From Ponds to Vegetable Gardens: Natural Landscaping at Its Most Creative…

Natural landscaping does not just involve plants, ferns, trees, and shrubs. Natural landscaping incorporates ponds, streams, and even gardens of various types – both fruit and vegetable.

Different Bodies of Water

If you ask anyone about creating an oasis in their backyard, chances are great that they will incorporate the vision of a pond or waterfall into their design. The fact is that most individuals will always desire a body of water in their backyard design as it provides soothing tranquility and peace of mind.

Ponds

Ponds are an excellent way to incorporate natural landscaping into your backyard or even your front yard. A pond that is properly executed will allow nature to take its course and let the fish, plants, and water live harmoniously together.

Typically some gravel and a pump and filter are all that is required for a properly run pond. Fish, plants, and bacteria can all co-exist in order to maintain healthy relationships amongst themselves.

Adults and children of all ages just adore a well-done fishpond on their property.

Waterfalls

In addition, who does not love a waterfall – no matter how big or small. Waterfalls are attractive everywhere from restaurants and hotels and incorporated right into your own backyard pool.

Not only do waterfalls provide beauty for the eyes, they are soothing and pleasing to listen to as well. There is nothing more relaxing than the sound of a waterfall running through, in or around another body of water or just by itself.

Streams

Imagine walking into your backyard and hearing the sounds of a stream as it runs on by towards its goal. Streams are part of natural landscaping as well, and are loved by many homeowners.

You can incorporate a stream running through your natural landscape of plants and vegetation to complete the picture.

Vegetable Gardens

The latest in natural landscaping is the raised bed vegetable garden. Excellent drainage, healthy soil, and proper nutrients are just a few of the benefits of a raised vegetable bed garden.

Eating organic food right from your backyard speaks for itself. Not only will you help Mother Nature by planting, you will also save money, time, and eat healthier than ever with these types of vegetable gardens.

Depending on what your likes, needs, and desires are, you can create the most beautiful yard customized to your taste.

The Birds and the Bees of Natural Landscaping…

Natural landscaping is beneficial in many ways, such as being good for the environment and providing tranquility. However, it is also beneficial to wildlife such as various types of birds, bees, and also butterflies. Butterflies love natural landscaping and feel right at home.

Natural Landscaping and Habitat

Natural landscaping provides a welcoming habitat for animals and insects that are natural natives of their region. Often times with construction sites and new developers building homes at a rapid speed, many animals lose their homes with no place to go. We are all too familiar with many species of animals that are becoming extinct.

The beauty of natural landscaping is that it provides benefits to native animals in more than one way. Natural habitats and native landscaping provide natural surroundings for its furry friends and buzzing insects, but also provide a comfortable zone safely tucked away from the hustle and bustle of society.

Insects that are native to these areas will attract birds who need to make those insects part of their ecosystem. In order for songbirds to survive, they must eat these insects, thereby keeping a very important ecosystem alive and well. These birds will also contribute to the spreading of plant seeds in order to keep the ecosystem flourishing.

Butterflies will also be inclined to return to these areas of natural landscaping to do their part in helping the ecosystem there thrive and grow.

Doing Your Part

You may not realize it, but planting a natural landscape garden with native plants can assist the bird, bees, and butterflies in their journey to survive and thrive. All species of animals and insects have the potential to be in danger. You can play an important role in conserving wildlife in its natural environment by planting a natural landscape garden in your backyard.

If you have small children, they will be delighted by how many butterflies come to visit your backyard when the time is right. Taking photos of such an event is a delight.

Do some research and discover how you can plant shrubs and native plants that will attract the most beautiful butterflies. You will not only be helping to save the environment, you will also be contributing to conserving wildlife. That is a win/win situation for everyone and everything all around.

Birds, bees, insects, and butterflies are all necessary components of the ecosystem. With so much new construction in the past and businesses popping up everywhere and without us to help them along these days, you never know – many of these critters may become extinct one day.

How Natural Landscaping Can Help Heal Mother Earth…

By now, everyone is familiar with environmental concerns, global warming, and going green. However, what most individuals do not realize is that natural landscaping can assist with all these environmental goals.

Many folks will raise money, do walks, recycle, and plant trees. However, most people are not aware that natural landscaping is something that will benefit Mother Earth and is something that is easily attainable.

There are many ways in which natural landscaping can help heal Mother Earth.

