blown and stood about a foot high.

2.  Buy a bag of the lollipops that your friend loves fruit flavored suckers, Tootsie Pops®, Dum Dums®, etc.  This will be under five bucks.

3.  At a discount/dollar store, get a cheap but beautiful bow or ribbons.  Total cost=under $2.00.

4.  Visit the florist and ask for an oasis, a green, malleable foam block,  used by florists to arrange flowers with.  You can also sometimes get in the floral section of the major grocery stores.  The blocks are about $1.00 each.  Get a couple in case you want to stuff the vase tightly.

5.  Back at home, fill one half of the vase with half of the lollipops.

6.  Then, cut the oasis to fit fairly tightly in the vase’s neck, making it look like a bed of green grass from afar.

7.  Next, insert the lollipops, one at a time, into the oasis, starting in the center and circling outward with varying colors/flavors or all one color if you know your friend’s favorite.

8.  When the edible bouquets are finished, in under ten minutes!  Wrap the ribbon around the mouth of the vase, adding a big bow, if you bought one and present your unique and edible bouquets to their recipients!

It can be so hard to figure out what to get your girlfriend on Valentines Day. Even though I had been dating mine for almost 12 years, it was still hard to shop for her. I felt like I hardly know her at all. All I knew was that she did not want to spend Valentines Day watching football and that she expected me to get her something. It didn’t help that last Valentines Day, I was across the country. She was in Washington D.C. And I was in California. I had forgotten to pick something out for her and it was getting down to the line as they say in football. I decided to order from 1-800-Flowers. Every girl loves flowers, even a special girl like mine.

It is important to call ahead of time. Whether or not your ordering her 1-800-Flowers, the company needs time to ship them out to their destination. Anyway, if you are like me, you do not know much about flowers. They are not exactly the most exciting topic, especially if you would rather watch sports. So I was naturally worried and like a big dope, I waited until almost the last minute to call 1-800-Flowers. The ordering company was swamped with business, and I had to wait on hold for almost an hour before they picked up and took my order. Fortunately, they were playing some of my favorite music. I got to hear both Phil Collins and Enya, and the soft lulling tones reminded me of how much I loved my girl, my very own sweetest.

I ordered her a bouquet of roses. Some guys would try to get something creative. Pansies or tulips of something, but I knew roses were the best. I contemplated just getting her a single rose, surrounded by babies breath, but I didn’t want her to think I was proposing to her or something. And anyway, nothing that looked too serious or too cheesy. A bouquet of roses – dark red one – is always the perfect gift.

When she got the 1-800-Flowers order, she immediately called me. She was practically overjoyed, she couldn’t believe her good luck. It even came with a little card she described for me in detail. It had a shiny heart wrapped in lace and pine boughs and said “To Shelly, from Stan”, exactly the one I would have picked out. I guess I was not thinking of marriage at the time, but when I saw how happy my flowers from 1-800-Flowers had made her, I broke down and surprised both of us and proposed. Well, that made things awkward for a while, but we are still dating, and she loved the flowers. Anyway, we both had a good laugh over it later that week.