Arkiv for desember, 2009

Adding water features to your house

Publisert at 22. desember 2009 i home. 0 Kommentarer

A post by a Singapore florist

If you feel that your backyard is lacking a certain something, a water feature might be just the thing to bring new life to your outdoors. There are many different types of water features to consider, such as a pond or a waterfall. Flowing or still water has a peaceful relaxing quality to it, and water features allow you to bring this natural beauty right into your own yard.

You may be thinking that the care and upkeep of a water feature may not be worth the hassle, but they are much less labor intensive as you may think. By following a few simple guidelines and understanding how your water feature lives and breathes, you can enjoy this natural work of art for as long as you own your home. Water fountains are considerably easier to deal with then a water garden.

Fountains must be regularly cleaned, but really require little upkeep. If you want a successful water garden you will probably need to invest a little more time, especially when you're first trying to get it established. When creating a water garden, it is vital that you understand the relationships between the plants and animals coexisting in this environment. If you want your water garden to thrive, you'll need to take special care to choose the right fauna and flora.

Many new pond owners have problem with algae. If you don't want to be cleaning out your pond every few weeks, adding a few fish can greatly help as can floating plants which help to reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the algae. Ensure you don't have an excessive amount of chlorine in your water, especially if you have fish.

You may want to install a pump and/or a filter along with regularly checking the pH level of water (should be between six and eight). If you're having your pond installed for you, ask the professionals for advice on getting started. If you are still unsure about where to start you can also buy one of several books which can guide you step-by-step through the process of creating your own water garden.

Once your pond is established you will likely find the upkeep to be quite minimal. Many people find that adding a water feature to their yard can literally transform their entire surroundings. Ponds, fountains, and waterfalls add a natural beauty and serenity to any outdoor area, no matter how small or modest.

Creativity - Flowers can transform your house

Publisert at 14. desember 2009 i home. 0 Kommentarer

To create a delightfully enchanted environment in your own home, we've collected 11 appealing floral ideas. You will need some fresh flowers from your flower shop and some imagination.

1. Start with a glass or plain white vase and a bouquet of white flowers with baby's breath (gypsophila) for effect. Cut and arrange the flowers so they spread out across the vase and then add the baby's breath in between the individual flowers.

2. Spray a flower arrangement with water and then carefully sprinkle with silver or white glitter. Place the display where there is a good light source so they shimmer in the sunlight.

3. Most craft stores carry a range of artificial butterflies in a variety of colours which look wonderful when mixed among a cheerfully arranged vase of flowers. If necessary, attach florist wire to the back of the butterflies so they sit slightly higher in the vase than the flowers. This creates the illusion that the butterflies are hovering above the display.

4. Fairy lights create an enchanting effect when strung among indoor or outdoor foliage. Loop the fairy lights along the inner branches of the tree or plant so the cord isn't visible.

5. Using a length of silver or gold organza ribbon and a clear glass vase, criss-cross the ribbon around the vase from bottom to top and then tie with a large bow.

6. Save coloured glass bottles and jars in similar tones to your collection of vases, and then display a single flower in each bottle alongside matching small vases, each with a single flower.

7. A pretty floral teapot makes an enchanting floral idea when filled with a display of dainty cottage inspired flowers.

8. Go out into your garden and gather twigs and small branches that have fallen off your trees. Try to find interesting shapes and textures. Spray the branches with silver paint and allow the paint to dry. Then add them to any type of vase and intermingle the twigs among your floral display.

9. You don't need a huge collection of vases to make an enchanting florist display. Instead, add marbles or small stones in a variety of colours and shapes to highball glasses. Add a single stem to each glass using the stones or marbles to anchor the stem and display the glasses in groups of 3 or 4 throughout your home.

10. Hydrangeas or Easter lilies look wonderful when displayed in a large pitcher or jug. To create added interest, use satin ribbon in a complementary shade and wrap it around the handle of the jug, finishing with a bow.

11. When you have a special occasion cake or dessert to offer your guests, it's easy to make it look spectacular with iced flowers as decoration. The effect looks best when you choose flowers that don't have many petals, from large lilies to small pansies or violets. With a pastry brush, lightly cover each petal with egg white and then dust the petals with finely sifted icing sugar while the egg white is still damp. You can do the same with leaves for added effect.

Allow the petals to dry and then carefully display them on top of the cake or dessert. Abouquet from your local online florist can be changed into an enchanted flower arrangement with just a little resourcefulness, creative thinking and pretty supplements you often have right in front of you at home.