Carbon Footprint

An individual typically knows a carbon footprint as the sum of all emissions of greenhouse gases used during their daily activities. For example, using a motor vehicle emits a certain amount of carbon dioxide just as heating your home with gas does. Using electricity and consuming products that emit carbon dioxide all contribute to your carbon footprint.

Utilizing natural landscaping such as native plants and tall grasses eliminates the need for hurtful and harmful chemicals to the environment. Having tall grass as compared to grass that needs mowing means less gas for weed whackers and lawn mowers, thus reducing the carbon footprint of your landscaping needs.

Less Use of Pesticides and Herbicides

Of course, not using pesticides, herbicides, and allowing Mother Earth to water her own plants as needed means that everything is taken of care of as intended without the extra influence of humans and their environmental concerns.

Global Warming Effects

Native plants, tall grasses, and natural shrubs are all wonderful ways to protect the environment. Most native plants require little water and can survive in dry spells such as drought seasons, thereby utilizing less water.

Native plants have very deep root systems. This allows them to remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere utilizing their very own filtration system.

Fossil fuel reduction is a major bonus for eliminating this problem with the environment. Since native plants and tall grasses require little in the way of maintenance and chemicals, these plants are typically able to sustain themselves without manmade chemical intervention.

This, of course, benefits the environment and prevents further warming effects.

Individuals, families, companies, golf courses, organizations, and groups, as well as campuses, are all in a position to reduce this serious situation Mother Earth is in at the moment, and utilizing natural landscaping is just one simple and creative way to achieve it.

If every family and every business would incorporate one simple aspect of natural landscaping into their structures, then the environment and Mother Earth would be that much better off.

Using natural landscaping benefits Mother Earth in all these ways and more.

What Is Natural Landscaping and How Is It Good for the Environment?…

A natural landscape, by definition, is typically a landscape that is unaffected by human intervention, regulated by nature, and free of interruption from human beings. A natural landscape is able to move and change on its own without that interruption and intervention.

Of course, there are places few and far between that duplicate a truly natural landscape. Nevertheless, individuals everywhere are trying to duplicate that look all around their home and yards. Homeowners even dedicate front yard space in trying to recreate natural landscaping.

While natural landscaping in its truest form and sense cannot be duplicated exactly, the idea to recreate the look remains the same.

Typical landscaping is the changing or altering of plants, shrubs, flowers, and bodies of water to suit a human being’s tastes or desires. It is almost akin to outdoor decorating according to taste and style.

Many individuals are recreating the look of natural landscaping to return to a simpler, more holistic place and time where nature was the interior designer and had full control without human intervention.

Thankfully, homeowners, business owners, and development corporations recognize the benefits of natural landscaping:

* Environmental
* Financial
* Natural Beauty

Financial Considerations

Natural landscaping has the capability of helping homeowners, business owners, and development corporations to save on finances in the area of upkeep and maintenance.

Planting natural grasses such as prairie grass and allowing nature to take its course can save substantially on the financial end of keeping up and maintaining properties. The reduction in funds spent on watering, mowing, and treating natural landscaping is significant.

Environmental Considerations

Natural landscaping provides the environment with everything that it needs to survive and thrive. Native perennial plants have the capacity to sustain extreme temperatures and are therefore beneficial to the environment, as water is not wasted.

There is less need for pesticides and herbicides with natural landscaping as natural plants and grasses easily maintain themselves with very little intervention.

Fewer pesticides and herbicides are required, which is better for the environment as well.

Natural Beauty

Any home or business owner would wish to recreate the plush landscape of a seaside resort or a picnic site that is at the bottom of a mountain. Waterfalls as part of natural landscaping offer tranquility and peace.

Everyone is looking for a retreat these days and with the economy in the state of affairs it is in, everyone is looking to their homes to create such a retreat.

Natural landscaping offers all this and more.

What Does Beauty Really Mean To You…

Some people may argue that beauty pageants are degrading to women, but nothing can be further from the truth. Beauty pageants do a lot of good, such as having scholarship programs and helping with community issues. Read on for some tips and tricks to enhancing your natural beauty.

Applying make-up is a skill that must be learned. A good rule of thumb when deciding upon an eye and lip color, is to emphasize one or the other but not both. If you would like attention to be drawn to your lips, then go softer on the eye make-up and vice verse. If you want a more dramatic eye, then go with a neutral color for your lips.

Pat moisturizer into your skin instead of rubbing it. Most people rub their moisturizer into their skin. This can actually disperse the moisturizer to different parts of your skin or even remove most of it entirely. Try patting it over your skin instead. Your skin will absorb it more evenly.

Another beauty no-no is chipped nail polish. Not only does the chipped nail polish detract from your overall beauty and ensemble. It makes it seem that you do not have the time or do not care in handling the small details when it comes to your look, and some may assume in your life. Always take care of your nails.

You may not have stuck your finger in an electrical socket, but your hair frizzes might suggest you had. To tame these nasty beasts, you will want to add moisture to your hair. Stay away from hairspray as it has alcohol that dries the hair. Apply hair serum to damp hair to lock in the moisture, and keep uncontrolled hair at bay.

Your eye makeup should seek to enhance your natural beauty. When you are looking to do more dramatic eye makeup, it is a good idea to keep the rest of your makeup more minimal in nature. This means take it easy with the bronzer, blush and bright lipsticks. Let your eyes do the talking.

When you are on the go, be sure to pack a few Q-tips in your purse along with a packet of bamboo blotting sheets. This way, you can refresh the look of your makeup and preserve the look of your beauty. Blotting with the bamboo sheets removes excess oils that make you look shiny, and Q-tips can touch up your eye makeup or lipstick in a pinch.

Want to instantly feel younger and more beautiful? Get a new hairdo. Visiting your salon for a cut and color is a quick way to revitalize a tired look. Your stylist can provide tips for a look that works for you, and complete your beauty transformation. You will also feel relaxed after a day at the salon, making you look more beautiful as well.

As stated at the beginning of this article, some people view beauty pageants as degrading to women, and think they should be stopped. After reading this article, hopefully, you will agree that this is the furthest thing from the truth. Beauty pageants build confidence in young women and improve relationships within the community, making them extremely beneficial and worth keeping around.

Solar Power for Homes and its Benefits…

Modern technology can do a lot of great things. One is the use of solar power for homes. Did you know that you can enjoy many benefits from using solar power? Solar panels can now be created at home by simply following comprehensible do-it-yourself instructions. Building power systems is no longer very expensive these days and it’s also not as hard as you think.

With the increasing demand for solar powered homes, you can now find a wide range of DIY projects in the market. The reasons why many homeowners are now choosing solar power for their homes is because they want to help in the persistent global warming crisis and electric bills cost a lot these days.

The electricity supplied in modern homes usually comes from different power plants. These power plants use fossil fuels and so the electric charges are greatly dependent on the prices of natural gases and crude oil. Fossil fuels are also depleting. There is a high demand for electricity but the resources have decreased greatly. In this kind of situation, the electrical costs will still continue to increase. The solar power for homes is an excellent answer to the problem.

By using fossil fuels, the problem with global warming will become worse. Harmful gases are emitted by the fossil fuels to produce electricity. If you don’t want to contribute to the environmental problems any further, why not use solar power for your home now?

Several years ago, the solar cells were really expensive and inefficient. Back then the solar cells were quite inefficient since they can’t convert 100% of the rays of the sun into electricity. Most solar cells can convert only 10-25%. In the year 2003, a new product was introduced and it was called photovoltaic cell. The new cell can convert 36% of the rays into usable electricity. The cells were also affordable. The modern sunlight technology is now widely available and even ordinary homeowners can take advantage of it.

The solar power kits are available worldwide. You can purchase them in online stores or you can also shop around in local stores. If you’re unsure, it would be best to shop online. There you can find several reputable sellers and manufacturers of solar power kits.

The solar power kits provide step by step instructions on how to assemble the different materials. Hardware stores usually sell the different parts of the solar power system. If create your own solar power system, you will only spend about $200 and it already includes the guide. With such a small investment, you can already benefit from solar power for many years. You’re not only saving money but you’re also helping in saving the planet.

Renewable and clean energy sources are in great demand these days. The homes of the future are now possible in today’s modern world. You can start with small projects and work your way up. For instance, you can first work on the outdoor lighting first and if it proves to be beneficial, you can do another project.

Don’t cut off the existing electrical supply especially if this is your first time to do solar power projects. Just use it as a supplement so that you can lessen your electricity consumption. Start with your DIY solar power project and light your home using the sun’s energy.

Solar Power or the Use of Generators…

Every year, the environmental problems are getting worse. Global warming, pollution, and other concerns are now very evident. Many environmentalists are now taking an active part in the hope of saving the world before it’s too late. One way to effectively address such problems is by using solar power. With many households and establishments using generators to back up their power supply, which do you think is the best choice?

Power failure happens in the most unexpected hours and so having a generator can provide the needed power. The portable generators are widely used and you can even find large generators that provide emergency power. If you want to help in reducing pollution and other environmental problems, why don’t you opt for solar power instead?

The initial cost is a very important consideration but you will also need to look in the benefits that you can gain the future. Installing a viable solar power system can be quite expensive than just purchasing a portable generator. However, once you’ve installed the power system, you can already enjoy free unlimited power supply. Maintenance is minimal and you will not spend huge money on it. You don’t need to buy fuel just to run the system because the energy of the sun fuels the solar power system. In a portable generator, you will need to buy fuel to run it and so you will continue to spend money to enjoy power supply.

Generators can be purchased easily, online or locally, and so it’s quite convenient to obtain them. On the other hand, solar power is not that convenient to install and purchase as well. The market for solar power is rather small but because of the technological advancements, the market will soon grow. Today, the best way to obtain solar power kits is through the internet. Anyone can settle for a little bit of inconvenience especially if huge benefits are involved. Besides, after the installation of the solar power system, you don’t need to monitor it often unlike in generators where you will refill the fuel, change the oil and filter, and two times servicing in a year. The solar power system can last for twenty years even with minimal maintenance.

Both solar power and portable generators are efficient. However, when it comes to cost-efficiency, solar power is ahead. As long as the sun shines, energy can be generated. The system can also store energy so that it can be used at night or during rainy days. In a generator, you will need to re-fuel from time to time. You will need to pay for the fuel every time. Sunlight is free but fuel is not and so the cost efficient option is very obvious.

In terms of dependability, solar power and generators are almost the same. Solar power is best used in places where there is bright sunlight all throughout the year. If the period of bad weather is lengthy, all the stored power can be consumed. Generators can be used whether it’s sunny or rainy but the problem lies with the source of fuel. If you can’t refuel the generator, it will not work.

It’s your choice whether you will use solar power or a portable generator. It all depends on your capacity to pay for the device. You can further evaluate these two by reading this article carefully.

Solar Power – A Must for Homes…

‘Going green’ is the trend these days since the world is facing a lot of environmental problems specifically global warming. Electricity comes from fossil fuels which are being burned. The emissions contribute a lot to global warming and one way to address this issue is by using solar power for homes. Even the federal and state governments are now encouraging many homeowners to utilize solar power by offering grants and loans. Solar power is a must for homes and it is not just for the rich people.

Are you familiar with DIY solar power kits? The DIY kits are widely available in online stores and perhaps in local stores. All you need to do is shop around and find a suitable system that can work for your home.

Why is the solar power system a must for homes?

As mentioned earlier, the government is also supporting green energy through grants and loans. Aside from that, there are also incentives. For instance, if you spend around $20,000 on system installation, the state government will give you a 30% credit. This means that your next tax bill will decrease by 30% of $20,000 which is $6,000. The credit can also be extended to the following year as long as the amount is covered fully.

Once you install the system, it requires minimum maintenance. Make sure that you also clean and clear it properly. You can consult a professional who knows a great deal about solar power systems and have yours checked annually. Most homeowners do little work on their systems and this is a great advantage.

Sunlight is available for all and since fossil fuels are depleting, it is an excellent option. If you install a system for your home, you will simply need to invest once and after that, you can now benefit as long as the system is working properly. Your electricity bills will surely be reduced and so you will have smaller bills every month. You can use the solar power system for your outdoor lights, garden lights and features, and even for indoor use as long as the inverter is big enough.

Solar panels are one of the most popular solar power systems used today. If blackouts are quite common in your area, it would really help a lot if you install solar power. That way, even if other homes don’t have electricity, your home can still have electricity. Solar panels are reliable as well as the other systems available today. Most manufacturers also provide warranty and so you can expect the solar panels to be durable. You won’t hear any noise since the panels are working quietly while producing the needed energy.

Electrocution cases are rare since the photovoltaic cells have low amperage and are very safe. Power is produced without emissions or fuel combustions.

Most of all, with solar power systems, you can help in saving the environment. You can help in decreasing pollution and the degradation of the environment. The power systems can last for decades with proper maintenance and care. If you’re interested to go green, don’t hesitate to install a solar power system for your home. This is the best time to make a choice – a choice that can have a significant impact to the world. After installation of the system, you can now enjoy a continuous supply of green electricity.

Temporary Hair Color – Don’t Commit It Doesnt Have To Be Permanent…

Sometimes we don’t want to “commit” to a permanent new hair color and for those of us temporary hair color is a great option.

There are many reasons we might use temporary hair color. Sometimes we just have a social event that we want to channel our inner rebel for. Others we want to add a little color but we are afraid we won’t like it and don’t want to make full time commitment.

There are several types of color that can be added and will wash out, as well as the exact way you apply this type of hair color as well as how long it will generally stay in your hair.

Of course, your exact hair color when you start as well as the texture of your hair, will determine how long it is likely to stay in your hair.

Here are a few options:

1. Wash in type of hair color. These can literally be washed into your hair when you are in the shower. They usually last for a few weeks. You can find various colors available and since it is so easy to apply you don’t have to worry about messing it up.

The downside to this type of hair color is that it might be more difficult to only add it in specific areas of your hair. So, if you just wanted to add highlights rather than doing your whole head of hair, it might be more challenging with this type of hair color.

2. Gel. This adds hair color to your hair and it is easier to control just what part of your head gets the color and which part does not. For that reason, gel is the perfect option if you only want to add some highlights and you aren’t interested in doing all parts of you hair.

This type too, tends to wash out in anywhere from one or two shampoos to one or two weeks. Read the label carefully and you will likely get an idea of how long it is likely to stay.

3. Sprays. This too can allow you to only add color to one part of your hair, though it will be more difficult than using the gel to add highlights since the spray can go pretty much anywhere and it will be hard to control.

4. Another thing to keep in mind when trying to find a good temporary color is that one of the biggest advantages for these types of hair colors is that they may be less toxic.

All the more reason to carefully look over the label before you buy it. Also consider how long the product will remain in your hair. If you do want something for just a few days, focus on a product that will allow you to wash it out in one or two washings.

Today, we have a lot more options when it comes to “spicing up” our looks. We are no longer stuck with the idea of having to grow old gracefully, or even boringly. We can add virtually any color we want for pretty much any time frame we want.

Have fun with the many options of temporary hair color. You pick the color and how long you want it in your hair. Isn’t it nice to have options?

Which Materials Are and Aren’t Biodegradable?…

One of the biggest things to consider in building a green patio is biodegradability. Will the materials you use ultimately be broken down by nature? Or will they sit in a landfill for decades, taking up space?

It’s unfortunate, but most materials used in today’s buildings are not biodegradable. By paying conscious attention to what your deck is made of, you can help reverse this trend.

==> The Number One Biodegradable Material

The number one biodegradable material in building a patio is wood. Wood is completely biodegradable and can be turned by nature back into nutrients that can feed the growth of other plants and animals.

The downside to using wood is that a tree has to be cut down. To compensate for that, make sure you buy from Forest Stewardship Counsel (FSC) certified wood. That’ll help ensure that the wood you’re using is not only biodegradable, but also sustainable.

==> Wood Plastic Composites

Wood plastic composites are unfortunately not biodegradable. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them, however.

These materials are generally made from at least 40% recycled materials. They crack and warp less than wood and never have to be repainted.

In other words, their environmental footprint can be lower than wood, even if they’re not biodegradable.

==> Most Chemicals

Most chemicals, like detergents for cleaning your deck, paint, sealants and so on are not biodegradable. In fact, most complex chemicals are not biodegradable.

On top of the chemicals not being biodegradable, most of the containers that these chemicals come in also aren’t biodegradable. That means that the metal paint bucket and the plastic spray bottle will both end up in a landfill somewhere.

The solution? Use eco-friendly and green chemicals in the construction and maintenance of your patio. These green companies usually take extra care to make sure their chemicals are biodegradable. Furthermore, the containers that make up green chemicals are also biodegradable.

==> Patio Furniture

There are many different kinds of patio furniture.

Wood patio furniture is naturally biodegradable. If you choose to go the wood route, make sure to use a weather resistant wood like teak or cedar.

Another option is to use recycled plastic. Recycled plastic is not biodegradable, but it does support the recycling industry.

You can also buy furniture made from “plant based” plastics. These are plastics that are 100% biodegradable. They’re sturdy enough to withstand different climates, but are quite a bit pricier than standard plastics.

Finally, you’ve got everything else – metal, regular plastics, PVC and the like. These are by and large all not biodegradable.

These are some of the most common materials you’ll find when you’re building your patio. By choosing biodegradable materials today, you’ll ensure that your environmental footprint is small not only now, but also thirty years from today.